I know everyone here with a 3rd gen has experienced the chattering and jittering in their 4Runner when driving on a rough interstate and hitting expansion joint after expansion joint or rough spots in the road. I love the ruggedness of my 4Runner, but sometimes it just seems too rugged. That is why I have been researching Bilsteins for the last four or five months. Thing is, I still feel like I don't know what to expect if I put them on.

I know they get rid of the "floating" feeling when going through a dip in the road, reduce rebound, and offer a better handling and cornering but someone please help explain the ride of the vehicle to me after adding the Bils.

My 4Runner is I guess what you would call a "Road Runner." It rarely, if ever, goes offroad. I bought it a couple months after graduation and at the time, didn't think I would be able to afford the Limited 4WD. Hindsight being 20/20, I could have and I am kicking myself for it because I would love to put a small lift on and join ya'll offroad. But for now, it is just on the pavement.

I will probably catch some flack for this, but I am looking for a more "car-like" ride. A smooth feeling on the road where small rough spots in the road and expansion joints are hardly even felt or noticed inside. I guess like my mom's Suburban. Are the Bilstein's the answer? I have read SO many posts on both forums about them, and I am almost convinced that it will be a rougher ride with the Bils, but minus the floating sensation over dips. Help me out guys!!

Sorry about the mile long post. I just want to make sure before I buy them, have them installed, and drive home disappointed because the ride is still not solid. Later.

Matt

 

Matt,

I'm not sure if the Bils will be right for you b/c it firms up the ride.

I say this not to make you feel stupid or anything but the 4runner was definitely not built for cushiness in the first place. I think there are plenty of other SUVs out there for the cushy crowd. IMHO, the 4runner is a great blend between car-like ride and off-road capability.

If you want that Cadillac feeling, why not try a different set of tires? When I bought the 98, the previous owner equipped it with Michelin LTXs (I think that was the name). They really felt good on the road. I almost thought that the 98s had better suspension than my previous 99!

When I switched my 99 5 spoke wheels/rims in my 98, I noticed that the ride from my stock tires (whatever the hell they are called) wasn't as cushy. Thus, I came to the conclusion that the tires and not the suspension was the main reason for the ride quality.

I know from talking w/ others that the Michelin Cross Terrains are supposed to be some kick ass tires. Have you thought about that route vs. changing out your shocks?

Anyone care to chime in and corroborate my observation---or throw that crap out the window?!?!?

Bob

 

Bob,
My 4Runner came with Bridgestone H/Ts and they really sucked. They wore quickly and the ride was not good. I researched new tires for a while and ended up going with the Bridgestone H/Ls. A better ride than the H/Ts and a 60,000 mile tread life warranty. I didn't particularly like the look of the Cross Terrains at all. I was just hoping that maybe I could improve the ride a little more with some new shocks. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Later.

Matt

 

I have the bils on my truck and man are they SWEET. The truck corners like it's on rails now and has a very taught/controlled feeling. A very worthwhile upgrade that I wished I did sooner!





The bils have a higher compression and faster rebound vs. the stock shocks. The stock shock compress fast and rebounds slow, whereas the Bils compress slow and rebound FAST. This makes it easier to recover from dips and stuff so when you hit bumps.

I still feel it's one of the best choices for all-around driving. They also have a lifetime warranty.

Once you get them on, you will wonder how you survived driving it with the stocks this long.

You can wail it into the corners like a Supra now. Well, almost.

 

I also added the bridgestone HL's. The rain traction is incredible!



This tire has great looks along with good performance. The best of both worlds in my opinion.

More info here in my post:

Best all season tire, pics and write-up

 

If you are looking for a more car like ride, you might want to think about lowering it a tad, using Koni-adjustable shocks and adding some thicker swaybars.

 

I remember reading somewhere that Toyota had different shocks on 2WD and 4 WD Runners until recently, maybe 2000. Up until then the 4WD models had stiffer shocks. I believe that in 2000 they started putting the softer shocks on all models. My son has a 4WD 96 and he remarked that my 2000 4WD rode softer than his. Somebody help me out on this. Does anyone else remember reading such?

You may have the most car like shock available with the factory 2WD shocks. Could be that the adjustable Koni's would help.

 

Just thought I'd throw in my 2 bits for you as well.

The Bilsteins certainly remove that soft, floating feeling and it seems more stable. With the Bilsteins & my BFG AT's I'd say the ride is firm. Rebound is definitely better than stock shocks, These shocks won't rid your 4Runner of bouncing hard off things like speed bumps if you might be thinking that (it's all in the springs there baby ).

Anyhow to answer your question, in my opinion, I think the Bilsteins will improve your ride but will certainly not give you the 'complete passenger comfort' you're looking for.

Al

 

Thanks for all of the responses guys. I think I am probably going to wait on the Bilsteins for a while.

Matt

 

I have a 99 2wd 4Runner and after about 60,000 miles, I decided to replace the shocks. Don't think they "really" needed to be replaced, but I did it anyway.

I really like the way the Bilsteins feel. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like adding a better cushion between you and the road. The old shocks felt like they were bolted directly to the frame (yea, I know, but this is for descriptive purposes) and the Bilsteins feel like they are soft mounted. Less jarring ride, but you still have a great feeling of control. I noticed an improvement in steering response, too.

You've got a truck, so I don't think you'll ever get a Cadillac ride, but Bilsteins should get you closer to what your looking for.

Mike