For many off-road enthusiasts, building a vehicle is an ongoing journey. Every upgrade teaches you something new about your driving style, your vehicle, and the terrain you enjoy most. That has certainly been the case for Ian and his 2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium, especially when it comes to choosing the right 4Runner Ride Shocks.
Ian, also known as @aloha4r, entered the off-road community in 2020 and quickly found himself drawn to two very different disciplines, technical rock crawling and high-speed desert driving. As his experience behind the wheel grew, so did the demands he placed on his suspension, especially regarding his choice of 4Runner Ride Shocks.
Upgrading to Ride Shocks
Like many off-road enthusiasts, Ian started with a more budget-friendly suspension system. While it served its purpose, he eventually reached the point where he wanted better ride quality, more control, and greater adjustability.
In December 2025, Ian upgraded from his previous Ironman 4×4 suspension to a complete Ride Shocks suspension system.
“The difference in performance and overall ride quality was immediately noticeable.”
The upgrade wasn’t just about improving off-road capability. Because the 4Runner is also his daily driver, maintaining excellent on-road comfort was just as important as improving performance in the dirt.
Fine-Tuning with the DPA Adjuster
One of Ian’s favorite features is the Ride Shocks patented Dual Piston Adjuster (DPA), which allows independent adjustment of both high-speed and low-speed compression.
Rather than being locked into a single suspension setting, Ian can quickly tune his suspension for different driving conditions.
“The Dual Piston Adjuster has given me the flexibility to dial in the suspension for a wide range of terrain while still maintaining excellent on-road comfort.”
Whether he’s commuting during the week or heading into the desert for the weekend, adjusting the suspension only takes a few clicks.
Put to the Test in Johnson Valley
Shortly after installing the new suspension, Ian put it to the test in Johnson Valley, one of the country’s most demanding off road destinations and home to the legendary King of the Hammers, widely regarded as one of the toughest off road races in the world.
From rocky terrain to high-speed desert sections, the suspension delivered exactly what he was looking for.
“The system performed exceptionally well, soaking up rough terrain, maintaining stability through desert whoops, and providing improved vehicle control in challenging conditions.”
The custom tuning gave Ian the confidence to drive faster and tackle more difficult obstacles without sacrificing comfort.
Built for Every Adventure
Ian’s 4Runner isn’t a dedicated trail rig. It’s a vehicle that sees daily commuting, weekend adventures, and everything in between.
That versatility is exactly why the Ride Shocks system has been such a valuable upgrade.
“The ability to quickly adjust suspension settings through the DPA system has been a game changer, making it easy to transition from daily commuting to aggressive off-road driving.”
Whether the destination is a local trail, a desert run, or a technical rock-crawling obstacle, Ian can fine-tune the suspension to match the terrain.
Looking Ahead
Ian has no plans to stop exploring. With Johnson Valley already under his belt, he’s looking forward to pushing both himself and his 4Runner even further on future rock-crawling trips.
For him, the experience goes beyond installing parts.
“Off-roading is about more than modifying a vehicle—it’s about exploring new terrain, developing driving skills, and embracing the challenge of tackling obstacles that test both driver and machine.”
After more than 8,500 miles of daily driving, desert runs, and technical off road trails, Ian has put his Ride Shocks suspension through real world conditions. His experience has shown that the system delivers the comfort needed for everyday driving while providing the confidence and performance required for serious off road adventures.