I have a 2004 SR5 V6 4X4 with 145,000 miles. My suspension was worn, so I decided to replace the springs and shocks/struts.

My goals: A better ride (increased stiffness without being jarring). I think stock 4Runners look low, almost station wagon-ish, so I wanted a minor lift (nothing crazy). Aside from aesthetic reasons, I also wanted a slight increase in clearance for off-roading. I don't off-road for the sake of itself, but as a means to an end. Hence, I didn't have a need for the highest tech suspension.


After much research, I decided on Old Man Emu suspension parts. OME is perfect for my needs. I went with 884 springs upfront and 895E springs in the rear. For the struts/shocks, I went with their nitro sport line. Sorry guys, I won't be able to post pictures for a good while, but I thought some of you would like to hear about my experience with the 895E springs and nitro sport shocks, as both seem rather rare around here.

First of all, I've read from many sources that the nitro sport shocks are stiffer than OME's regular nitro shocks. I've also read many complaints about the stiffness of OME shocks. Immediately after installation, the ride on my 4Runner was rather truckish, but even then it wasn't that bad. After 2,000 miles, the ride is absolutely gorgeous in all conditions. My theory: it's not the shocks that are too stiff, but the fact that people are putting 895 springs in the rear without any additional weight. The 895E spring is more heavy duty than stock, while appropriate for stock weight vehicles. The 895 spring is designed for vehicles with constant additional weight.


The lift was about three and a half inches up-front and three inches in the rear, and it has settled about half an inch all around. It is very aesthetic. It looks level without being nose-high (if anything, it keeps just a touch of rake, which is perfect IMHO). The ride is great, whether on the road, in the dirt, or over bumps. It sways less in turns, and nose-dive is gone during breaking. The willowy feeling is gone and there's an appreciable stiffness in the ride, yet it doesn't have the harshness of an unloaded pick-up truck.

I moved from the Lake Tahoe area to Bozeman, an 800 mile trek. I had about 800 pounds in the car, and was towing about 3,000 pounds. The suspension did just fine. Even with all the weight, it still didn't sit as low as a regular 4Runner. The trip also helped settle the suspension.

In conclusion, I am very happy with this suspension. It doesn't stand-out as a lifted truck, yet it doesn't have the low look of our stock trucks. I certainly couldn't go back. I'm already very used to it, and stock 4Runners seem even lower than before. This is the way they should have come from the factory. For the record, I'm running 265/70/17 tires, which look great. The stock tire size may look a tad small, but I had the 70 series tire before the install, so I'm just guessing.

Pictures below. Please note on the third one down, the truck is sitting on a bit of an incline, which makes the truck look nose-high. The truck is level. Tire size is 265/70/17

Thx for the detailed write up - still deciding on my suspension.

That is a good setup, pretty much what I have: OME884 Coil Springs in front with OME 9000's and OME895 Rear Springs with 6004's. Some people do think it rides like a truck which I consider a good thing.

Best Bang for the Buck IMHO !

I think the 895 spring is perfect for those loaded with extra weight, or those wanting a more truckish ride. But I'd suggest the 895E spring for those wanting a 2 inch lift with stock weight, while maintaining a comfortable (albeit more stiff) ride.

are the 884 supposed to lift that much in the front?

Please post pics!

I agree, I have the same setup except I'm running the 885's in the front as well. Getting a bumper soon and it should be perfect that way.

Zach

Good call, thats what i have too. Should have came like that from the factory

I just went out and measured again to be safe. Yes, the front (884 springs) is three inches higher than it was before the lift. Mind you, I had 143,00 miles on the factory springs, so they were no doubt sagging.

The 895E springs have given me about 2 1/2 inches.

What is your hub to fender measurement? Also, I didn't see it mentioned in your post but you do you have the topout spacer as well?

I was under the impression 884s lifted around 2.5" max, not taking in to account increased lift due to possible suspension sag of course. I'm about to lower my lift down and a ~3" lift from the 884s would be great.

Keep it mind, I have a V6. The rear has settled much quicker. My 800 mile trek while towing 3,000 pounds really settled the rear springs, and it didn't settle the front as much. I wouldn't be surprised if the 884 springs settle a bit more after a few more months.

I'll get you those numbers in the morning.

I was planning on taking my daystar 2.5/1.5 out and replacing it with 884s and the 895E's cause I was going to try and keep it a 2.5 1.5 lift but if you got that much lift out of it I might just have to do SAW rear coils and toytec ultimates. The plan was to run the spacer kit until my xreas went out which happened sooner then planned. I am eager to see pics I had 884s and superflex coil on my 10 TE and liked the way it rode.

Remember, it gave me that much lift vs my stock suspension that was old and sagging.

I'll post pictures soon. I bet once you see the pictures you won't think it's too much lift. It looks and rides very natural.

Oh, and no spacers.

I am defiantly looking forward to pics