Is it me or do I need new shocks/struts?

Hi Folks. Just acquired my first 4Runner (2019) thanks to my daughter who has gone somewhat bananas over hers. I swapped it for my 2011 F150 4x4 5.0 that I just short of adored, but as the old saying goes - never say never.. In an earlier life I had two Land Cruisers that were Chevy powered so I sorta knew what to expect of Toyota quality - no disappointments here other than a severe lack of storage space. My truck acted like an extra garage but I've done my do-diligence on how many of you have come up with ways to add stuff space in very creative ways.

My question relates to drive-ability: the 4Runner only has 50k miles but it doesn't feel solid on the road - like it just needs struts/shocks to make it more road worthy. Is this common or am I just not used to the different vehicle?

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome.

My (new) 4Runner is my first "truck" so I'm not sure what a truck is supposed to feel like. It felt better on the road than the ZR2 I drove, though.

While it doesn't bother me one bit, many complain about the body roll and nose-dive braking in the 4Runner. The body roll is extreme, but it's an SUV.. I don't expect it to handle like a little bimmer. The nose-dive braking IMO is way overstated, but whatever.

At the end of the day, depending on how a vehicle is driven, 60-80K is when I'd be looking at replacing factory shocks regardless. They're pretty inexpensive for the 4Runner so I'd start there. May I suggest Eibach Pro-Truck adjustable struts up front (stock springs), set to the second notch for an inch-ish lift up front. Go with the same kind of shock in the rear, also with stock springs. Now you have the TRD Pro stance, and new shocks, all for under $500.

Now, all that said, I'd start by taking a look underneath the vehicle. Look for obvious signs of failure in the suspension, ball joints, and bushings. Look for excessive play in bushings and joints. If you don't see anything alarming.. probably shocks.

Oh, another thing to consider is tires. Your F-150 probably had LT tires which ride a little harsher than the big car tires that 4Runners come with so it will feel different. Some associate a plush feel with an "unsafe" one when it comes to trucks, it seems. As you pointed out, 4Runners are designed for a lot of people (you and your daughter), so they do come with some compromises from the factory that need to be addressed if you aren't the average consumer.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Thank you so much for all the "welcomes"!

 

Welcome. Definitely need more info and description into what you think is wrong with it.

 

Part of the "negotiations" included a replacement set of Michelin Defenders which are, as you say, LT tires which I may live to regret (vs ATs). I'll hold off any concerns on handling until after the tires are replaced. I hadn't yet considered the Eibach shocks/struts (I'll check them out) but I did look at the adjustable Ranchos - is one recommended over the other?

Appreciate your feedback!

 

Don't know if I can put my finger on it - my sensation is that the vehicle "floats" a little on the highway - probably just a difference in vehicles plus I think maybe it oversteers a little from what I was used to. All good though, pretty sure we're going get along just fine! With my daughter possibly viewing, I dare not say anything derogatory against the "Runner" or she would be on me like odor on feces...

 

Yeah, the stock 4Runners will definitely drive to feel softer and “luxury” compared to a bigger truck.
The shorter wheelbase will make it act different while freeway driving and turning as well. The stock suspension is known to be softer and allow for a decent amount of body roll and nose dive under braking. Many remedy this with new suspension. If you’d like to upgrade suspension, there’s plenty of info on this forum if you search around a bit.

 

My SR5 2019 is floaty too. Reminds me of an old school really long Cadillac. It’s kinda like a boat going down the road. Totally normal. You’ll get used to it.

That said, tire pressure makes a HUGE difference. If you’re running P rated tires, 36psi can feel like a totally different truck than running them at 30psi.

Remember- these trucks are a compromise. Engineered to feel pretty good on a highway at 75mph and pretty good on a bumpy logging road at 7mph. What it excels at is being pretty good at everything you throw at it.

 

The shocks on the 4runner stock suck. If you’re wanting a stiffer ride you’ll need to replace the shocks and springs in the back. Plenty of options depending on your budget.

 

New tires Friday so we'll see what's going on after that. If not satisfactory after new tires I'll probably be looking at some adjustable struts/shocks..

 

I’d get P rated tires if you’re not rock crawling.

 

If it isn't too late, I would highly suggest that you re-consider your tire choice. I run LT on my 4Runner (in the A/T variety) but I went with C rated, and only because I do some fairly serious off-roading at times. I personally think E rated is silly on a 4Runner for most people, but many disagree. Do you plan to tow much with the 4Runner? If not, why go with an LT H/T tire?

As far as shocks, Eibach and Bilstein adjustables are the go-to's around here. The Eibachs are newer to the game and are reportedly a little bit more compliant (softer) on the small stuff. Design wise they are very similar though so I'd expect the same out of either.. they cost the same too. A newer option, though, that is not well-tested by the community yet, is FOX adjustable struts. They do cost a bit more though, however they're most likely a linear design, so better for off-road use. If you want to stiffen up the suspension, I'd go with Eibach/Bilstein. Rancho is considered to be sub-par by most for whatever reason these days.

Cheers and GL!

 

Well okay then - wondered why I hadn't seen much chatter on the Ranchos - guess their past their prime. Twice a year I make a trek to (just outside) of Chattanooga from Central Florida - about a 12 hour drive for us slow pokes. I haul a 16' trailer with a Yamaha Kodiak and Rhino side-by-side onboard. That is about the extent of my towing unless we do some local trails (which is rare cause they ain't got many mountains in Florida). Up until recently the TN property was totally off grid needing 4wd at times to access it. Now they've gone and started to civilize it so it won't be long when cob webs will accrue on my 4WD lever. At 76 I don't quite get into off-road as much as my younger days (and several wives later) but my lovely daughter's enthusiasm makes up for what ever I now lack. She's an unusual case - went from Suzie homemaker, wife, mom (and loving too much food), to a skinny Vegan running half marathons and becoming a dedicated nutritionist (still wife & Mom) until now, low and behold, her Dad's dirt blood finally kicked in and she has become a serious off-road girl with the 4Runner her vehicle choice.

It's too late to change the tire deal but I'll know soon enough if they work out - if they don't I'll trade them in for something more suitable - since they're a pretty expensive tire it shouldn't be hard to swap for something else. A friend of mine was talking up the Wranglers? I'll check out the Eibach and/or Bilstein products once I determine if needed after the tire swap.

Thanks for your feedback - I'll update as things move along!

 

The Michelin Defenders are AWESOME tires. I’d argue they’re the best tire available for our 4runners if you’re 80% on road, 20% off road. I only have experience with the p-rated version.