4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[LTDSC]

lol,,,I'm not one of those "do a search" type people. We have enough of those clowns on this forum.

ive always hated when people say "SEARCH!" it goes completely against why forums were created. To help each other. I know how to do what i did because someone was nice enough to explain it to me, which i thanked them for that. I consider it the right thing to do basically.

 

[vlafrank]

Just so you know.....

If you're in the same situation as I'm in, i.e., no garage, no tools, and no experience in suspension matters, be prepared to pay through the nose for even the simplest suspension work.

Re the installation of a DayStar 2.5" lift, plus the necessary wheel alignment, I've received two quotes from two highly reputable 4X4 shops in the DC metro area: I already have the parts, so the following quotes are for labor only, to wit: $500 and $520.

WTH? I should have investigated this part of the upgrade before buying the parts. Shame on me for not doing so. These prices just take all the fun out of it. Jeez!

The irony is, I was given a quote of $530 for the installation, including parts (!), just a couple of weeks ago! Note my prior post on the subject. I know I'm a babe in the woods here concerning suspension mods, but I wasn't born yesterday, and I'm not a fool - although right now I certainly feel like one. And I didn't even get kissed.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If you're in the same situation as I'm in, i.e., no garage, no tools, and no experience in suspension matters, be prepared to pay through the nose for even the simplest suspension work.

Re the installation of a DayStar 2.5" lift, plus the necessary wheel alignment, I've received two quotes from two highly reputable 4X4 shops in the DC metro area: I already have the parts, so the following quotes are for labor only, to wit: $500 and $520.

WTH? I should have investigated this part of the upgrade before buying the parts. Shame on me for not doing so. These prices just take all the fun out of it. Jeez!

The irony is, I was given a quote of $530 for the installation, including parts (!), just a couple of weeks ago! Note my prior post on the subject. I know I'm a babe in the woods here concerning suspension mods, but I wasn't born yesterday, and I'm not a fool - although right now I certainly feel like one. And I didn't even get kissed.

This is very common, unfortunately. All I can really suggest is to post on the local boards and see if you can find anyone with experience and tools that's willing to help. It's a pretty easy job unless you run into major issues with rust.

 

[rfuree11]

I know this sizing crap has been addressed a million times, but I can't seem to find a clear answer to this one. I was in a minor accident last night in the snow and destroyed one of my tires, but all of my tires are shot. Insurance is going to pay for one, so I may as well replace the rest while I can. I was planning on waiting until the spring to do my lift and was planning on running 265-70-17 Duratracs. How much trimming do you think I'll need to do at stock height right now? Just moving forward the fender liner, or will it be more involved?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I know this sizing crap has been addressed a million times, but I can't seem to find a clear answer to this one. I was in a minor accident last night in the snow and destroyed one of my tires, but all of my tires are shot. Insurance is going to pay for one, so I may as well replace the rest while I can. I was planning on waiting until the spring to do my lift and was planning on running 265-70-17 Duratracs. How much trimming do you think I'll need to do at stock height right now? Just moving forward the fender liner, or will it be more involved?

As long as you're running stock wheels and NO wheel spacers, moving the fender liner forward should be all that's needed.

 

[rfuree11]

Thanks for the info- I'm 100% stock right now and was planning on going OME in the spring.

 

[Gatafly]

Just finished up the FJ/5100 upgrade on the '04 SE and love it. There is still a very small rake which I wanted, but looks way better and handle great. One of the best results I think is that my headlights actually light up much further down the road and make a huge difference. Have not had anyone flash their lights at me yet so they must be ok. Here is a quick pic I took up at the cabin a few days ago.

 

[Racerzl1]

Newbie with questions.....

Hey guys, I have been doing my research, and today finally purchased an 04 4Runner today.
I am ready now to purchase a lift kit for it...
I have looked at the Daystar 2-1/2" LIFT KIT KT09115BK, and the Toytec 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils ...
Which will be the best kit for me ,even if it is a different kit than I mentioned?
It will be a daily driver, and I will be using it for hunting, and will be on some muddy roads. I want it to drive good on paved roads after I lift it.
Can you give me advice on what I need? The Toytec kit looks better to me, but I dont have a clue which one to buy.
Many thanks !

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hey guys, I have been doing my research, and today finally purchased an 04 4Runner today.
I am ready now to purchase a lift kit for it...
I have looked at the Daystar 2-1/2" LIFT KIT KT09115BK, and the Toytec 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils ...
Which will be the best kit for me ,even if it is a different kit than I mentioned?
It will be a daily driver, and I will be using it for hunting, and will be on some muddy roads. I want it to drive good on paved roads after I lift it.
Can you give me advice on what I need? The Toytec kit looks better to me, but I dont have a clue which one to buy.
Many thanks !

Do you know if you have XREAS suspension? With an 04, it's probably time to consider replacing the shocks so you'll want to consider that. Here's my suggestion:
Bilstein 5100's ($325-$350)
OEM FJ Coils (price varies, ~$100 is a fair deal for a used set)
Daystar 1.5" rear spacer ($40)

The FJ coils would be optional, but I'd say worth the cost. The Bilstein 5100's are adjustable on the front, so you can get your lift without needed a spacer.

 

[Racerzl1]

Hows the easiest way to tell if I have Xreas ?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hows the easiest way to tell if I have Xreas ?

If you have it, there will be a hydraulic line attached to the shock, pretty easy to see. In the first post of this thread i provided more details.

 

[Racerzl1]

I looked and I dont have it. My vehicle has basic shocks, no lines attched. The Toytec kit has the new rear coil springs and front spacers. It called the FJ kit. Is this what I need?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I looked and I dont have it. My vehicle has basic shocks, no lines attched. The Toytec kit has the new rear coil springs and front spacers. It called the FJ kit. Is this what I need?

That would work, yes. However, at 150000 miles I would suggest new shocks as well. Something like the 5100s i mentioned in my previous post would work well for your needs. The fronts can give up to 2.5" lift with stock coils, so you'd just need to get coils or spacers to lift the rear.

 

[Racerzl1]

What about the diff drop kit, is that needed for this?

 

[ebg18t]

What about the diff drop kit, is that needed for this?

Not nessisary for 3" or less.

 

[bryontro]

New member quick question. Original owner of an 03 T4R V-8, (Xreas).

- Looking at getting the Daystar 2.5/1.5 kit through Amazon ($130-ish).

- Stock 17's now, following up with Michelin LTX A/T2 265/70-17 soon.

- Bilsteins 5100's to follow within the next year.

Question, It appears that the Daystar kit doesn't include replacement bump stops. Does installing this kit cause problems/binding because the Xreas shocks run out of down travel before engaging bump stops due to new spacers? Will there be an issue when I replace the Xreas with Bilsteins?

Moderate off roading expected.

Thanks.

 

[HHIRunner]

New Member Questions...

If i were to go for the OME 885 Fronts with Bilstein 5100's all around and the Toytec 2" Superflex rear coils, about how much lift would that give me all around? and what other necessities would I need to go along with it?


This would be for an 03 Limited V8 4x4 and I would be replacing the RAS and XREAS

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If i were to go for the OME 885 Fronts with Bilstein 5100's all around and the Toytec 2" Superflex rear coils, about how much lift would that give me all around? and what other necessities would I need to go along with it?


This would be for an 03 Limited V8 4x4 and I would be replacing the RAS and XREAS

It can vary depending on how much your stock springs are sagging, but I'd guess 2.5"-3" front and 2"-2.25" rear. The only other thing is you may need the swaybar relocate (won't know until you get the shocks/coils installed).

 

[HHIRunner]

It can vary depending on how much your stock springs are sagging, but I'd guess 2.5"-3" front and 2"-2.25" rear. The only other thing is you may need the swaybar relocate (won't know until you get the shocks/coils installed).

Thanks for the help. What else would be a good option for a 3"/2" I know I need to replace the XREAS since its an 03 and I'll definitely go with the Bilsteins, but I'm still unsure as to what I want to do for the front coils and the RAS.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the help. What else would be a good option for a 3"/2" I know I need to replace the XREAS since its an 03 and I'll definitely go with the Bilsteins, but I'm still unsure as to what I want to do for the front coils and the RAS.

Setup depends on your budget and intended use. Do you have the rear air suspension? If so, you'll need to keep that in mind because you have air bags and not coils in the rear.