4th gen- For all who've done the FJ swap....

[racermp]

Just did my swap. no spacers installed, just springs here.:toilet:

2005 4runner 2wd v6 (168k mi) with bilstein HD (30k)

springs were from a FJ 4wd with i think around 70k miles or so. trying to find the email with the info.


The bilstein HD all around have ~30k miles front, <10k mi rear, had them on the stock springs and made the ride better on the freeway.

The rear seems to be a very slight lift, the rear springs were very slightly thicker.

the front springs were definitely thicker.

ride quality:
did the rear first and noticed the ride firmer just getting out of the driveway to reverse in. after the front, the ride is a lot firmer yet controlled. i still have to do alignment. most / 1/2 of the truck like bouncing around has gone however the front still feels bouncy, like when braking hard when parking and the nose goes up and down like worn shocks, altho shocks are pretty good. but hey, i come from sporty cars so i think i'm being too picky

handling is a lot better around curves. lean is less. the steering feels firmer and a bit more responsive. but i'll have to see after alignment.

overall great improvement, the ride feels more controlled now. it's not soggy. the suspension feels tighter on bumps. it feels renewed. i didn't measure but about 1.5" lift in the front. mostly did it to get a better ride

 

[kyle_uran]

I just picked up a set of front FJs and sourcing a set of rear now. With 5100s all around, and a Toytec 1.5" rear spacer, what should i set the front to? I have a V8 with no added weight. My brother recommended 1.75" setting with the FJ springs and said it'll be around a 2"/2" all around.

Thoughts?

 

[tony_4r]

A .75" spacer will bring the truck to about even. The 1.5" spacer will give you a rake. If you dont want rake you may have to go up to the next setting above 1.75".
However, keep in mind that every truck will vary slightly.

 

[hand123]

XREAS replacement

2006 T4R LTD
V8
FJ springs F & R, no spacers
Yellow Biltein's F & R
About .5" lift in the front, little to no lift in the rear
Poly sway bar bushings F & R
265/70/17 BFG KO's on FJ steelies

Thanks for this quick and simple list. I'm looking to do the exact same.

What are the "yellow" Bilstein's? Are they the 5100s that everyone is suggesting?

I've read the FJ OEM 2007-2009 springs are direct replacement. Is that what you did? Do you know the OEM part numbers?
Thanks.

 

[SD03LTD4x4]

I promised I searched....

How much front lift should I expect with Bilstein 5100 set to the "stock" position (i.e. lowest groove) with a 4x4 FJC coil?

This situation is not covered in the comprehensive list.

I am a 2003 4x4 V6 4Runner.

Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

[MENTION=98219]SD03LTD4x4[/MENTION] you should net around 1" lift with that setup.

[MENTION=165]momo.75[/MENTION] or [MENTION=58830]JWaldz[/MENTION] would it be possible to move this thread to the 4th gen section since it is 4th gen specific? I feel like it gets overlooked here, there are a lot of questions in the 4th gen section that could be answered by this thread.

 

[SD03LTD4x4]

Thanks for the response... follow up question....

What do you think the differences would be between:

1- stock 4runner coil and 5100 set at 0.85"

vs.

2. FJC coil and 5100 set to the lowest "stock" position?

Since they will probably result in the same lift i'm curious about the ride of the two.

[MENTION=98219]SD03LTD4x4[/MENTION] you should net around 1" lift with that setup.

[MENTION=165]momo.75[/MENTION] or [MENTION=58830]JWaldz[/MENTION] would it be possible to move this thread to the 4th gen section since it is 4th gen specific? I feel like it gets overlooked here, there are a lot of questions in the 4th gen section that could be answered by this thread.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the response... follow up question....

What do you think the differences would be between:

1- stock 4runner coil and 5100 set at 0.85"

vs.

2. FJC coil and 5100 set to the lowest "stock" position?

Since they will probably result in the same lift i'm curious about the ride of the two.

IMO the less you preload the coil the better, so my vote would be for the FJ's at the lowest setting.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Spreadsheet has been updated. There were several that didn't have complete lift numbers, so those weren't included. If I've missed anyone, please let me know.

 

[gnollman]

I have a '07 V6 Sport. Currently have XREAS with the 1'' Daystar Budget Boost. I really like the current look that I have but I'm sure XREAS is about to kick the dust at about 125k (plus it's pretty springy). Just recently I was able to get my hands on some FJ springs ('07 TRD) for a good deal. Was looking at getting Bilstein 4600/HD to replace the XREAS. I know most folks go with the 5100's but I may not be able to squeeze enough out of the budget for the 5100s right now. It's my daily driver and ride comfort is main focus and I don't plan on getting a lift down the road. I do no offroading besides a few dirt and gravel roads when needed.

My questions:

(1) would just the FJs have close to the same look (level wise) as my current set up with the Daystar? Or would I need a small spacer in the front? I can't seem to find anyone on the chart that has done this (or reported it).

(2) for replacement shocks I would just get replacement shocks for the T4R, not the FJ right?

(3) I can't find any pics of the FJ springs with the 1'' Daystar Budget Boost. Wondering if that wouldn't be too high on the front end?

(4) Also another question--if I went with the 5100's and down the road when the 5100's wear down, is the lift also effected?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Geerlijd]

2005 V8 RWD with FJ Coils & Bilstein 5100

Installed MOOG FJ coils and Bilstein 5100 on 2005 SR5 V8 RWD:
Front: MOOG 81108 and Bilstein 5100 set at 0.85
Rear: MOOG 81081 and Bilstein 5100
Also replaced front strut mounts and front/rear sway bar bushings.

Height Before:
FL: 32.75 FR: 32.875
RL: 35.5 RR: 35.5

Height After (settled 1 week):
FL: 36.0 FR: 36.0
RL: 36.875 RR: 36.875

Total Lift:
Front: 3.125 – 3.25”
Rear: 1.375”

I’m very pleased with how this turned out. Rides and looks much better. No more bump steer, turns well without leaning, rides great. Stance is great, running board measurements show about perfectly level (14.5” measured at front/rear on both sides). Tomorrow I will do the same project on my wifes 2005 T4R. I’ll report back in a week on how that turns out.

Thanks to T4R.org for the good advise on this upgrade.

 

[ChaosStarter]

I have a '07 V6 Sport. Currently have XREAS with the 1'' Daystar Budget Boost. I really like the current look that I have but I'm sure XREAS is about to kick the dust at about 125k (plus it's pretty springy). Just recently I was able to get my hands on some FJ springs ('07 TRD) for a good deal. Was looking at getting Bilstein 4600/HD to replace the XREAS. I know most folks go with the 5100's but I may not be able to squeeze enough out of the budget for the 5100s right now. It's my daily driver and ride comfort is main focus and I don't plan on getting a lift down the road. I do no offroading besides a few dirt and gravel roads when needed.

My questions:

(1) would just the FJs have close to the same look (level wise) as my current set up with the Daystar? Or would I need a small spacer in the front? I can't seem to find anyone on the chart that has done this (or reported it).

(2) for replacement shocks I would just get replacement shocks for the T4R, not the FJ right?

(3) I can't find any pics of the FJ springs with the 1'' Daystar Budget Boost. Wondering if that wouldn't be too high on the front end?

(4) Also another question--if I went with the 5100's and down the road when the 5100's wear down, is the lift also effected?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I'm actually in a similar boat. Only I grabbed a set of 2010+ FJ TRD red/blue shocks that are brand new for super cheap. These aren't adjustable obviously so I was thinking about doing the OME 884 springs on them. It says they'll work for 'stock' shocks, give a 2" raise and are 10% stiffer than stock.

The rear springs I'm kinda unsure about just because I was thinking the Toytec springs (non-HD) in the rear. Again, 2" raise, stiffer than stock, but not crazy stiff either.

If the daystars on paper say they're a 2.5/1.5 lift, then I assume I'll get a little bit of rake, which I'm ok with, going with the 884s/Toytecs.

If I ended up going with the FJs, I can buy them brand new for about $170/set which puts me right at the range of the aftermarket springs. I figure the 884s/Toytecs would give me a higher raise than doing just the FJs and non-5100s. There was someone on the forum here that put his daystar lift on his FJ springs, and got like 3.5-4" of lift or something like that I believe. I also need to save up for LCAs since my adjustments are seized and bushings torn.

 

[laufer]

2005 V8 4WD Limited with FJ OEM coils and Bilstein shocks

I just got this mod done today after riding around with my trunk full of parts for a couple of weeks...

Parts:

• lightly used coil springs off a 2009 FJ ($275 shipped from a very helpful seller on FJ Cruiser Forums)
• Bilstein Trail Teams front shocks off the same vehicle: p/n 48510-04100, seems very similar to 4600 HD (included with the springs)
• Bilstein 5100 rear shocks p/n 33-187174 ($150 through Amazon)
• KYB strut mounts ("top hats") p/n SM5640 ($53 from TH Motorsports)
• 10mm front topout spacers and extended-length studs ($37 from Wheeler's Offroad)

I chose the front spacers to reduce the rake just a little. Once the front shocks are worn, my plan is to remove them and the spacers and replace them with 5100s set at 0.85". That's why I already got the rear 5100s; they are reported to be valved the same as the 4600s and about 1" longer.

Old ride height: F 18.75" R 21" (hub center to fender)
New ride height: F 19.75" LR 21.25" RR 21.75"
Lift: F 1.0" (about 0.4" from the new springs + 0.6" from the spacers) LR 0.25 RR 0.75"

Given that I live in an apartment, I had this work done by a nearby shop. They charged me 5h of labor ($475) for completely removing XREAS and the old springs, installing the new components, and replacing the front sway bar links and bushing ($75 for these additional parts). This might sound like a lot but some of the other quotes I got were almost 50% higher.

So far, my experience is as positive as Geerlijd's, and I also want to thank this forum for the great advice. Ride and handling are almost as nice as on my wife's new Crosstrek.

The remaining planned mod is to replace the current 265/65R17 (stock size, 30.5") Cooper A/T3 (once they are worn) with 255/75R17 (32"), also Cooper AT/3. This is supposedly the largest size tire that still fits underneath as a spare. Also, when the front struts wear out, I am planning to replace them with 5100s set to .85". At that time, I should probably put one of these 10mm trim spacers on the rear driver's side.

I’m very pleased with how this turned out. Rides and looks much better. No more bump steer, turns well without leaning, rides great. Stance is great, running board measurements show about perfectly level (14.5” measured at front/rear on both sides).

 

[Jerm]

For those of you that have had similar set ups or have tried different combo's of the FJ parts for lift, what would year springs and shocks would you recommend for a overall 2" lift from stock height? I am currently running a Daystar 2.5" spacer lift and it blows. Mostly because the shocks and struts are worn out. A Co-worker has a 2.5" rag tag lift (random parts) and he is sitting almost 1/2" higher than me, I am happy with the height I am at just not pleased with the handling. Highest I would go is overall 2.25". Thanks guys.






I have searched but I am looking for actual opinions for a DD with very light off road usage from people that actually have had said parts installed.

 

[Jerm]

No one?

 

[tony_4r]

You are not likely to get 2" in the rear just with FJ springs. The front will be easier with the adjustable Bilsteins. In the rear you most likely need the fj springs plus a 1" spacer. However, keep in mind that everyone is getting different lifts depending on years and engine.

 

[Jerm]

Very true I wouldn't be opposed to using a metal spacer with new springs instead of the Daystar version and I might as well level the thing also. But, my suspension is stock with the exception of the Daystar spacers that were on it when I purchased the vehicle. The stock crap is just done with 120k on it.

 

[pjbrownva]

I'm going to be working on a spreadsheet that compiles a list of members and their suspension setups. My goal is to be able to get some accurate numbers as far as lift gained. So, if you have used any of the FJ parts (coils only, FJ shocks/coils, or aftermarket shocks/FJ coils), please post up the following:
Vehicle Year
Drivetrain (2wd/4wd)
Engine (v6 or v8)
Suspension components used (coils, shock and setting if adjustable like the Bilstein 5100's, and spacer & thickness) front/rear
Year model of the FJ springs used (mainly if it was a 2010 or if it was a previous year model)
Total lift gained (if left/right was different, please average the numbers and just post one number for front and one for rear)

What I have thus far:

pjbrownva Here's what I have for my after measurements... Sorry, I didn't take before measurements...

pjbrownva, 2008, 4x4 Limited, V8, Front & Rear 2007-2009 FJ Coils.

Taken on level ground with full tank of gas.

Bilstein 5100 shocks.

Front spacer - None. Bilsteins on 0.85 lift.
Rear Spacer - Daystar 1.5" suspension lift (on top of coil spring)

Heights:

Front Driver 35"
Front Passenger 35"
Rear Driver 37"
Rear Passenger 37.5"

P.S. -- I measured my tires at 30" diameter, so doing the math, from the center of the hub my measurements should be:
Front Driver 20"
Front Passenger 20"
Rear Driver 22"
Rear Passenger 22.5"

 

[DEF4Runner]

Here's a few measurements of my own. They're a tad tainted, but here they are. All measurements were taken in a flat parking lot with about a 1/2 tank of gas and otherwise empty.

2008, V6, SR5, 4X4

FRONT:
MOOG Tacoma/FJ springs, Bilstein 4600 (from center of hub to bottom of the fender)

Front Driver: 20 3/4
Front Passenger: 21

REAR:
FJ rear springs donated by a (ahem) 'retired' FJ out in a KY donor yard paired with Bilstein 5100s (Center of hub to bottom of the fender):

Driver Rear: 22.5 (with 1.5 DS spacer)
Passenger rear: 22.5 (no spacer)

If I go with a 19/21 stock center of hub to bottom of fender measurement, I picked up 2" in the front and 1.5" in the back. Before the spacer I was at about 21.5 in the back, consistent with most FJ swaps.

I initially wasn't a believer in the 1 spacer mod to balance the weight, but after trying it, I'm sold.

 

[ChucktownRunner]

fj

Just ordered Bilstein 5100 front and rear and a front set of 2010 FJ 4x4 springs. Im shooting for the 2.5/1.5 look. Main goal is to be able to put 265/70/17s on and to have a very slight rake with the rear being a little higher. Any suggestions on the rear springs and/or spacer? I can't hardly find any info on 2wd SR5 v6s.