@Bluesky 07


I thought I was all set as far as materials needed for the 3rd gen Taco suspension swap to 4th gen 4runner, UNTIL.....


I read a post by @ChildrenOfBodom

link How To Press Shock Bushings In and Out


"I see folks using the 9.8108 which is a 1.125 OD hourglass... it's really not recommended that someone use hourglass bushings in straight eyes. The bushings werent made for that, they are meant for hourglass shaped eyes.

Take, for example, most OE replacement rear shocks, the lower eye... those are almost always hourglass shaped. For those, 9.8143 is a perfect fit for OE Toyota shocks and most OE style replacement brands.

Source: I work for Energy Suspension and am completely familiar with these products"

and then posted later

"Bingo bango, Energy Suspension part # 9.8140 fits the bill. Fits standard straight eye (as the Bilstein has), .750" ID, 1.5625 overall length.
"

Here are the demensions I found

9-8108G = 1.438 in. Long, .750 in. I.D., 1.0/1.125 in. O.D.
and
9-8140G = 1.563 in. Long, .750 in. I.D., 1.063 in. O.D.

I know Bulesky, you have been useing the 9-8108G (hour glass style) with no issues so far, so why change, correct? But in terms of longevity is the 9-8140G something to consider?

I'm tempted to purchase both since they are relatively cheap, first try with the flat bushing, if it doesn't work out then go with the hr glass one. What are your thoughts?

Shan

Very interesting. What that poster says makes perfect sense. I remember pressing them in and thinking that the shape was odd b/c it didn’t really seem made for the straight eye. But that’s what everyone else was using so I just shrugged it off. I looked at the recommended part on Amazon & my only concern is the lip on each side. As long as the lip is outside the eye on each side, that one seems perfect.

Good catch & thanks for answering the question I was asking myself about whether to try reusing my current bushings or buying new with the 2020 Tacoma setup I’m getting. I will be ordering the straight bushings.

Anyone know if Bilstein 6112's follow the same height adjustments? Looking at 6112s as a potential option in fronts..

I'm hoping someone can add some insight to my situation.

I'm looking to lift 2-2.5" in the front. I am looking at the Ironman4x4 kit as it's a good deal right now.

Their performance springs advertised as 2" lift for 4runner:
Material Diameter 18mm
Free Height 375mm
End I/D 66/76mm
Spring Rate 145(N/mm)
Spring Rate 827(lbf/in)

Comfort springs advertised as a 1.25" lift for FJ:
Free Height 380mm
End I/D 66/76mm
Spring Rate 106(N/mm)
Spring Rate 606(lbf/in)

The spring rate for the performance coils is way higher and I don't have any additional weight in front or plan on adding any. Since the free height is slightly taller on the comfort coils can I expect to get around 2" out of them? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Does anyone know the free height of the stock coils?

STOCK v6 coils 16mm x 100mm/115mm x 345mm - 7.75 coils - 3.7kg - 580lb/in

@Bluesky 07

Just a quick update on my suspension upgrade

- xreas delete

- 2013 FJs coils front and back
- 2020 tacoma bilstein 4600 shocks with ( Energy Suspension 9.8140G Shock Bushing Set)
- 2020 tacoma UCAs (plug and play, fits perfect)
- Prothane greasable sway bar bushing front and back
- energy 98105G sway bar link bushing
- KYB SM5640 strut mount top hat

lift (messured from center hub to wheel well)

before:
FL - 19", FR -19"
RL - 21 1/8", RR - 21 1/2"

after (basically 2" up front and 1" in the back)
FL - 21", FR -21"
RL - 22 1/8", RR - 22 1/2"

Ride and steering control has improved significantly. No more bouncing around like a boat when hitting uneven roads. Almost no nosedive when coming to stops. Much less lean while turning corners.

Very happy with the results. Thank you T4R forum, couldn't have done this without you guys.

P.S. have not gotten a alignment yet...not sure if I should drive it and let it settle a bit first or align it right away. Thoughts?


-

Hello, I am looking at a take off set of springs and shocks from a 2020 5th gen TRD off-road. Does anyone know if these shocks are twin tube or monotube? I am trying to decide if it's worth it to pick up this set or just wait until I can upgrade to 5100's and OME springs.

I got Bilstein 5100’s 4 years ago because my shocks were blown. No regrets!

Nice! Glad that worked out. I got my 2020 Tacoma gear and am working up to the install. Just got the old bushings out. I got the straight replacements and while they're not in just yet, they definitely look like a better way to go than the hourglass. Thanks again for that tip.

About the alignment, I'm not only no expert, I don't know much about such things but my gut says get it done sooner rather than later. With that said, if someone knows differently, I love to learn! ;-)

What method did you use for removing the old bushings? Haven't tried all of them yet, but looking at renting a pitman puller.

Glad you asked because I forgot I meant to post about that. The Pitman puller method is definitely the easiest imo and I’ve used it twice now. Be sure to get this one (Autozone p/n 27022). It’s the smaller of the two that they rent. The “jaws” on the larger one are too wide.



Also, be careful when the sleeve bushing gets close to coming out. It can launch out of there when it suddenly comes free.

Here’s a close look at the straight replacement bushings (Energy Suspension 9.8140G) discovered by @shan1841 . Note that one side has a flared lip to aid installation. I expect to get the bushings in within the next few days & will post about that.

Good stuff, that was my next tack to avoid going medieval with a torch just yet. Already have the 9.8108Gs on hand, so will give those a shot. If any issues will get the 9.8140Gs down the road.

I was thinking of getting these red TRD shocks from a 2007 FJ Cruiser on my 2003 4Runner V8....


1. Do you think I can use the OEM stock springs from my 2003 4Runner or from the 5th gen 4Runner and would I still be able to keep the factory height? I do not want to raise the car more than .5". I prefer to keep the factory height.

2. Can I reuse the upper mounts from my 4th gen 4Runner or do I have to use the upper mounts from the 2007 FJ?

Attached Images

 

If you plan on using your stock 4Runner springs, I don't see an obviously reason why they wouldn't work with the TRD FJ shock. The shock isn't going to lift the ride, the springs you choose will do that. The top hats shouldn't be a problem either. From what I've read earlier FJ suspension parts are interchangeable with 4th gen 4Runners.

Perhaps, but that's an error imo. The springs are a critical part of the suspension and yours have been hauling a 4,500 lb. SUV for 17+ years and God knows how many miles. Springs aren't expensive (relatively speaking) and I knew if I used my OEM springs that I'd drive around wondering how much better the ride might be if I'd just sprung (ha!) for some new ones.

People always obsess over what shocks to get, and they're definitely important, but springs are too.

Next we'll talk about bump stops. ;-)