2006 feels floaty on freeway

Hello,

My 4Runner has 186,000 miles.

I've already replaced some suspension parts including rear struts. Do you have suggestions? Could you recommend a 4Runner specialist near Monrovia/Duarte area?

Thank you

 

What kind and size of tires and what suspension does it have? It helped mine quite a bit after i added better shocks, bilstein 5100’s all around.

 

Is this a common issue for this generation?

I have 265/70/16 Michelin tires. I installed just KYB rear shocks. I did not replace the front ones.

I've been to two mechanics. They didn't see any other suspension problems.

 

Welcome

 

“Floaty” can be subjective so it’s hard to pin down what constitutes as floaty to different people.

If you’re comparing to a Corolla, it’ll absolutely feel more “boaty”.

Switching from stock to Bilstein 4600’s firmed up the ride just a touch for me but it’s still a high-riding, soft suspension brick.

What tire pressure are you at?

 

When is the last time you had an alignment?. Try to get as much caster as you can upfront

 

Did you replace the front struts? That's where most of the vehicle's weight is when driving solo unloaded. At 186k all the shocks should be replaced, and a lot of the bushings in the suspension system should be looked at and replaced as well by now.

 

Need to replace front shocks and all springs. The springs are the most fundamental part of the suspension. Yours have been carrying a 4500-lb. truck for 19 years and the equivalent of 7+ trips around the planet. It’s time.

Also, consider posting in the 4th Gen forum for max visibility to members with similar model years.

 

Replace front shocks/springs and get an alignment afterwards (which you would do anyways).

 

Soft springs are a flaw of this generation and the next generation (5th). After less than a year, the factory front springs are typically sagging and the lower control arms touching the bumpstops. Upgrade to larger shocks (like Bilstein 5100s) and stiffer springs. I recommend minimum 700lb springs like what comes from the factory in 2016+ Tacomas (which are similar weight as your 4Runner).

 

I installed KYB shocks/struts on all 4 corners of my 4th gen. Hated them and put Bilstein 5100s on within a month. Huge improvement. No words for how much better the Bilsteins are than the KYBs.

 

700 is overkill for the front without added steel. im running a full hoop SSO Slimline bumper and only running 6112s with Bilstein 600 lb springs at 2” which is perfect for my set up

 

^I used to think that too, until I got a 3rd gen Tacoma and noticed how much better it handled. Ride was better too, less upset from potholes. The stock Tacoma comes with 700lb springs from the factory. Meanwhile the stock 5th gen leans and dives like a boat.