SumoSprings or Timbrens? Which is Better for a 2023 Toyota 4Runner 

Today we’ll compare SumoSprings with Timbren SES suspension upgrades. As you will discover, a SumoSpring is no match for one of Timbren’s Aeon® rubber springs. That’s why Timbren SES helper springs are the best choice for Toyota 4Runner helper springs. 

What is a SumoSpring? 

At first glance, SumoSprings look a lot like Timbren Aeon® rubber springs. 

When a great idea turns up, everyone wants a piece of the action! That’s why there have been several companies that have tried to imitate Timbren’s products. They have all tried to improve on the original but with little-to-zero success. 

SumoSprings is one such product that entered the market back in 2010 under the more-established brand of SuperSpring. As a new product based on the Timbren SES model, it was a weak copy of the original. Instead of using a natural rubber compound like Timbren SES, SumoSprings are made from gas-infused, microcellular polyurethane which is a fancy word for ‘foam’!  SumoSprings come in basically three shapes, sizes, and densities. 

Due to the properties of polyurethane (foam), SumoSprings are perfect for vibration isolation but not durability. As we’ll will soon notice, springs made from polyurethane have limited use. 

How does SumoSpring compare with Timbren SES suspension upgrades?  

SIMILARITIES

There’s really only one similarity:  Just like Timbren SES, SumoSprings replace the original bump stops on the vehicle. In other words, they mount to a Toyota 4Runner the same way as Timbren SES suspensions for trucks. 

DIFFERENCES 

1. SumoSprings are not recommended for use in the super-cold winters of the Northern States and Canada. Timbren’s rubber springs, on the other hand, can handle extreme temperatures - hot or cold - anywhere in the world. 

2. SumoSprings aren’t meant to handle heavy-duty and severe-service applications. Timbren SES are particularly useful for severe-service applications. 

Price comparison: 

• SumoSpring SSR-623-40 @ CAD 278.99 - rear kit for 4runner

• Timbren SES # TORSEQ @ 316.90 rear kit for 4runner 

Which is better for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner? 

SumoSprings doesn’t recommend using their products in extreme climate conditions, like the super-cold winters of the Northern States and Canada. Winter weather causes gas-infused polyurethane SumoSprings to become brittle and break down. Timbren’s rubber springs, on the other hand, can handle extreme temperatures - hot or cold - anywhere in the world. 

Not only that, SumoSprings aren’t meant to handle heavy-duty and severe-service applications like 5^th wheel trailers and truck campers. Timbren SES has over 400 kits that are engineered to custom fit virtually every vehicle that rolls off the assembly line. They’re particularly useful with severe service applications like truck campers, tow trucks, dump trucks, and aerial devices. 

You can take your Toyota 4Runner anywhere in the world in any environment, and still be guaranteed maximum safety, stability, and reliability. 

Should I choose Timbren SES for my Toyota 4Runner? 

As we noticed earlier, SumoSpring products look similar to Timbren SES products, but have a very different practical use. That’s because of the material they are made from:  

1. Timbren springs are made from natural rubber

2. SumoSprings are made from gas-infused polyurethane (foam) 

• Timbren SES products can be used in the coldest weather without breaking down and falling apart.  It’s not recommended that SumoSprings be used in below-zero weather. 

• Timbren SES products provide maximum stability for severe service applications like car hauling, tow trucks, 5^th wheel trailers and truck campers. SumoSprings provide excellent ride quality for RVs but aren’t able to improve stability on a severe-service application. 

Without question, Timbren’s Aeon rubber spring technology is more reliable than springs made from foam. That’s why SuperSprings - an expensive copy of the Timbren original - are no match for Timbren Aeon® rubber spring technology. 

In order to understand why Timbren SES are superior to SumoSpring, you need to understand two innate characteristics of an Aeon® hollow rubber spring - used in every Timbren SES product: 

1. Progressive spring rate

Unlike metal springs that have a linear spring rate, Aeon® rubber springs have a progressive spring rate, a rate that increases as more weight is added to the truck. 

2. Hysteresis (self-damping)

Unlike metal springs that need shocks to absorb the energy created when they compress, Aeon® rubber springs are self-damping, able to absorb the kinetic energy by themselves.

These two characteristics offer some unique advantages: 

• Their progressive spring rate means they automatically adjust to the load, preventing sag and squat

• Increased stability (reduced roll and sway) when towing or hauling super-heavy applications 

• Self-damping means they act like a shock absorber providing the smoothest ride even with the heaviest loads

• A soft, quiet ride empty or loaded

• Prevents damage to your suspension

• Installs quickly and easily

• Reasonably priced

• Comes with a Lifetime Warranty & a 100-Day Money Back Guarantee

As you can see, SumoSprings are no match for Timbren SES rubber springs!

For more information about Timbren SES visit Timbren.com