OK, I've owned the 4Runner less than a week and I'm getting my upgrade itch started. I'm running on the stock suspension, so I'm sure the shocks will fail at some point in the not too distant future. I like doing things right the first time and prefer to repair/replace wear items before they fail or wear out.

Right now, I'm trying to focus on the suspension question. The issue I face is that my 4Runner needs to be a jack-of-all trades. Maybe that will prove impossible to reconcile, but I'd like to give it a shot.

I'm looking for a suspension system that will allow me to run 33 inch tires (or their metric equivalent). It must also have road manners that are the same as or better than stock. Harsh or stiff is really not what I want. I'll also be adding a TJM-15, so some way of dealing with the weight is key. I will be going off-road, but am not looking for a rock-crawling suspension. So I can compromise in that aspect, though clearance is still important.

In a perfect world, it would be height adjustable, so it can grow with me. That suggests coilovers, but I hear that the Donahoe coilovers (the only ones I know about) are fairly stiff. The Sonoran Steel option looks good, too, but I'm not sure how it rides.

So, assuming money is no object, is there an off-the-shelf system that will meet my needs of 33 inch tires, a heavy front bumper, while maintaining good road manners?

Thanks much,
MadCityRich

 

what kind of runner do you have....

 

Go with Sonoran Steel Kit #1. Its the best offroad and has great street manners, frmo what I have heard. I am installing mine in two days, so I will let you know how it rides.

 

ss1 rides great. right now i dont need the best kit, but i knew that one day i would... so i went and bought the best.

next week im going thru and replacing/greesing my bushings, and i reccomend while you are underthere, you do the same.


anyway, i love steve's kit, and steve is an awesome guy!!! my truck rides better than it did when i bought it ( little over 3 months.

 

Ditto......with what you mention, this is your swiss army knife setup.
http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co..._liftkits.html

.......although I'd go for SS #7 myself.

 

Can't read my mind?

It's a 2002 Limited.

SS#1 seems to be getting the most thumbs up. Any others?

MadCityRich

 

See my post above....

 

adjustability = coilovers. ,but not as good for rock crawling. If coilovers, only bother with donahoes.
Sonoran steel is well respected and has the consensus of most everyone for being the best riding and best offroad.

 

SS#1 and love it.

 

An option worth looking into.... https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f57/toyteclifts-com-100720/

 

IMHO - Donahoe or better yet a LT setup (Total Chaos etc).
Stiffer might not be as good for rock crawling, but is far better for DD / on road use.

 

I love my Donahoe Extended Coilovers. They ride awesome. Don't sag with ARB bumper, Warn xp 9500, SCr. Adjustable. If you catch air...it lands nice. Flex is excellent. They are the best IMHO.

I'm also running: total chaos A-Arms, limit straps, diff drop, OME 891 springs, OME hd shocks. I have around 30k miles on it now... the ride has not changed.

Flex pic... right after lifted B4 tires: