pmesfun

Does this sound like a good idea? Seeing as the GX is heavier the spring rate of the 4Runner will be lower possibly giving a softer ride in the rear. We don't use it for towing or travel with passengers, just daily driving on very bad roads.

ASE

This sounds like a wild guess approach. You need to research the spring lengths and spring rates and compare. Understand that ride height is determined by both spring length and spring rate.

If you do go with a lower spring rate in the rear, I recommend you install Timbren bump stops given a lower spring rate will bottom out more easily ... so while you may solve one problem, you may create another.

If the roads are that bad, is spring rate really the problem ? ... possible that the anemic stock bump stops are allowing too much energy to translate into the frame when the suspension bottoms-out ... happens even with some speed bumps at low speed. Timbren bump stops may be your best (and easiest) first step ... and then work backwards to the springs if even necessary. The Timbren "Active Off-Road" would be best for your purpose versus their load carrying bump-stops.

skrypj

You might be surprised, a stiffer shock or spring may actually be better.

i have Bilstein 5100’s on my F150 that are a bit stiffer than the stock shocks and the ride is significantly smoother because it controls the body of the truck so much better.

robert1408

Even if the ride height was ok, there is a real safety concern here. A GX460 has a high roll center that requires the stability control system to prevent a tail out slide that increased the chances of a roll-over in a hard evasive turn. When the GX460 came out in 2010, there was a stop sale order and recall because of this. Any softer springing would increase body roll to some degree. In my experience, an avoidance maneuver at highway speed is a scary experience in a GX460. I believe softer springing is not safe on these vehicles.

ASE

Agree ... unless has KDSS to control body roll. The GX suspension is too lardy already without further dumbing down the springs.

pmesfun

Thanks for the replies. I will replace the shocks soon as they are original and one was leaking for sometime last year.