Took a 2011 sr5 out today for abot an hour. Noticed the vehicle had quite a bit of sway/wander when running around on back roads, taking curves, etc. Anyone feel this as well, and remedy? Also, the one I drove had cloth interior. I just could not get comfortable in the seat . The seat felt like it was cutting into the backside of my thigh. Then later took out a limited with leather and the seat felt so much better. Did not appear to have the same stiffness under my thigh area. Also, think one issue which wold take some getting use to is the gas pedal is right up against the transmission tunnel(?) and I can't let my foot drop off to the right to give some relief. Anyway, overall nice truck, bit concerned about the few gripes though.
Test Drive a 2011 SR5 today...sway?
- Thread starter jmbaker3
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Ben_Mueller
New member
Yep, the SR5's suspension is a bit softer then the limited or Trail edition.
Trails have KDSS that uses much stronger sway bars and the Limiteds use Xres suspension. Both of these have a positive affect on the 4runners handeling.
Plenty of other threads discuss this in more detail.
Trails have KDSS that uses much stronger sway bars and the Limiteds use Xres suspension. Both of these have a positive affect on the 4runners handeling.
Plenty of other threads discuss this in more detail.
I took a '11 SR5 out yesterday and noticed the sway as well. I didn't really notice the wander you describe but I only drove 5 miles or so. I did get to take it out on a washboarded dirt road and it was incredibly smooth there.
I really want to drive a Trail with KDSS next so I can evaluate the ride of that model.
I really want to drive a Trail with KDSS next so I can evaluate the ride of that model.
I did notice when driving the Limited it exhibited a bit less sway on the highway...didn't get a chance to drive it on back roads due to time. Probably shouldn't have used the word wander in my description...I have a 2001 excursion 7.3 and it wanders!
Ben_Mueller
New member
The better road manners were part of the reason I went with my KDSS equipped Trail 
I traded a BMW for the 4runner so I appreciate a bit more taught ride.
I traded a BMW for the 4runner so I appreciate a bit more taught ride.it would be great to hear remedies to the SR5 that did not involve a suggestion to get a Trail or Ltd.
The moonroof issue (I don't fit) will force me to get an SR5. I drive a lot of winding back roads on my way to off-road conditions. Is there a way to improve road handling of the SR5, possibly at the expense of off-road crawling? Most of my off-roading only involves rutted logging roads, not true off-roading.
SeattleMike
New member
Upgrade the suspension and get better tires, those are your options really.
thanks - and for an automotive dolt like me, can you perhaps provide more specific suggestions of how to improve the suspension, and what tire characteristics (load C or D needed) to investigate? I need wet road traction, from a former Seattle (Wallingford) resident ...
SeattleMike
New member
I like the Duractracs for the traction, I went E-rated for the weight I plan on carrying when we roll out camping, but their are as many opinions as there are options. The Goodyear Silent Armor tires get good reviews too and were my second choice.
The suspension can be upgraded a number of ways, and searching the 5th Gen specific forums will yield more than a few threads. I can't make a personal recommendation because I haven't needed one yet. In general though, a stiffer suspension comes with a trade-off; you'll get better handling in curves and turns but your teeth will chatter on those washboard roads.
If you are committed to an SR5, swap out the tires first and see if the resolves most of the issue. For me personally, the stock tires felt more than a little squirrely and wouldn't hold a track. When the Duratracs went on, it felt infinitely more stable and tracked perfectly.
Fuzzylogic
New member
The installation of the Revo 2s on mine made a huge difference. Also, before withvthe stock tires, I added a few extra pound of pressure (to 36 -38) and that helped.
But, better tires help immensely.
Poor Quality
If you got to up grade suspension and tire then why the **** would you want to buy a T4R? Whats really going on is poor quality POS. I can say this because I own a new 2011 SR5 T4R. Now you have this ass wipe Fuzzylogic who bought REVO 2s. Oh boy what a mod. LOL does it make you go faster LOL what a **** he like flipping wrong way crap so Fuzzy your a joke.
If you got to up grade suspension and tire then why the **** would you want to buy a T4R? Whats really going on is poor quality POS. I can say this because I own a new 2011 SR5 T4R. Now you have this ass wipe Fuzzylogic who bought REVO 2s. Oh boy what a mod. LOL does it make you go faster LOL what a **** he like flipping wrong way crap so Fuzzy your a joke.
mikey's2010SR5
New member
I noticed the body roll and brake dive when I got my SR5. I went the route of the Overland Warehouse/Radflo kit and upgrade the wheels and tires. Yet I wanted to lift the truck regardless of how the stock suspension was.
Yes the suspension is stiffer but the ride is still nice, easily could do a road trip with it. But the washboard type bumps do get a tad rough, but I am use to it.
Yes the suspension is stiffer but the ride is still nice, easily could do a road trip with it. But the washboard type bumps do get a tad rough, but I am use to it.
New Suspension for SR5 to fix roll and sway?
Mike - I am in the same boat as you. I need 7 seats, but want the KDSS. I test drove the SR5 and felt like I was driving a boat. I don't want a limited - too much $$$ & don't want Xreas because I am going to lift the truck, etc.
I went to the overland site and only saw kits for the 09 4Runner? Did you put one of those on your 2010?
Did the suspension fix the roll and sway issues? Thanks
Mike - I am in the same boat as you. I need 7 seats, but want the KDSS. I test drove the SR5 and felt like I was driving a boat. I don't want a limited - too much $$$ & don't want Xreas because I am going to lift the truck, etc.
I went to the overland site and only saw kits for the 09 4Runner? Did you put one of those on your 2010?
Did the suspension fix the roll and sway issues? Thanks
chetJ
New member
I test drove the 2011 LTD and the SR5 back to back for about 2 minutes each. In my honest opinion, the LTD handled only slightly better than the SR5. I guess what I am trying to say is that both vehicles had the same sway, nose dipping etc, but with the LTD it was slightly muted. However, I do not believe that the very slight improvement would justify buying a LTD instead of the SR5. The main reason I would buy the LTD is because of all the other upgrades like the smart key and the in-screen back up camera etc. Just my 2 cents
Bearshrimp
New member
Test drive a Pathfinder:lookout:
The ride is much more “buttoned down” than with the 4Runner. That live axel may be great for off-road work, but nothing beats an IRS on paved roads.
