Hi all,

Happy New Year! About to embark on a New Years Day project to replace the front struts on my 2006 4runner. Glad I did some searches and wanted to confirm some things before I begin.

Working with a 226K mile suspension. I had previously installed a Daystar 1" leveling spacer on the front to give the truck a more level look.

What I'm understanding is that many who have installed the KYB Strut-Plus setup are finding that the truck naturally levels, without the need for the spacer. It seems some who have installed the spacer too find the front way too high afterwards.

Since I don't want to do this twice, what is the consensus about the KYB Strut-Plus and ride height? If I'm seeking a near-level look, and not planning to do anything with the rear, should I leave the spacer off when I install?

Running plus-size tires at 265/70/17.

Thanks!

Can't answer specifically about that exact setup, and you may know this already, but the front end geometry doubles the result of your lift additions. So your current 1" spacer provides 2" of height. Say your KYB provides 1" (number for example only, have no idea the actual), the spacer would make that 3". That would account for people finding that a spacer lifts the front way too high.

I think either the KYB offers a slightly higher ride height (same unit used on Tacoma, FJ, and 4runner) or the rest of the suspension and springs (rear) being so worn gives it the appearance of level because the front is restored to proper height.

Will know shortly. I chose to install without the spacers.

I had to remove the front spacers after a bit. When I'd tow or put any weight in the rear, I'd be nose up. I prefer the slight rake of the spacer rear plus KYB up front.

Update:

I installed without the spacer. It doesn't look quite as high or level in the front as it did with the old strut and spacer, but I'm glad I did it this way. I assume I would have been another couple of inches high in the front if I did, and it would definitely be nose-up.

Interesting comparison between the KYB springs and the OEM springs. Though the struts are the same length, there are more coils on the KYB springs which I'm sure affect the ride height and the firmness of the ride.

Stole a picture from another user to show the difference...

Attached Images

 

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Hi, just now seeing this and wanted to give some info on installing the KYB on my 08. I posted in some other threads a couple years ago with before/after pics, I got about a 1.25-1.5" lift in the front going from 140k mile XREAS shocks, very happy with the height & ride on a mostly street driven 4runner, rear is stock springs that sit good, front is close to level but not quite, i prefer a slight rake too.

I talked to KYB before buying to get some info, they said the shock valving and springs are about 10% stiffer than OEM. With a lifetime warranty teh KYB were a easy choice for me... 3+ years later they are doing great.