Since my wife has a back problem, I wonder if anyone can advise me how to get
a softer rider out of the "03 4 Runner? I know you tigers feel that is contrary to
nature of the truck, but I have to deal with this problem. Is replacing the tires or the shocks the answer? Have any of you been sucessful in overcoming this harsh ride
in previous models?... or at least improving the ride?

Unfortunately, it's still so new, I don't know if too many people have experimented with that. My ride was smooth in both my 95's. But in 96 the ride got rough. At least in my 96. It damn near beat the passengers up. My friends never wanted to take my truck. Which made for great savings in gas, but still. You might want to check into a stiffer shock. Maybe your shocks are too soft, causing the bone jarring effect. That would be my guess. I'd hate to take the gamble with out other peoples experience, because some places won't let you return a used shock. But maybe you could be that guy who's tried it. Good Luck.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought for a soft ride you wanted softer springs that would absorb more bumps (assuming they rig doesn't bottom out). Stiffer springs will lift the rig, and generally give better handling, but they won't soak up the bumps as well, correct?

I don't think anyone is making soft springs for your runner yet. Another solution would be to install softer shocks, low pressure such as Old Man Emu but i am not sure if they make them for your year. Try to keep tire pressure around 32psi and use soft tire compound.

artmul:

I think the only way you'd get a softer ride would be to get softer springs and shocks. Unfortunately, since our 4runners are too new, you will not be seeing any of these items on the shelves for atleast 6-12 months. Figure if the lift parts are not out yet, don't expect to see any softer suspension parts to be available.

sorry <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> I hope your wife can live w/ the semi soft ride of the 03. Hopefully some mfg's will have some items up sooner. Try lowering the psi on the tires down to like low 30ish. That might help to soften the ride up considerably.

Other than that, I'd say you're out of luck for now.

Artmul,

Do you have the XREAS suspension on your SR5?? If so, then consider switching out the monotube shocks to the standard twin-tube softer shocks.

If you have the standard SR5, then you don't have much choice now. But, definitely, check your tire pressure and make sure it is consistent with what the driver's door jam says.

Good Luck.

air shocks on your seat! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Either that or have her ride in a 1st gen 4Runner with leaf springs and then get back in the 03!

<small>[ July 03, 2003, 12:42 AM: Message edited by: Adam F ]</small>

Hi Artmul
My wife have just recently gotten over a serious back injury (herniated disc). She really had problems with driving any car for 6 months or so. Since softer shocks are not available yet for the '03 4runner I can suggest is getting her some pillows at a back store (like Healthy back) to give her better support. This might be the easiest and cheapest solution.
Carsten

Maybe air shocks on the rear axle... At least in the 3rd gen when I run about 80lbs in the rear air shocks, the ride on rough roads and trails improves noticeably.. See "X-Linked Shocks" link below....

This however may be due to the 3rd gen using the rubber "spring" cones/bump stops inside the rear springs. I think the ride deteriorates when the rubber cones starts making contact with the rear axle... The air shocks help keep the rear axle further away from these cones and, with the shocks carrying a little bit of the overall weight, the springs are in a more extended position which feels softer on bumps...

Don't know if 4th gen uses same type rubber cones in rear or not.....

<small>[ July 03, 2003, 02:32 PM: Message edited by: Dandeman ]</small>