4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[aha2988]

if tires are pinching your budget, what I did was put the money in the lift and looked around for used tires to step into the tire size I wanted with enough tread to get me by. I ran the smaller tires with my lift (yeah it looked re****ed for a short time) but the end result was what I wanted. after getting the used tires I just saved and saved what I could to get a full set of new tires I wanted it took 8 months for me to budget it and not be tight but at the end of that 8 months I didn't have to consider a new lift setup. I went on to more expensive things lol

 

[spoook]

Thanks for all your help guys. I had to replace my XREAS and went with the following order from https://www.toyteclifts.com

FRONT COILS - OME 884 Coil Springs No Top Plate Spacers
REAR COIL - Toytec Superflex
Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

$754.27 including shipping to Dallas, TX.


2005 Toyota 4-Runner V8 Sport Edition w/ XREAS.


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I am keeping my fingers crossed that I didn't screw up this order.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for all your help guys. I had to replace my XREAS and went with the following order from https://www.toyteclifts.com

FRONT COILS - OME 884 Coil Springs No Top Plate Spacers
REAR COIL - Toytec Superflex
Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

$754.27 including shipping to Dallas, TX.


2005 Toyota 4-Runner V8 Sport Edition w/ XREAS.


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I am keeping my fingers crossed that I didn't screw up this order.

Order looks good to me! You'll probably get 2-2.5" lift in in the front with the 884's. If you want a full 3" lift, you'll need the top plate spacers. Alternatively, you can use the second notch on the 5100's, although I wouldn't suggest this.

 

[spoook]

Why would you not suggest using the second notch? Will the truck be level with what i ordered?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Why would you not suggest using the second notch? Will the truck be level with what i ordered?

The second notch would add preload to the coil and make the ride more stiff. Also, Bilstein makes the same recommendation, only use the lowest setting when combined with lift coils. It *can* be done and I'd make the guess that it wouldn't cause any major problems, I'd just prefer the addition of a small spacer on top to finish things off.

If you go with the current setup and no spacer (5100's on the lowest notch), you will get rid of a little rake, but it most likely won't be fully level. I'm not 100% sure on the lift amount, but I think it'll be around 2.25" front lift.

 

[spoook]

So you think I should go ahead and order the spacers too?

 

[paquitox]

So you think I should go ahead and order the spacers too?

I think you should, if you want to get the full 3" to be level, and anyone can correct me on this, but I think its because you have the V8 with the 884 you need the spacer.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I think you should, if you want to get the full 3" to be level, and anyone can correct me on this, but I think its because you have the V8 with the 884 you need the spacer.

Correct. I agree, I'd put the spacer on as well. If you want to loose some but not all the rake, go with the 1/4" thick spacer. If you want it completely level, go with the 1/2" thick spacer.

 

[Co.Ag.2005]

quick update: I had FJ Bilsteins (~19k miles)(not 5100's) and FJ springs (~1k miles) installed in addition to my existing Daystar lift spacers this weekend. The ride is so much better over the stock Tokico shocks and springs. Less body roll, tighter going over bumps and overall a nicer ride. Can't wait to go wheeling in ~1week.

I haven't measured yet but I'm assuming I'm about 3" / 2" for lift.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

quick update: I had FJ Bilsteins (~19k miles)(not 5100's) and FJ springs (~1k miles) installed in addition to my existing Daystar lift spacers this weekend. The ride is so much better over the stock Tokico shocks and springs. Less body roll, tighter going over bumps and overall a nicer ride. Can't wait to go wheeling in ~1week.

I haven't measured yet but I'm assuming I'm about 3" / 2" for lift.

Always great to see feedback on various setups. Good to see your happy with the new setup.

 

[SkiBikePlay]

Please give me your sage advice. I have a 2009 4Runner V8 Sport that I want to lift ~3/2 so that I can run chains on all 4 wheels during hunting season (Colorado) and also run larger tires (285/70R17) during the summer without chains. I only 4x4 on rough roads (Marble/Crested Butte) 2 days per month during the summer, so I want to preserve my paved road compliant ride.
I have narrowed my options to:
1. Old Man Emu with SpiderTrax wheel spacers
2. Daystar Lift with SpiderTrax wheel spacers (preserves the XREAS suspension)
3. FJ Landcruiser Springs or
4. Toytec Ultimate Kit/Coil-over
What do you recommend?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Please give me your sage advice. I have a 2009 4Runner V8 Sport that I want to lift ~3/2 so that I can run chains on all 4 wheels during hunting season (Colorado) and also run larger tires (285/70R17) during the summer without chains. I only 4x4 on rough roads (Marble/Crested Butte) 2 days per month during the summer, so I want to preserve my paved road compliant ride.
I have narrowed my options to:
1. Old Man Emu with SpiderTrax wheel spacers
2. Daystar Lift with SpiderTrax wheel spacers (preserves the XREAS suspension)
3. FJ Landcruiser Springs or
4. Toytec Ultimate Kit/Coil-over
What do you recommend?

You're really going from one extreme to another. The deciding factor is the off road use. If you're happy with the ride quality and just need added clearance, I'd choose options 2 and 3. The daystar spacer/fj combo would work well. A lot of people like the ome setup, but I personally found it too stiff. If you want a better ride, adjustibility, more travel, etc then the coilovers are the best choice, but this is a huge jump in cost. I'm not really a fan of the Toytec kit, I prefer radflo or icon because both use higher quality shocks and they can be rebuilt or tuned to your specs if you so choose.

In short, I think any of those would do, depending on your budget. Most here will tell you, myself included, to get the best you can right now so you don't redo it later. Many have went the spacer route only to switch to a better setup a few months later.

 

[jaybird93000]

Please give me your sage advice. I have a 2009 4Runner V8 Sport that I want to lift ~3/2 so that I can run chains on all 4 wheels during hunting season (Colorado) and also run larger tires (285/70R17) during the summer without chains. I only 4x4 on rough roads (Marble/Crested Butte) 2 days per month during the summer, so I want to preserve my paved road compliant ride.
I have narrowed my options to:
1. Old Man Emu with SpiderTrax wheel spacers
2. Daystar Lift with SpiderTrax wheel spacers (preserves the XREAS suspension)
3. FJ Landcruiser Springs or
4. Toytec Ultimate Kit/Coil-over
What do you recommend?

i have daystar and fj coils, and i love it. maintained stock ride, and a good amount of lift! don't think the coil overs are necessary though for your expectations. Good luck with your setup and look forward to seeing your choice!

 

[SkiBikePlay]

RadFlo vs. Sonorran Steel

What do you think of these three options?
1. RadFlo at Toyteclifts.com -- Radflo complete suspension lift kit with rear shocks - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
2. Sonoran Steel Coil Over -- Toyota 4 Runner (2003 to 2009) - $1,160.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
3. ToyTec Bilstein 5100-- *SALE* 3" lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Height Adj Coilovers FJ/4Ru - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

The first two are ~$1,200 and the last is $850. Do you have a better setup in that price range?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

What do you think of these three options?
1. RadFlo at Toyteclifts.com -- Radflo complete suspension lift kit with rear shocks - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
2. Sonoran Steel Coil Over -- Toyota 4 Runner (2003 to 2009) - $1,160.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
3. ToyTec Bilstein 5100-- *SALE* 3" lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Height Adj Coilovers FJ/4Ru - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

The first two are ~$1,200 and the last is $850. Do you have a better setup in that price range?

All pretty good choices. This may all be overkill for your needs though. You need to determine what you're after. With a 09, I'd guess you've got low mileage on the stock xreas. If you're off road use is minor (i.e trails that are kept up and anything major like rock crawling), then the Daystar spacer plus FJ coils would probably be a good fit. It's not the "best" out there, but for the price it's hard to beat.

For high speed runs over rough terrain, you're going to be looking more in the direction of the three options you posted above. Options 2 and 3 are very similar, main difference being the Sonoran Steel kit comes with an adjustable rear track bar. If I were spending over $1000 on a suspension, it'd definitely be a set of coil overs, not something using the 5100's. If you go this route, I suggest contacting Radflo directly and price the full Overland Warehouse spec 2.0 kit. OW spent tons of time testing this kit and had Radflo build it to their specs. OW is now out of business, but Radflo is still offering the kits. OW sold them for around $1400 IIRC.

 

[SkiBikePlay]

Thanks for the recommendations. I agree the XREAS suspension is not the problem. Nor do I plan high speed rough terrain. My concern is clearance for the 4Runner frame and drivetrain. In addition to tire chain clearance I also have clearance issues. This year I destroyed the protective cover over the oil filter due to rocks. The result is that I want a suspension solution to raise the body of my 4Runner to prevent this $300+ repair. The Colorado 4x4 roads and elk terrain are often strewn with boulders and small rock features at slow speed. I am concerned a body lift is not enough clearance, but the coil-over is too much suspension that won't be used. What is in the middle?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the recommendations. I agree the XREAS suspension is not the problem. Nor do I plan high speed rough terrain. My concern is clearance for the 4Runner frame and drivetrain. In addition to tire chain clearance I also have clearance issues. This year I destroyed the protective cover over the oil filter due to rocks. The result is that I want a suspension solution to raise the body of my 4Runner to prevent this $300+ repair. The Colorado 4x4 roads and elk terrain are often strewn with boulders and small rock features at slow speed. I am concerned a body lift is not enough clearance, but the coil-over is too much suspension that won't be used. What is in the middle?

How many miles on your suspension? Based on what I know so far, my suggestion would be to keep xreas and install FJ coils and a Daystar spacer kit. This would give you more room for tires as well as more clearance underneath. A body lift won't help in the areas you're talking about. If you have high mileage (75k +) on the stock suspension, then I'd consider the FJ coils with Bilstein 5100's.

 

[SkiBikePlay]

Thanks again for your guidance. I have 49K miles and have started looking for FJ coils to go with 2.5 lift and Spidertrax spacers. IF I cannot source the FJ coils used would you recommend the Toytec coils? See this kit.
BEST SELLER! 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
My second option is the FJ coils and Bilstein 5100s.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks again for your guidance. I have 49K miles and have started looking for FJ coils to go with 2.5 lift and Spidertrax spacers. IF I cannot source the FJ coils used would you recommend the Toytec coils? See this kit.
BEST SELLER! 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
My second option is the FJ coils and Bilstein 5100s.

That would work as well, although you won't get the full benefit from the coils if you're keeping the stock shocks.

 

[happyleon]

various lift options for the 4th Gen 4runner good info