It is just me or.....

is the ride comfort in the 4Runner terrible? I've own a 95 and a 96 and I sold the 96 just because the ride was terrible. When we would take my car I was constantly apologizing for the rough ride. I'd look in my rearview mirror and peoples heads were just boucing around. I don't remember my 95 being that rough. But then again I only had it three months before someone decided to run a red light and broad side me.

If you are used to driving a car or car-like SUV then the ride of a Runner will definetly come off as being a bit harsh. As with any trail oriented SUV, which are based on truck frames, street performance is sacrificed for offroad ability. My advice, sell the 4Runner and get yourself an Escape, a RAV4 or CRV OR build that Runner into what she was meant to be a hardcore four wheelin' rig.

i don't think the 4runner was meant to be a hardcore 4x4
it's more of an on road SUV, not off-road`

Perhaps the '00 and '01's are a little too "nice" for wheeling. However, he was speaking of a '95-96, which I have personally seen take some abuse. My comment meant only that the runner was built on a truck frame. Thus, don't expect a 4000+ lb truck to handel like a car.

dog

Thats true...my mom has a 00 4Runner and the suspension is very stiff...But i still love driving it..:p

jeeps ride much smoother, my friend had a 93 cherokee, haha the only problem is its a unibody :( way puss, If wonder why the ride is rough read the name 4 runner, as in 4wheel. its rough to take the abuse, I have your not going to beleive this, 320,000 Miles on my runnner, and Im still out on the weekends whoopin it up on jeeps and broncos, Watch out for the old broncos, they are pretty badass.

to me the 4Runner rides is just fine.. i prefer driving it over my honda accord too :D

guys, you may want to read this.

outdoorwire forum (http://www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=94&t=000801)

:flipa: The 4Runner is one of the few "trailworthy" SUV's left. How many SUV's can you get from the factory with 31's, a rear locker, the ground clearance of a 4Runner, as well as it's off-road prowess? Not many at all. Unfortunately, the grocery getter, soccer mom type SUV has begun its takeover on the market. My only hope is that the 4Runner never falls into its grasp. Maybe you would be better suited in a Highlander or Avalon.
It's too bad you don't like the ride of your 4Runner. I love the ride of mine - always have; even before the lift. But then again I prefer the ride of a truck.

-Ace


http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v0/7/51/8/28175108miHfUzaeSZ_ph.jpg

ok, tough guy, whatever you say.

So, lets hear your view/opinion on the 4Runner.
-Ace

Why? So all your off roading buddies can criticize my opinions, like on your forum, and spam my email.

I don't think so. Try picking a fight with someone else.

O MY GOD! Ace you are the only person here that may know what the hell your talking about. The rest of the jokers prob couldn't pick out a real trail rig if it were parked on their ricer!

bluez28guy,
Just trying to spark some conversation and give my opinion on what I feel is a very trailworthy truck. Many seem to be paranoid about doing that. To each his own - that's how I feel. I love my Toyota trucks - always have. Not trying to rag on anyone, just get some good discussion and opinions sharing going on...it's a very helpful way to get information spread through this forum.
-350cid/435HP 4 Bolt Main Crate Motor huh? Good Lord! Wouldn't mind having that puppy in my '91 mini. Of course, I'd end up trashing my whole rear end and drivetrane at the first mash of the pedal. :eek:
Later,
-Ace

whoa,its been a long time since the last post. But ill give my opinion anyway. The 4runner is probably one of the few standing TRUE to life off roaders. A 4runner could take almost anything. I mean i wouldnt go offroading in a tornado or try to jump a 30 foot cliff into 10 ft deep water. But you can try and tell me how it was,and dont forget to get pictures. But as Ace said If you dont like the truck like ride than buy a puss car based SUV. I mean personally if i were older and had a fam. I would def. buy a Highlander or a Rav4. But i mean SO many people are used to a SUV riding like a car and being able to handle like a car. But in actuality a 4Runner is meant for "good'' on road performance and with SOME mods not alot can become an awesome off road performer. But stock 4runners could also whip a shitty jeep any day.

PLUS, your Runner got tboned by another car. That right there could do somethign to the frame and suspension. Damage to Frame + Damage to suspension = Notta good ride.

i loved my 95 4runner, i thought i was badass when i first got that suv, but now i finally upgraded my 4runner to the 2003. i feel even more badass on the road, i got the v8 sports edition package so it has the hood scoop, and i just added yakima racks. love the ride on this bad boy, and i cant wait to give it a push, its still brand new, so i cant really push it just yet. i'll have a picture posted hopefully next week, so when its up, just let me know what you think!

laters!

man, i have a 89 4runner sr5 with the 3.0 liter and the 5 spd. i love it. the ride is sweet and it is one of the best offroad vehicles i have found in stock form. i love it. anyone that disagrees can suck a dick or something. later.

Wow it has been a while since I've been here. The ride I was complaining about was the ride from the back seat. As the driver it never felt that bad. But from the back seats it was horrible. My 95 never had this kind of harsh ride. Maybe due to the fact that they changed it up in 96. Now with that said. I do agree that the 4Runner is a perfect trail rig. I never said it wasn't. I've also found out that some billies and some new coils can help the ride out tremendously. I thought I would have found some of this info from this forum, but instead I received bashing. Anyway, I ended up buying another 95. I put some downey coils on it with some billies. The small lift is nice, and it has a nice look with the 32's. I was going to buy an ARB bumper, and some sliders to go with my surco rack, but I've decided to sell it soon, and buy a FJ80 with factory lockers. I want to go with a 5" OME lift with 35s but I think it might cause me to have more suspension work done later, so I think I'm going to stick with the 3" lift with 33s. I here the berfs are a small problem with the 80s depending on if you lift them right or not, as well as other small issues. Anyway, Thanks for all the help. It's been useful....LOL