1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Trying to Decide on Suspension. What would Jesus do!?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by REDDY_KILOW4TT, May 15, 2019.

  1. May 15, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #1
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    I'm gearing up to upgrade my stock suspension on my 2019 SR5. I'm not opposed to paying extra money if it means I'm actually going to get better performance. I'm not interested in spending a premium to get a brand name or buy into the hype train that some brands rely on.

    I literally know nothing about suspension so I'm relying on other's to give me honest feedback. I have a friend who works in an off-road shop that his brother owns. He has zero reasons to be biased or brand loyal to anyone. They work with all sorts of brands, and he is giving me the opportunity to buy things at cost through their connections.

    Here's the dilemma:

    This is the kit that my friend's shop recommended to me.
    Bilstein B8 6112
    Revtek Differential Drop Spacer Kit
    OME Rear Coil Springs (Heavy)
    Bilstein 5100 Series Rear Shocks (10+ 4Runner & FJ Cruiser)
    SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms

    But then after some research online I came across people saying it's stupid to go with anything other than Icon or King suspension. I was told to go with the Icon Stage 2 kit. I passed this info onto my friend and he can get me the Stage 2 kit for $2,082

    [​IMG]

    After talking about it with my friend and his brother they both still recommend the Bilstein kit for $600 less.

    So now I don't know what to do. Is the $600 worth it for the Icon Stage 2 kit?

    My needs: I live in Utah so there's obviously plenty of off-roading to be had, but I don't plan on doing major rock crawling on the hardest Moab trails. This is also a daily driver.

    Light to medium off-roading
    Hunting
    Camping
    Basic rock crawling

     
  2. May 15, 2019 at 11:52 AM
    #2
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    He would get Kings and call it a day.
     
  3. May 15, 2019 at 1:04 PM
    #3
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

    Joined:
    May 30, 2018
    Member:
    #6147
    Messages:
    923
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM TRD ORP KDSS 4Runner
    3" Icon Stage 2, 18x9 Fuel Beast wheels, 285/65/18 BFG KO2's, N-FAB Black Rock Rails w/removable steps.
    I have the Icon Stage 2 and love it... absolutely amazing what a good suspension upgrade will do. Although I did recently have to get one rebuilt that was less than a year old...that was a major P.I.A. because you will more than likely have to send it to CA for the rebuild (I got lucky and found a certified guy in Denver) and in the mean time unless you have another set of shocks... your rig will be M.I.A. until the shock comes back. Moral of the story is... if you plan on buying adjustable "racing" shocks...plan on having them rebuilt as well. Most will go thousands of miles without having to rebuild...I think mine might of had a bad seal.
     
  4. May 15, 2019 at 1:13 PM
    #4
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2016
    Member:
    #1694
    Messages:
    2,211
    First Name:
    Paul
    Kitsap County, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner TRD Pro
    I've owned a full ICON suspension on my 2011 Tacoma and now Bilstein 6112's on my 4Runner. I wouldn't say there's much of a difference, however if you're going to do 6112's in the front, might as well do 5160's for the rear. Also, fuck the heavy springs in the rear unless you plan on hauling a significant amount of weight in the back (I'm talking in excess of 300-400 pounds).
     
    184runner likes this.
  5. May 15, 2019 at 1:15 PM
    #5
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    You don't need Icon or King adjustable coilovers for what you do. Kings adjustable coilovers are arguably the best race style shocks you could put on your truck if that's what you're looking for.

    You'd be fine with some lift coils front and back (don't do spacers) and some good quality shocks. Be realistic with how much weight you will be driving with and install a coil that fits those weight demands.

    You don't need a diff drop.

    If you go 2.5" or less with your front lift, you probably won't need UCAs either........unless you go with an extended travel King Coilover.

    Check out Eibachs lift kit for our trucks. Check out OME. Check out the Bilstein 6112a or 5100s. Check out Dobinson coils. All of these are very solid and will give you plenty of offroad capabilities while still being a great daily driver.
     
  6. May 15, 2019 at 1:33 PM
    #6
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5

    I'm slowly learning. So Kings are basically the crème de la crème of suspension and pretty much should only be purchased for serious rock crawling and offroad use?

    Also, I think I will be going with a 3'' lift so I can fit 285's on my ride so the upper control arms, i've been told, are pretty much required to get a correct alignment.
     
  7. May 15, 2019 at 1:35 PM
    #7
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    I didn't realize that these suspension systems had such short life spans. Why do they need to be rebuilt so quickly when stock suspension can go for years without any issues?
     
  8. May 15, 2019 at 1:42 PM
    #8
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Kings are very good quality high end shocks for the most extreme conditions you can put your truck through.

    Just FYI, you don't have to lift your truck 3" to clear 285's. I have a 1.6" lift in front and clear 285's with zero rubbing. Proper wheel spacing and alignment are the most important factors in clearing 285's. If you want to lift it 3" in front, that's great but you don't need to do it for 285's.
     
    184runner likes this.
  9. May 15, 2019 at 1:52 PM
    #9
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    This is all great info, I appreciate you taking time to type it out.

    So with the minimal info, I have supplied you'd recommend I go the Bilstein route? What rear springs would you recommend? The most I will ever tow is a trailer with two 4 wheelers and down the road, I plan on adding a roof rack.
     
  10. May 15, 2019 at 2:20 PM
    #10
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    I guess it depends on how often you tow.

    If you constantly have weight in the back, then I would get a heavier spring rate.

    If you are stock weight in the back most of the time and tow occasionally, then I would go with a set of lift coils that are the stock spring rate.

    My 1st recommendation would be looking into Dobinson lift coils and shocks.......but maybe your buddy can't get a deal on those. Check to see if your buddy can get the Eibach kit too. It's a really good one. If he can't get those, get an OME kit. I've personally found Bilsteins to ride a bit firmer on the road than I care for, but some people love them. It's all personal opinion when it comes to ride quality.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  11. May 15, 2019 at 2:25 PM
    #11
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #7998
    Messages:
    2,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    KYle
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD OR
    I don't know what Jesus would do but I know what I did.

    Buy the more expensive crap just because.
     
  12. May 15, 2019 at 2:41 PM
    #12
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    It's tough because I don't even know what I'd like because I've never experienced any of these. I'd have to take a ride in my vehicle running each suspension kit to truly know. So, unfortunately, I'm just left with other people's advice and experience.

    I doubt I tow the 4 wheelers more than 3-5 times a year.
     
    hodie345 likes this.
  13. May 15, 2019 at 2:52 PM
    #13
    hodie345

    hodie345 New Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2019
    Member:
    #9807
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ryan
    Vehicle:
    2019 trd offroad premium
    2 1/2 inch Dobinsons lift fuel 17" anza bronze fuel A/T 285-70-17
    i just bought a 2019 trd orp. After a ton of research i went with the Dobinsons 2 1/2 lift in the front and 2' rear suspension lift. they have great customer service and will custom built the kit to your liking such as spring rate for front and rear to what you tow or carry ect. I put on UPC,s as well and the kit total was only about 1600 bucks. great deal and mine is a daily driver with about the same offroading as you.

    For me the icon or king don't make sense for the price as it won't ever be a serious off roader and they will need to be rebuilt over time.
    Just my opinion but I'm super happy with the highly improved ride quality and look.
    Also i have 285s and only had to do a little plastic trimming and haven't done the BMC yet and so far no rubbing on that but i will be doing it soon as it will for sure rub in moderate off roading.
     
    JET4 and REDDY_KILOW4TT[OP] like this.
  14. May 15, 2019 at 3:35 PM
    #14
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Start by answering what you like/dislike about the way it handles stock.
     
  15. May 15, 2019 at 3:43 PM
    #15
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    The first thing I immediately noticed on the stock suspension is it feels like the tires come completely off the ground when going over even small bumps or washboards. Even driving at a crawl it feels very stiff.
     
  16. May 15, 2019 at 4:18 PM
    #16
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #7998
    Messages:
    2,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    KYle
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD OR
    Most people call the stock suspension soft not stiff....
     
    jgcaps and gunsnob like this.
  17. May 15, 2019 at 4:32 PM
    #17
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    What did you drive prior to this vehicle?
     
  18. May 15, 2019 at 5:44 PM
    #18
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    Correct me if I'm wrong. From what I understand after market suspension is supposed to help cushion and allow for a smoother ride over rough terrain as well as help your tires stay on the ground.

    If I already think the current stock suspension is a bit stiff then I'm definitely in for a surprise when I replace it with aftermarket parts.
     
  19. May 15, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #19
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Member:
    #1122
    Messages:
    2,544
    Gender:
    Male
    Lexington, Ohio
    King of kings...
     
    Doglover2003 and Toffees like this.
  20. May 15, 2019 at 5:57 PM
    #20
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    You don’t have to be a
    all depends on spring rate and valving of the shock. If you think stock is harsh I would recommend not getting Icon. They are digressive valving. Kings are linear thus ride better all day everyday.

    Read up. https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/digressive-vs-linear-vs-progressive-pistons-shock-valving/
     
    Doglover2003 and jgcaps like this.
  21. May 15, 2019 at 6:23 PM
    #21
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2016
    Member:
    #1694
    Messages:
    2,211
    First Name:
    Paul
    Kitsap County, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner TRD Pro
    Honestly man I couldn't tell you, but I ran my ICON's for 55k miles and they were still in great condition. The recorecommend rebuild is what? 50k miles.

    Not sure but aren't the 6112's not rebuildable?
     
  22. May 15, 2019 at 7:26 PM
    #22
    Jvarvar1

    Jvarvar1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9677
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5
    KO2'S , RSG Sliders on the way!
    I just put the icon stage 2 on mine. Love it so far. Doing some trails near gateway, Colorado this weekend to really test it out. I'll give updates.
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  23. May 15, 2019 at 8:15 PM
    #23
    REDDY_KILOW4TT

    REDDY_KILOW4TT [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9656
    Messages:
    87
    Gender:
    Male
    Salt Lake City
    Vehicle:
    2019 SR5
    If they aren't rebuild-able does that also mean they will last a lot longer like stock suspension? As you can see I have zero education on suspension but I've always been under the impression that people reach 200k+ on their stock suspension without having to tear it all out and replace it.
     
  24. May 16, 2019 at 5:30 AM
    #24
    bill_b

    bill_b New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2019
    Member:
    #9562
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    bill
    Pittsburgh PA
    Vehicle:
    18' Limited
    Trail 17s and Cornfed Spacer
    I've never had a set of OEM shocks last close to that.... But then I will typically replace them when I feel they're going bad... Not just because they fail inspection. They're cheap enough to me and designed to be throw away.

    I can't weigh in on rebuildable shcoks as I've only had 2 set and got rid of said vehicles after about 15k miles with that suspension.

    I'm a big fan of throw away personally, the trick is finding a set that performs at the comfort you want. I don't know anything about 4runner suspension as this is my first so I'm in the same boat as you lol. I've thought about test driving a Pro to see if I like the ride of the Bilstein (pre 19') or Fox suspension kits and going from there. I personally like a bit of a cushy ride, I don't like feeling every damn bump on the road.
     
  25. May 16, 2019 at 6:40 AM
    #25
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

    Joined:
    May 30, 2018
    Member:
    #6147
    Messages:
    923
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM TRD ORP KDSS 4Runner
    3" Icon Stage 2, 18x9 Fuel Beast wheels, 285/65/18 BFG KO2's, N-FAB Black Rock Rails w/removable steps.
    Jvarvar1 likes this.
  26. May 16, 2019 at 7:15 AM
    #26
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2018
    Member:
    #6853
    Messages:
    766
    Gender:
    Male
    Philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2012 4Runner Trail
    I'm in the same boat here...trying to decide for when I eventually upgrade the suspension. 2012 TE. Daily driver, very occassional but hoping to be more off road, mostly beach at the moment. Eventually looking to do C4 lo pro w winch. Will also occasionally tow a 20' CC that is pushing 4k w trailer. I feel like after the research I've done, I will just hang with the standard Bilstein setup...
     
  27. May 16, 2019 at 7:17 AM
    #27
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.


    Nobody fucks with the Jesus.
     
    184runner and gunsnob like this.
  28. May 16, 2019 at 7:23 AM
    #28
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Member:
    #1122
    Messages:
    2,544
    Gender:
    Male
    Lexington, Ohio
    People might run an OEM suspension to 200k, but that will be one jank ass suspension. They don't notice the decline in performance (and ride height) since it happens gradually.
     
    Benny123 likes this.
  29. May 16, 2019 at 7:29 AM
    #29
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    I started noticing a difference at 125k, so I changed mine out. Fronts, rears, and sway bar links and bushings. Measured top of wheel well and went up 2 inches after the new suspension in.
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  30. May 16, 2019 at 12:01 PM
    #30
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    First things first, if you want the ride to be on the cushier side, go with the stock spring rate.

    You'll want to pair those up with shocks that have a little bit softer valving. Eibach shocks come to mind for our vehicles when compared to the other options.

    Then you'll want to get a tire that has a P-rating so that the sidewall soaks up some of the smaller chatter and it doesn't reverberate through the suspension. If you think you might run the risk of puncturing a sidewall with the type of offroading you do, go up to a C-rated tire......just know that it will ride a bit firmer.

    If you do the suspension with parts that don't require routine maintenance (lift coils front and back, front shocks, rear shocks), you'll be looking at roughly $1,000 for the entire truck......and it will ride really nice. This doesn't include UCAs.

    With the adjustable King coilovers in front, King rear shocks, rear coils, and UCAs you're looking at over $3,000. This will also ride very nice but you might have to re-valve the shocks to fit your ride preference.

    Add another $1,000 for tires.
     
    travelinscout and jgcaps like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top