2003 @95k miles thinking of lifting/replacing shocks

[uz214]

i have been lurking around here for a while, i wanted your guys opinion..my 03 is at 95k miles and i was thinking of using a lift kit to raise it a bit..but since its at almost 100k miles good idea to replace the shocks while i am at it? what would you recommend..i rarely go off road.. mainly use as a DD on highway but i hate how low my 4runner sits, i swear almost all SUVs are higher even new highlanders..(i dont have the x-eras) by the way..dont plan on getting huge tires maybe down the road i like the stock ride

i was looking at Daystar kit and or rancho leveling kit.. if going that route
2003-2012 Toyota 4Runner Rancho quickLIFT Loaded Leveling Kit on eBay!

 

[TRDCal]

If I were you I'd get a spacer lift and call it a day. Either a 1" spacer up front to level it out or get 3'' front 2" back to gain a bit of lift. If you want the stock ride and aren't looking for improvements off road then your best to stick with the stock shocks. And if they aren't broke then don't fix em!

 

[uz214]

Makes sense...but since I am already almost 100k I was thinking since I am already paying labor why not ..maybe I will get the ones for fj runner and add like a daystar spacer front back..good idea?

If I were you I'd get a spacer lift and call it a day. Either a 1" spacer up front to level it out or get 3'' front 2" back to gain a bit of lift. If you want the stock ride and aren't looking for improvements off road then your best to stick with the stock shocks. And if they aren't broke then don't fix em!

 

[uz214]

Probably gona get this RCD/Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Front shocks with

5100 Series Rear Shocks for a 2003-2009 Toyota 4-Runner 2wd & 4wd

 

[TRDCal]

Those are the shocks of choice for most 4th gen owners but keep in mind that it won't ride like a stock 4runner anymore. The provide a more truck like ride.

 

[Mytoy4]

When I put my Toytec lift on with the Bilstein 5100s, I didn't notice much difference at all with the ride. It felt very much like stock. It wasn't until I added the larger wheels and tires that it started riding like a truck.

 

[TRDCal]

Interesting...the general consensus on the forum is that they have a more truck like ride but I suppose results may vary.

 

[uz214]

How much of height you gained? With just the blistein the rear will not be adjustable... I have been reading a lot and honestly I overwhelmed with all the info here...
So so far my options are
1.Just blistein front rear and or with a lift kit? Day star or similar
2.Just get factory similar shocks and use existing springs combine then with daystar
3. Fj cruiser setup (harder to finder not even sure what I m suppose to look at)
4. Rancho setup from eBay (didn't see anyone here done this here)

I want to get atleast 2.5 front and .5 rear

Again thanks a lot guys

When I put my Toytec lift on with the Bilstein 5100s, I didn't notice much difference at all with the ride. It felt very much like stock. It wasn't until I added the larger wheels and tires that it started riding like a truck.

 

[Mytoy4]

How much of height you gained?

I gained 3 in front and 3 in back. If you look at my build thread below you will see specifics as to what I bought.

 

[calikev]

I joined the FJ site and posted WTB ads and got all 4 TRD shocks and coils from a 2011 FJ with a few hundred miles. I love the ride and stability of my Runner now. I didn't use any spacers and the front is approx 1" lower than the rear, which is fine for my needs. I've thought of leveling it with a small spacer but haven't yet.

This will likely be the cheapest route and best results for the $$$. I installed everything myself and it was really easy. Search FJ swap and you will get tons of info. My truck and many others are in this thread.

BTW The pic in my signature is before the lift. I'm attaching a pic of her now.

 

[uz214]

Looks good..did you need to drop differential? Like your 2010 wheels harsher ride A little?

 

[kosan]

I was in the same predicament as you - spacer lift or shock/spring combo. I decided on shock/spring option as I was paying for labor and wanted the best bang for the buck. Also I knew I was going to replace the shocks at some point and didn't want to pay labor twice on it.

As I was in no rush, I purchased a lightly used FJ springs in 2011 (my 03 had about 130k miles) and finally installed the springs along with the Bilstein shocks last weekend.

The only thing significant thing I noticed was the braking, the 4runner had much less front forward lean when braking. Otherwise, it felt like OEM. I'm totally glad I did it.

Good luck.

 

[calikev]

Looks good..did you need to drop differential? Like your 2010 wheels harsher ride A little?

The new limited wheels didn't make the ride harsh at all and I didn't need a diff drop. The truck brakes evenly and has very controlled braking now, compared to before. This is one of the best mods I've done to my truck.
It looks like it should and handles like it should with the FJ suspension.

My favorite mods are this FJ suspension swap and the EGO TS Bluetooth mod. I use bluetooth almost every time I get in the truck and the EGO TS works very well.

 

[uz214]

Seems like I am a total tool ..i have the x-reas ..looked under neath the car near the. Rail, a bottle like cylinder is there..i thought xreas means height leveling/sports comfort like my 07 lx470 and current lx570...and there are buttons for adjustment near the gear box...i really dont wana take it out But still wana raise the car

I put in a jvc nav with bluetooth Traffic updates back up camera my self reading instructions found here..also upgraded front brakes to sport brakes(338mm/rotors).

 

[chaz]

have you read this sticky, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html should tell you what you need to know.

 

[uz214]

I guess I can take xreas out and go your route

I was in the same predicament as you - spacer lift or shock/spring combo. I decided on shock/spring option as I was paying for labor and wanted the best bang for the buck. Also I knew I was going to replace the shocks at some point and didn't want to pay labor twice on it.

As I was in no rush, I purchased a lightly used FJ springs in 2011 (my 03 had about 130k miles) and finally installed the springs along with the Bilstein shocks last weekend.

The only thing significant thing I noticed was the braking, the 4runner had much less front forward lean when braking. Otherwise, it felt like OEM. I'm totally glad I did it.

Good luck.

 

[uz214]

I thought i did but not good enough i guess. Read it again i m going to order day star 2.5 /1.5 and call a day i can install my self with no spring compreser.. needed When its time to change The stock shocks xreas i will get some nice coilovers

have you read this sticky, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html should tell you what you need to know.