Read this thread a few times,finally pulled the trigger to upgrade the tired suspension in my 2003 V8 SR5. Went with Bilstein 5100 all 4 corners 2015 FJ takeoff springs X4 and a steel 1" rear coil spacer. Not wheeling just occasional beach driving. Dont mind a small rake would prefer level but definately dont want a negative rake! My question is where to set the front Bilsteins at? 1.75 or 2.5?
Ive seen people set them at 2.5 with a 1.5" rear daystar spacer and have minimal rake. Havent seen anyone use a 1" rear?

thanks
Jerry

I did 2.5 up front and a 1.5 spacer up front and my rig looks quite level with no visible rake. And it looks really good. plus im running 285/70/17 tires. But only downside is that my speedo is off by 5mph. So at 50mph im really doing 55. other then that it looks great,

03V84R, I could be wrong, but I think RedRum means he put a 1.5 spacer *in back*, in which case, yes, that would work with the 2.5 front setting. Interestingly, I set my front to 2.5 and with the Moog FJ springs (no spacer), which I think are sprung at a little higher rate than the Toyota OEM FJ springs, I got an even look on my 2003 V8. At the wheel wells, the rear of my rig is nearly 1/4 inch higher than the front, so it looks even, but at the running boards the front is nearly 1/4 inch higher. So, the frame is slightly negatively raked, but to the eye it looks level.

I can tell you, however, that for the way it looks and especially how it tackles tough off road trails, I am really, REALLY happy that I set it to 2.5. With your oem fj springs and the 1 inch rear spacer, I would think you would be happy with setting it to 2.5 and still not get a negative rake, but that's a decision that you would have to make.

rugger

Thanks for the info. Ive set it to 1.75 and Ill see how it looks after it settles.Ill keep you posted.

cheers

OK,here she is. 2003 V8 SR5, 146K. 2016 FJ coils and 5100's. Rear 1" coil spacer and front set to 1.75. New shoes also,2016 FJ TRD Trail Edition 17x7.5et15mm wheels and 255 75 17 Duratracs. Love it! Alignment next.Then a rack.

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That looks pretty damn fantastic. Nicely done. I really like the TRD wheels and tire combo. My truck is black and I am seriously pondering putting out the cash for some matte black 4runner TRD wheels. I meant to put a pic in my earlier post so you could see the outcome, but forgot, so here goes.

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Yours looks great as well! Im a big fan of OEM quality wheels, most people remove them and put black wheels on that arent as well built, heavier and not as well made. I looked and looked but couldnt find a better deal that the OEMs I picked up. Also black wheels are so common now,I wanted to be different.Dont forget to post pics when you get the TRDs.

Here is a decent pic of mine after the 2.5 lift in the front and 1.5 DS spacer out back. And FJ cruiser 4x4 springs all around. I plastidipped my wheels black because they looked like shit when i got my truck. I cant afford new wheels right now =/. I am gona get darker tint on my windows, blacked out tails and smoked out headlights. And if things work out ill try and attempet MDX led jewel projector retrofit instead of the traditional HID projector retro. anyways my rig sits even as we speak with my 285/70/17s on its just a little raked looking because of the way my driveway is at my business.

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Does anyone else hate how harsh the rear springs are offroad? Even loaded down it sucks, will likely be switching to the Toytec Superflex

I didn 't know this and would like to know more about the issue, if anyone would care to explain...Thanks.

But it was b/c i wasnt using the OE coil isolator so it was metal to metal..

Tossed this up in a couple other threads as well, came across this one and thought it might be helpful to some and maybe someone can provide some insight.

5100's set at .85 on the front, stock springs front and rear w 265/70/17 Nittos on TRD Pro Matte Grey wheels.

The roof line looks about right and the steps measure out pretty even but the front end still looks a touch low to me and I have about a 1.5" difference in height from the ground between the front and rear fender wells (center line of the wheels), plus the Nittos rub pretty good. I pushed the inner fenders forward which helped but was thinking about bumping up to the 3rd ring, still concerned that might be too much w the stock springs and no rear lift.....

Considering doing either a .25" or .5" ToyTec spacer on the front for just a little more.

Any experience/input much appreciated!

I have 5100's with stock springs. I definitely recommend bumping it up to third ring but also getting a 1.5 day star spacer for the rear. I am super happy with it, however I am wondering if upgrading the springs at some point is worth it. It rides like smoothly so I am hesitant to upgrade at this time.


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Well,Ive had a little time behind the wheel of my 4Runner after my suspension upgrade,5100's with 2016 FJ springs, truck handles ok,suspension is a little too compliant for what I was hoping for. It could partially be a function of the tires contributing to the feeling also. I upgraded to a set of 255 75 17 Duratracs also. If I had to do it over I probably would have sourced a set of OME coils instead. The Bilsteins do a fine job keeping the ride controlled/dampened.Just my $0.02.

OK I'm apologizing in advance for the "explain it to me like I'm 5" nature of this post but here it goes... Dealership said I need new struts and of course quoted me an astronomical price. I'm mechanically inclined and have access to all the tools and patience (as well as a helper) I can need.

I have a 2003 Limited V8. Of course I have the X-REAS system and air suspension in the rear. I want to scrap the X-REAS system because my money tree out back hasn't bloomed yet.

Based off my research I THINK I want to go with the Bilstein 5100s all the way around and then replace the stock springs/air bags with Moog springs. I've attached photos of what I've got sitting in my shopping carts online. Have seen that I'll want to replace my tie rod ends due to the likelihood of damaging them in the process of swapping everything out. Am I missing anything?

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