I see Lifts, I see Drops but I don't see recommendations for comfortable suspensions

I did some searching around and 3" lift is by far the most common thing I see, I see a few drops here and there but I'm not seeing any recommendations for a comfortable suspension on a 1st Gen Pre Runner. Anyone have some input on this?

 

What could be "Comfortable" for someone might not be comfortable for you. Everybody's feel of rides are different.

 

@ Rakso, agreed. I'm looking for long drive comfort. I spend about 4 hours driving a day driving. I understand I'm not driving a cross over and I am in a truck but there has to be some info for that.

 

I'd say stay away from spacer lifts. For the front there's plenty of coilovers setups available. I'm not sure if they make lift spindles for 1st gens.

 

How do you know what you have needs replacement? Not saying it doesn't, but 1st gens I've been in/driven in stock form were much firmer feeling than 2nd gens. Part of that was probably the seat too (which seem flat and hard to me?)

Do you hit bumpstops? Particularly in the rear, from sagged leaves?

 

For hwy driving, stock suspension is the most comfortable.

Tires make a big difference in comfort, too. Get a "standard load" aka P-metric tire with softer sidewalls if you want a cushy ride. LT tires give a harsher ride. The higher the load range, the worse the ride.

There are people (like me) who prefer firmer springs to reduce dive when braking and reduce roll when turning, at the expense of ride comfort when driving steady in a straight line.

 

@Clearwater Bill , Zero Idea if they are due for replacement or not. Ride just seems rough over all. I am expecting some new seats at some point but they are coming from a 02' so I doubt the comfert level will be better. I don't think I'm hitting bump stops hard and I don't see any sagging. Just trying to see where I can make some improvements. Right now I'm rolling on some Hankook Dynapro HT tires and those made a world of difference vs what I bout the truck with a few weeks ago.

 

X2 on the tire comments

 

Thanks @KenLyns , def keep that I'm mind. Right now I'm about 100% sure the shocks are not stock as they are red.

 

hey bro do u want a snorkel

 

?? No

 

KYB might make a nice shock for your truck. I liked the gas adjust shock but the GR2 might be nice, too.

 

Agree!

On my last little (non truck) ride I increased the spring rate about 3x over OE and there wasn't much negative impact in the straight line cruising. But I also had 15 click adjustable dampers to tinker with, and ran a fairly light wheel/tire combo on the street.

OP, retaining full travel of the suspension is another big factor. Preloading coils is a bad ride quality idea. And over stiffening the rear leafs is as well, if you're not a hauler.

Before you install your new seats, visit an upholstery shop. A high end one. One that can build custom seats, not just install seatcovers. Ask what could be done to keep the seat firm, yet improve it's ride quality. Sometimes just reshaping the foam over the springs will make a big improvement. Or installing a higher grade of foam.

 

Yep. Could be a good choice. A little while ago I noted that my 108k Highlander was hitting the rear bumps when I had rear seat adults or a fair amount of cargo. I ordered KYB replacements from Rock Auto, with new tops/mounting hardware. The ride is restored to original. It remains to be seen on their longevity, but I'll have it long enough to know.

It's amazing how we lose perspective of what the ride 'should' be when the deterioration is slow to occur over a long period of time. Sorta 'frog in the pot' like.

 

OP, look at the KYB GR2.

Edit What is this Excel G shock KYB has? Could be good.

 

I'm running 4Runner front springs with Bilstein 4600 series front and rear. Nice ride and front sits level with the rear. Rides so smooth my wife won't let me drive it.

 

My stock suspension with 182,000 miles on it was very road comfortable. It was like a '77 Caddy floating and softly bouncing down the highway.

Had I known... I would have saved it for you

 

I don't know about a floating Cadillac ride but thank you for the sentiment.

 

Get some King coilovers with #550 springs.