3rd Gen Tacoma suspension swap onto 4th Gen 4Runner

[AuSeeker]

[MENTION=8912]bluesky[/MENTION] thanks for the warm welcome and tip. I haven't used the online forums in a long time. Couple last questions...

Did you notice any difference when you changed rear shocks?
I'm assuming these shocks will be ok to use with a 1" lift in the rear?
I'm trying to get rid of the spongy ride in the rear. Wondering if its the taco shocks in the back or the 5th gen 4runner springs or both.

Just an FYI again on how to "mention" someone properly so they get notified, you tried to mention [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] ....but you didn't get his user's name correct, (note the difference in how I just mentioned him in my last sentence and compare it to how you tried to mention him) because you didn't type his user's name as it is on the forum, you didn't capitalize the "B" and there has to be a space after "Bluesky" and before the "07" which you didn't you didn't type in, you instead mentioned another user [MENTION=8912]bluesky[/MENTION] who hasn't been on the forum since 2006.

What I do to make it exact and easier is to copy the person's user's name and type @ and then paste the user's name directly after @ with no spaces... like this... [MENTION=613717]Gmac4121[/MENTION]

Luckily he checked back on this topic and saw you replied, otherwise he would of missed your reply because he wouldn't of been notified.

Also you can check after you post by clicking on the user's name you mentioned in your reply and it will take you to that user's profile page and you can check if it seems to be to correct person.

 

[rdanford]

I have a lead on some TRD Sport front coils/shocks, anybody know if they'll achieve any lift?
Thanks!

 

[TreyGoodale]

This is correct! Front goes right in, rear shocks need the bushing. I’d suggest putting in FJ rear springs to match the rear shocks. I’m pretty happy with my upgrade (2nd Gen fronts) but I have a set of 3rd Gen ones to install soon as I’ve been told they offer a little more lift.

Hey, sorry to revive an old thread but I picked up a set of front struts/coils and rear coils from a 2018 Tacoma OR. Are the rear springs a must with the Tacoma rear struts?

 

[Bluesky 07]

Hey, sorry to revive an old thread but I picked up a set of front struts/coils and rear coils from a 2018 Tacoma OR. Are the rear springs a must with the Tacoma rear struts?

Not sure I understand your question but will try to answer what I think you're asking. Your stock springs should work with the gear you bought. With that said, assuming yours are original, they've been hauling around a 4,500 lb. SUV for 15+ years and however many miles you have. When I replaced my original suspension, I knew I would drive around wondering whether new springs would have made a difference in the ride and off-road performance. Springs aren't expensive so personally I would recommend replacing the rear springs too.

Another consideration is that the Tacoma rear shocks are designed for leaf springs, not coils, so new springs would likely give you a better ride. The "X-REAS delete..." post linked in my sig has more info on my reasons for the gear I started with and what I have now. Hope this helps.

 

[Upinsmoke]

thanks for all the info on this thread. I am waiting to swap the front xreas for 2019 taco fronts, and ordered 4runner specific 4600s for the rear. will also do taco UCAs for the front, new tie rods, front and rear sway bar endlinks with red bushings, and front lower control arms (new). im 2wd so anything more than this would be too much, and the most off road this 2wd sees is at my farm in south GA, when i travel there maybe 3 or 4 times a year from FL.

 

[33 degree aa]

Sorry for all my questions. Just want to know do I can do this without breaking the bank. I just bought a 2006 SR5 with 215K here in the Bay area, so no rust on the frame. My first 4Runner. I'm not looking for a huge lift but something better then stock.

So the 3rd gen Taco UCA would work for this swap? Are they different from my factory UCA on my 2006 SR5 4WD?
Would the Moog UCA for the 3rd Gen Taco, work if I cannot find the Taco UCA's?
For the rear coil springs, would the Moog coil springs for a 2007 FJ Cruiser work?

Thanks from a 4Runner rookie

 

[Upinsmoke]

Sorry for all my questions. Just want to know do I can do this without breaking the bank. I just bought a 2006 SR5 with 215K here in the Bay area, so no rust on the frame. My first 4Runner. I'm not looking for a huge lift but something better then stock.

So the 3rd gen Taco UCA would work for this swap? Are they different from my factory UCA on my 2006 SR5 4WD?
Would the Moog UCA for the 3rd Gen Taco, work if I cannot find the Taco UCA's?
For the rear coil springs, would the Moog coil springs for a 2007 FJ Cruiser work?

Thanks from a 4Runner rookie

i mocked up the UCAs that i got from a tacoma and they fit perfectly, so unless you have some weird variation, you should be fine.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Sorry for all my questions. Just want to know do I can do this without breaking the bank. I just bought a 2006 SR5 with 215K here in the Bay area, so no rust on the frame. My first 4Runner. I'm not looking for a huge lift but something better then stock.

So the 3rd gen Taco UCA would work for this swap? Are they different from my factory UCA on my 2006 SR5 4WD?
Would the Moog UCA for the 3rd Gen Taco, work if I cannot find the Taco UCA's?
For the rear coil springs, would the Moog coil springs for a 2007 FJ Cruiser work?

Thanks from a 4Runner rookie

Yes, the 3rd Gen Tacoma UCAs work.

I don't know for certain about the Moog UCAs.

About rear springs, you might search the forum about that. IIRC, there's some kind of fit issue where the Moog rear spring needs trimming, but I can't remember whether that was for Moog's 4Runner or FJ spring. My FJ rears are OEM and fit perfectly.

 

[sdevine42]

Hey [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] thanks for the very detailed write-up of this process - really enjoyed reading how your suspension developed over time.

Quick question on the Tacoma UCA's - you mentioned that you noticed your steering felt tighter with less drift, are you attributing that to the UCA's or the new 2020 coilovers combined? The reason I ask is that I bought a set of 2021 Taco TRD Sport front coilovers but they don't come with UCA's and trying to decide if it's worth putting out the $ to get UCA's to pair with it or keep the original 4R one's. Out of curiosity, when you had them side-by-side were they noticeably different?

For whatever it's worth, I'm planning to pair this setup with 5100 rears with the B12 coils (claim 1" lift). Hoping to get around 2-2.5" lift in the front and 1-1.5" in the rear but we shall see.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Hey [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] thanks for the very detailed write-up of this process - really enjoyed reading how your suspension developed over time.

Quick question on the Tacoma UCA's - you mentioned that you noticed your steering felt tighter with less drift, are you attributing that to the UCA's or the new 2020 coilovers combined? The reason I ask is that I bought a set of 2021 Taco TRD Sport front coilovers but they don't come with UCA's and trying to decide if it's worth putting out the $ to get UCA's to pair with it or keep the original 4R one's. Out of curiosity, when you had them side-by-side were they noticeably different?

For whatever it's worth, I'm planning to pair this setup with 5100 rears with the B12 coils (claim 1" lift). Hoping to get around 2-2.5" lift in the front and 1-1.5" in the rear but we shall see.

Thanks for your kind words, glad to know the posts have helped others. That's paying forward my appreciation for the time, effort, money, and aggravation this board and others have saved me through the years.

Granted the following is my opinion on a subjective issue, but the improved steering imo is a function of the new-to-me UCAs b/c the bushings and ball joints are just going to be looser on the original parts. And eventually, replacing the UCAs will probably be necessary if you plan to keep your truck forever like I do and it's easier to do all at once.

But with all that said, getting the UCAs was totally a bonus since the guy happened to replace his. I wouldn't have thought twice about installing the coilovers only and pushing the UCAs to the next time new shocks were needed (typically 75K-100K miles or more).

 

[sdevine42]

Thanks for the reply - that all makes sense. I've certainly gained more form this board over the years than I've been able to contribute but hope to be of some use one day. Given the number of rusted on bolts I've come across I'd bet my rig would benefit from new UCA's as well. Thanks again.

 

[hal9thousand]

suspension questions

On Sunday I installed new 4Runner-specific rear 4600s on my '07 Sport. As noted above, I've had 2015 Tacoma OR shocks front and rear for about 2 years and 50K miles. While I still feel the Tacoma swap is a solid choice, especially given the cost relative to a whole new setup, some owners may definitely prefer to use the 4R version of the 4600 for the rear. So far I have a couple of hundred miles on the new rear shocks; I like the ride a lot and the 4R version of the shock is noticeably beefier, something that surprised me when the shipment arrived a few days ago. Here's a side-by-side:

I still have a front set of shocks, coils, & UCAs from a 2020 Tacoma OR I plan to install up front. Those aren't a concern b/c the vehicles are nearly identical up there whereas the Tacoma has leaf springs vs. coils on the rear.

Hey [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]

I know you wrote this up a while back but I just got a '07 Limited 4wd V6 and only 77k miles. great shape but I think the shocks are one their last limb. I plan to remove the X-REAS system so I'm looking at options. I don't want to lift the rear but I would like to raise the front just slightly (level). I like the idea of using 3rd gen tacoma shocks and springs up front. My questions are about the rear.

I've heard the rear shocks from the Tacoma don't quite handle the weight of the 4Runner very well (I've read they don't stop the vehicle bouncing when loaded). So if I buy proper 4600s for the rear, which part number did you use?

I've read someone using Bilstein 4600 24-188401 but when I go to the bilstein website they suggest Bilstein 4600 33-329093.

Also, as I don't plan to lift the rear, did you use the stock springs or did you replace them? And with what?

Sorry for so many questions. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Hey [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]

I know you wrote this up a while back but I just got a '07 Limited 4wd V6 and only 77k miles. great shape but I think the shocks are one their last limb. I plan to remove the X-REAS system so I'm looking at options. I don't want to lift the rear but I would like to raise the front just slightly (level). I like the idea of using 3rd gen tacoma shocks and springs up front. My questions are about the rear.

I've heard the rear shocks from the Tacoma don't quite handle the weight of the 4Runner very well (I've read they don't stop the vehicle bouncing when loaded). So if I buy proper 4600s for the rear, which part number did you use?

I've read someone using Bilstein 4600 24-188401 but when I go to the bilstein website they suggest Bilstein 4600 33-329093.

Also, as I don't plan to lift the rear, did you use the stock springs or did you replace them? And with what?

Sorry for so many questions. Thanks for the help.

Some do find the Tacoma rear springs too soft. They were fine to me but I got a terrific deal on the 4R-specific shocks so I switched. The 4600 p/n wasn’t either of the ones you listened, it was 24-186049. I didn’t get them at Summit, that’s just a listing example.

I used the’ 07 FJ springs I bought a few years earlier. See the suspension link in my sig for a lot of useful information and I’m happy to answer your questions as best I can.

 

[hal9thousand]

Some do find the Tacoma rear springs too soft. They were fine to me but I got a terrific deal on the 4R-specific shocks so I switched. The 4600 p/n wasn’t either of the ones you listened, it was 24-186049. I didn’t get them at Summit, that’s just a listing example.

I used the’ 07 FJ springs I bought a few years earlier. See the suspension link in my sig for a lot of useful information and I’m happy to answer your questions as best I can.

Good information and thanks for the part number on those 4600s. I see varying information on those but did those you ordered have the right bushings to fit the 4Runner? Do you happen to know if I can still buy FJ springs for the back new? Is it something I can order through my toyota dealer? Maybe I should just order new 4Runner springs for the back since I don't want to lift the rear. Thanks again so much.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Good information and thanks for the part number on those 4600s. I see varying information on those but did those you ordered have the right bushings to fit the 4Runner? Do you happen to know if I can still buy FJ springs for the back new? Is it something I can order through my toyota dealer? Maybe I should just order new 4Runner springs for the back since I don't want to lift the rear. Thanks again so much.

Yes, the 4600s I bought were plug and play. I just checked the Bilstein site and it appears the p/n changed to 33-329093 since I bought mine. I searched using your truck details then searched with the p/n I bought and both led here. You should be able to buy new FJ springs to the best of my knowledge, but just using new 4R springs would be fine given that you're not looking for lift in the rear.

 

[hal9thousand]

Yes, the 4600s I bought were plug and play. I just checked the Bilstein site and it appears the p/n changed to 33-329093 since I bought mine. I searched using your truck details then searched with the p/n I bought and both led here. You should be able to buy new FJ springs to the best of my knowledge, but just using new 4R springs would be fine given that you're not looking for lift in the rear.

[MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]

Thanks for much for the help. I got 2023 TRD coilovers brand new and think I've decided on the getting the 4R specific 4600s. I'm still debating the FJ vs 4R springs in the rear. I'm not exactly sure how much lift the new coilovers will give up front but I do want to retain just a small amount of rake. In your opinion, do you think the new coilovers with new 4R springs will make it totally level? I don't want any reverse rake 'bro lean' look. Or will the FJ springs give it a more proportional look (small amount of rake)? Tires right now are stock 265/60R18. I plan to go with TRD 17" pro wheels probably later this summer with Falken Wildpeaks A/T 265/70R17. I don't want my tires looking tiny for the amount of lift and I don't want to run anything bigger (tire size). Just looking for a well proportioned, not over the top but capable stance. This is my daily but I do go camping/off-roading quite a bit in the summers but nothing crazy. I'm by no means an off-roader.

Also picked up brand new Tacoma TRD UCAs for $50 so I'm planning on replacing those while I'm replacing the coilover assemblies.

One other question; I just came across a video mentioning a panhard correction kit... If I go with the FJ springs, is it advisable to install that as well? I'm not totally sure how much the 4600s with FJ springs will lift the rear and at what lift height one should consider a pck...

Thanks again!

 

[Bluesky 07]

[MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]

Thanks for much for the help. I got 2023 TRD coilovers brand new and think I've decided on the getting the 4R specific 4600s. I'm still debating the FJ vs 4R springs in the rear. I'm not exactly sure how much lift the new coilovers will give up front but I do want to retain just a small amount of rake. In your opinion, do you think the new coilovers with new 4R springs will make it totally level? I don't want any reverse rake 'bro lean' look. Or will the FJ springs give it a more proportional look (small amount of rake)? Tires right now are stock 265/60R18. I plan to go with TRD 17" pro wheels probably later this summer with Falken Wildpeaks A/T 265/70R17. I don't want my tires looking tiny for the amount of lift and I don't want to run anything bigger (tire size). Just looking for a well proportioned, not over the top but capable stance. This is my daily but I do go camping/off-roading quite a bit in the summers but nothing crazy. I'm by no means an off-roader.

Also picked up brand new Tacoma TRD UCAs for $50 so I'm planning on replacing those while I'm replacing the coilover assemblies.

One other question; I just came across a video mentioning a panhard correction kit... If I go with the FJ springs, is it advisable to install that as well? I'm not totally sure how much the 4600s with FJ springs will lift the rear and at what lift height one should consider a pck...

Thanks again!

I’m afraid I don’t have knowledgeable answers for these questions. I think, but don’t know for certain, that things like the panhard kit or a diff drop only become necessary if you lift the truck ~3 inches or more. I haven’t done any of that FWIW but research it to be sure. As for how your truck will sit, scroll to the bottom of the suspension post linked in my sig. It has a picture of my 4R OEM springs next to the OEM FJ springs I installed. The FJ springs are a bit taller. Getting into the tire sizes and such, I just don’t know enough about it to give a reliable answer.

 

[hal9thousand]

I’m afraid I don’t have knowledgeable answers for these questions. I think, but don’t know for certain, that things like the panhard kit or a diff drop only become necessary if you lift the truck ~3 inches or more. I haven’t done any of that FWIW but research it to be sure. As for how your truck will sit, scroll to the bottom of the suspension post linked in my sig. It has a picture of my 4R OEM springs next to the OEM FJ springs I installed. The FJ springs are a bit taller. Getting into the tire sizes and such, I just don’t know enough about it to give a reliable answer.

Thanks again for all the information. I just installed the "new to me" 4600 coilovers from a 2023 Tacoma and used the 4Runner specific shocks in the back. I also installed the Tacoma UCAs and as you mentioned earlier, the car does certainly handle and feel much better now. The old suspension with X-REAS was completely shot so it's night and day difference to me. I'll be sure to post pictures soon. I also plan to upgrade the wheels and tires.

I do have one more question for anyone in the group; I've decided to upgrade the rear coils as well but with FJ coils. I went to the local toyota dealer and they have two different part numbers for the coils. They said it just depends on the VIN number of the FJ which coils it has... Didn't really understand that but I don't want to end up getting the wrong springs so I wanted to see if anyone had a specific part number?

The dealership gave me these two numbers:
48231-35331
48231-35321

Not sure if one set is for 4x2 and the other 4x4 or if one is newer...

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Thanks again for all the information. I just installed the "new to me" 4600 coilovers from a 2023 Tacoma and used the 4Runner specific shocks in the back. I also installed the Tacoma UCAs and as you mentioned earlier, the car does certainly handle and feel much better now. The old suspension with X-REAS was completely shot so it's night and day difference to me. I'll be sure to post pictures soon. I also plan to upgrade the wheels and tires.

I do have one more question for anyone in the group; I've decided to upgrade the rear coils as well but with FJ coils. I went to the local toyota dealer and they have two different part numbers for the coils. They said it just depends on the VIN number of the FJ which coils it has... Didn't really understand that but I don't want to end up getting the wrong springs so I wanted to see if anyone had a specific part number?

The dealership gave me these two numbers:
48231-35331
48231-35321

Not sure if one set is for 4x2 and the other 4x4 or if one is newer...

Thanks in advance.

You're welcome - glad it worked out for you.

About the springs, looks like you're right about one being 2WD and the other 4WD. These are the listings from Boch Toyota's online parts store (just a random one I picked to compare the listings from one place):

SKU: 48231-35321
Positions: Left, Right
Other Names: Spring, Spring Coil Rear Description:

Coil, Rear Left; Coil, Rear Right. Fits FJ CruiserSuspension Coil Spring - Repair or ReplaceYour coil springs are not especially prone to failure, but if they have been cut, cLamped, or heated to have the vehicle lowered, your Toyota might benefit from replacing the strut springs. Excessive rust can make the springs more prone to failure. Contact your local Toyota service department to have your Suspension system evaluated.
FJ Cruiser. 4wd.

===
SKU: 48231-35331
Positions: Left, Right
Other Names: Spring, Spring Coil Rear Description:

FJ Cruiser. 2wd.


Both show this list in the fitment:
2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser Base 4.0L V6 - Gas
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Base, Trail Teams Special Edition 4.0L V6 - Gas
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Base, TRD Special Edition 4.0L V6 - Gas

 

[2003V8Sport]

3rd Gen Taco shocks on 4th Gen 4R

So I've been reading this thread and there is a ton of good info here - thanks to all that have contributed, especially Bluesky 07.

I've come across a set of very little used 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport /front coilovers and rear shocks - Toyota/Hitachi labeled, not Bilstein. I have a 2003 4Runner Sport that's just about to hit 300k on the ODO that we bought new which my wife drove forever, then I did for a while, followed by my daughter, and now it my son's turn. Of course it's the rake that he can't stand, and I agree it needs to go, but I'm not looking to spend a lot on this rig at this point.

So my question is, can I simply remove the X-REAS shocks and put these Tacoma Sport shocks on to get similar results as many of you have?