Slight lift/ leveling suggestions
 

Posted this under the suspension thread also sorry to do it twice!

I'm looking for some advice or options for my 04 Sport. When I got it 3 years ago I replaced the original suspension with Bilstein 4600s but had the bad lean to the left. Added some spacers in the front and rear but its still leaning a bit. At this point since I've decided to keep the 4runner I'm considering putting in some adjustable shocks with perhaps new springs? Maybe lift it up an inch maybe inch and a half nothing too crazy hopefully fix the lean and level the truck overall.

Was gonna just get the 5100s but I see they are discontinued so now looking at the Eibach Pro E60 82 008 02 01 for the rear and E60 82 008 02 10 for the fronts since they can be adjusted 0 to 2.2. Anyone have any experience with these or any other options that wont break the bank? Was thinking of swapping out the original springs any opinions on others to use? Thanks

I'll hop on this thread!

I'm also trying to achieve a subtle lift (1-inch) and leveling for my 1997 4Runner SR5. Note: The springs are original to the 4Runner.

Here's what my mechanic is suggesting: For the front we would retain the front springs and use Bilstien front struts that adjust between 0-3". On the rear we will use adjustable rear shocks. For the lift in the rear we will add 1" spacers to the springs. We will keep it to 1" for the lift.

Does this look right to folks here?

I've got no issues finding Bilstein 5100's Bilstein 5100 Shock Kit for 4th Gen 4Runner - Exit Offroad This particular business is owned by 4runner suspension guru @Crikeymike and I have no shame throwing some business his way. He has plenty of knowledge to offer if you need. You can find other places have them in stock too.

I've been running 5100's for three years now and enjoy the ride quality. If you're mostly street driving with mild off-roading, the 5100's are fine. I've gotten more serious with my overlanding expeditions and find they are lacking and will be upgrading to a dual-tube strut soon. I went with OME springs and they are a great choice. Here's and easy option that should fit your needs without needing to do any other modifications Dobinsons Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009 - Exit Offroad. They aren't 5100's but if anything, it gives you and idea of what the individual spring part numbers will do.


I personally would go with a proper spring and shock/strut combo and not do spacers unless you're driving a pavement queen than may see a service road now and again. once you start adding spacers, you modify travel and geometry in ways that don't always benefit you. My only personal exception is a small spacer to level out the LH lean our vehicles are known for.

I don't have much experience with 3rd gen, but I you look through the links I posted above, you can find options.

Yeah, Bilstein changed the 5100 part numbers a year or 2 ago for some reason, and it took a long time for a lot of stores to realize that.

Thanks @08ShadowRunner for the shoutout!!! Those links are super helpful for the OP to check out.

I did Daystar level kit with stock springs and front quick strut replacements. The quick struts raise the front about an inch over stock so with the Daystar kit is just a hair too much, especially if you have ANY weight in back or tow.

I do both.

I took out the front Daystar and sliced up the left front to make a spacer and kept the rear spacers to have a front rake to compensate for my trailer. There's a photo of mine on the last page of what did you do today thread..

Stock is capable on BLM dirt roads with mild creek crossings and undulating climbs, but I can see why people want to upgrade. Cost vs. fun vs. other part replacement and upgrade rabbit hole.

That being said, if I had to do it again, I'd do a full suspension upgrade all at the same time with 2 to 3 inch lift all the way around

Thanks for the replies. Ill check out those links and figure out which way I wanna go since the spacers I put in arn't doing it for me. Right now in my life I just use it for towing things if i need so no real off roading here. Just want it to sit a little nicer and be level! Going 3 inches might be too high for the kids though!

The real work is gonna be cleaning off my frame this spring with rust remover then going after it with Woolwax on the inside and Potentially woolwax Hard-on on the outside of the frame. Lots of projects not sure which will come first!