'17 Tundra Bilstein Suspension on a 4th Gen?

[MightyP]

Friend of mine gave me the old suspension from his '17 Tundra Limited when he got his Icon system. I've searched all over and there is a lot of info for 3rd Gens, but I can't find any 4th Gen 4runners that have done the swap.

I know I'm going to need to replace the lower bushing since ours is 3/4" ID and the Tundra is 1/2" and I'll have to reuse or replace the top hat. But what about the rest? Will it fit? What will the height difference be?

I know the front will be stiffer (Tundra springs are 620 lbs) and the shocks are valved different, but if 3rd Gens can use them (and they're lighter), I'm thinking it should be fine for 4th Gens...

Also, any suggestions where to get the lower bushing for the rear shocks?

 

[TowMeOut]

I'm doing basically the same thing with some re-purposed Tacoma parts. If you have the Toyota part numbers and do enough internet surfing you can eventually find the specs.

Look at a couple of the Tacoma swap threads (there are at least 3 or 4 good ones) that will list the bottom bushings you need. I believe they're the 3/4" ID but I don't have the part# handy. I was able to push out the old bushing with a big c-clamp after letting them soak in a bit of PB blaster for a day or so. The stock bushings have a metal sleeve that's kind of "stuck" in place with the yellow paint but that's about it. One pushed right out, the other came out with a loud "pop".

As for height and shock valving you might be onto something. The Tundra is a significantly bigger/heavier vehicle so I can only assume these parts will give a very stiff ride. Be sure to measure the lower mount on the front shocks. I know the 5th gen parts have a "thicker" eyelet so there's some grinding involved in making the fit the lower control arms. It could be the same on the Tundra parts.

Keep us posted.....

Edit: I forgot to mention.....everything I've read indicated the rear 4th gen shocks mount into about a 7/8" hole. The original bushings that were on the tacoma have a much smaller "nipple" and one was missing from the secondhand set. I just ordered another set of 4 replacement bushings for the top too. I don't think this is a must-have but for $6 I figured it was worth it for a little peace of mind. I swapped out a pair of rear shocks on the wife's van a few months ago and went that route. Over time they started squeaking when going over bumps because of the extra play. Luckily I still had the OEM top bushing in the junk pile.

 

[zidaro]

Do It!! report back with your findings.

 

[MightyP]

I'll keep y'all updated. This will be fairly slow moving, so don't expect too many updates quickly.

 

[MightyP]

Top hats and bushings (Energy Suspension #9.8108G) ordered. Should arrive next week. Once I get the bushings pressed in, I'll do a test fitting.

 

[haydenbrown77]

Any word on the shock fit??

 

[084RUNNAH]

I’m curious as well! Thinking of using the front struts as I think my 90000 and topping out

 

[Bullit_Sponge]

Failed Tundra Experience

I'm new to the 4runner world, but recently got a screaming deal on an 03 V8 SR5. However, the front suspension bounced on trails like a raquet ball down a set of stairs. So I hit craigslist looking for some 5th Gen new takeoffs, and scored a deal for full shocks and springs off a 2018 Off Road Premium suspension. Now here is where this becomes relevant to this thread.

Upon inspection the top hats were 4 bolt - I should have stopped there - so I swapped the top hats over to the new springs, it took quite a bit of compressing. Then it all bolted up like an over compressed spring with a big lifting block on it should... terribly.

So I stopped and figured why it was going together looking like it would have a 6 or 7" lift. I had bought a screaming deal on some Tundra coils not 5th gen 4runner coils. Guy must have gotten the wrong coils back from the person who did his lift.

The cool part is now we know 2007+ tundra struts bolt right up to a 4th gen 4runner, they are just a bit long.

Now from my experience and research here is what I can contribute to the forums:

4th gen 4 runner Oem Strut length 21.3-22.2" length depending on source
07-18 Tundra Oem strut length 23.5" - 24.1" length depending on source

The Tundra springs appear to be about 1/4"-1/2" longer than the 4runner springs.

So assuming an equal pre-load length on the springs if I take this all back apart and put the 4runner springs on to the tundra struts they should be:

23.8 (Tundra Avg)
-.375 (Spring length diff)
-21.75 (4runner Avg)
1.7 inches

A strut assembly that is 1.7 inches longer should be the same as having a block that is 1.7 inches longer but with damping for a heavier truck. According to my understanding of the front suspension geometry of 4runners the 1.7 inch "block" should lift me a little more than 3", and while this is more than I set out trying to lift wouldn't be the end of the world.

Just thought I would share my experience.

Ill check the rear shocks when I get home tonight as well.

 

[084RUNNAH]

Awesome!

I had ordered some 07+ Tundra struts for my truck. Haven’t had a chance to put them on but this helps relieve some tension going into the job!

 

[neokhz]

Is there any update on this... I have an 05 V8 and have a line on a set of TRD springs and struts from a 2017.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Gitch6]

Question on the rear suspension

So along the same lines, we have a Gen 1 Sequoia and a Gen 4 runner I was wondering if the rear springs I just replaced on our Sequoia when I lifted it will fit on the 4 Runner. I already put a set of low mileage front Bilstein struts off of a FJ TRD Trail team on the front. I have a feeling that the diameter of the rear springs are different but it looks really close. If anyone has any input if the springs will fit, and if it will lift it any and give me a little added load capabilities? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Das Capitolin]

Lurking in on this post, because I contemplated these 2017 Tundra TRD shocks for my 2005 SR5: 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Shocks - auto parts - by owner - vehicle...

 

[nosirromevets]

I'm in the same boat. Have a chance to get brand new Bilstein 6112 and B8 5160s for my 04 2wd at a great price. Will this set up work for a 3-3.5" lift? Maybe throw an OME rear coil on?

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