4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[mtncrawler]

Looks great Mike! Glad to hear the ride quality is good as well. It's pretty common for the driver side to be 1/2" to 1" lower than the passenger side. The rear passenger side is quite a bit heavier due to the gas tank, battery, etc. I'd guess when you measured and had 1/2" it was low on gas, and now has a full tank. Just a guess there. Here's a thread discussing the issue and how people have handled it.
rear spacers? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I'm personally a huge fan of the stock 18's, I wouldn't ditch them. As for tires, there's not enough info to make a solid suggestion. Tons of great options, all depends on how you plan to use it. I really like the 275/65/18 size with that amount of lift.

There are tons of factors that can determine height, so their preset 2.5" is most likely never going to be exact. A v6 will get more lift than a v8 because it's lighter in the front. Same for a 2x4 vs a 4x4.

Thanks ARK!

I looked at that thread you referenced on spacers - I'm going to do a little more measuring with empty and full tanks and see what it really amounts to. Clarification here - you said that the drivers side is naturally 1/2-1" lower than passenger side, BUT you also said the passenger side is quite a bit heavier. Seems like if that was the case that the passenger side would naturally be lower than the drivers side. I must be missing something or just misunderstanding here. I know the thread on correcting has folks putting a 1-1 1/2" spacer under the drivers side, which would lead me to believe that the drivers side is heavier. Straighten me out here..:lmao:

Anyway - I'm checking into tires in that size you mention. I think I have it narrowed to 3;
Hankook DynaPro ATM
Yokahama Geolandar
Nitto Terra Grappler AT

Maybe some BFG's...

Thanks again for the help!
Mike

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks ARK!

I looked at that thread you referenced on spacers - I'm going to do a little more measuring with empty and full tanks and see what it really amounts to. Clarification here - you said that the drivers side is naturally 1/2-1" lower than passenger side, BUT you also said the passenger side is quite a bit heavier. Seems like if that was the case that the passenger side would naturally be lower than the drivers side. I must be missing something or just misunderstanding here. I know the thread on correcting has folks putting a 1-1 1/2" spacer under the drivers side, which would lead me to believe that the drivers side is heavier. Straighten me out here..:lmao:

Anyway - I'm checking into tires in that size you mention. I think I have it narrowed to 3;
Hankook DynaPro ATM
Yokahama Geolandar
Nitto Terra Grappler AT

Maybe some BFG's...

Thanks again for the help!
Mike

Sorry, that was a typo on my side. The driver side rear is heavier and sits lower. I edited the original post to correct.

FYI, here are some numbers Photog posted on toyota120.com.

I will go first.

1/2 tank fuel, me out of vehicle, all cargo weight balanced (DS/PS), except HiLift jack mounted on DS of roof rack.

Results:

REAR

Total = 2500 lbs
DS = 1440 lbs
PS = 1060

Rear DS is 380 lbs heavier than PS.

FRONT

Total = 2380 lbs
DS = 1160 lbs
RPS = 1220 lbs

Front PS is 60 lbs heavier than the DS.

The rear I expect, but the front PS being heavier is unexpected. Good food for thought.

 

[mtncrawler]

Sorry, that was a typo on my side. The driver side rear is heavier and sits lower. I edited the original post to correct.

FYI, here are some numbers Photog posted on toyota120.com.

The rear I expect, but the front PS being heavier is unexpected. Good food for thought.

No worries on the typo - it makes sense now.

I wonder if the numbers on the front PS/DS you posted are for a V6 or V8? Maybe it makes a difference??

 

[08t4rlimited]

Been on vacation for the last week and a half, haven't been able to check in/post lately. I'll try to catch all questions, if I miss something it's not intentional.



Even if you didn't mention xreas, I still see it as their fault. Since you did, I'd say the shop is most definitely at fault and should cover 100% of the repair cost.


Agree 100% with Dawg4Runner. I'm not an expert on the XREAS system so I could be wrong, but they should have replace the controllers also. I would highly suggest involving a Toyota tech at this point. If your not into major off roading, XREAS + a spacer lift is adequate and worth the fight. IMO they should be responsible for getting it fixed right, even if that means picking up the bill to have a dealer perform the repair.

There's not a ton of info on replacing the system that I've seen, as with most shops. I'm afraid that the shop just ruined the brand new XREAS shocks. I think you'd probably need proof from Toyota that they were incorrect in the repair procedure to prove to the shop they're wrong.

So I went to the local Toyota dealership and confirmed online with a tech that if more than a drop of fluid was removed from the xreas it is shot.... I raced over to the shop and provided them the info I learned. They seemed hesitant to agree, but said they would look I into it.

I got a call 4 hours later saying I was right and they are going to install the whole system from scratch. Hopefully, this time, they know what they are doing; I just want my truck back to the way it was when I brought it in for my Daystar lift, what a nightmare.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

No worries on the typo - it makes sense now.

I wonder if the numbers on the front PS/DS you posted are for a V6 or V8? Maybe it makes a difference??

That is a v6, and yes, a v8 would be heavier.

So I went to the local Toyota dealership and confirmed online with a tech that if more than a drop of fluid was removed from the xreas it is shot.... I raced over to the shop and provided them the info I learned. They seemed hesitant to agree, but said they would look I into it.

I got a call 4 hours later saying I was right and they are going to install the whole system from scratch. Hopefully, this time, they know what they are doing; I just want my truck back to the way it was when I brought it in for my Daystar lift, what a nightmare.

Good to hear they're fixing it. I hope they involve a Toyota tech familiar with the system.

 

[ShirokeZ]

Hi everyone. Really want to go with Duratrac's but not sure what is the maximum size i can go with. Gonna make a daystar lift before 2.5/1.5 or 2.5/2.5, have not decide yet. Thinking about 265/75/r16 and 285/75/r16. From your experience, would i have any rubbing if will choose bigger one? Thank you.

 

[rebelbowtie]

Hi everyone. Really want to go with Duratrac's but not sure what is the maximum size i can go with. Gonna make a daystar lift before 2.5/1.5 or 2.5/2.5, have not decide yet. Thinking about 265/75/r16 and 285/75/r16. From your experience, would i have any rubbing if will choose bigger one? Thank you.

I have a 265/75/17 with no lift at all an don't rub even at full lock or at full droop or full compress on the suspension cycle.

I would think you would be ok with either tire, unless you are running wheels with more than stock offset.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hi everyone. Really want to go with Duratrac's but not sure what is the maximum size i can go with. Gonna make a daystar lift before 2.5/1.5 or 2.5/2.5, have not decide yet. Thinking about 265/75/r16 and 285/75/r16. From your experience, would i have any rubbing if will choose bigger one? Thank you.

You *can* fit the 285/75/16, but it will definitely take some work. I'm at 4" lift and have that size and still had to do a good bit of trimming. There are people who claim to fit and "clear" that size with minimal trimming, but that's not been my experience. Mine did fine on road with minimal trimming, but first trip off road it was rubbing like crazy. Every time I go out I find something else that needs to be trimmed. At that lift height, I'd personally suggest 265/75/16.

Also, with 285's you will need either wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels to clear the upper control arm.

 

[rebelbowtie]

You *can* fit the 285/75/16, but it will definitely take some work. I'm at 4" lift and have that size and still had to do a good bit of trimming. At that lift height, I'd personally suggest 265/75/16. There are people who claim to fit and "clear" that size with minimal trimming, but that's not been my experience. Mine did fine on road with minimal trimming, but first trip off road it was rubbing like crazy. Every time I go out I find something else that needs to be trimmed.

Also, with 285's you will need either wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels to clear the upper control arm.

Are you saying that some people can't fit 265/75/16 with a lift?

 

[ShirokeZ]

I have a 265/75/17 with no lift at all an don't rub even at full lock or at full droop or full compress on the suspension cycle.

I would think you would be ok with either tire, unless you are running wheels with more than stock offset.

Thanks guys,
i am gonna run my stock sr5 wheels r16. And would preffer to have 265/80/16 as equivalent of yours r17, but there is no such duratrac tires, unfortunatelly. Have a doubt to get 285 now as do not wanna do any serious trimming as ARK_SWAMP_RIDER.
I also want to install wheel spacers spidertrax for better look only, any comments for that, what sizes of them available an which would be best for my setup?

 

[rebelbowtie]

What's more important to you? The wide tire look or having a taller tire? I used to run 255/85/16 and loved them, ironic a thread just popped up about that size. Mostly only DRW truck owners run them.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Are you saying that some people can't fit 265/75/16 with a lift?

No, I was meaning the 285. I re-arranged my post so it should be more clear now.

Wheel spacers are all a personal preference, 1.25" and 1.5" are the most popular. Good deal on All Pro Spacers: All-Pro Wheel Spacer Sale - Over 20% OFF! - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[rebelbowtie]

No, I was meaning the 285. I re-arranged my post so it should be more clear now.

Wheel spacers are all a personal preference, 1.25" and 1.5" are the most popular. Good deal on All Pro Spacers: All-Pro Wheel Spacer Sale - Over 20% OFF! - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

I was gonna say you were bananas!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I was gonna say you were bananas!

Yep, 265/75/16's shouldn't be an issue. If wheel spacers are added there may be some minor rubbing, but that's it.

 

[stanleybb50]

I have a 265/75/17 with no lift at all an don't rub even at full lock or at full droop or full compress on the suspension cycle.

I would think you would be ok with either tire, unless you are running wheels with more than stock offset.

Are you saying that some people can't fit 265/75/16 with a lift?

Which tire size do you have rebel?

Looks like you have 265/70/17 (not 265/75/17). http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=116781

 

[rebelbowtie]

Which tire size do you have rebel?

Looks like you have 265/70/17 (not 265/75/17). http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=116781

Well that's awkward with two W's

 

[kaizer427]

This thread has already served me well so I figured I would take a shot with my next question.

I have the bilsteins with stock coils on the front set at the 2nd highest notch, the front is good but I am thinking I need to add a small amount of lift to the rear.

I am thinking 1 inch to 1.5 inches max, there are several coil options out there from OME and others that will get me either the inch or the 1.5.

I would be interested in anyone thoughts on spring vs spacer and what amount to go in the rear.

Thank you!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

This thread has already served me well so I figured I would take a shot with my next question.

I have the bilsteins with stock coils on the front set at the 2nd highest notch, the front is good but I am thinking I need to add a small amount of lift to the rear.

I am thinking 1 inch to 1.5 inches max, there are several coil options out there from OME and others that will get me either the inch or the 1.5.

I would be interested in anyone thoughts on spring vs spacer and what amount to go in the rear.

Thank you!

The height is just a personal preference. There aren't many coil options that I'm aware of that will provide less than 2" lift. I believe the OME 895e coils will give approx 1.5". Factory FJ coils will give approx .25"-.5". If your happy with the ride quality and are not planning on additional weight in the back, I'd probably just do a spacer in the back. You can get a 1" but it'll run around $100. You can get the Daystar 1.5" spacer for around $40 from Tonneau Covers, Lift Kits, Winches, Leveling Kits, Tires, Wheels & Tonneau Cover Truck Parts by 4 Wheel Parts.

 

[kaizer427]

The height is just a personal preference. There aren't many coil options that I'm aware of that will provide less than 2" lift. I believe the OME 895e coils will give approx 1.5". Factory FJ coils will give approx .25"-.5". If your happy with the ride quality and are not planning on additional weight in the back, I'd probably just do a spacer in the back. You can get a 1" but it'll run around $100. You can get the Daystar 1.5" spacer for around $40 from Tonneau Covers, Lift Kits, Winches, Leveling Kits, Tires, Wheels & Tonneau Cover Truck Parts by 4 Wheel Parts.

Appreciate the help. Looking at wheelers, they list the ome at 1 in mad then they have a 1.5 option listed under a couple of other links (red colored spring). I am probably going to have some weight from time to time. The dog is 200 lbs plus any gear when traveling.

Any thoughts on pairing a 1.5 rear spring with about 2 inches in the front and how it would look?

Thanks again Ark.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Appreciate the help. Looking at wheelers, they list the ome at 1 in mad then they have a 1.5 option listed under a couple of other links (red colored spring). I am probably going to have some weight from time to time. The dog is 200 lbs plus any gear when traveling.

Any thoughts on pairing a 1.5 rear spring with about 2 inches in the front and how it would look?

Thanks again Ark.

I don't know the coil rate on the 895E's and really haven't seen many use them. The other OME coils (standard 895's, 896's, etc) are all way too still for a 4runner that doesn't have constant added weight (i.e. metal rear bumper). The 895e's may be a good choice since the higher spring rate will help with the load, assuming it's not so high it causes a rough ride when unloaded. I'll see if I can find some specs on them.

My personal opinion is that it would probably look pretty good, other's will say they still don't like the rake. It sounds like you're on the right track, it's just a matter of deciding what height is right for your taste.