Swat the 5th Gen Sway....
- Thread starter SigSense
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Just some advice. Do the tires, then the Bilstiens (if you think you still need them after the tires), THEN if you still think you need a new sway bar, go for it. I have a feeling you might not want/need the sway bar after your other mentioned mods. Just a thought that might save you some bucks. Be Safe. Merry Christmas!
I did just that, in the exact order. Still evaluating the feel/response on various road conditions. The tires are "C" rated BFG KM's from a friend's Jeep (screaming deal @ $500 for five tires with less than 1000 miles). Then went with the Bilstein HD's. The nose dive is mitigated a bunch, but the turns/curves occasionally bother me. I may be expecting too much, as its been years since I did any SCCA in my venerable Datsun 240Z! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to you all.
GrantK
New member
Obviously a nearly 6K pound SUV isn't going to handle anything like a sports car. Sway bars on off-road vehicles are always a catch 22. The stiffer the bar, the better on-road handling but it limits off-road capabilities by limiting wheel travel. Some serious off-roaders will either disconnect their bars when going off road or remove it and just rely on stiff shocks for on-road handling.
If you don't do much wheelin' then a stiffer bar may help with cornering. On the other hand if you do much off-roading you probably should just leave the stock bar.
If you don't do much wheelin' then a stiffer bar may help with cornering. On the other hand if you do much off-roading you probably should just leave the stock bar.
Titanpat57
Senior Member
I agree..a tire upgrade (especially a C,D,E) will make a big, if not a huge difference.
philsey
New member
You're on the right track, IMO. The 4 things I did for handling:
- 4 Bilstein 5100s, front levelled using .85 setting.
- Premium passenger tires (winter tires in winter)
- inflate to 34#
- Caster set to +4
These significantly improved my handling. Personally, I believe the 4R to be a bit too softly sprung, but I'll not change that, as it's now good enough to suit my use.
- 4 Bilstein 5100s, front levelled using .85 setting.
- Premium passenger tires (winter tires in winter)
- inflate to 34#
- Caster set to +4
These significantly improved my handling. Personally, I believe the 4R to be a bit too softly sprung, but I'll not change that, as it's now good enough to suit my use.
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Addco told me early this year that the 5th Gen 4Runner sway bars were being built. They had built one (rear), but had not produced it yet. It would be just a couple more weeks. Call them back. I called them back about a half dozen times every 2-4 weeks. Finally, they told me (late summer) that they would give me a call when they have them. Still waiting for that call......
I have Bilsteins (actually Bilsteins and springs from FJ Trail Team) and I have BFG AT's, definite improvement, but still looking for more sway control. I could go to a heavier spring, but don't want to lift it much.
I have Bilsteins (actually Bilsteins and springs from FJ Trail Team) and I have BFG AT's, definite improvement, but still looking for more sway control. I could go to a heavier spring, but don't want to lift it much.
Rear is ready. Front by end of year. Addco says: "Rear bar # 2491 1"
Need a least 15-20 for a group buy....$124.10"
Told them I'd pass the news when f/r combo price was available.
ok, just called again. "uh, those may or may not be ready. they have been in R&D. not sure if they are made. what's your number? i will call you back."
mikey's2010SR5
New member
In my opinion sway bars would just be a band aid fix. Plus you will still get the nice nose dive with the new sway bars.
I agree with all the above that tires and the Billy's are a more appropriate fix for the sway and brake dive. A step further would be a true lift and tires.
My truck actually handled better with the lift and tires then it did stock. I would take corners a tad faster and was more confident with the handling. Plus the brake dive is gone.
I agree with all the above that tires and the Billy's are a more appropriate fix for the sway and brake dive. A step further would be a true lift and tires.
My truck actually handled better with the lift and tires then it did stock. I would take corners a tad faster and was more confident with the handling. Plus the brake dive is gone.
