Suspension Help - 4Runner

[jgleas114]

Looking to order a 4Runner TRD Off Road in the coming days, but I don't know what suspension to go with.

During the week, it will be a daily driver, e.i. back and forth from the office, driving around clients, etc.

During the weekend it will be a warrior. I do a lot of hunting, fishing, camping, and plan to increase my overloading activities.

I hail from the Jeep world, so outside of shocks, I know ZERO about an independent front coupled with a solid rear...

Please Help!

 

[Louiston]

Greetings
I've got an FJ that I'm in the process of modifying as I want to do an Alaska trip next year. If I'm not mistaken,, your 4Runner and my FJ are built on the 120 series platform. With that being said, I use my FJ for the exact same things you are looking to use your 4Runner for.
With IFS, I'm looking at something along the lines of the Icon Stage 2 lift kit that has beefier springs/coil overs, Upper Control Arms are also included as "most of the time" they are needed to align the front end and maintain suspension travel after installing the lift. Understand, I'm trying to keep this shorter than a book, . The wonderful driving qualities of the IFS are slighty offset with the need to do this type of stuff when loading them heavily or looking to build them up for Overlanding.
The TRD package is expensive. Confirm its load capacities with say the "Off Road" version. You'll probably be money ahead (a lot of money) using an aftermarket high quality lift and achieve better results in the end.
Weight is the biggest Overlanding enemy, and a lot of vehicles suffer badly for it when the owners don't take proper precautions in vehicle prep and/or load it up carelessly.

I'd drive that beautiful 4Runner for 6 months or so and do some homework on the wants and needs you require. One thing is for sure, you are going to love the 4Runner. Off the showroom floor it is a very capable vehicle as I'm sure you're well aware of.

 

[jgleas114]

Thanks for your input!

My understanding between the TRD Pro ($44,000) and the TRD off road($37,000) is that the Pro have a "better" suspension, but it's not a $7000 better suspension.

For this reason I am going with the TRD off road. It is virtually the same as the 16 Trail edition.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[MBroenkow]

TRD Pro and TRD Offroad both have locking rear diffs, crawl control, and terrain select- but different philosophies around their suspensions. Inside however they are the same (as long as you're getting the TRD Offroad Premium).

The TRD Pro has the (old school/purist) factory long travel suspension and sits about 2in taller from the factory than the other models. While it does come in the special color (this year I think its Cement) and nice wheels/tires, its also produced in far fewer numbers so dealers are going to rape you on the price.

The TRD Offroad has the option of the KDSS suspension (although here on the west coast they all seemed to have it). KDSS is basically computer controlled hydraulically actuated sway bars. On road, the body hardly leans at all in corners. Offroad, it articulates much more than the lift would suggest, and I've heard it can reach a wheel down a little bit if its off the ground. KDSS suspension can be lifted up to 2 or 3 inches, while the X-REAS suspension found on the 4Runner Limited (AWD) model, can not be lifted (maybe spacers can be used?). Note though that the MSRP listed on the Toyota site of $37,xxx is not the Premium, which starts at $39,xxx. I got out the door with my '16 TEP (different name, same model minus the embroidery on the seats) at @ $41,xxxx. BTW, the Premium trim is totally worth the price especially if this is going to be a daily driver. I've also yet to come across an obstacle that I could not get past easily*.

*EDIT: Ok, thick drifts of heavy wet snow have proven to be insurmountable. : (

 

[jgleas114]

TRD Pro and TRD Offroad both have locking rear diffs, crawl control, and terrain select- but different philosophies around their suspensions. Inside however they are the same (as long as you're getting the TRD Offroad Premium).

The TRD Pro has the (old school/purist) factory long travel suspension and sits about 2in taller from the factory than the other models. While it does come in the special color (this year I think its Cement) and nice wheels/tires, its also produced in far fewer numbers so dealers are going to rape you on the price.

The TRD Offroad has the option of the KDSS suspension (although here on the west coast they all seemed to have it). KDSS is basically computer controlled hydraulically actuated sway bars. On road, the body hardly leans at all in corners. Offroad, it articulates much more than the lift would suggest, and I've heard it can reach a wheel down a little bit if its off the ground. KDSS suspension can be lifted up to 2 or 3 inches, while the X-REAS suspension found on the 4Runner Limited (AWD) model, can not be lifted (maybe spacers can be used?). Note though that the MSRP listed on the Toyota site of $37,xxx is not the Premium, which starts at $39,xxx. I got out the door with my '16 TEP (different name, same model minus the embroidery on the seats) at @ $41,xxxx. BTW, the Premium trim is totally worth the price especially if this is going to be a daily driver. I've also yet to come across an obstacle that I could not get past easily.

Thanks, boss.

So are you suggesting I go KDSS and not a lift kit?

What brand lift would you suggest ?


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[MBroenkow]

Well, I'm not really suggesting anything. I just wanted to clarify the differences of the various suspensions. : ) EDIT: ok, I suggest KDSS so you can lift if you want to later on.

I liked what BrewsterII mentioned about driving it for 6 months to figure out whats going to be right for you. I'm holding out on a lift until I figure I really need it, and I'm not there yet. Nearly everyone of my Toyota friends has KING suspensions though, so I'll prolly look at those first when the day comes. In the mean time, I have a race car I need to get on the track!

 

[BobG]

TRD Pro and TRD Offroad both have locking rear diffs, crawl control, and terrain select- but different philosophies around their suspensions. Inside however they are the same (as long as you're getting the TRD Offroad Premium).

The TRD Pro has the (old school/purist) factory long travel suspension and sits about 2in taller from the factory than the other models. While it does come in the special color (this year I think its Cement) and nice wheels/tires, its also produced in far fewer numbers so dealers are going to rape you on the price.

The TRD Offroad has the option of the KDSS suspension (although here on the west coast they all seemed to have it). KDSS is basically computer controlled hydraulically actuated sway bars. On road, the body hardly leans at all in corners. Offroad, it articulates much more than the lift would suggest, and I've heard it can reach a wheel down a little bit if its off the ground. KDSS suspension can be lifted up to 2 or 3 inches, while the X-REAS suspension found on the 4Runner Limited (AWD) model, can not be lifted (maybe spacers can be used?). Note though that the MSRP listed on the Toyota site of $37,xxx is not the Premium, which starts at $39,xxx. I got out the door with my '16 TEP (different name, same model minus the embroidery on the seats) at @ $41,xxxx. BTW, the Premium trim is totally worth the price especially if this is going to be a daily driver. I've also yet to come across an obstacle that I could not get past easily.

That's a very good explanation... Thanks! I've also got the TEP, love the handling and the moonroof.

 

[GSDforLife]

As mentioned by other members in this thread, it seems that you are paying a lot more for the Pro suspension. I bought a new 2016 Trail Premium last year with KDSS. I love it. Bought a BOSS suspension lift from Toytec and having EVB in Connecticut install everything and reset the KDSS (keep in mind this will have to be done). Parts, labor, alignment out the door under $3K. Should be done by god end of the month. Good luck.

 

[totalnobody]

Just pick'd up a 2018 4runner TRD Off Road Premium w/kdss

Chose this over the PRO for a few reasons I will go with my top 2

1. as mentioned in thread not seeing 7k difference in the suspension upgrade
2. No moon roof avail. for PRO

most everything else seems same same except obviously wheels.
so I went with off road P figured I would throw suspension under it after we got t out a few times and see how it does.

I have had it 5 days and have made 5 mods

today is day 6 haven't decided what I am getting into tonight

 

[Cuse Runner]

I would recommend the Trail or the Off Road (new name). It has the sunroof, 7.5” wide wheels, not the 7” Pros, and can get KDSS (do not need to reset with lift as mentioned above—if you paid extra for it being reset,ask for refund).

Drive it off road and see what you want to improve, change or like. Personally, I wanted my front end lifted to avoid always hitting it, I wanted to be able to pack up 4 adults and our gear and not have a reverse rake (I feel bad for those vehicles).

I drove my vehicle for a year all over MOAB, Ouray, and new what I wanted, but didn’t know what brand or shop. I looked over every forum and website I could about different suspensions and new what my budget was. I drove around to 3 main shops to chat about what I wanted all in the same week. I went to RSG, Toytec, and Slee. In the end I went with Slee and this is what fit what I wanted.

Do your homework and remember, this is your vehicle and only you know what you want. What we all say is how we came to where we are now and hopefully we help each other get the best answer to your question.

 

[Ramay]

I am in the same boat as jgleas114. I have had Jeeps in the past, got carried away and ended up with overbuilt rock crawlers. I sold my last Jeep in '15 when I had to move to Atlanta (it wouldn't fit in the condo parking garage...) and haven't really done any back country exploration for almost 3 years. I recently picked up an '18 TRD Off Road as I felt it would be a better vehicle for my needs to build an overlanding rig. That said, I have no experience with this platform.

I plan on adding a SSO slimline front bumper and winch which will add a little over 100 lbs to the front over stock. I have an off road teardrop that I will be pulling as well with a fully loaded tongue weight of around 200 lbs. I'm really not looking for much overall lift. At most, around 2" lift in the front and 1" in the rear would be what I'm looking for. I would just like to remove most (not all) of the rake from the factory and possibly go up to 275's when I need new tires. I know that this is really specific but anyone has any experience or recommendations for a setup like this one, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Cmel06]

Just my thought and experience.

I have a 2011 trail edition with KDSS, which I believe is the same as the TRD Off Road (at least in suspension). The first think I purchased were the rock sliders (150lbs) because of the area, and they totally saved my butt a few times. Drove around stock for 3 years taking it through the Sierras and Nevada dessert with no problems (other than pinstripes), as well as driving 35 miles to work and didn't hurt the wallet too bad. Once I did the Icon stage 2 and roof rack (150lbs) I lost at least 30 miles to the tank and was spending around $250 on gas per month. I love the truck with the lift, but the gas and jumping in and out of it in a suit made for an uncomfortable daily driver. Also, made it awkward when I gave coworkers a ride. Luckily I was able to buy a little Jetta for a daily and even with a small monthly payment I'm spending less per month.

As mentioned above, I know people that went with the Pro and regretted it after they decided to upgrade the suspension.