Hi guys,

My wife have a 2002 2WD Sport Edition with 60K miles and she is complainting about the rough ride.

So I am now looking to change the shocks and tires so I can get the SMOOTHEST ride. I am thinking Monroe Sensa Trac all around and a new set of Michelin Cross Terrain SUV. Any other suggestions?

Also, will changing out the springs make any difference, in term of smoothing out the ride?

Thanks.

Jack

 

I did not buy these but I was really close. Look at the Michelin LTX A/T2. I know that you have a 2WD but they looked great and got a really good review from Four Wheeler magazine in the May edition. As far as shocks I think you are going to get a wide range of answers.

I personally have a set of Rancho RSX on my 99 Limited 4WD with BFG A/T's. My wife and I use my 4Runner to go everywhere and she does not complain at all. We drive from Tampa to Franklin, NC several times a year and she sits in the back with our son for the whole 10 hours and thinks it rides great.

Another set of shocks that I have used in the past are the Edlebrock IAS shocks. They were really nice in mopinion.

 

I think the Michelin Cross Terrains have a pretty stiff sidewall. I just got rid of mine and replaced them with 265/75 Firestone Destination A/T. I'm not suggesting that particular tire for your needs, but I found that with the equivalent PSI, the old Michelins were harsher on the road.

MadCityRich

 

Thanks for the suggesions. Given it is a 2WD, so it never goes off road. All I am looking for is a smooth, less stiff ride.

I just installed a set of Michelin Cross Terrain SUV on my 2006 Tacoma and it is so quiet and smooth that I thought it should help the 4Runner ride.

Anyway, will changing out the spring help?

Jack

 

I wouldn't change anything else but the shocks. More or likely you will see a difference just in getting a good quality set of tires.

 

I just ordered the Monroe Sensa Trac Struts and Shocks for $150 shipped (after rebate). Hopefully this will help to smooth out the ride a little.

BTW, I already have Bridgestone Alenza H/L on the 4Rnr. Those are suppose to be very smooth and quiet. But I think the Michelin Cross Terrain are better.

 

Change the shocks first and see how it rides.

If she still whines, its a truck..it rides like a truck not a sedan.

 

That's what I am planning to do, change out the shocks first and see how it goes. May be the Michelin next.

If she still whine (most likely will), I think we will get the Honda CRV or Toyota Highlander.

 

BTW guys, do I need to replace the strut mounts when changing out the struts up front? Monroe make the "STRUT-MATE BEARING PLATE".

 

I doubt you need to change them unless they look/feel very worn. Usually when worn they will make a clack noise while driving.

 

get her a pink cadillac?

 

smooth ride get a minivan