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If you've been thinking about upgrading your suspension but aren't sure what you'd actually be paying for, you're not alone. So what actually changes when you go from stock to an upgraded suspension kit like the Old Man Emu MT64s?
What's "stock" on a 6th Gen?
It depends on your trim. SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium come with Toyota's standard shocks, good for everyday driving, but not so great when you hit the trails. Limited and Platinum have a system called Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts on the fly but is still tuned for comfort over capability. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium trims feature Bilstein shocks, and the TRD Pros get a high-end FOX setup.
For many of the lower trims, you’ll see an immediate change from stock to an upgraded suspension. With the TRD trims, it might not be as apparent unless your rig is modified. Here are some changes you’ll see.
1. A Noticeably Smoother Ride
Ask around, and the same word keeps coming up about the MT64: plush.
Stock suspension is a compromise by design. The kit is built to perform on a vehicle straight from factory, not one that has been modified. On the opposite side, the MT64 is a 2.8" aluminum body, noticeably bigger than the stock shocks, with digressive valving that's tuned to handle bigger hits.
The little details add up too. Our shocks have double-bonded rubber bushings at the mounting points to cut down on the noise and vibration that make it into the cabin, and a hydraulic end zone top out (basically a built-in cushion near the top of the shock's travel) soaks up hard hits before they ever reach the frame. That means less clunking, less vibration, and a noticeably quieter ride overall.
2. Better Control When it Gets Rough
Absorbing a hit is only half the job. A shock also has to control the rebound, which is how quickly the wheel comes back down and settles after. Stock kits aren't built to do that under load, so push them over rough terrain, and the truck starts bouncing without easily settling back down.
The MT64 controls rebound with a 64mm (2.5") internal bore, larger than stock and the Bilstein and FOX setups on TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. A larger bore means more surface area inside the shock to generate damping force, which is what actually slows the wheel down and keeps it from bouncing right back up. It's paired with a 22.5mm (7/8") hard chrome piston rod, thicker than a stock shaft, so it can take repeated hard hits without flexing. The result is a tire that stays planted on the ground, which matters even more once you've got the truck loaded up for a trip.
3. Adjustable Lift
Stock suspension gives you exactly one ride height, and that's the end of the conversation.
Our MT64s use a 6-position snap ring system on the spring seat that lets you dial in anywhere from 0 to 3 inches of lift depending on your setup.
4. Built to Hold Up Over Time
Stock shocks start to "fade" (lose effectiveness) when they're overworked. The MT64 uses a monotube design: a single tube divided by a floating piston into a fluid section and a gas section, so the oil never mixes with the gas and starts foaming the way it can in some designs. That means more consistent damping and better heat dissipation, so the ride doesn't get soft and wallowy over time.
What it costs
- Front shock: $729.95 each
- Rear shock: $410.95 each
- Full kit: $2,565.65–$2,961.75, depending on lift configuration
- Full kit with upper control arms: $3,245.60
Already running MT64s on your 6th Gen? Tell us what you think. Ride comfort, first impressions, how they've held up-we want to hear it! And don't forget to drop some photos; maybe you'll get featured on our socials!
Still shopping? If you're weighing the MT64 against another kit, ask us why the MT64 might be the right call for your build.
Bottom line
Upgrading from stock to the MT64 isn't just a lift; it's a gain in ride quality, control, and durability, no matter which trim you started with. If you're daily driving your 4Runner and want it to feel genuinely better on every kind of road, or you've got trips planned that would push your stock suspension past its limits, the MT64 is one of the easiest upgrades to justify.
Have questions? Drop them below; we’re here to help! And if you're ready to make the switch, head to our website to check out the full MT64 lineup for the 6th Gen.
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