4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[OrdnanceMarine]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed useful information to this thread! I've still got a lot of reading to do to figure out exactly what I am going to do since I want more offroad clearance and suspension travel but still need to maintain my towing ability, but I'm sure that because of everyone's posts here I'll end up with the perfect setup.

If anyone else has solved this problem, please let me know, otherwise I will continue going through all 55 pages before I ask any real questions.

 

[neogauge]

Neogauge - if you are not adding weight move the front 5100's to the max and keep using the OEM springs. In the rear use the OEM springs with ds spring spacer. This will be a 2.5/1.5" lift with almost stick ride quality.

If you got the $$, 885 front with 5100 on lowest setting and super flex in rear with the 5100. Will be firmer than stock and yield ~3" front/2" rear.

Thanks ebg18t, That's the answer I was looking for. I may do the latter til I can shell out the $400 for the new springs.

 

[Akito]

Hi... question re replacing shocks.

I have an '03 w/ self levelling suspension (air bags vs springs in the back)

I need to replace the shocks and would like to put Bilstien 5100's in, however I have read that the rear 5100's have a different shock length which is a no go for my vehicle.

I have looked @ KYB's but they are a chunk of change more for the fronts than the 5100's. (5100 = $130cdn vs KYB = $180)

Does anyone have any other recommendations? Can I mix and match the brands? I like the idea of the 5100's to level out the rake on the front, but don't plan on lifting the vehicle other than that.

Thanks

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hi... question re replacing shocks.

I have an '03 w/ self levelling suspension (air bags vs springs in the back)

I need to replace the shocks and would like to put Bilstien 5100's in, however I have read that the rear 5100's have a different shock length which is a no go for my vehicle.

I have looked @ KYB's but they are a chunk of change more for the fronts than the 5100's. (5100 = $130cdn vs KYB = $180)

Does anyone have any other recommendations? Can I mix and match the brands? I like the idea of the 5100's to level out the rake on the front, but don't plan on lifting the vehicle other than that.

Thanks

I ran the 5100's with the air suspension and didn't have any issues. As long as you're not off roading frequently where you reach full extension, it shouldn't matter.

However, it's definitely safer to go with stock length shocks. Bilstein makes a 4600 series (HD). The Bilstein HD rear shocks have the same specs as the rear 5100's, only they are stock length. I would suggest running the 5100 front shocks and 4600 rear shocks, this way you are sticking with the same brand and essentially the same shock.

 

[BudRunner]

Monroe Quickstrut to Bilstein 5100

Hello everyone, I posted this in the main forum but really didn't get much feed back.
About 2 months ago I install quick struts on the front and reflex on the rear of my 2005 SR5 w/100,000 miles. The struts in the front are way to soft at hwy speeds and makes me feel like the front end is going to lose control when hitting a dip in the road. Seems fine on residential roads.
When the quick struts were installed the front end lifted about an inch over stock, but still 1" lower than the rear.
I have ordered front and rear Bilstein 5100's to fix this problem. Any suggestions for settings for the struts? Should I use the springs that came with the quick struts. They seem to be a little heaver duty with more wraps. Not sure though because of the poor strut performance. I also have some new Raybestos rear coil springs I could install. What do you think?

Thanks for any help at all. Have been reading a lot about this but trying to figure if I can use what I have.

 

[BudRunner]

I am also looking at the OME 885 for the front and I believe the 895 for the rear. If I went that route would I need to use the stock setting on the 5100's?

 

[BudRunner]

I was hoping for a little advise with my current setup but no takers, LOL
I think I have read every post I can find on the subject and now I believe my head is going to explode. Wow, a lot of good info here.
I guess my real question is should I use the 5100's with the current springs or ditch them and go for something better. just want to make sure I get it right this time.

Thanks
Tony

 

[gaterose]

I am also looking at the OME 885 for the front and I believe the 895 for the rear. If I went that route would I need to use the stock setting on the 5100's?

Yep leave em on 0, you'll get your lift from the springs. I had that setup up on my truck for a while but mine is too light (2wd v6) for the 885s.

 

[BudRunner]

so the 885 springs are to stiff if you have a v6 like I do?

 

[BudRunner]

Sorry for all the rookie questions but I have Monroe quick struts on the front now and got about an inch or better of lift. Do you think it was from those springs. If so and I reuse them with the 5100 should I use the stock setting? Or just ditch the quickstruts and get new springs. If so which ones?

 

[gaterose]

Sorry for all the rookie questions but I have Monroe quick struts on the front now and got about an inch or better of lift. Do you think it was from those springs. If so and I reuse them with the 5100 should I use the stock setting? Or just ditch the quickstruts and get new springs. If so which ones?

I would guess they lifted the front because it looks like they're the same application for FJ Cruiser and Tacoma. The OEM FJ/Taco coils will lift the front of a 4runner as they're a little stiffer (and maybe taller?).

I thought the 885s were too stiff, but a lot of members like them. It may have to do with me being 2wd as well.

Which springs you use depends on how much lift you want. I personally have FJ Cruiser OEM coils all around with 5100s (set to the first setting, 0.85", in the front) and I love the ride. I actually went through 3-4 different suspensions after this one and came back to it.

With 5100s (if those are about the same height as FJC coils like I suspect) you should be able to get up to around 2.75-3" of lift I believe. But if you plan to add a bumper you may want to switch over to the 885s and leave the bilsteins set at 0.

 

[BudRunner]

Thanks for the help!!!
Sounds like the set up you have is what I am looking for. Where can I pick up the springs? Thanks again.

 

[tehCoop]

/may the dead horse carcass be brought out for another flogging.

Couple quick questions on the OME springs.

At the same time I install my OME/Billstein Lift, I will be adding a Shrockworks front bumper and a CBI-Offroad rear bumper with swingout.

I'm torn on which OME spring to run for my '05 V6. I've seen good info for both sides of the fence.

My original thought was to run the 886/896 springs.
The 886 are 14% stiffer and are a 660lb spring vs the 580lb stock spring.

The 896 are 75% stiffer and are 318lb springs vs the 180lb stock spring.

Theres been a lot of love shown for the 885/895 set up, but I am running additional weight. Ive read a ton of thoughts and options but most forlks who are running the goodies like me spend the top dollar for the Icon /OW setups, which are currently out of my budget.

Anyone care to add any influence on which side of the fence I should land?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

/may the dead horse carcass be brought out for another flogging.

Couple quick questions on the OME springs.

At the same time I install my OME/Billstein Lift, I will be adding a Shrockworks front bumper and a CBI-Offroad rear bumper with swingout.

I'm torn on which OME spring to run for my '05 V6. I've seen good info for both sides of the fence.

My original thought was to run the 886/896 springs.
The 886 are 14% stiffer and are a 660lb spring vs the 580lb stock spring.

The 896 are 75% stiffer and are 318lb springs vs the 180lb stock spring.

Theres been a lot of love shown for the 885/895 set up, but I am running additional weight. Ive read a ton of thoughts and options but most forlks who are running the goodies like me spend the top dollar for the Icon /OW setups, which are currently out of my budget.

Anyone care to add any influence on which side of the fence I should land?

I believe most v6 owners use the 885's in the front with a bumper and have good luck. You could do the 886's, but it will be stiffer and more lift (possibly too much, > 3").

For the rear, I think 895's are plenty. Most lift coils (Superflex, OW, Icon, etc) are 10%-20% stiffer than stock, which is fine for stock weight. The 895's are 45% stiffer than stock. This would most likely be fine, but if you frequently really load down for trips then either air bags in addition to the 895's or 896's may be a better option.

 

[tehCoop]

Thanks ARK, You were one of the members I was hoping might chime in on my question. I believe I will go the 885/895 route. I'd rather lose some lift to gain some comfort and avoid the stiffness.

 

[ebg18t]

/may the dead horse carcass be brought out for another flogging.

Couple quick questions on the OME springs.

At the same time I install my OME/Billstein Lift, I will be adding a Shrockworks front bumper and a CBI-Offroad rear bumper with swingout.

I'm torn on which OME spring to run for my '05 V6. I've seen good info for both sides of the fence.

My original thought was to run the 886/896 springs.
The 886 are 14% stiffer and are a 660lb spring vs the 580lb stock spring.

The 896 are 75% stiffer and are 318lb springs vs the 180lb stock spring.

Theres been a lot of love shown for the 885/895 set up, but I am running additional weight. Ive read a ton of thoughts and options but most forlks who are running the goodies like me spend the top dollar for the Icon /OW setups, which are currently out of my budget.

Anyone care to add any influence on which side of the fence I should land?

On the front I would stick to the 885 and depending on how much they settle under the weight of the bumper move them up to the 0.85" on the Bilsteins. I find springs much over 600# under damped on the Bilsteins.

For the rear the 895 are good. I use the 885 with 200+ # of gear with minimal settling. The 896 would be pushing the limit of the Bilstein dampening range and have a good chance of being under damped. This would yield less load control.

 

[hambone575]

Finally hitting 85k on my 2007 4runner.. I have the daystar 3/2 kit and the spidertrax spacers and duratracs. I am developing a squeak and thinking I am going to need to do some suspension work. What is recommended? I like the ride height I have now but dont mind higher. Do i need to do the coils and the shocks? Keep the daystars? Also what about the UCA's? Most of my riding is on road so ride comfort is a plus

Second whats generally the cost to get this done and for each?

 

[ebg18t]

Finally hitting 85k on my 2007 4runner.. I have the daystar 3/2 kit and the spidertrax spacers and duratracs. I am developing a squeak and thinking I am going to need to do some suspension work. What is recommended? I like the ride height I have now but dont mind higher. Do i need to do the coils and the shocks? Keep the daystars? Also what about the UCA's? Most of my riding is on road so ride comfort is a plus

Second whats generally the cost to get this done and for each?

Just install a set of bilstein dampers and swap over your springs and spacers... Or if you do the bilstein 5100 drop the spacers and use your stock springs on the 2.5" slot on the from Bilsteins. Sell your front spacers to recoup some of the $$. Down south Motorsports is selling a set of 4 bilstein 5100 for about $309. Use your stock UCA's for 3" and under lift. Labour is 3-4 hrs on a Saturday morning.

 

[KarynN]

Thank you thank you for this! I have a stock '07 Limited. It is my daily ride, but I also do off-roading/exploring in it. I went with a group this weekend up to Big Bear area, and we wound up on a Black Diamond run. I made it thru with some excellent spotting and impressed the heck out of some hard core Jeep enthusiasts (there may have been some exchange of money on bets!). I have running boards, which I've intended to remove, and they acted as rock rails for me...and look like it now! Got some nice pin-stiping to go with it, but I bought the car to use. It used to look like new when I got it!

I've also intended to get a lift kit a few other goodies for my weekend excursions. You;ve addressed all of it here! I have new KYB shocks (killed the old ones first time out). I really love my car, had it only 5 months and put 15,000 miles on it. I bought it because of the low mileage (37,000) And I know a little but you've laid it out very well. Thanks!

 

[hambone575]

Just install a set of bilstein dampers and swap over your springs and spacers... Or if you do the bilstein 5100 drop the spacers and use your stock springs on the 2.5" slot on the from Bilsteins. Sell your front spacers to recoup some of the $$. Down south Motorsports is selling a set of 4 bilstein 5100 for about $309. Use your stock UCA's for 3" and under lift. Labour is 3-4 hrs on a Saturday morning.

What would you recommend? Enjoy the ride height now. Would i gain more or less by going to the 5100's? What about 5160's?

Also what settings would you put everything at? 2.5 in the front and nothing in the rear?

Just saw that someone is running this setup. That make sense?
Front: Bilstein 5100's set at highest setting, stock coils
Rear: Bilstein 5100's w/ Daystar 1.5" spacers, stock coils