Hoping for a little advice/feedback on suspension.

Hi all.
Just joined this forum and hope that I can get some thoughts about shocks/suspension for my 1998 4Runner. I apologize that my knowledge base on all things mechanical is not refined, but it currently has Bilstein shocks (don't know the model, but bought them 10+ years ago and they are yellow with springs fitted over the shock, and are VERY stiff), and tires are Michelin Defender LTX M/S 265/75R 16.
So, I am wanting a softer ride. I use the vehicle mostly for winter town/highway driving; but occasionally I get out into the wilds on some very rough rocky and/or washboard dirt back roads (no off-roading) which pretty much shakes my poor car to death and nearly gives me brain damage!
I would appreciate any experience, info, guidance, opinions on softer shocks that give me a better ride when on those backroads and still can handle a 400 pound (+/-) camping gear load in the cabin.
Thanks for your time!

 

For a 4th gen 4runner OEM suspension refresh (and after a ton of research)...

I just got the KYB front coilovers ($120 each) + KYB ExcelG rear shocks ($40 each) + OEM Toyota rear springs ($80 each).

Lots of good reviews out there for the KYB shocks. They should provide a nice ride similar to oem. I’ll be installing them next week and can let you know my thoughts.

If you routinely carry a lot of weight you might want a stiffer rear spring. Problem is, there’s not much available at stock height. The stiffer springs are all lift coils.

But if you only occasionally carry the extra weight and it’s evenly distributed, you should be ok.

 

I second KYB!! If I change mine out for the second time, 300,000+miles. I will go with these.....

 

4runningMan and SR5 Limited....I will be very interested in hearing back from you about this.
Also, I don't think my 4R has been lifted, but it sure sits pretty high (see below); I think the tire height raises it some, tho.
Yeah, my current suspension handles a big load with no sagging. But I'd like to find a compromise in the middle somewhere, i.e. handles a load but is a bit softer riding.

 

Well, we installed be KYB’s and are totally stumped. The front is an inch lower than it was with the hammered OEM parts that came out. Disappointed.

 

This is stumping me. Did you you guys assemble the front struts yourself? Did you forget to put in the top plate?

 

I had the Toyota dealer do the install (I’m not set up for this kind of work at the moment). Please spare me the grief

This is all new to me. What is the top plate? I got the fronts from rock auto. The spring was already installed on the shock when i got it— “quick struts”.

 

I would go to KYB’s website. Cross check the model you bought from rock auto and see if they match?

 

Sorry guys. Didn’t mean to hijack the op’s thread or confuse anyone (just wanted to update). So let’s move my convo over to this thread...

https://www.4runners.com/threads/unhappy-with-new-suspension.11420/#post-114726

 

Have you tried adjusting your tire pressure? If they're inflated to max psi, they'll ride like rocks. Especially if you're going off road without airing down. From the pic you posted you have those tires pumped up. No wonder you're rattling yourself to death. Air down! It'll be a nite n day difference.

 

Bingo. This is the answer. It sounds like you & I may have the same shocks, although mine came with the Toytec Ultimate 3" lift kit. I also had to replace mine after 5 years, so congrats on making it to 10 yrs! I run max air pressure (80#) in my BFG KO2s as a daily driver to maximize my fuel economy. When I go off road, I can drop them down to about 10# & not break the bead without beadlock rims. You'll have incredible traction & ride like a Buick Park Avenue Ultra. Now, in order to do the air down & air up effectively, you'll need a few extras:

Air down:

$28 Adjustable Tire Deflators, Set of 4, 6-30Psi, Leather Pouch

Exactly the same as the ARB set for 1/4 the price.
Air up: .
Reliable pressure gauge:

JSDOIN Tire Pressure Gauge - (0-100 PSI) Heavy Duty, Certified ANSI Accurate with Large Easy to Read Glow Dial, Low - High Air Pressure Gauge

Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge (0-100 PSI) Certified ANSI Accurate.