4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[saincain78]

I am such a F-ing new guy at this!

ASR, I looked at how the bottom spring stop looks on the pics you posted and I put them on up side down. Now I see how the front is 1.5 inches higher. I guess my next question is will I be all right untill this coming saturday when I can get back on a lift and fix it or is it an emergency? WOW what a way to learn. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If you have a 4wd, can you post a pic showing your CV angle? I'd guess you're pushing 4.5-5" of lift, which can really put things in a bind. I guess a lot depends on how many miles you drive.

Don't worry, you aren't the only one who's done this. Directions aren't very clear, and it doesn't get discussed much here.

 

[saincain78]

Front shock fix.

If you have a 4wd, can you post a pic showing your CV angle? I'd guess you're pushing 4.5-5" of lift, which can really put things in a bind. I guess a lot depends on how many miles you drive.

Don't worry, you aren't the only one who's done this. Directions aren't very clear, and it doesn't get discussed much here.

ASR, today I went and flipped the bottom spring seat and what a difference! I still have a little rake but not as much as when it was stock. Thanks for the pics it really saved me...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

ASR, today I went and flipped the bottom spring seat and what a difference! I still have a little rake but not as much as when it was stock. Thanks for the pics it really saved me...

Good to see you got it taken care of. Sounds like it turned out great, post some pics when you can.

 

[saincain78]

Spring Upgrade

Good to see you got it taken care of. Sounds like it turned out great, post some pics when you can.

ASR,

So with the 5100's X 4, front set at the highest level and the 1.5" spacer in the rear with stock springs it is a nice improvement but I want to take it to the next level. Yes, I cought the bug . I want to install the OME springs. I was looking at the front 886 and the rear 895. When I do the install will I set the front shocks to the lowest setting and will I remove the rear spacer and just have the springs? Will the front have more lift than I have with the shocks raised to the highest setting with stock springs? Will the rear lift allitle more than using the stock springs with the 1.5 spacer? I seen some guys using the 5100's with the OME springs in the front and adding a spacer, why are they doing this and what did they need to do to the rear for that set up? I would greatly appreciate you advise with the OME spring numbers and any other input you have. Thanks for your time!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

ASR,

So with the 5100's X 4, front set at the highest level and the 1.5" spacer in the rear with stock springs it is a nice improvement but I want to take it to the next level. Yes, I cought the bug . I want to install the OME springs. I was looking at the front 886 and the rear 895. When I do the install will I set the front shocks to the lowest setting and will I remove the rear spacer and just have the springs? Will the front have more lift than I have with the shocks raised to the highest setting with stock springs? Will the rear lift allitle more than using the stock springs with the 1.5 spacer? I seen some guys using the 5100's with the OME springs in the front and adding a spacer, why are they doing this and what did they need to do to the rear for that set up? I would greatly appreciate you advise with the OME spring numbers and any other input you have. Thanks for your time!

Haha, that didn't last long! Are you planning to add any extra weight such as bumpers? Can you explain what it is that you expect to gain by switching to OME? I'll provide my opinion based on the answer to those questions.

 

[saincain78]

Haha, that didn't last long! Are you planning to add any extra weight such as bumpers? Can you explain what it is that you expect to gain by switching to OME? I'll provide my opinion based on the answer to those questions.

If you scroll down to the bottom of this thread you will see a maroon 4runner with a before and after pics. His lift looks F-ing awesome and it is leveled out which mine is not with my set up. I do not plan on replacing the bumpers or any kind of crazy off roading. I do want to lift mine and really level it out. I want to buy bigger tires also. I have read that if I switch to the after market springs it will lift higher than if I used the stock springs with the billsteins set at the highest level. OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum. It is pretty sad when I am local driving and there is other SUV's stock sitting higher than me. I read that different after market springs will cause more stiffness with the ride which I would like to stiffen up mine...Is there a different spring make that would work better for me?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If you scroll down to the bottom of this thread you will see a maroon 4runner with a before and after pics. His lift looks F-ing awesome and it is leveled out which mine is not with my set up. I do not plan on replacing the bumpers or any kind of crazy off roading. I do want to lift mine and really level it out. I want to buy bigger tires also. I have read that if I switch to the after market springs it will lift higher than if I used the stock springs with the billsteins set at the highest level. OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum. It is pretty sad when I am local driving and there is other SUV's stock sitting higher than me. I read that different after market springs will cause more stiffness with the e which I would like to stiffen up mine...Is there a different spring make that would work better for me?

What is it that you think will improve with stiffer coils? Absorbing bumps, body roll, brake dive, etc? The important thing to note is that you're currently around 2.5" lift. 3" is really considered the max. You can go higher but it adds stress and it's likely you'll need new ucas to get alignment back into spec. Do you really think 1/2" will make a difference? You can add onto what you have to finish leveling it out. I'm not saying don't go with ome, just making sure it's going to give you the expected result.

 

[saincain78]

What is it that you think will improve with stiffer coils? Absorbing bumps, body roll, brake dive, etc? The important thing to note is that you're currently around 2.5" lift. 3" is really considered the max. You can go higher but it adds stress and it's likely you'll need new ucas to get alignment back into spec. Do you really think 1/2" will make a difference? You can add onto what you have to finish leveling it out. I'm not saying don't go with ome, just making sure it's going to give you the expected result.

I would like to have a stiffer ride, body roll, and brake dive. That link I showed you with the maroon 4runner is it to lifted and is causing binding? I just want to be higher and leveled out. The new springs front and rear is going to be my last addittion I guess when it comes to lift. I would eventualy like to go higher but from what you are telling me it starts to become involved...I really like the look that maroon 4runner on that link looks like. It looks like he could put some really mean tires on it as well. Do you think I should just add some spacers up front?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I would like to have a stiffer ride, body roll, and brake dive. That link I showed you with the maroon 4runner is it to lifted and is causing binding? I just want to be higher and leveled out. The new springs front and rear is going to be my last addittion I guess when it comes to lift. I would eventualy like to go higher but from what you are telling me it starts to become involved...I really like the look that maroon 4runner on that link looks like. It looks like he could put some really mean tires on it as well. Do you think I should just add some spacers up front?

It's hard to say without actually seeing the CV's. If you really want to go over 3", you're best bet is to consider a body lift. They're relatively cheap and not too difficult to install. You are definitely safe moving from the 2.5" you're at now to 3". I just wanted to make sure you weren't just getting the new coils for more lift since there are other ways to achieve that (i.e. spacer on top of what you have now, but with the other changes you listed this isn't the option for you).

For what you're wanting, the OME's could be a great setup. Most go with 884's for v6 and 885's for v8 on the front. I *think* you will get close to 3" with either of those (I got right at 3" with 885's on my v8, not 100% sure on the v6 with 884's thought). It wouldn't hurt to get the Toytec 1/4" top plate spacer in addition. People use this to ensure they get a full 3" lift (typically slightly over). My suggestion would be 884's on the front, then add 1/4" spacer (v6) or 1/2" spacer (v8). The 884's will have less preload on the shocks and yield a better ride.

For the rear, I wouldn't suggest the OME's, they're too stiff for a stock weight vehicle. If you're wanting to add a rear bumper or tire carrier, then they would be good. At stock weight, the Toytec Superflex coils are a great choice. OME 895's are 45% stiffer than stock, TT Superflex are 10% stiffer than stock.

An alternative option are the Metal Tech 4x4 coils. These are progressive, which is nice because they can be both soft and firm depending on load. I don't know anyone currently running these on a 4th gen, but on paper they're great. I'm really considering these for the rear of my 4runner.

That said, I would watch the Overland Warehouse threads. It was announced earlier this week that they officially closed the store. They mentioned something about an upcoming sale to get rid of merchandise. I see they still have the 2.0 front kit on their website. You may be able to pick this up for a great price and would be my choice over the 5100/OME setup.

Overland Warehouse Closes - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[saincain78]

It's hard to say without actually seeing the CV's. If you really want to go over 3", you're best bet is to consider a body lift. They're relatively cheap and not too difficult to install. You are definitely safe moving from the 2.5" you're at now to 3". I just wanted to make sure you weren't just getting the new coils for more lift since there are other ways to achieve that (i.e. spacer on top of what you have now, but with the other changes you listed this isn't the option for you).

For what you're wanting, the OME's could be a great setup. Most go with 884's for v6 and 885's for v8 on the front. I *think* you will get close to 3" with either of those (I got right at 3" with 885's on my v8, not 100% sure on the v6 with 884's thought). It wouldn't hurt to get the Toytec 1/4" top plate spacer in addition. People use this to ensure they get a full 3" lift (typically slightly over). My suggestion would be 884's on the front, then add 1/4" spacer (v6) or 1/2" spacer (v8). The 884's will have less preload on the shocks and yield a better ride.

For the rear, I wouldn't suggest the OME's, they're too stiff for a stock weight vehicle. If you're wanting to add a rear bumper or tire carrier, then they would be good. At stock weight, the Toytec Superflex coils are a great choice. OME 895's are 45% stiffer than stock, TT Superflex are 10% stiffer than stock.

An alternative option are the Metal Tech 4x4 coils. These are progressive, which is nice because they can be both soft and firm depending on load. I don't know anyone currently running these on a 4th gen, but on paper they're great. I'm really considering these for the rear of my 4runner.

That said, I would watch the Overland Warehouse threads. It was announced earlier this week that they officially closed the store. They mentioned something about an upcoming sale to get rid of merchandise. I see they still have the 2.0 front kit on their website. You may be able to pick this up for a great price and would be my choice over the 5100/OME setup.

Overland Warehouse Closes - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I am leaning towards the 884's with the 1/4 spacers and the TT Superflex's. Will I remove the 1.5 inch rear spacers when I install the Superflex's? How do you feel about the FJ rear springs? What is their stiffness % compared to the Superflex's? I think I recall in one of your threads that you had the FJ's on at one point and was not happy so you went to the Superflex's. Will I set the front Billstein's to the lowest setting when I install the 884's? Anyways, after I upgrade the springs I think the next step would be go with a body lift but I am sure I will have to get some relocates for certain parts. I will be posting some pics this weekend, its been raining and I want to put a wash on my rig before pics . Thanks for all you help!!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I am leaning towards the 884's with the 1/4 spacers and the TT Superflex's. Will I remove the 1.5 inch rear spacers when I install the Superflex's? How do you feel about the FJ rear springs? What is their stiffness % compared to the Superflex's? I think I recall in one of your threads that you had the FJ's on at one point and was not happy so you went to the Superflex's. Will I set the front Billstein's to the lowest setting when I install the 884's? Anyways, after I upgrade the springs I think the next step would be go with a body lift but I am sure I will have to get some relocates for certain parts. I will be posting some pics this weekend, its been raining and I want to put a wash on my rig before pics . Thanks for all you help!!!

Yes, you will remove the spacers in the rear and lower the setting on the front shocks to the lowest setting.I haven't seen exact numbers on the fj coils, I'm guessing 3%-5%. A body lift up to 1" will only require a radiator relocate, up to 1.5" you'd need a steering spacer.

Do you have a v6 or v8?

 

[saincain78]

Yes, you will remove the spacers in the rear and lower the setting on the front shocks to the lowest setting.I haven't seen exact numbers on the fj coils, I'm guessing 3%-5%. A body lift up to 1" will only require a radiator relocate, up to 1.5" you'd need a steering spacer.

Do you have a v6 or v8?

I looked on Toytec.com where I ordered my Billstein's from and saw the OME srpings. There was an option to choose them with top plate spacers. Is this what I need or do I need to order spacers seperately to get the 3" lift? One thing I noticed is the longer bolts were not included with this package but if I was to buy the 1/4" spacers by themselves they come with the longer bolts. Things that make you go hummmm...

Do you still have your 886's and Superflex's???? Maybe you are in the market to sell them...

 

[trailrazer]

I really think it's hard to beat the 5100/FJ coils for a vehicle that only sees minor off road. Combine that with air bags in the rear to support the load when towing and you'll have a great setup. You can go the OME route, but IMO it's a little stiff for daily driving (that's just my opinion, others will say differently). With the 5100/FJ combo plus a 1.5" Daystar rear spacer, you could have the lift you're looking for.

If you choose to go the OME route, you can do 884's in the front with a top plate spacer for a full 3" lift. For the rear, you have a couple of options. OME 895's are 45% stiffer than stock, which is very stiff when you're unloaded. Most use ToyTec Superflex rear coils, they are 10% stiffer than stock. This can carry some extra weight without sagging and not be harsh when not loaded. There are a few options in between, I know All Pro makes coils that are approx 20% stiffer than stock.

Hard to go wrong either way. I loved the way the FJ coils rode over bumps, but with the 5100/FJ combo I felt there was a little too much body roll and nose dive. I loved the way the 5100's/OME handled turns and braking, but they were a little stiff over bumps. The OW 2.0 kit that I just switched to seems to be the best of both, very happy with it.

Tire size will be your call (great tire choice btw, love those tires). I love the way the 285's look on the 4runner with a 3" lift. 275's will require less trimming to fit, will most likely be cheaper, and less impact on gas mileage (although I think it's gonna be minor between the two sizes you're comparing).

275/70/17 is a C rated tire. This is the best fit IMO.
285/70/17 is either a P or E rated tire. I'd prefer something better than a P for your towing and off road, but the E may be a little stiff.

It's really a personal choice on tire size, but 275/70/17 in that tire would most likely be my choice.

Thank you very much for the input and sharing your experience. I did more thinking and spent some time considering the options. Last night I ordered some FJ coils from a member on the FJ Cruiser board. This next week I will order some 5100's, spacers and Energy sway bar bushings. I am really excited about the build. Wheel spacers and some Destination AT tires in a 285 or 275 size are next.

This board is such a great place. I am a member of a several forum boards. This is only one of a couple that I would consider a community. It's members like ASR and others that are gracious enough to share solutions with others and genuinely want to help that make this a great place. Thanks again to all those helping new comers like myself and making it a positive experience.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I looked on Toytec.com where I ordered my Billstein's from and saw the OME srpings. There was an option to choose them with top plate spacers. Is this what I need or do I need to order spacers seperately to get the 3" lift? One thing I noticed is the longer bolts were not included with this package but if I was to buy the 1/4" spacers by themselves they come with the longer bolts. Things that make you go hummmm...

Do you still have your 886's and Superflex's???? Maybe you are in the market to sell them...

I have a factory rear air bag system, I do not have rear coils. I'm planning to convert this in the future though. I'm not 100% sure which spacer they include, I am thinking it's the 1/2" thick spacer. You'll want to check with them to make sure so you get the right spacer. Since I don't have personal experience, I can't say for certain which you need. My guess is the 1/4" spacer, but the 1/2" may be required. The 1/4" doesn't need longer studs, but the 1/2" does (and should come with them).

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thank you very much for the input and sharing your experience. I did more thinking and spent some time considering the options. Last night I ordered some FJ coils from a member on the FJ Cruiser board. This next week I will order some 5100's, spacers and Energy sway bar bushings. I am really excited about the build. Wheel spacers and some Destination AT tires in a 285 or 275 size are next.

This board is such a great place. I am a member of a several forum boards. This is only one of a couple that I would consider a community. It's members like ASR and others that are gracious enough to share solutions with others and genuinely want to help that make this a great place. Thanks again to all those helping new comers like myself and making it a positive experience.

Great, let us know how it goes! Also, thanks for the kind words. I can't take all the credit because I knew nothing when I came here. After spending a lot of time on here reading and talking with the great folks on this forum, I've learned way more about this 4runner than I ever imagined. It truly is a great community with great people.

 

[bbirk]

Lift and tire comb question?

I have a 07' 4runner sport w/ xreas. I have gotten a lot of information from this thread. This is the set up I would like to have installed, I am looking for any input or suggestions. I am trying to avoid the body mount chop.


OME - 884 w/top plate spacer - 3" front lift
Toytec superflex coils - 2-2.5" rear lift
Nitro Trail Grappler - 285/70/17
Factory sport wheels - I am considering spidertrax wheel spacers(1.25"). I am pretty sure I will need them to accommodate the tires.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I have a 07' 4runner sport w/ xreas. I have gotten a lot of information from this thread. This is the set up I would like to have installed, I am looking for any input or suggestions. I am trying to avoid the body mount chop.


OME - 884 w/top plate spacer - 3" front lift
Toytec superflex coils - 2-2.5" rear lift
Nitro Trail Grappler - 285/70/17
Factory sport wheels - I am considering spidertrax wheel spacers(1.25"). I am pretty sure I will need them to accommodate the tires.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Are you replacing shocks? If not I suggest you do or look into other lift options. You will have to have spacers with those tires on stock wheels. Consider either .75" or 1" spacers from motorsport tech (the fj spacers will fit the 4runner). The smaller spacer will reduce the amount of trimming and less chance of needing the body mount chop. Be prepared to do some plastic trimming though, it will be required.

 

[bbirk]

Thanks for the quick response. I will be replacing everything, shocks and coils. I will look into smaller wheel spacers. I am ok with the trimming and moving parts, just dont want to do the body mount chop. In your experience, should I consider new UCA's with the lift(I may need new ones with the damage from the accident) or any other parts that might need to be replaced or extended with the lift? Again, any assistance is appreciated. Thanks

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the quick response. I will be replacing everything, shocks and coils. I will look into smaller wheel spacers. I am ok with the trimming and moving parts, just dont want to do the body mount chop. In your experience, should I consider new UCA's with the lift(I may need new ones with the damage from the accident) or any other parts that might need to be replaced or extended with the lift? Again, any assistance is appreciated. Thanks

The narrower spacers will give more room around the body mount, still no guarantee that it'll clear. Each setup is different, but I think you'll be fine without it. UCAs are a good idea if they're in the budget. Good deal going on here:
LR UCA Group Buy - Metal Tech 4x4 - May/June 2012 - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Not sure what you're looking at for shocks, but the Bilstein 5100s are a good choice with that setup. Do you have a v6 or v8? Any plans to add weight such as bumpers or sliders? A shop will have to tell you what needs replaced after the accident, but for the lift/tires, I think we've covered everything you'd need.