I just bought a '98 4Runner SR5 and it bounces me all over the place. I'm used to driving a '04 Nissan Armada that is so smooth. What can I do to make this '98 a smoother riding vehicle. I know I need new tires anyway and that will make some difference, but I'd honestly like to have the ride of my Nissan if possible (or as close as I can get). Any suggestions???

 

New tires won't do much. You will need to swap out the whole suspension system (struts, shocks & springs). Are you wanting a lift at the same time? OME kits are good. Check out rocky-road.com or trdparts4u

 

get new shocks, mine doesnt bounce but it is pretty stiff with the Old Man Emu nitrocharger shocks

 

I'd stick with OEM (Tokico shocks) which means it still won't ride like your Armada which is solely designed for the street. I've also heard Monroe Sensa-trac shocks are pretty soft for a 4Runner.

 

So, it's going to be a little costly?! If a lift gives me a better ride that is fine, but it's not a requirement for me.

 

with my toytec lift, it is new, it rides better altho u have to slow down more for cornering. i didnt lift it to be a race car tho.

 

Sonoran Steel SYSTEM 3.0 KIT is $550 for all shocks and springs. OEM 1999 parts which should give you 1/2 to 1" lift over your 98 (if 4wd. 1.5" to 2" on a 2WD)
http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co..._liftkits.html

 

what i have noticed if i run more air presure (35psi) it makes my 4runner ride like a tank but i get better mpg, but if i run 28 psi it really smooths it out. i have 265 75 16 michelin ATs though. tires make a huge difference depending on load ranges and rubber compounds.

 

I've got 31x10.50r15LT 109Q on it right now.

 

Yikes,prices have gone up;just two years ago I bought my whole '99 setup for around $410 shipped from Conicelli Toyota and even their price is now $544.

 

I was planning to go to the 99 suspension route, but what I have found through researching with people who has this set up and over the internet is that it still bottom out with the extra 1/2" to an 1" increase thus I went for SS system 7.2 for comfort and rideability.

 

My husband did let some air out of the tires and it has helped. It was riding like a brick - even killing us over the cracks in the road. My husband was looking Rancho shocks, potentially the quick-lift. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?

 

The springs you have are going to be pretty soft, the best and least expensive way to achieve a better ride only would be to get new shocks. Shocks go bad on a regular basis and would lead to the bouncing around, and if yours are stock, ten years is pretty old. Rancho shocks are decent but they will not ride the best, they are fairly stiff, Bilstiens are very good and even stiffer. My advice would be to go with Tokico Trekmasters, they will give you a better ride on and off road with more stock ride feel.

 

Check out the "Comfort" shocks/struts and springs from OME.

 

Thanks all for the advice. I certainly don't want to be disappointed by a stiff ride after changing the shocks!! I guess I've been spoiled by my Armada!!!

 

Amy did the replacement of struts and coil springs fix your problem? I recently purchased a 1996 4Runner and test drove it over smooth, uneven and newly replaced highway asphalt/cement and I too would like a smoother ride.

 

Do not get the Trekmasters. I had them and they are way too stiff compared to the Bilstein 5100's that I run now.

 

How long did you run them? They were too stiff for about 5k miles and then they got progressively better. Now at 35k I really like them.

 

I ran the Trekmaster R/T's (green) for about 10 years and just recently replaced them with the Tundra Billies.