4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If I have a stock 07 V8 Sport x/Xreas and I want to keep XREAS and get a little bit of lift overall and removal of some, but not all, of the rake, does it make sense to get a spacer kit that is either.....

1" front, 1" back - giving me 2" front and 1" back

or

1.5" front, 1.5" back - giving me 3" front and 1.5" back

....and so on depending on what I want.

Does this makes sense as I'm a total novice and don't understand all the terminology but read this thread?

I want something modest but noticeable.

I agree with the above, the Daystar 2.5/1.5 would probably be the best IMO. There aren't really any 1" spacers available so the 2" front 1" rear option would be hard to do. Also, not many 1.5" front spacers available, so again, hard to do.

 

[Blute]

As a follow up to the above posts, does anyone know the actual lift folks are getting in the front from the 2.5 easy-install (all top mount) Daystar lift? Is it actually 2.5", or closer to 3"? Just curious, does anyone know the actual thickness of the 2.5 spacer?

 

[JohnnyT]

Thanks guys. I did continue to read other posts and perhaps the Daystar Budget boost (1" in the front) and a 1.5" Daystar in the back is another way to go. Any downsides to this?

Most important to me is to retain the ride I currently have with XREAS so I don't want any "risky" installations that might compromise that. I'd prefer to do nothing rather than risk a botched install.

Are either the 2.5/1.5 or the one I mention in this post at all difficult or challenging to install given I have XREAS?

 

[jconusn]

The 1" in front is the "budget boost" and requires disassembly of the front strut/spring because it is a "pre-load" spacer, the 2.5 front goes on top of the strut/spring so it is a much easier install, and easier to undo. If I'm not mistaken, total lift on the budget boost isn't much less than it is on the 2.5. You will have to work in the wheel well either way because the concensus is that disconnecting the lines for XREAS from the shock isn't a good idea because the check valves may fail and leak fluid which means you will have to replace that loop on the system. That is why the spring compression is a big deal as it is harder to do all that in the wheel well than it is if you can take the assembly out and work on it. Hope this helps..

 

[jconusn]

As a follow up to the above posts, does anyone know the actual lift folks are getting in the front from the 2.5 easy-install (all top mount) Daystar lift? Is it actually 2.5", or closer to 3"? Just curious, does anyone know the actual thickness of the 2.5 spacer?

I just measured the actual spacer, (I have the 2.5/1.5 kit but I am only going to use the rear 1.5 after much deliberation). It is 1.5" thick for the front but it nets more than that for some complicated reason... Explained here, by Ark Swamp Rider, who is the man when it comes to these matters by the way:

"With the 4runner front suspension (this ONLY applies to the front), you gain approximately double the spacer thickness. A 1" spacer yields 2" of lift. As spacer size increases, the ratio goes down slightly. You'd still be looking at about a 1.25" thick spacer, or possibly 1.5" thick. I can't say exactly how much because I've not installed anything over a 1/2" thick spacer.
The rear is simply the spacer thickness. A 1" spacer gives 1" lift."

On a side note, thanks to Ark for all his hard work getting all the FJ/Bilstein etc. info together, it helped me out a LOT.

 

[Blute]

Thanks guys. I did continue to read other posts and perhaps the Daystar Budget boost (1" in the front) and a 1.5" Daystar in the back is another way to go. Any downsides to this?

Most important to me is to retain the ride I currently have with XREAS so I don't want any "risky" installations that might compromise that. I'd prefer to do nothing rather than risk a botched install.

Are either the 2.5/1.5 or the one I mention in this post at all difficult or challenging to install given I have XREAS?

I think you and I are looking to do the same thing, my friend. I want to keep XREAS, and I want something relatively uncomplicated to install. I am considering one of the following options from Daystar:

1. Budget boost 1" front spacers (2" net) by itself. No rear lift.
2. Budget boost 1" front spacers and 1.5" rear spacers. This would be a 2" front and 1.5" rear lift.
3. 2.5/1.5 lift kit. I'm still trying to determine how much actual lift this would achieve in the front. Many have reported 3", but I'm not sure if that was from the older design, or the newer easy install design, or both. Can anyone confirm?

What I really want is 2" front and 1" back, but Daystar does not have that combo. I also want easy install, top-mount design.

 

[JohnnyT]

The 1" in front is the "budget boost" and requires disassembly of the front strut/spring because it is a "pre-load" spacer, the 2.5 front goes on top of the strut/spring so it is a much easier install, and easier to undo. If I'm not mistaken, total lift on the budget boost isn't much less than it is on the 2.5. You will have to work in the wheel well either way because the concensus is that disconnecting the lines for XREAS from the shock isn't a good idea because the check valves may fail and leak fluid which means you will have to replace that loop on the system. That is why the spring compression is a big deal as it is harder to do all that in the wheel well than it is if you can take the assembly out and work on it. Hope this helps..

Thanks all. I think the Daystar 2.5/1.5 is definitely the way to go for me.

This is what I want...the pic at the top of this page......

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up-149.html

 

[Blute]

The 1" in front is the "budget boost" and requires disassembly of the front strut/spring because it is a "pre-load" spacer, the 2.5 front goes on top of the strut/spring so it is a much easier install, and easier to undo. If I'm not mistaken, total lift on the budget boost isn't much less than it is on the 2.5. You will have to work in the wheel well either way because the concensus is that disconnecting the lines for XREAS from the shock isn't a good idea because the check valves may fail and leak fluid which means you will have to replace that loop on the system. That is why the spring compression is a big deal as it is harder to do all that in the wheel well than it is if you can take the assembly out and work on it. Hope this helps..

Actually the 1" budget boost is a top mount spacer. The one shown on their website requires strut disassembly only because you have to swap out the studs for longer ones.

However, I think the info on their website may be old, and they have now swapped out the design with a true easy install design, see this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/139260-daystar-budget-1-spacer-install.html

I sent an email to Daystar before I found that thread, so I will see what they say.

 

[Blute]

I just measured the actual spacer, (I have the 2.5/1.5 kit but I am only going to use the rear 1.5 after much deliberation). It is 1.5" thick for the front but it nets more than that for some complicated reason... Explained here, by Ark Swamp Rider, who is the man when it comes to these matters by the way:

"With the 4runner front suspension (this ONLY applies to the front), you gain approximately double the spacer thickness. A 1" spacer yields 2" of lift. As spacer size increases, the ratio goes down slightly. You'd still be looking at about a 1.25" thick spacer, or possibly 1.5" thick. I can't say exactly how much because I've not installed anything over a 1/2" thick spacer.
The rear is simply the spacer thickness. A 1" spacer gives 1" lift."

On a side note, thanks to Ark for all his hard work getting all the FJ/Bilstein etc. info together, it helped me out a LOT.

Thanks for the info! If that front spacer is actually 1.5" thick, then folks should be getting 3" of lift. I really don't want more than 2.5" of front lift with 1.5" in the rear. I guess I will keep searching the forum to see if anyone else has reported actual lift heights...

 

[jconusn]

Actually the 1" budget boost is a top mount spacer. The one shown on their website requires strut disassembly only because you have to swap out the studs for longer ones.

However, I think the info on their website may be old, and they have now swapped out the design with a true easy install design, see this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/139260-daystar-budget-1-spacer-install.html

I sent an email to Daystar before I found that thread, so I will see what they say.

I think that is old info, the new one has studs with it that screw on top of the old ones (female one end, male other) that lengthen the factory studs eliminating the need to disassemble

 

[jconusn]

Thanks for the info! If that front spacer is actually 1.5" thick, then folks should be getting 3" of lift. I really don't want more than 2.5" of front lift with 1.5" in the rear. I guess I will keep searching the forum to see if anyone else has reported actual lift heights...

This thread might shed insight: I don't think people are seeing a full 3" as it goes down numerically as you increase spacer size, ie..1" will give you 2" and 2" will give you 3.75" (pure estimations).


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/76713-how-make-daystar-2-5-1-5-perfectly-level.html

 

[jconusn]

Thanks all. I think the Daystar 2.5/1.5 is definitely the way to go for me.

This is what I want...the pic at the top of this page......

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up-149.html

Then you are good to go my friend! Easiest way to go, and no downsides, keep XREAS, and improve looks/tire options!

 

[JohnnyT]

Anyone know of a good reliable shop,in NJ that has experience installing the Daystar spacers with XREAS?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Look like you guys are on the right track. I've installed the 2.5/1.5 and also the budget boost, install is the same (unless you get the 2.5/1.5 kit from Wheeler's that still used the preload spacer). 2.5/1.5 or Budgest boost front/1.5 rear would be the same difficulty to install, I can't say one is better than the other. It's purely up the the individual and how much rake they want left. When I did the 2.5/1.5, the results were very close to 2.5/1.5.

With the design of these kits, the install is very easy. The only problem is that for you guys up north, rust can be a real issue. I'd read through the write-ups and find every bolt you'll need to touch, then start soaking it in penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar) every day for at least a week. Any shop that does suspension or lift installs can do it. If they are not familiar with XREAS, just be sure they don't disconnect the lines and it'll be fine. It's not a hard install if you decide to do it yourself.

 

[stanleybb50]

I think I'm literally the only one to do the following. Probably because people can just put the Bilsteins on the 3rd setting to get a similar lift... I just didn't want too much preload or topout, and went for a little bit of both:

- Bilstein 5100's fronts set at 0.85" (1" lift, although they call it 0.85). This essentially have me 1" lift from preloading, which is what the 5100's do to achieve the lift.
- Also front = Toytec 1/2 (topout spacer) which installs like the Daystar. I forget the part #... Like "Top-1T" or something like that.

The above essentially nets out to 2" front lift, by getting 1" from the billies (preload) and 1" from the topout. Had this on for a year + and love it and very happy with my choice.

- Rear = Cornfed 1" rear spacer (for 1" rear lift)

2/1 overall and quite happy! Be forewarned, once you start lifting though - you might find you want to be "even higher"... Lol. Thus the Daystar is cheap and frankly, gets you a little higher, and could be a good choice.

 

[JohnnyT]

Look like you guys are on the right track. I've installed the 2.5/1.5 and also the budget boost, install is the same (unless you get the 2.5/1.5 kit from Wheeler's that still used the preload spacer). 2.5/1.5 or Budgest boost front/1.5 rear would be the same difficulty to install, I can't say one is better than the other. It's purely up the the individual and how much rake they want left. When I did the 2.5/1.5, the results were very close to 2.5/1.5.

With the design of these kits, the install is very easy. The only problem is that for you guys up north, rust can be a real issue. I'd read through the write-ups and find every bolt you'll need to touch, then start soaking it in penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar) every day for at least a week. Any shop that does suspension or lift installs can do it. If they are not familiar with XREAS, just be sure they don't disconnect the lines and it'll be fine. It's not a hard install if you decide to do it yourself.

Thanks

Anyone have the part # of the easier kit.? I was looking at this one.....

Daystar Lift Kits for Toyota 4Runner -Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc-

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks

Anyone have the part # of the easier kit.? I was looking at this one.....

Daystar Lift Kits for Toyota 4Runner -Wheeler's Off-Road, Inc-

Wheeler's sells the old style that uses a preload spacer and is more difficult to install. Anyone else should be selling the newer version. To my knowledge part numbers are all the same. For the 2.5/1.5 it's KT09115BK.

 

[JohnnyT]

Wheeler's sells the old style that uses a preload spacer and is more difficult to install. Anyone else should be selling the newer version. To my knowledge part numbers are all the same. For the 2.5/1.5 it's KT09115BK.

Thanks. Do these look like the newer kit?....... Just want to ensure I'm getting the right kit.....

2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Lift Kits - Daystar KT09115BK - Daystar Comfort Ride Lift Kits

Or

Daystar Part KT09115BK - 2.5 Inch Lift Kit

Or
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dys-kt09115bk
Daystar KT09115BK Comfort Ride 2.5" Strut and Coil Spring Spacer Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[jconusn]

The one at auto anything looks to be correct, the one at 4-Wheel parts looks odd, nothing like the one I have. I would go with auto anything or Amazon.

 

[HLinn23]

What would happen if I put the fj springs with daystar 2.5, and added the 1/4 (1/2) topout spacer?