Ok guys,

I know there is a ton of info on this subject, but I can't find anything that is as specific as the info I need. I want to add some height to my '07 SE (yes, it's 2wd, don't give me too hard a time, my last 4R was 4wd, but rising gas prices and college tuition, you all know that story...), or possibly upgrade the whole suspension. So I have a little extra money right now and I'm tired of having a stock ride. Here's what I do. I go back and forth to school (pre-vet) and drive out at the barn, which is through a bumpy off-road pasture. I'm convinced the pasture is the reason my '02 4R was never correctly balanced, but I haven't had any problems with my '07. I haul 1,000-2,000 lbs or hay every other month or so, but the distance isn't too far. Other than that, I don't haul much else. Here comes the issue...

I can get a set of all 4 FJ springs from a 2011 Trail Team FJ with only 23 miles on them. However, there are no struts. Is this an issue? Do I need the FJ struts to use on my 4R or can I just retain the same ones that are on there now?

Here are my options. If I don't need the FJ struts to go along, I can put those springs on and add a lift, either the daystar 2.5/1.5 or maybe a truxx 3/2. I can do this and retain my X-REAS until it craps out, I have 68,000 miles on it now. I can do all this for around $500-600 with parts, labor and alignment. The other option is ditching my X-REAS and getting either a full OME kit, preferably with a small lift as the light stock OME only raises the it 1''. Or I could get the Toytec Ultimate 3'' lift package with adjustable coilovers. I could get the OME with parts, labor and alignment for around $1200 and the Toytec for, well, more...

Gah, why so many options!? I really need to figure out whether or not I can use these FJ springs without the FJ struts and go from there, but what do you guys think? I'm really looking forward to gaining height, a better ride and less nosedive!

HELP! thanks! - Cat

Myself, like most here, have been through several suspension setups. I'm on my fifth one now. I went cheap the first couple of times because I was in college and on a budget. In the end, wish I would have spent the money the first time and been done with it. Best advice I can give is choose the setup based on your needs and then work your budget around that.

Based on what you say, the FJ coils on stock shocks is a great setup and would fit your needs. If you've got low miles on your 4runner (under 75k), I'd probably suggest using the 2011 FJ coils on stock shocks (yes it will work). That's a good setup many have used (including myself). Also, with the towing, you may want to consider adding air bags to the rear, they would really help.

OME and coil over setups are very nice, but from the sound of it may be overkill for you. You're needing a smooth/controlled ride over rough terrain. The stock shocks with FJ coils will do that. The downfall is that with the OME and coil over setups, you'd gain added flex which could help over the larger stuff. Doesn't sound like you see much of that, so again, probably overkill.

If you haven't, I suggest reading the suspension sticky at the top of the 4th gen section. I tried to outline the various setups and the advantages/target audience for each.

BTW, welcome to T4R.org!

Thanks! So I guess I don't need the FJ struts then? Sounds like a plan. I will just wait until my shocks or X-REAS goes bad and then change out to the nicer, "overkill" suspension! :-)

Now to decide which lift to go with. Local guy said the Truxx is better than Daystar... I've seen pretty much every option on this site, just have to bite the bullet and pick one. I realize I will get some lift form the FJ springs alone, especially since I have a 2wd.

Oh, and I have read and reread your write up on suspension, very nice! It just never said if you did or did not need the FJ strut to go along with the springs.

My next move is going to be a grill mod. I should have the lift complete pretty soon since I already have the springs available, just have to order the lift and get it installed. Can't wait, I will post pics the second it is finished!

IMO most all the name brand spacer lifts are on the same level. I wouldn't say any are better than the other. Main difference is material, but even then both have problems. Some report aluminum spacers to make noise, others report poly spacers like daystar sag over time.

As long as its a name brand, buy based on lift lift amount and price. Tons of guys here run the daystar with no complaints.

Thanks, I'm not too worried...

I don't mean to sound dumb, but there's only one way to learn, and that's to ask a question. Why would some people use the struts from a FJ along with the springs as opposed to the ones already on their 4R if you don't have to? Is their any benefit?

No dumb questions here. Some do it because its a cheap way to replace a worn suspension. Others do it because it can be considered an upgrade, and here's why. The 4runner (non xreas) and base model FJ are both equipped with very similar Tokico shocks. Performance is similar. However, the TRD and Trail Teams FJ are equipped with Bilstein shocks. These are a nice upgrade over the Tokico shocks, so some swap for these.

I will mention that only 2007-2009 shocks are a direct swap. The newer ones require some minor modifications to fit. Also, you will want coils from a 4wd fj cruiser.