2008 Sport Leveling Kit Questions.................

[Glock_19]

I've been thinking about leveling my SR5. I don't really want any lift, just to level it. My question was about the front suspension though. I remember reading on here that if you lift the front you should a diff drop(?) or something similar but I can't find that post again for the life of me. Does anyone know what I'm talking about here? Is it necessary?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

It's not uncommon for shops to have no clue about the XREAS suspension. You just need to make sure they know the basics such as do not disconnect the shocks before doing the install. This explains the XREAS, I'd print it off and let them look it over.

Glock_19, no need for the diff drop. You will want a 1"-1.5" lift in the front. The diff drop is designed for those doing 3" + lifts, it reduces the angle on the CV's. However, even those with 3" lift opt not to do it, it actually does very little on our 4runners.

 

[Glock_19]

Glock_19, no need for the diff drop. You will want a 1"-1.5" lift in the front. The diff drop is designed for those doing 3" + lifts, it reduces the angle on the CV's. However, even those with 3" lift opt not to do it, it actually does very little on our 4runners.

Thanks for the info. I'm still considering the FJ swap but I have no clue where to buy the springs. ToyTec sells springs but I don't think they're FJ springs. Is my only option to buy used ones of Ebay? I'm not really sure that I want to install used springs...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Everyone here whose done is has used pre-owned parts, including myself. Just find a low mileage set and you'll be good to go. You can buy them new, but it's really not cost efficient at that point. Check out Toyota FJ Cruiser Community for a good deal on the springs, there and craigslist are great places to find them. The springs Toytec sells are different, I'm not too familiar with them. The appeal to the FJ springs are the ride quality improvements, lift amounts, and cost. I got my springs free from a member on the FJ forums, he was just looking to get rid of them. Deals come up pretty often, but sometimes you need to be patient.

 

[DocMT]

Should I be concered if the shop has no clue what XREAS is? Im guessing its a proprietary system Toyota uses.

I guess it's a matter of explaining how it needs to be handled in terms of not disconnecting the hose lines?

I'm probably making a bigger deal out of this then needed....I just want to avoid leveling my T4R at the expense of screwing up something that is ultimately more importantr than leveling is in the 1st place.

XREAS is really just hydraulically linked shocks. It uses hydraulic lines to connect the right/front & left/rear shocks. Of course the left/front & right/rear are also connected. It's a relatively simple system, but it is VERY costly to replace. That's why it is important to be careful when messing with it. I'd recommend that you (or your mechanic) do not disconnect the hydraulic lines. The entire job can be done without disconnecting them, but to do that you'll need a portable spring compressor. Many shops only have wall-mounted spring compressors, so they tend to want to disconnect the lines and work on everything off the truck. If you find a shop willing to do the work without disconnecting the lines, you should let them do the work.

Or you always have the option of doing the work yourself. If that's not a good option, there are always other 4Runner owners around who are willing to help you and share their knowledge.

 

[Bundles09]

The FJ spring with a toytec 1/2 spacer is also popular. Check out leftyguns. Very clean ride and is dead level to me.

Many say 1/4 or 1/2 just need to research and see what you like.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Based on thorough reading on here and other sites, here is my conclusion on "leveling". My goal is a slight bit of rake, so there is less gap in the front fenderwell than the rear. With this done, the running boards and roof line are level. With equal amount of fender gap front/rear, the running boards and roof line would be higher in the front than the rear, this is not the look I went for.

That said, here's my suggestion to anyone looking for the same as me. If you've got a v8 4x4, go with the FJ springs all around and 1/2" thick spacer. If you've got a v6 or a 2wd, go with the FJ springs all around and the 1/4" thick spacer. The V6 models and 2wd models have less weight in the front end, and when you do the FJ swap you gain more lift than those with the v8 4x4's. I've started a little study on this and done calculations to approximate how much lift was given from just the FJ springs with each configuration. See this thread for a summary of the info I've gathered from members. Also, if you've done the FJ swap, please post your info there.

 

[webby]

Based on thorough reading on here and other sites, here is my conclusion on "leveling". My goal is a slight bit of rake, so there is less gap in the front fenderwell than the rear. With this done, the running boards and roof line are level. With equal amount of fender gap front/rear, the running boards and roof line would be higher in the front than the rear, this is not the look I went for.

That said, here's my suggestion to anyone looking for the same as me. If you've got a v8 4x4, go with the FJ springs all around and 1/2" thick spacer. If you've got a v6 or a 2wd, go with the FJ springs all around and the 1/4" thick spacer. The V6 models and 2wd models have less weight in the front end, and when you do the FJ swap you gain more lift than those with the v8 4x4's. I've started a little study on this and done calculations to approximate how much lift was given from just the FJ springs with each configuration. See this thread for a summary of the info I've gathered from members. Also, if you've done the FJ swap, please post your info there.

I would like to lift the front of my V6 SR5 just the amount you describe, but I am very happy with the ride quality, so I'm really not interested in going to all the trouble (and possible expense) to change out all 4 springs for FJ springs. From what I have been reading in threads on this forum, a simple front end lift using 3/4" spacers would accomplish what I want, but apparently the 3/4" spacers are almost impossible to find, so therein lies the rub for me.

One question -- if one just adds spacers in the front, should the front end be realigned afterwards? I just put a set of 5th Gen TE rims and new tires on my 4th Gen, and was going to get it aligned, but if I would have to have it realigned after doing a simple front end lift, then perhaps I will hold off on the alignment for awhile in case I manage to get a lift in the near future.

 

[DocMT]

Yes, you should get it aligned after a spacer lift.

BTW, you can get a 3/4" Cornfed spacer set through Burtman.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yes, 3/4" spacers are very difficult to find. And yes, Jason Burtman can get you a custom Cornfed spacer at any thickness you want, but you're going to pay for that as well. It's very expensive, you can have the FJ springs and Toytec spacer and come out cheaper (and also have a better setup IMO). THE reason I chose FJ springs is because that's what it took to get me where I wanted (1.5" of lift). That was the only affordable option for me, and looking back I have no regrets. You can do either the 1" Toytec spacer or the Daystar Budget Boost (advertised at 1", gives about 2" though) to level. That's as close as you can get without either using the custom Cornfed or using FJ springs.

 

[webby]

Yes, 3/4" spacers are very difficult to find. And yes, Jason Burtman can get you a custom Cornfed spacer at any thickness you want, but you're going to pay for that as well. It's very expensive, you can have the FJ springs and Toytec spacer and come out cheaper (and also have a better setup IMO). THE reason I chose FJ springs is because that's what it took to get me where I wanted (1.5" of lift). That was the only affordable option for me, and looking back I have no regrets. You can do either the 1" Toytec spacer or the Daystar Budget Boost (advertised at 1", gives about 2" though) to level. That's as close as you can get without either using the custom Cornfed or using FJ springs.

OK, thanks.
About what would I expect to pay on average for a set of FJ springs?
About how much would it cost to get a set of FJ springs and the front spacers installed?
Does installing the FJ springs leave the rear at the same height or does it raise it?
Do any and all years of FJ's fit?
And lastly, I am curious, what are the FJ owners replacing their FJ springs with?

 

[DocMT]

Yes, 3/4" spacers are very difficult to find. And yes, Jason Burtman can get you a custom Cornfed spacer at any thickness you want, but you're going to pay for that as well. It's very expensive

The spacer kit from Burtman is $150. That's not expensive or hard to find.

And for someone who only wants to level the front end and not change the ride characteristics, a leveling spacer kit is definitely the way to go. It doesn't change the ride at all.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You want the 2007-2009 fj springs. I don't think you woukd have any issues with 2010s, but I kmow the shocks from them require modification to fit. Most fj owners are going to lifts that replace stock shocks and coils. For just springs I would expect to pay around $50. I have found many sets for free though, ill do some looking to see if I can find some. You will get a small amount of lift in the rear, from 0-.25. Check out the ling in my sig that says for all who have done the fj swap. Check page two for my spreadsheet with lift data in there showing how much lift was gained with each setup. Install cost varies, I'm not even gonna guess a number here. I wouuld check into that first, that could be the deciding factor.

Ok you're right, $150 isn't too bad. However, I got less than half of that in my lift seetup and it does the exact same thing. The ride is improved, you don't feel as many bumps in the road. I didn't know this when I did mine, so it was an added bonus. I too was content with the ride, but after the lift it was just that much better. Don't just take my word for it, do a search and you will find that every member here who has done the fj swap only has good things to say.

 

[DocMT]

Ok you're right, $150 isn't too bad. However, I got less than half of that in my lift seetup and it does the exact same thing. The ride is improved, you don't feel as many bumps in the road. I didn't know this when I did mine, so it was an added bonus. I too was content with the ride, but after the lift it was just that much better. Don't just take my word for it, do a search and you will find that every member here who has done the fj swap only has good things to say.

But you got your FJ springs for free. Not many people are going to be that lucky.

As for the ride, I'm personally very happy with the ride on my OEM springs and my XREAS system. I don't want a bigger (taller) or firmer spring, but that's just my own opinion. So if someone tells me that they want to lift the front a bit to level out their 4Runner without changing the ride, I tell them to just go ahead and install a small spacer lift on the front. That's what I did and I'm completely happy with the end result. It was inexpensive and didn't alter the ride at all.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've found quite a few sets for free. Many don't realize just what a stiffer spring will do. Many relate stiff with harsh, and that's not the case. The "stiffer" coils really helped it glide over bumps in the road, you don't feel all the imperfections. It really bothers me because I have FJ springs only on the front, stock rear (can not do the rear due to my air suspension). I'm constantly feeling bumps in the rear that the front glides over, makes a world of difference. I spent some time today riding with a guy with FJ springs and also Bilstein 5100's (also stiffer than stock), and his rode even better.

I will say in this case the OP may be better off with the Cornfed spacer, mainly due to the fact that it will simplify the install. In no way am I trying to argue with you DocMT, because you are right, a small spacer is the easiest way to level it out and not change the ride. There's just more than one way to level, and each has it benefits. I just want to make sure both sides are shown, and quite frankly as long as it's getting that front end off the ground I could care less how it's done, it just gotta be done on these rigs!!!

 

[DocMT]

I hear what you're saying. Either way I think it's a good idea to get the nose up a bit on the 4th gen.

If you come across another free set of FJ springs, let me know. I'd be happy to grab them and give 'em a try. Seriously.

 

[webby]

I'd definitely be interested in a free set of FJ springs also, Ark Swamp Rider. I'd appreciate a tip if you hear of any.

You're most certainly right about getting that 4th Gen nose up -- I'm not fond of the rolling doorstop look. The Toyota Engineer who came up with that should be taken out back and shot (figuratively speaking).