Rough Riding(suspension) '00 4runner 2wd

[Lars]

All,

My wife has a 2000 4runner limited that is 2wd with the 3.4l and auto tranny. 80k miles. She has had it since new and the ride wasnt always 'bad'.

The ride is extremely poor. Small bumps in the road are felt. Larger bumps will jolt your whole body. Sometimes it feels as if the suspension is bottoming out.

Can anyone recommend a smooth riding suspension upgrade? Is there a quick way to test if the shocks are bad?


Thanks!

[FlatlandTRD]

Originally Posted by Lars

The ride is extremely poor. Small bumps in the road are felt. Larger bumps will jolt your whole body. Sometimes it feels as if the suspension is bottoming out.

I'm a little confused, because at first it sounds like things are bound up, but the bottoming out would indicate the shocks are shot. Push down on the vehicle at all four corners to see how long the suspension cycles (it shouldn't). Look at each shock to see if there's evidence of oil leaking from them.

There's coil springs at all four corners, and if the shocks aren't dampening the ride, they need to be replaced. Might also check your anti-sway bar end links, could be broke.

As for recommendations, most will tell you bilstein. But for a smooth (never off road vehicle) ride, monroes would probably suffice. I would go with soft OMEs, IMHO. Good luck.

[cackalak han]

I've heard good things about Tokico Trekmasters. Also, OME soft shocks were said to be a bit TOO soft. I'd go medium. Bilsteins are a bit too harsh for bumps. They ride nice, but tend to be stiff. Monroe Sensatracs got good reviews, too.

If you're doing this yourself, have a sawzall handy for the rears. The top nut SUCKS. I just cut it off after an hour of fiddling.