I've been reading a few recent threads on here about aftermarket shocks, so I figured I'd get into the mix. I've never been overly excited about the ride of my 4Runner since day one, but I bought it for the reliability which has been absolutely awesome. I finally got those Revos off my truck and went with the Michelin Cross Terrains and that helped, but I'm still looking to improve the ride comfort of my truck. Yes, I realize it's a truck, but in no way shape or form does mine (or from what I've heard most of the 3rd gens) ride like a Tahoe or even an Explorer for that matter. I'm tired of interstate expansion joints, small imperfections in the road, and small potholes shaking and vibrating the whole truck. There's got to be a solution. One guy mentioned that he went with the Monroe SensaTrac shocks and it made an improvement. Anyone else have experience with them? I know the Bilsteins offer more control and cornering, but I'm not really that interested in either of those. Besides that, the Bilsteins are even firmer than the OEM shocks. I'm looking for a smoother, more comfortable ride. Am I barking up the wrong tree here? Should I be looking at aftermarket coils or is there an aftermarket shock that can make this 4Runner ride much more comfortably? Thanks guys.

Matt

 

hey man go get some rancho rs 9000's their awesome.9 position adjustable and worth their weight in gold.you can also get a kit ,where you can adjust them from your seat.

 

With a 3" Cornfed spacer up front, my OMEs make the ride better than stock

I have Procomps in the rear with AAL and that's a bit harsh - feels funny when I drive over speedbumps fast

 

I don't think there is anything much out there that will ride better/smooth than the stock shocks on the standard suspension.

Forget Bilstein if you are looking for a s m o o t h ride.

Now, if you lift it with new OME springs, it rides so smooth it's crazy. If been to many offroad meets with 4Runners, and anytime I get into someone's lifted truck with OMEs, I cannot believe how cushy it rides. Most would think a lifted truck getting ready to tackle the raw offroad wouldn't be so smooth and cushy.

 

The BEST ride and even beats bone stock new stuff is Tundra TRD Front Coils and some Downey Rears. Do some Tundra Coils by themselves for 1.5" of lift, then do the downey 2.5"/1.5" Rear Coils that should give you about 2" or so. Match those with some OME N91s Struts up front with OME N86 Struts out back. That will be the SMOOTHEST ride you can get. It will KILL the original suspension, especially one with ~120k miles like yours.

 

Does OME offer a coil that doesn't lift the truck?

Matt

 

I have the Monroe SensaTrac's w/ 2" cornfeds and it is a vast improvement over stock. The Monroe's also have more travel than the factory Tokico.

 

I don't believe they do but you can install ome comfort shocks to inprove the ride also check your tire pressure. If it is too high, your ride will be much firmer.

 

Terryjmatthew,
Could you elaborate a little more on "vast improvement over stock?" What improvements have you seen/felt? Thanks.

Matt

 

Paul H,
I haven't heard of those OME comfort shocks. Got a website that I can go to and read up on them?

Matt

 

It Doesn't feel like the front end is bottoming out when going over speed-bumps.
That was my biggest complaint about the OEM stuff.
Come down to Auburn and drive it.j/k Unless you are ever in this area.

 

Terryjmathew,
Do the Monroe's help to dampen all those small imperfections in the road, or does your truck still rattle and shake when driving down the interstate and hitting expansion joints/small potholes?

Matt

 

I wouldn't say it eliminated them, but it did make them less noticeable.
I only replaced the fronts, so I still get a little jarring from the rear.
I say go for it. BTW I bought mine from Advance Auto Parts for $60.00 ea (frt)

 

Thanks Terry.

 

How many miles does your truck have?
My Tokico's were shot at 70K.

 

I have the same ride problem exactly that you described. First, I thought about replacing the stock shocks with Bilsteins, but I did not because Bilsteins are high pressure and they will give more harsh ride than factory. After getting many opinions and comments, I decided to get the Tokico Trek Master shocks for my rig because they are low pressure. After they are installed, I can tell you that the ride quality is greatly improved. When I travel over small imperfection or potholes on the road, I can still feel them but it will not shake the 4runner from side to side or bouncing around like the stock shocks. What the Trek Master shocks do is when they hit a pothole, they will rebound very quickly back to original state so you don't feel that shaking or bouncing which means a smoother ride.

 

I think if you went with the 880's and the 906's that you'd be only like 0.5" over stock and still have a great ride.
No matter what you run the OME shocks are a must have in my book.

 

Yep, definitely on a 3rd gen. That is what I had on mine...OMEs. About $125/pair from 4x4rockshop there in Bham.

 

I second the tirepressure comment. This can also be extended to choice of tires.
I have bilsteins and they only made the ride more firm, but a recent tire change made a huge difference. Unfortunately, my new tires are Revos which I know you had issues with (they made the truck drive smoother though).

 

Fs8459, thanks for the input. I'm gonna send you an email. As far as tire pressure, I'm running them at a cold pressure of 32 psi. They are Michelin Cross Terrains. I appreciate all the input guys. Thanks.

Matt