1997 4runner sr5 suspension upgrade?

Sickrunner · 07-28-2005, 06:29 PM

Hi i am looking to upgrade my suspension on my 4runner. The ride is not that bad however i am lookin to keep it stock height. I really just want a smoother ride. Any suggestions? Also if anyone has any aftermarket wiring questions i am all ears.

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calg3 · 07-28-2005, 08:27 PM

If you want to keep it stock height then you should consider just changing the front struts/ rear shocks. How about a set of Bilsteins?

Roadtripr · 07-28-2005, 08:48 PM

Bilsteins would be stiffer, not a smoother ride probably a harder ride but a more controlled one. Search and you will find tons of threads on this.

Axo · 07-28-2005, 08:51 PM

I was just like you last year and wanted to smooth out the ride. I finally figured out that nothing was stopping the springs from rebounding at full strength. This resulted in a more jarring ride.

I finally got frustrated enough with my ride to replace the shocks. It made all the difference. I just got some KYB's from Tirerack.com after calling around to about five or six shops and comparing shock/install prices. Tirerack was substantially cheaper. In the end I just took them to Pep Boys and they installed them for me in an evening.

I am now going to replace them more often. After all, I do 20-24,000 miles per year in commuting.

According to some in these forum threads, the Bilsteins were more off-road / high-performance oriented with stiffer characteristics. I couldn't find a good set of technical criteria to measure how these fell into one category or another. Or for that matter find a quantitative way to compare shocks. If there is some out there who knows where to find this kind of info it would be helpful for everyone.

Hope this helps your search.

dexter · 07-28-2005, 11:35 PM

how do your kyb's take turns and whatnot? im looking for a smoother ride but better handeling capabilities

Bob_98SR5 · 07-28-2005, 11:37 PM

go to the "offroad tech" section and read the FAQ on suspension lifts and come back with questions so we can help you out

bob

99_Runner · 07-29-2005, 06:27 AM

If you are wanting to smooth out the ride, but make the handling better, not sure if it'll happen very easily. If I was wanting my 4Runner to handle good, I would be willing to make a sacrifice for smothness. Just get some Bilsteins, aftermarket sway bars and take the turns like mad.

07-28-2005, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
calg3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Old Line State Posts: 1,042	If you want to keep it stock height then you should consider just changing the front struts/ rear shocks. How about a set of Bilsteins? __________________ 2006 Subaru Outback, miss my 4Runner! 2006 Mazda3, zoom, zoom... Look at my previous truck(s) in the Yotatech gallery: http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=42494

07-28-2005, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Roadtripr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 927	Bilsteins would be stiffer, not a smoother ride probably a harder ride but a more controlled one. Search and you will find tons of threads on this. __________________ Carsten -------------------------- 99 4runner SR5 4x4 5spd

07-28-2005, 08:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
Axo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 29	I was just like you last year and wanted to smooth out the ride. I finally figured out that nothing was stopping the springs from rebounding at full strength. This resulted in a more jarring ride. I finally got frustrated enough with my ride to replace the shocks. It made all the difference. I just got some KYB's from Tirerack.com after calling around to about five or six shops and comparing shock/install prices. Tirerack was substantially cheaper. In the end I just took them to Pep Boys and they installed them for me in an evening. I am now going to replace them more often. After all, I do 20-24,000 miles per year in commuting. According to some in these forum threads, the Bilsteins were more off-road / high-performance oriented with stiffer characteristics. I couldn't find a good set of technical criteria to measure how these fell into one category or another. Or for that matter find a quantitative way to compare shocks. If there is some out there who knows where to find this kind of info it would be helpful for everyone. Hope this helps your search. __________________ Rich 97 SR5 4Runner 2WD Auto w/31x10.50 Dueler H/T, 6" Deckplate, K&N air Filter, ISR Mod, Silverstars, Brown Bread on all Doors 00 Celica GTS w/button shift automatic and full leather

07-28-2005, 11:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
dexter Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: denver-home missoula,mt-school Posts: 753	how do your kyb's take turns and whatnot? im looking for a smoother ride but better handeling capabilities __________________ 2007 streak blue tundra SR5 TRD 5.7l. nav w/ backup cam, sonar, line x'd, de badged, husky liners mods to come: new grill, tint, push bar, new wheels and tires, custom dual exhaust

07-29-2005, 06:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
99_Runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 1,115	If you are wanting to smooth out the ride, but make the handling better, not sure if it'll happen very easily. If I was wanting my 4Runner to handle good, I would be willing to make a sacrifice for smothness. Just get some Bilsteins, aftermarket sway bars and take the turns like mad. __________________ Drew 99 4Runner SR5, auto, 3.4 V6, factory rear locker, 265/75 Yokohama Geolander AT+II Stock for now, but hopefully not for long.

07-28-2005, 11:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	go to the "offroad tech" section and read the FAQ on suspension lifts and come back with questions so we can help you out bob

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