Need Advice on Suspension Set Up For On Road Pavement

Hi there. I'm still pretty new to the 4Runner world and I am looking for advice. The Wife have a SR5 Premium that she just drives. I'm the one doing all of the mods and upgrades on her vehicle. She love her 4Runner but she do not like the bounciness of the ride. To her, it's bearable. I am trying to swap out the suspension so the ride for her would be better. We both know that no 4Runner will be smooth on the pavement. I know a bit on suspension but I am no pro on the knowledge. We do not off road so I am not looking for high end off roading suspension. So really I am looking for a better on road suspension kit. I have looked at the Bilstein 5100 front and rear kit and I am loving the price point of it. However, I watched a few review videos on Youtube and have read other members opinion on it and I get mixed reviews. Some say it's just a bit better then stock. If that is the case, then I would want something different. Others have said to go with the Eibach setup. I had a 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport and hated the suspension on it but I brought a used set of TRD Pro suspension ($600 with 20k miles of on road usage on it) and swapped it out on the Tacoma, and that fixed my ride on the pavement really well. I was hoping to do the same on the 4Runner but I still read up on mix reviews on upgrading a SR5 suspension to the 4Runner TRD Pro suspension. Some say it will still give a bouncy ride like a stock SR5 suspension will (which I find it hard to believe but then again I am no expert on the suspension science). This is where I am reaching out for help. Can someone who had or have a SR5 and upgraded their suspension that is meant for on road pavement chime in and give an honest opinion about their experience.

 

This is just one man’s opinion, I think the 5100’s would work well for what you are looking for. I had them on my 3rd. gen. And they performed very well.

 

As of right now, I think I am leaning towards buying the Bilstein 5100 set up and calling it a day. I like the price point on the set and I'm just trying to achieve a little better ride quality on the pavement. I just don't want to have buyer remorse.

 

Most of us feel the same as you, and we all have a different perception of the ride quality of the parts we decided to go with, so in the end no one can say if it will make you happy only you can decide that. Best of luck.

 

Thank you

 

I found this to be a good write up on the topic;

https://trail4runner.com/2020/12/18/top-10-5th-gen-4runner-suspension-lift-kits/

 

Thanks for the link. I will make time to read into this article.

 

I guess my taste is way different as I like SR5 suspension onroad comfort over TRD Pro Fox suspension onroad feeling.

Expensive but so far the best suspension I have experienced is ELKA2.5DC. Those ELKAs with least pre-load (like 2.25 / 2.5 lift) with a softer 1.5in rear spring would give a nice ride (to my taste). On trails I'm extremely happy with the comfort. TRD Pro Fox are no where near them (to my taste).

I've heard from Land cruiser folks OME BP-51 are very comfy as well. But adjusters are a pain to adjust.


EDIT - Suspension tuners like Accutune Offroad may be able to customize the ride the way you want with little bit of extra money. Search for Accutune Offroad tunes as well.

 

Thank you

 

Most aftermarket shocks are mono tube vs the factory twin tubes. Mono tubes tend to be more firm, but firm is objective. If you’re not trying to lift the truck you could try an aftermarket twin tube (one or Dobinsons)and it might give you enough of a better shock. I had the Eibach on my last 4Runner and sometimes it felt perfect other times too harsh.

 

I'm not going to lift the vehicle. I haven't really look into Dobinson but I will now. Thanks.

 

I just spent a bunch of money to go back stock w/OEM shocks, no regrets. That’s my vote. ^

Had a lift with 285’s. Been there, done it and got the T-shirt.

But as others have stated, if you’re goal is to stiffen it up, then the 5100’s or the Pro Fox setup is probably your best bet.

 

Thank you

 

I suggest you give some consideration to the Eibach setup. I don't have it myself, but it was a top contender. Check out this review for some good information: https://www.4runners.com/threads/eibach-pro-truck-sport-leveling-shock-initial-review.8314/

 

IMO, I've run 5100's on a few vehicles, but ntoa 4Runner. Each had different spring setups, each ran between 2.5 - 3.5" of lift. Bilsteins run stiff. It teks a proper spring to get the rebound right on the road. I just bought the Eibach Stage 1 and will have it dropped in a few weeks from now. Reviews say it def solves to nose dive issue no matter if you set it up level or with some rake. I will retain a little rake as I will load mine heavy for plenty of 1-10 week offroad trips. I will def add air abgs to the rear eventually when we pull the trailer. Also will add hydraulic bump stops to help with jarring big bumps.

 

Very nice.

 

And I will spellcheck next time too!

 

I do not have a comparison with SR5/Off-road trim levels, but I can say the Fox suspension on my '21 Pro is noticeably softer on-road than the XREAS system on the Limited's. As a result, my guess it is similar to the SR5/Off-road trims as people tend to say Pro's are soft, but I personally like it. Dobinson may be a good option as mentioned above. There is a MASSIVE thread on the other forum with information on the spring and shock options. And if you post questions, CrikeyMike (Dobinson dealer who started the thread) will respond and answer your questions. He's on this forum as well. He was great help to me when I went with Dobinson suspension on my '14 Limited. My Dobinson setup though is not applicable to you as I wanted lift and needed slightly heavier front springs due to extra weight.

 

I've had the stock suspension, Bilstein 5100's, and Eibach's on a 4Runner.

Stock was too soft and bouncy. Felt like the vehicle was too heavy for the shock valving, IMO.

5100's were slightly too harsh (again, my opinion). I could feel every little crack and crevice with them on the road. I've had other vehicles where 5100 valving felt perfect for the the truck (1997 F150), but on the 5th gen I don't think it's quite right.

Eibachs are a similar price to 5100's, they can be put on with no lift, and they ride better on road. Their valving is similar to Bilstein with the exception of a bleeder valve early in the travel that softens them up just enough at low speeds so you don't feel every little bump. After that, their valving is very similar to a 5100 in that it firms up the ride compared to stock but it's not overly stiff or jarring.

My vote is Eibach adjustable shocks up front with your stock coils and Eibach rear shocks.

 

interesting thread

 

Eibach is what I run also. Without lifting, and wanting a better ride than stock, Eibach is a good choice. I did level the front with the .85 setting.

 

VERY interesting thread as I'm between 5100s and Eibachs in leveling my front and making my truck not so soft. I was leaning 5100 but maybe I'm changing?! Tough call. Also, I tow a bit (light boat 2k lbs), and have will have gear in the back. Any suggestions or feedback on leveling the truck for DD then throwing stuff in the back? Air lift for when I'm doing that? Cornfed spacer? Always appreciate the info from you guys...

 

If your towing buy C or E rated tires. I’d buy tires over a lift first. I purchased my lift from Toytec for my Tacoma & Im getting the same bilstein/eibach setup for my 4Runner.

My 4Runner has C rated duratracs (loud)
My Tacoma has SL wildpeaks (semi loud)

 

I am about to buy the 5100's full kit for front and rear. I also have a used set of TRD Pro front springs that was on my old Tacoma. It's used and have about 50k miles of used on it and I just have it in the garage. Can I used that for the the 4Runner or should I just reused the stock one that is currently on the 4Runner?

 

Would you mind sharing a side profile pic of your truck? Just curious how it looks level with the Eibachs. Thanks!

 

Since the OP is looking for good on-road characteristics, how about Bilstein 4600s?
Can anyone offer their experience with these?

 

Not at all. I haven't been big on taking photos of my own vehicle over the time I've had it, though, so the pickin's are slim, so to speak. I've got a few post leveling, mostly in my slanted driveway, sorry to say, which are a bit hard to see, and some after Falken tires were added:








Wish I had more for you. I'm in the Tacoma today, or I'd go outside and add some.

 

So I went a head and ordered a full set of the 5100s. If I level the 4Runner with the 5100s, will the 4Runner ride harsher on road or should I just leave it at stock ride height?

 

5100 valving is stiffer than stock shocks in the first place so they will feel firmer no matter what.

I say just set it to whatever height you want.