Aftermarket suspension options to improve ride quality (TRD ORP)

[4jogger]

I'll start a separate thread this weekend, but just wanted to post here that my opinion seemed to be correct that the problem with the OR Red Bilsteins was primarily the rear axle. This may also be the case with other 6th Gen models that have similar ride issues. I put on a set of Fox Performance Series 2.5 rear shocks (P/N: 987-24-058) by myself in about an hour. The ride is so much better. The car is isolated from the road and the rear axle like it should be. I would say 80-90% of that "constant vibration", or "jittery" feeling is gone. The rear end feels much more like my 5th Gen now. It just feels planted and more isolated. Before anyone wants to start a debate on how its possible that replacing two shocks can solve more than 50% of the problem, I will say this - compression damping is what controls unsprung mass. On a 4Runner rear axle, that mass is several hundred pounds. If the compression damping is wrong, there will be serious problems. I won't make the final determination until I go on a long trip, but as of now I am so happy with it I may do anything to the front suspension at all.

How much did this cost

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[PierceVonCloud]

How much did this cost

I got them from Poly Performance for $347 each with free shipping. Installation is pretty easy if you're comfortable jacking up a 4Runner high enough for the rear axle be at full droop. Good jack stands are a must.

 

[porkyfly]

I got them from Poly Performance for $347 each with free shipping. Installation is pretty easy if you're comfortable jacking up a 4Runner high enough for the rear axle be at full droop. Good jack stands are a must.

Did these change the rear ride height at all? I'm thoroughly confused why the factory shocks are DOA, considering they are upgraded bilsteins. Also wondering why the ride quality was not fixed for 2026 model year.

I agree with your observations about the crashiness/jitter being 80% in the rear. Keep us updated about the combo of Fox rears, factory Bilstein front.

 

[PierceVonCloud]

Did these change the rear ride height at all?

The springs dictate rear ride height, not shocks. Remember that in the rear, the shocks and springs are separate. Edit - If you see rear shocks saying that they are for 2" (for example) rear ride height, it just means they have a longer compressed length for vehicles that have had their ride height lifted. Fox's 2.5 rear shocks are a direct replacement with no change to the vehicle besides damping that actually works. They accommodate ride heights from the stock height to +2". They are larger in diameter but they still just bolt in. Very simple affair.

 

[porkyfly]

The springs dictate rear ride height, not shocks. Remember that in the rear, the shocks and springs are separate. Edit - If you see rear shocks saying that they are for 2" (for example) rear ride height, it just means they have a longer compressed length for vehicles that have had their ride height changed. Fox's 2.5 rear shocks are a direct replacement with no change to the vehicle besides damping that actually works. They accommodate ride heights from the stock height to +2". They are larger in diameter but they still just bolt in. Very simple affair.

That makes sense. Did you have to support the rear axle when changing the shock or just let it full droop? Did the car's handling dynamics change at all?

 

[PierceVonCloud]

Did you have to support the rear axle when changing the shock or just let it full droop?

Lift the rear of the vehicle with a jack under the rear axle. I put a treated wood block between the jack pad and the axle housing. Support the frame on both sides, just in front of the trailing arm pivots. Then let the rear axle droop. You have to be high enough so that the tires aren't touching the ground at full droop. This is a pretty serious lift that puts the rear bumper WAY up in the air. Use a good jack. Use really good jacks stands, block the front and back sides of the front tires and only do this on level ground. Work on one side at a time (i.e., don't take both tires off). Put blocks under the side you're working on in case something happens.

Did the car's handling dynamics change at all?

Besides the jittery ride on certain roads, I've thought the dynamics of my 6G ORH were generally poor. Rolling around a corner with no throttle or braking - poor. Slight braking into a corner - poor. Applying throttle out of a corner - very poor. With the Fox rear shocks, all of these traits are so much better. I like Bilsteins in general, but for whatever reason, the OEM 6G red Bilsteins are absolutely horrible on this truck. The ride and dynamics are now very close to my 5G OR, which I was very happy with. I'm sure Fox 2.5 or King fronts would make it even better, but I'm very happy with it with just the Fox's in the rear.

 

[4jogger]

Lift the rear of the vehicle with a jack under the rear axle. I put a treated wood block between the jack pad and the axle housing. Support the frame on both sides, just in front of the trailing arm pivots. Then let the rear axle droop. You have to be high enough so that the tires aren't touching the ground at full droop. This is a pretty serious lift that puts the rear bumper WAY up in the air. Use a good jack. Use really good jacks stands, block the front and back sides of the front tires and only do this on level ground. Work on one side at a time (i.e., don't take both tires off). Put blocks under the side you're working on in case something happens.



Besides the jittery ride on certain roads, I've thought the dynamics of my 6G ORH were generally poor. Rolling around a corner with no throttle or braking - poor. Slight braking into a corner - poor. Applying throttle out of a corner - very poor. With the Fox rear shocks, all of these traits are so much better. I like Bilsteins in general, but for whatever reason, the OEM 6G red Bilsteins are absolutely horrible on this truck. The ride and dynamics are now very close to my 5G OR, which I was very happy with. I'm sure Fox 2.5 or King fronts would make it even better, but I'm very happy with it with just the Fox's in the rear.

The dynamic ride of the sr5 is actually quite good. For a truck it handles corners pretty well in my opinion. Its just over square edge hits it feels pretty rough, more so in the rear. I think the stock OR shock tune should be a bit different than the stock sr5 tune.

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