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Nose dip on TRD Off Road

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Witzkeguy, Aug 23, 2018.

  1. Aug 23, 2018 at 3:51 PM
    #1
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    Hi, new to the forum. Just bought a 2018 TRD Off Road Premium and the amount of body roll in turns and nose dip when stopping is really more than I was expecting (should have joined the forum before the buy!).
    But otherwise very happy with it.
    I don’t want to lift it, just want to reduce the roll/dip.
    Can I just replace the stock shocks with a more robust model or will this ultimately require new springs and the whole package usually provided by a lift?
     
  2. Aug 23, 2018 at 3:54 PM
    #2
    robfl

    robfl New Member

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    Do you have KDSS?
     
  3. Aug 23, 2018 at 3:54 PM
    #3
    MattO2786

    MattO2786 New Member

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    I’ve had mine for a few days now. Same as yours, just not Premium. Anyways, the nose dip is significant, but I’m starting to get used to the brakes, thus reducing it. The brake sensitivity is the issue. Just have to get used to it.
     
  4. Aug 23, 2018 at 3:59 PM
    #4
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    How do I know if I have KDSS?
     
  5. Aug 23, 2018 at 4:02 PM
    #5
    MattO2786

    MattO2786 New Member

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  6. Aug 23, 2018 at 4:14 PM
    #6
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    No mention of KDSS on my window sticker or on the Toyota site to look at the specs for this 4Runner. So of no KDSS what does that mean for me relating to how I reduce the body roll/dip?
     
  7. Aug 23, 2018 at 4:16 PM
    #7
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    Does the crawl capabilities of the off road (same as the pro) prevent the installation of the KDSS gear?
     
  8. Aug 23, 2018 at 5:18 PM
    #8
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

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    Nope have both
     
  9. Aug 23, 2018 at 5:27 PM
    #9
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    OK, so since I dont have the KDSS what is the best way to counter the body roll and nose dip of these guys?
     
  10. Aug 23, 2018 at 5:28 PM
    #10
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    The KDSS sway bars are hydraulically linked and are attached to the lower control arms up front and the rear axle in the rear. I don’t think this is a system you can just buy and install as it’s somewhat involved with the piping, hydraulic cylinders, accumulators, etc. you can put stiffer springs on your front coilovers to help with the nose dive under braking.

    KDSS
    https://youtu.be/NLF6n3nMwww
     
  11. Aug 23, 2018 at 5:29 PM
    #11
    MattO2786

    MattO2786 New Member

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    Don’t mean this in a bad way, but just relax and drive it for a couple of months. Get used to the brakes and then decide if you need to upgrade the suspension.
     
  12. Aug 23, 2018 at 6:42 PM
    #12
    CollinJ

    CollinJ TRD Off-Road

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    Bilstein TRD Pro Suspension - TRD skid plate - TRD CAI - AFE Pro Dry Filter - 265/70/17 General Grabber AT2’s - LFD Off-Rod roof bars - Ellis Percision Shift knobs - Canvasback Cargo Liner - Blackout Emblems - Diode Dynamics interior LEDs
    If you can find some TRD Pro take offs those are good Bilstiens which greatly reduce body roll. They do lift the front 1” but the rear stays the same so you get a slightly more level ride with reduced nose dive. The FJ cruiser kit was on sale a while for around $550
     
  13. Aug 23, 2018 at 7:02 PM
    #13
    una4dbl55

    una4dbl55 New Member

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    Some Bilstein 5100's will reduce the body roll and breaking nose dive. I've done mine and makes a big difference. Stock shocks are lousy at best.
    I do have the Kdss so body roll is minimal anyway. The breaking was a killer for me. Better now.
     
  14. Aug 23, 2018 at 7:04 PM
    #14
    una4dbl55

    una4dbl55 New Member

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    You also have the option to lift the front end up with the 5100's

    At the 1.75 setting leveled mine perfectly.
     
  15. Aug 24, 2018 at 2:55 AM
    #15
    brownbear

    brownbear Relax

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    Definitely takes getting used to. Good advice on preventing brake dive.
     
  16. Aug 24, 2018 at 6:51 AM
    #16
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    spacer lift front 1inch
    when I drive my 2016 4runner it is very much different than my 96 GM sedan and my 2000 GM truck,,.
    brakes are very touchy and if you gradually push down a bit toooo much that damn brake assist power pump will turn on and lock up the brakes.. on my GM vehicles the opposite ,, if I push down a bit too much on a poorly paved road the brakes will pulsate not lock up.. I do not drive the runner every day so when I get in I have to remind myself of how this puppy reacts...

    On the dip when braking I did not like it .. springs are a bit soft and the shocks do not have good firm operation .. so after 1yr I installed spring spacers . driver side 1.5 inch and pass side 2 , 1inch spacers.. had to cut and fabricate so they fit good .. set them on the lower portion of the springs.
    springs are different on the front because of the gas tank on driver side to set the vehicle level .. pass side spring is weaker than driver side ..

    well the brake dip did most all go away unless I hit the brakes a bit too much and the assist comes on ..
    cost $20...and about 2hrs labor to fabricate the spacers.

    I did a alignment when I purchased it because the toe was wrong vehicle wandered on hywy.. then after the 1inch spacer lift I did the passenger side toe slight adjustment ..

    working good now over 1 year and the OEM factory tires are perfect look all exactly the same even wear ...looks good not level but almost level.

    my GM vehicles have bilstein shocks for most all their life very solid shocks ..
     
  17. Aug 24, 2018 at 9:30 AM
    #17
    WkndWarrior

    WkndWarrior New Member

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    Interesting topic here, because I originally drove the SR5 Premium and couldn't stand the nose dive and rocking when turning. I then drove the ORP (no KDSS) and noticed hardly any nose dive and much firmer (better) ride compared to the SR5. I still notice a slight dive when I brake hard and it sits tall so I expect more sway while turning than my 300 did but still nothing like the SR5. IMO the suspension in the ORP reacts how I would expect a truck to, certainly nothing I feel I need to change. Just a different take on it I guess
     
  18. Aug 24, 2018 at 10:40 AM
    #18
    Porkchopexpress

    Porkchopexpress New Member

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    I think you will have to look on eBay to get the FJ cruiser deal and pay a premium over $550. You can find bilstien 6112/5160 combos for less than $1,000 which is very similar to the pro suspension or as other members have mentioned the 5100 series which is a little less robust but simpler and cheaper.

    I plan on going the 6112/5160 route, partly to bring the nose up a little and partly because I think stock suspension is mediocre. I had a hard braking situation recently going straight ahead and the nose dove and the tail got a little sideways. Way more drama than I would like under emergency braking.
     
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    #18
  19. Aug 24, 2018 at 3:09 PM
    #19
    Witzkeguy

    Witzkeguy [OP] New Member

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    Thanks to all of you who have given me a lot to think about. I do believe I will give myself a month or so to see if I can get accustomed to the dip and roll. If it still bugs me at that point it looks like I have several paths to choose from.
     
  20. Aug 25, 2018 at 10:12 AM
    #20
    Rguest3

    Rguest3 2018 TRD Off-Road Premium

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    The TRD Pro suspension uses a Bilstein 6112 and the Toyota Red Coils. These 6112s have 2 height adjustment Grooves. Lower one for the Passenger side and the second slot for the Driver's side. This will level the ride side to side. This front set-up will also greatly reduce the nose dive and sway.

    You can also purchase the Bilstein 6112s that has additional Grooves for more height / Lift. Up to 2.5" of lift.

    I would purchase the Bilstein version. You can initially set it to stock height and / or add lift later with the higher adjustments. This is not too expensive and you can set the height higher to level the front to back or when you add a Bumper / Winch.

    I have the Bilstein 6112 / 5160 and 2.0" Rear Coils on my FJ and it rides VERY nice for a mostly street driven truck.

    Icon Stage 2 on my 4Runner, but it's MORE money.
     
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  21. Aug 25, 2018 at 11:55 AM
    #21
    Bullminner

    Bullminner New Member

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    None yet!
    I’ve had mine for 5,000 miles and I’m definitely upgrading the suspension as soon as I can. I love the KDSS but the nose dip doesn’t go away and quite a bit of folks have said upgraded springs and shocks are a great improvement.
     
  22. Aug 25, 2018 at 11:58 AM
    #22
    Bullminner

    Bullminner New Member

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    None yet!
    I put those on my Tundra and love them.
     
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  23. Aug 25, 2018 at 5:05 PM
    #23
    PCRIDE4RUNNER

    PCRIDE4RUNNER New Member

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    The wallowing body roll goes away once you get rid of the Dunlop smooshy tires and stock shocks.

    I too have the Bilstein 6112 / 5160 and KO2 tires and it’s very stable, no rolling, or diving when braking. For tires and that lift kit you’d be looking at $2000 upgrade and that’s a DIY on the shocks. Plan to pay another $300-500 for a shop to install the shocks. It’s suoer easy BTW
     
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