4Runner Ride on Patched Roads—How to improve?

[nubbins_]

But, what the 4-Runner guy at my dealer told me was that there that all 4Runners (except TRD PRO and Trailhunter) are equipped with Bilstein shocks.

Which straight up is just false information, that's only OR and possibly TH (branded OME but made by Milstein possibly)

If TNGA-F frame stiffening was responsible then I reckon current gen Tundra owners would have complained en masse about the ride compared to 2nd gen's limp noodle frame, but that also isn't the case. And GX and LC owners aren't complaining either. People did say the 4th gen Taco is stiff too, but again there that's in relation to the 3rd gen's half limp noodle C channel frame.

So my mind goes to possibly too stiff a spring rate on the gas models in relation to curb weight (maybe not enough of a difference to reflect the loss of 300-500lb of hybrid weight). Too bad no one's been able to bring up a spring rate table for this gen.

Not to diminish the valid ride quality concerns and that the new Passport is really a nifty vehicle, but I always find the comparisons to the Passport a little amusing. If crossover ride quality was what you were looking for, then the 4R was a bad fit to begin with. 5th gen yadda yadda, but 5th gen's soft suspension wasn't the answer either, terribad in braking and handling - it's a BOF vehicle at the end of the day and there are always tradeoffs.

People tend to focus on shocks, and forget the primary role that springs play in suspension feel.

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[4jogger]

If you put softer springs doesn't it lower your ride height? Or can you adjust for that with preload?

 

[FoozGrind]

The sport and sr5 come with twin tube shocks. There nothing special. Soon as bilstein releases something like this for the 6th gen I bet that helps with some of the harsh bumps. Not eliminating them but I bet it some kind of improvement.

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/shock-2...el=4Runner&SubModel=SR5 Premium&DriveType=4WD

 

[4RNR]

After some serious—and not-so-serious—deliberation, I’ve decided to keep my 4Runner. Honestly, I haven’t seen another vehicle that can compete with its rugged charm and good looks. Those little bumps and quirks? I’ll just consider them “character-building” features that keep me on my toes (and wide awake) while driving.

I even took the Limited Grand Highlander for a spin, thinking it might sweep me off my feet. But to my surprise, the ride wasn’t much smoother, and the same engine actually felt like it needed a pep talk to keep up! Turns out, my 4Runner still has the edge—and a lot more personality.

So, here’s to sticking with the most handsome ride on the road, bumps and all!

 

[bruce]

I hear ya! I’ve been test driving a lot, but don’t love anything out there.

 

[mtbtone]

After some serious—and not-so-serious—deliberation, I’ve decided to keep my 4Runner. Honestly, I haven’t seen another vehicle that can compete with its rugged charm and good looks. Those little bumps and quirks? I’ll just consider them “character-building” features that keep me on my toes (and wide awake) while driving.

I even took the Limited Grand Highlander for a spin, thinking it might sweep me off my feet. But to my surprise, the ride wasn’t much smoother, and the same engine actually felt like it needed a pep talk to keep up! Turns out, my 4Runner still has the edge—and a lot more personality.

So, here’s to sticking with the most handsome ride on the road, bumps and all!

Love this!! I’m right there with you buddy. I fall in love with mine more and more each day.

 

[gerapege]

Bought a new SR5 4Runner mainly for the looks and because I’ll be living on a dirt road soon, commuting past 500 potholes daily just to reach city streets. I probably won’t go off-roading for 7–8 years. I expected a smoother ride on city roads, but every small patch or filled crack feels harsh—much more than in softer SUVs like Kia. Is this just how 4Runners ride on patched roads, or is there a way to improve comfort? ...On the other hand, would a SUV with softer ride like the Highlander or Kia Telluride even hold up to these 500 pothole stretch daily? Any advice?

I had the same issue until I realized the Dealer deliver my 4runner with 53 psi of air in each tire. Substantially better now with tires at 33psi as per my door sticker.

 

[LARIN]

I got used to the ride on my stock SR5, I actually like the way handles on the roundabouts, After while you will not even notice how it rides on the side roads

 

[4jogger]

I think they use different shocks on each trim but the same sway bar thickness on all trims so some trims are more "optimized" for bump absorption and some for on road handling.

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