Swappin my OEM suspension to FJ Cruiser suspension

James_T · Sep 19, 2009

Hello everyone,

I just took delivery of my FJ cruiser suspension parts, and this is going to be my first large DIY project...or so I hope.

I'm not very "suspension" inclined, so I was hoping you fellas had some input to assist me

What tools do I need to remove and swap the suspension? Would it be advisable to just sorta put the stuff in the way I took the OEM suspension out? Or is there a guide to showing me how to do this?

Also, can you fellas point out in the photos which parts go to which (front/rear), and do I happen to be missing anything?

Or, in the end, would it just be more sensible for a complete newbie to just go to a shop and have it professionally done?

Cheers,

James

Noloc · Sep 19, 2009

Ok.. first picture.. left two coils are for the rear. Right two coils are for the front. On to the shocks.. left two front, right two rear.

You should probably take it to a shop if you're not to sure about it as you can damage other components in the process if you're not too careful or skillful. The rear is much easier than the front. You have to watch the brake lines though.. too much extension on the axle and you'll break those lines. The fronts are more involved.

Uneek · Sep 19, 2009

You will need a spring compressor as well to install the coils on the front shocks.

Does your Limited have X-REAS? If so and you want to save the X-REAS for returning back to stock, you will need to disconnect hydraulic lines from the shocks at the correct locations. They are not to be disconnected at the shock.

XREAS pdf, page 3 shows the various disconnection points of the lines because each segment of the lines are prefilled with the hydraulic fluid.

Member Run'n'Gun has a write up of his suspension install.

James_T · Sep 20, 2009

As far as I can tell, my 4Runner does not have x-reas.

Had two more small questions before I decided to proceed:

What are those 3 washers and 4 rubber objects used for, and I was reading Run'n'Gun's write-up, and it seems like he was able to remove and replace the rear springs without a compressor. Is that correct?

Noloc · Sep 21, 2009

That's right.. you don't need a compressor for the rear coils.

Check this link out...it's a diagram of how everything is put together. http://www.toyodiy.com

RPC · Oct 23, 2009

I know its been a while since this thread first appeared but I just came across it and have a question:

Why switch your OME suspension out for stock(?) FJ stuff? Is it just that rad or what?

Will_4R · Oct 23, 2009

rpcowan said:
I know its been a while since this thread first appeared but I just came across it and have a question:

Why switch your OME suspension out for stock(?) FJ stuff? Is it just that rad or what?

I think he was switching out OEM (origional Equipment Manufacturer) rather OME (Old Man Emu).

mmjmeade · Oct 23, 2009

first off you will need to take your shocks off you runner. you will need the top plate. this will have to be done with a strut compressor. other then that is realy not that hard. jack the truck up , on stand. you will need to loosen the sway bar from both sides. you also have to remove the upper control arms from the knuckle. you will have to carefull you dont ruin the boot and WATCH the asb line you DONT PULL IT TO FAR.

the rear is pretty straight forward. remove the shocks , remove the springs. install the new springs and shocks. just recheck everything after some driving.

the small parts in the pic look like sway bar end link bushings ( not 100% sure) i just did an fj swap and i didnt have those part.

you are going to love the new look and feel. good luck any questions just ask.

RPC · Oct 23, 2009

Ah, right!

But still, why replace it with FJ stuff?

simple · Oct 23, 2009

As a complete newbie, I installed my cornfed 2/1 with my dad (also a noob). Its not hard, you're just going to need patience, an extra set of hands, and the right tools. Check out my post on this thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=51273&highlight=haynes&page=2
You can download the entire repair manual which will help a lot. Take a look at the suspension PDFs because you will find pictures of the schocks and how they are assembled on the truck and the proper torque settings for each nut.

Also here is the cornfed instructions
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=52008&highlight=cornfed+instructions

I think it might only be the front, but that is by far the hardest. It should give you an idea of how to take apart the front. I've taken my suspension apart quite a few times on my own, and I've never seperated the Upper Control Arm, because I don't feel comfortable taking that apart, so its not necessary, but it will make taking out/putting in the front strut a bit of a puzzle.

The rear is rear is REALLY simple, take off the sway bar, and pry the lower shock mount off with a pry bar/tire iron and hammer it off/on if its stubborn for the last few millimeters. Take off the top, and slip in the new shocks and springs. When you are installing the springs, take careful note to make sure they are seated properly in the groves of the strut and axle.

Thats all I can think of as far as tips and tricks that I've done. If you don't have the tools you can rent them with a refunadable deposit from autozone.

Good luck

zon · Oct 23, 2009

rpcowan said:
Ah, right!

But still, why replace it with FJ stuff?

Because you can get a decent suspension upgrade on the 4R for pennies on the dollar. I picked up an TRD off road suspension set from a 08 FJ on ebay for 80$!!, complete with 1000 miles on it. It dramatically improved the ride of the 4R and gave me a bit of lift as well. Now the 4R feels a bit more "truck like" with the firmer suspension which I like. and all for 80$. That's why.

James_T · Oct 23, 2009

Aye, I'm planning on doing it this sunday, been piled up with too much work lately. I'll be sure to take lots of photos.

wyorca · Aug 2, 2010

I am considering taking this route.

Any before/after photos?

12guns · Aug 3, 2010

You'll LOVE the new ride quality. I've done my rear (managed to support the rear and lower the axle low enough to force the old out and new in w/o removing the sway bar, but it's not as easy).
I would NEVER go back to the stock springs on the rear. I don't have hardly any sag like I did w/ my stock springs when towing stuff.
I have not done the front on mine yet, but plan to. The most important tip I can give you is to make sure you get the right and left springs on the correct sides, otherwise you'll be wondering why you're leaning too much on one side! Me and another member found that out the hard way! The taller springs goes on the left or driver's side. Good luck!

camdz · Aug 18, 2010

12guns said:
You'll LOVE the new ride quality. I've done my rear (managed to support the rear and lower the axle low enough to force the old out and new in w/o removing the sway bar, but it's not as easy).
I would NEVER go back to the stock springs on the rear. I don't have hardly any sag like I did w/ my stock springs when towing stuff.
I have not done the front on mine yet, but plan to. The most important tip I can give you is to make sure you get the right and left springs on the correct sides, otherwise you'll be wondering why you're leaning too much on one side! Me and another member found that out the hard way! The taller springs goes on the left or driver's side. Good luck!

Is there any way to tell which springs go on which side after they are mounted to the shock/strut? I remember seeing something about the distance between the coils, but I cant find it now. I already have the FJ suspension on my 4runner but have always wondered if I did this right. It leans just barely, but I cant tell if its because of the additional weight or if they need to be flipped. Im adding a spacer lift in a few days, so now is a good time to double check.

Edit-After more searching I found the thread I was looking for. This tells you which color goes on the drivers side.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ng-fj-springs-shocks-today-cant-tell-r-l.html

Flyer · Aug 18, 2010

{Sigh} I'm just going to find someone to help me or a shop to do it. I'm just not very mechanically inclined and things will go south. Hopefully, I'll get a reasonable quote.

Swappin my OEM suspension to FJ Cruiser suspension

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