Can someone describe the ride after installing front and rear Bilstein shocks? I have been reading on both forums about them for a few months now, and I've got a few questions. I know that they have less rebound than the stock shocks on large bumps (ie speed bumps), but what about ride quality? Our interstates here in Birmingham leave a lot to be desired. Driving on them in my 4Runner can be brutal at times because it seems like all the expansion joints and small potholes/bumps drive the 4Runner's suspension crazy. It seems like the whole interior is shaking and rattling when running over expansion joints, one after another, after another. Do the Bilstein's provide a smoother ride, or just a "stiffer" ride in turns and rebounds from large bumps? Thanks guys. Later.

Matt

 

Matt,

I think I'm probably the person who most recently installed the Bils (all corners) so I'll try to explain what the differences are from stock:

1) Small, continous freeway bumps- you will experience more, rapid "chatter". It will not smooth out the smaller bumps. For example, on the freeways out here in LA, there are sections where the concrete form little 1-2" perpendicular (to the direction of the road) peaks/valleys. Not alot of stretches, but I know where they are and when to avoid them. It is the kind of surface most people try to change lanes out of after a few seconds of trying to "grin and bear it". It is not pleasant to go over this w/ the Bils. But in retrospect, regardless of the type of shocks, its not pleasant PERIOD! So in that respect, you will experience a *little* harsher feeling.

2) Expansion joints- Ive felt less rebound. I think this is where the Bils will pay off big time.

3) Overall Ride Quality- If I were to rate this vs. OEM, the OEMs would get a 6. The Bils would get a 8.5. If there was a shock that softened up the small bumps, then the Bils would get a 9.5. A shock that combined all these qualities and priced under $45 would make it a 10.

My advice would be to find a 4runner w/ the Bils and go for a spin...but I'm sure you've thought about that already.

I've mulled over the same question as you have and let me tell you that I have been impressed by the Bils thus far.

Bob

 

Matt:

Hey, did you get my email about the Photoshop and the TRD Decals?

Bob

 

Bob,
I haven't gotten your email yet. Addy is MAverett10@cs.com The new Edelbrock IAS shocks claim "sports car handling and a luxury car ride." PP doesn't have a listing for them for a 2001 though. Can this same statement be said about the Bils?
The thing that bugs me about the stock shocks/suspension is that even the smallest bump/imperfection in the road feels like I just ran over a freakin boulder or something. Inside of the vehicle shakes and/or rattles and so does the car (I'm sure most of you have experienced this). I think part of it is that the 4Runner is so light, but also due to the suspension. I know the 4Runner is really suited for offroad driving, but there has got to be a way to add a more "luxury car like ride" to it. Are the Bils my answer or should I look elsewhere? Thanks.

Matt

 

Edlebrock doesn't make the 3rd gen ones yet.
I spoke with them last year and informed them that most 3rd genners on the forums were going with Bil's for a performance shock.

I said they should get on the bandwagon. His reply was they are in the R&D stage on them.
I have not called back to see if there is an ETA or not on them.

 

Bils alone are not the complete way to get a "luxury car like ride". I would think you would need to change out the springs as well (to which of the many made for the 4R, I don't know). I have Bils at all 4 corners and they do firm and control the ride much more than stock. I did notice that the floating feeling driving down a rolling highway is much reduced but not 100%. Also I was hoping that the bils would soak up the hard hits more, (ie: speed bumps hit at speed, etc...) but they are still transferred to the cabin quite jarringly. Overall I am quite satisified with them and cannot complain b/c if I really wanted the "luxury ride" I would not have the Addcos on. I think much of my harshness comes from having the Addcos. But at the same time having the Addcos in combo with the Bils is a good performance handling ride, albet not one I would call "Luxury".

 

Excellent question Matt. I have been debating for several months now about the same question and Corey and the others have been VERY helpful guiding me through this process. Ya see, I am also going to get the Downey 1.5" coils too when I do the Bilstein thing. I guess I'm just afraid that my 4Runner will ride like a freakin lumber wagon afterwards, and to be honest with y'all, that is NOT what I'm looking for. So, I guess the only thing to do is to do it and hope for the best.

Guess I'll pour myself another Guinness

 

Here's an off-the-wall suggestion. Maybe JA can chime in here, too.

I only changed the bushings on my 2nd gen and, IIRC, they made quite a bit of difference.

If Addcos add to the harshness (and I agree that they do, slightly) how about changing to polyurethane bushings and then adding the Bilsteins, without adding the Addcos?

That may provide the best of both worlds. Cheaper and not much money wasted if you still decide on the Addcos.

 

You can definetly change out the factory bushings to poly and it will tighten the ride up some. I've done that on previous vehicles and would not consider the effect harsh at all. I would recommend getting the front and rear endlinks bushings as well as greasable front (1" for factory bar) and rear (3/4" for factory bar) bushings. If you later decide to get the addcos all you would need to do is transfer the front 1" bushings to the rear and get 1 1/4" bushings up front.

 

Yup! That was my experience as well. Cheap, too.

 

I have already sent in my order for the Bils. to PP, I debated the exact same things, i'm just sitting here waiting to get them(the dang fronts can't even ship until Oct. 7) and hoping for the best. I have a qucik question. Here is the set-up that I and planning on having by December/January. Bils. all 4 corners 2.5" ProTrux aluminum(s.p.) spacers up front, and 2.5 Downey coil overs out back, and 32x11.50 BFG T/A KOs. I want the agressive off-road(Bad Ass) look, I'm never off road more than just trail running(stupid 2WD). My question is that w/ this set-up can I expect a harsher ride than the ride that Matt so wonderfully described above? I have a feeling it will be, but which component of my set-up would be most responsible for the harshness?

 

I just sent in my order today. Wahoo! I have had nothing but good things come from bils. My dad has used them for years and plus, you can't beat a lifetime warranty! Matt, I don't know if they make them for the Runners, but bil makes a "touring" shock that is not quite as aggressive (stiff) a shock, but still is gas charged etc. I had them on my last car and loved them. They were a little cheaper too. Check out shox.com they were the cheapest place on the net, and they carried both for my old car. Check it out, it seems to me that’s what your looking for…