4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[AZ07Runner]

Need new UCAs?

I installed the lift in my sig a few years ago and since then, when I get to the downside of a rounded curb or speed island, there is a quick grind. It seem like it happens when the wheels are straight.

1. Is this due to the UCAs rubbing? The lift was stated as being 2.5", but I think I've read where people have gotten ~3" with listed parts. I didn't take any pre-lift measurements. I went to a very reliable alignment shop after lift and was told all the numbers were fine.

2. IF this is the UCAs, Camburg and JBAs seem to be the way to got for this size lift and my very occasional rough dirt roading. What is your choice and why?

Thanks!

 

[Morphyne]

If you plan on keeping RAS you should order bilsteins 4600 for the rear. If you read ARK Swamp rider's post on the conversion he mentions about this. I will send you a link for this once I find it.

That's not correct. The calving for the 4600s and the 5100s are the same in the rear. They just make them silver to match the fronts which are differently valves for the adjustable spring seat. Also the 5100s are perfectly suited for RAS. I've been running this setup for 50k or so

 

[08SprtEdtn4wd]

Bumper added weight options.

I've got the C4 Lo-Pro. It weighs around 75lbs, plus my winch (roughly 85lbs), you're looking at about 160lbs to add. Conveniently for you, I also run 5100s with an 885 spring in the front. The front definitely dipped down, but not a ton. Maybe about 3/4"?

I'm planning to put a 3/8" spacer on the left side, 1/4" on the right. Will fix the driver's lean, and should help regain a half inch in the front.

So, I should anticipate to lose about 3/4" on the front end.... good to know. I'll have to find springs that are a bit stiffer then? to make up for the dip?

Also, you mention a driver lean... is that due to the added weight from the bumper and winch? Should i be anticipating something similar?

Thanks for the info; your rig looks awesome.

 

[jrm]

Have you checked for contact

I installed the lift in my sig a few years ago and since then, when I get to the downside of a rounded curb or speed island, there is a quick grind. It seem like it happens when the wheels are straight.

1. Is this due to the UCAs rubbing? The lift was stated as being 2.5", but I think I've read where people have gotten ~3" with listed parts. I didn't take any pre-lift measurements. I went to a very reliable alignment shop after lift and was told all the numbers were fine.

2. IF this is the UCAs, Camburg and JBAs seem to be the way to got for this size lift and my very occasional rough dirt roading. What is your choice and why?

Thanks!

between the OE UCA and anything else. If youre hearing a grinding noise there could be evidence on a part..or parts

 

[AZ07Runner]

between the OE UCA and anything else. If youre hearing a grinding noise there could be evidence on a part..or parts

I've looked, but I'll have to do a more thorough search. Been under there a couple times and didn't see anything that looked like newly rubbed metal.

 

[schuler317]

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/pts/d/lx-450-landcruiser-springs/6625241927.html

Any chance this would be able to be used on my ‘03 w/ XREAS?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[slimjj]

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/pts/d/lx-450-landcruiser-springs/6625241927.html

Any chance this would be able to be used on my ‘03 w/ XREAS?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The rears shocks look like they might fit, you’d have to check the length and bushing diameters, but the fronts definitely won’t because the bushings are wrong and look like a shock rather than a strut that goes inside a coil. The rear springs might be fun to play with, but looks like the fronts won’t fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[20154R]

Need some advice!

I have a 2005 SR5 V8 with 102k miles and no XREAS; starting to upgrade my suspension slowly. So far, I have the 5100's and nothing else. I am new at this and trying to read through posts/threads on what to do/get and not to do/get.

I do not want a crazy lift, thinking of doing the 2/1 kit from Burtman's. I like the way user monk96t 4Runner looks, especially with the A/T tires.

Since I'm doing the 5100's, I figured I would update/upgrade my coils. Which ones should I get to go w/ the 5100's and the 2/1 kit? I've seen some many posts about Moogs, OME, Toytec, etc. Just overwhelmed by the choices.

Is having aftermarket coils and a leveling kit the same thing or redundant and I could get buy with buying one or the other? This is what I am confused about.

What setting should the 5100's be at when installed? 0 is what I am thinking.

Thanks

 

[jrm]

To achieve a two & one inch lift

I have a 2005 SR5 V8 with 102k miles and no XREAS; starting to upgrade my suspension slowly. So far, I have the 5100's and nothing else. I am new at this and trying to read through posts/threads on what to do/get and not to do/get.

I do not want a crazy lift, thinking of doing the 2/1 kit from Burtman's. I like the way user monk96t 4Runner looks, especially with the A/T tires.

Since I'm doing the 5100's, I figured I would update/upgrade my coils. Which ones should I get to go w/ the 5100's and the 2/1 kit? I've seen some many posts about Moogs, OME, Toytec, etc. Just overwhelmed by the choices.

Is having aftermarket coils and a leveling kit the same thing or redundant and I could get buy with buying one or the other? This is what I am confused about.

What setting should the 5100's be at when installed? 0 is what I am thinking.

Thanks

I went the 6112 route setting them @ 2"s ie: 5th clip on driver side and 3rd clip on passenger to compensate for driver side lean due to driver, gas tank. dobinson 323 coils and soon to be 5160 rear shocks. So basically a trd pro set up. like it alot.

 

[Rodtheviking]

I have a 2005 SR5 V8 with 102k miles and no XREAS; starting to upgrade my suspension slowly. So far, I have the 5100's and nothing else. I am new at this and trying to read through posts/threads on what to do/get and not to do/get.

I do not want a crazy lift, thinking of doing the 2/1 kit from Burtman's. I like the way user monk96t 4Runner looks, especially with the A/T tires.

Since I'm doing the 5100's, I figured I would update/upgrade my coils. Which ones should I get to go w/ the 5100's and the 2/1 kit? I've seen some many posts about Moogs, OME, Toytec, etc. Just overwhelmed by the choices.

Is having aftermarket coils and a leveling kit the same thing or redundant and I could get buy with buying one or the other? This is what I am confused about.

What setting should the 5100's be at when installed? 0 is what I am thinking.

Thanks

Skip the 2/1 kit. I went with Toytec 521600 in the front set to 0 and OME 2895 springs in the rear and it was nice and level. I had to add a 1/2 inch spacer to the front after the bumper but that was it.

 

[Jason B]

I have a 2005 SR5 V8 with 102k miles and no XREAS; starting to upgrade my suspension slowly. So far, I have the 5100's and nothing else. I am new at this and trying to read through posts/threads on what to do/get and not to do/get.

I do not want a crazy lift, thinking of doing the 2/1 kit from Burtman's. I like the way user monk96t 4Runner looks, especially with the A/T tires.

Since I'm doing the 5100's, I figured I would update/upgrade my coils. Which ones should I get to go w/ the 5100's and the 2/1 kit? I've seen some many posts about Moogs, OME, Toytec, etc. Just overwhelmed by the choices.

Is having aftermarket coils and a leveling kit the same thing or redundant and I could get buy with buying one or the other? This is what I am confused about.

What setting should the 5100's be at when installed? 0 is what I am thinking.

Thanks

Yes, it can get confusing. I have quite a few customers who have done this and are super happy and it feels great.

Below is SR5 bone stock suspension with Geolander 265/70/16 on factory wheels in first pic. 2nd pic is the Burtman 2/1 Cornfed lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks all the way around. Frnt shock set at zero lift. Switched tires to BF Goodrich AT KO2 in 265/75/16. Rides great.

4Th gen lift and leveling kit at Burtman Industries

Can also make ANY CUSTOM SIZE spacers you guys need.

 

[slimjj]

I have a 2005 SR5 V8 with 102k miles and no XREAS; starting to upgrade my suspension slowly. So far, I have the 5100's and nothing else. I am new at this and trying to read through posts/threads on what to do/get and not to do/get.



I do not want a crazy lift, thinking of doing the 2/1 kit from Burtman's. I like the way user monk96t 4Runner looks, especially with the A/T tires.



Since I'm doing the 5100's, I figured I would update/upgrade my coils. Which ones should I get to go w/ the 5100's and the 2/1 kit? I've seen some many posts about Moogs, OME, Toytec, etc. Just overwhelmed by the choices.



Is having aftermarket coils and a leveling kit the same thing or redundant and I could get buy with buying one or the other? This is what I am confused about.



What setting should the 5100's be at when installed? 0 is what I am thinking.



Thanks

Depends what you want out of your 4Runner.

If you want a more off road capable rig, then skip the spacer kit and get better coils and springs. Taller springs allow for more travel and added weight.

If you just want the look of a lift but don’t want the expense and handling of an off road vehicle, then get the spacer kit.

The front 5100s are adjustable, so there’s really no need for a spacer in the front. IMy 5100s are set at 1.75 up front (3rd perch) with FJ coils and 1.5” Daystar spacer in the rear w/ FJ springs. Fronts can be set to 0, 0.85, 1.75 or 2.5

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RTCt4r]

Looking for opinions on 2 different lift/suspension options:

Over the last month, I've read pretty much ever page of this thread, but it's a lot of info for an old man to absorb.... so I'm looking for the current/easy input.

Background: '04 Limited with the v8 & Xreas. Roughly 140k miles. I want to totally delete the Xreas. Use will be as just as a hunting & fishing & haul the dogs around extra vehicle but will include some long trips. Mild off-road on mountain 2 tracks. I also want to be able to tow my roughly 3500 lb boat. Would like to maintain as good a highway ride/comfort as reasonable.

Would like to lift the front roughly 2.5" and the rear about 1.5". Want to maintain some of the rake so I don't have rear sag with the trailer & a load in the back.

Option 1: Bilstein 5100's all around with OME HD (330 lb constant) coils in the rear.

Option2: Mostly OME, ARB 2886 front coils & Nitro Sport struts. ARB 2896 HD rear coils & Nitro Sport shocks.


Thoughts, suggestions, criticism?

 

[20154R]

Depends what you want out of your 4Runner.

If you want a more off road capable rig, then skip the spacer kit and get better coils and springs. Taller springs allow for more travel and added weight.

If you just want the look of a lift but don’t want the expense and handling of an off road vehicle, then get the spacer kit.

The front 5100s are adjustable, so there’s really no need for a spacer in the front. IMy 5100s are set at 1.75 up front (3rd perch) with FJ coils and 1.5” Daystar spacer in the rear w/ FJ springs. Fronts can be set to 0, 0.85, 1.75 or 2.5

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Makes sense - I dont ever go off roading, so Im sure the leveling kit would suit my needs. I guess I would just reuse my stock coils with a leveling kit? I guess I want the leveling kit that would help eliminate the drivers lean.

 

[4RunnerIdiot]

Looking for opinions on 2 different lift/suspension options:

Over the last month, I've read pretty much ever page of this thread, but it's a lot of info for an old man to absorb.... so I'm looking for the current/easy input.

Background: '04 Limited with the v8 & Xreas. Roughly 140k miles. I want to totally delete the Xreas. Use will be as just as a hunting & fishing & haul the dogs around extra vehicle but will include some long trips. Mild off-road on mountain 2 tracks. I also want to be able to tow my roughly 3500 lb boat. Would like to maintain as good a highway ride/comfort as reasonable.

Would like to lift the front roughly 2.5" and the rear about 1.5". Want to maintain some of the rake so I don't have rear sag with the trailer & a load in the back.

Option 1: Bilstein 5100's all around with OME HD (330 lb constant) coils in the rear.

Option2: Mostly OME, ARB 2886 front coils & Nitro Sport struts. ARB 2896 HD rear coils & Nitro Sport shocks.


Thoughts, suggestions, criticism?

I'm in a very similar boat. 04 Limited V8, but no Xreas. Almost 140k. Want good highway and mild offroad. Been doing tons of research and slightly overwhelmed. Today I went down the rabbit hole of "if you lift more than 2" you should get an aftermarket UCA". Definitely curious to see what kind of suggestions you get, and what you end up doing.

 

[RTCt4r]

I'm in a very similar boat. 04 Limited V8, but no Xreas. Almost 140k. Want good highway and mild offroad. Been doing tons of research and slightly overwhelmed. Today I went down the rabbit hole of "if you lift more than 2" you should get an aftermarket UCA". Definitely curious to see what kind of suggestions you get, and what you end up doing.

Since I didn't get any comments/suggestions (this thread seems to have died off) I went ahead and pulled the trigger today...

Not actually either of the 2 options I listed above but I'm doing Bilsteins all around with the Bilstein packaged coils on the front and Toytec Superflex HD's on the rear. I will set the front to 3" of lift and if as advertised the Superflex HD coils should give me around 2.5" unloaded in the rear. I will rarely be unloaded completely in the rear, so hopefully it ends up closer to level.

Also went ahead and ordered my new sneakers: Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

In about 3-4 weeks, when it all comes, in I will gladly let you know if I feel like I made the right decisions or not. Short term impressions only, obviously.

 

[4RunnerIdiot]

Since I didn't get any comments/suggestions (this thread seems to have died off) I went ahead and pulled the trigger today...

Not actually either of the 2 options I listed above but I'm doing Bilsteins all around with the Bilstein packaged coils on the front and Toytec Superflex HD's on the rear. I will set the front to 3" of lift and if as advertised the Superflex HD coils should give me around 2.5" unloaded in the rear. I will rarely be unloaded completely in the rear, so hopefully it ends up closer to level.

Also went ahead and ordered my new sneakers: Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

In about 3-4 weeks, when it all comes, in I will gladly let you know if I feel like I made the right decisions or not. Short term impressions only, obviously.

Sounds like a pretty decent setup. Are you planning to install it yourself?

 

[Jason B]

Since I didn't get any comments/suggestions (this thread seems to have died off) I went ahead and pulled the trigger today...

Be careful setting the bilstens up that high. I've sold 3 kits this week to guys that had the bilstens at 2"+ up front and were unhappy with the ride quality and did our spacers up front, etc... Let us know how you make out.

Makes sense - I dont ever go off roading, so Im sure the leveling kit would suit my needs. I guess I would just reuse my stock coils with a leveling kit? I guess I want the leveling kit that would help eliminate the drivers lean.

Yes, that will work and it will ride great, see my post above with my customer who kept stock coils.

I'm in a very similar boat. 04 Limited V8, but no Xreas. Almost 140k. Want good highway and mild offroad. Been doing tons of research and slightly overwhelmed. Today I went down the rabbit hole of "if you lift more than 2" you should get an aftermarket UCA". Definitely curious to see what kind of suggestions you get, and what you end up doing.

Not to worry. You can do this with our kit, and no UCA needed. It's a split spacer design up front, meaning (2) total spacers on each front shock, one above the top hat and one below. This splits the tension, and ride quality is great. Nothing else needed. Been selling this kit since late 2005 and there are plenty of members on here with these kits.

Here is the 8 page thead with pics and customers commenting:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/229041-lift-leveling-kit-holiday-season-sale-8.html

 

[asbill71]

My wife's 2003 SR5 got the 2/1 Cornfed kit from Burtman plus Bilstein 5100's and kept the stock springs. Then I swapped the tires for BF Goodrich KO2's. I could not be happier. I did not want to rely on the adjustable front shocks for the lift, because my sons 4Runner was lifted by the previous owner by using adjustable shocks and no spacers. It rides really stiff compared to my wife's. Here is a before and after on my wife's 4Runner. We drive this car everywhere, take it on long road trips and it handles awesome.

 

[BaconHound]

I spent the better part of last weekend installing 5100s, OME 884s in front, and Toytec Superflex coils in the rear. When all was said and done, the lift was about 3.5" in front and 3" in back. I'm happy with the outcome, but that's a lot more lift than I was expecting.

Based on what I've read here, the alignment went about as well as can be expected and my caster is out of spec. I'm at 0.30° on the left and 0.35° on the right. An ideal value would apparently be between 2.47° and 3.97°.

My question is, just how bad is this? The truck seems like it drives fine. I'm planning to put 275/70/17 KO2s on within a few weeks. Should I be concerned about rubbing, or would it be okay to hold off on new UCAs for a while? I don't have a lot of extra money at the moment and I'm not thrilled at the idea of immediately taking everything back apart to install new stuff.