I have just ordered my 5100s, sway bar bushings, and end link bushings. I also ordered a full set of FJ Moog coils, but the place I ordered them from said that they are backordered. After reading what you said about the Moogs being stiffer and taller than even the stock FJ coils, I am having my doubts. My main goal is to improve overall ride quality and handling(with on-road quality being more important than off-road). Getting more lift is not a huge priority, but a little bit would be nice. I never plan on running any non-stock tire sizes. Leveling is not a huge deal either for me, but would be nice as well. I don't want any install issues like having to get longer end links or having alignment issues because the back raised up too much. So should I look at something else besides the FJ Moogs? What about 4Runner Moogs? Would I even see a difference? What about just leaving the OEM coils on? The truck has 83k miles on it with some wear and tear on the suspension.
4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
I have just ordered my 5100s, sway bar bushings, and end link bushings. I also ordered a full set of FJ Moog coils, but the place I ordered them from said that they are backordered. After reading what you said about the Moogs being stiffer and taller than even the stock FJ coils, I am having my doubts. My main goal is to improve overall ride quality and handling(with on-road quality being more important than off-road). Getting more lift is not a huge priority, but a little bit would be nice. I never plan on running any non-stock tire sizes. Leveling is not a huge deal either for me, but would be nice as well. I don't want any install issues like having to get longer end links or having alignment issues because the back raised up too much. So should I look at something else besides the FJ Moogs? What about 4Runner Moogs? Would I even see a difference? What about just leaving the OEM coils on? The truck has 83k miles on it with some wear and tear on the suspension.
I started a new thread but probably should've posted here.
I'm currently running FJ coils/shocks with a daystar budget boost and I'm very close to level. Want to go a tiny bit taller all around (~1"), thinking about adding 5100's up front at .85 w/my budget boost spacer, I could max out the 5100's with no spacer I guess ( a little less lift).
Where I'm struggling is the rear because I have Firestone airbags, which are awesome by the way. To get level again with 5100's up front I probably need .7"-1" in back. How do I get there without losing my airbags? I can add the top spring spacer but then I will have gap between bump stop and air bag. Can I make a couple of plastic top plates to take up the gap between airbag and bump stop? The valve/air line would keep them centered, they already come with a plastic spacers/insulator.
Any ideas? Thanks
I'm currently running FJ coils/shocks with a daystar budget boost and I'm very close to level. Want to go a tiny bit taller all around (~1"), thinking about adding 5100's up front at .85 w/my budget boost spacer, I could max out the 5100's with no spacer I guess ( a little less lift).
Where I'm struggling is the rear because I have Firestone airbags, which are awesome by the way. To get level again with 5100's up front I probably need .7"-1" in back. How do I get there without losing my airbags? I can add the top spring spacer but then I will have gap between bump stop and air bag. Can I make a couple of plastic top plates to take up the gap between airbag and bump stop? The valve/air line would keep them centered, they already come with a plastic spacers/insulator.
Any ideas? Thanks
philskeeter
New member
My 06 4runner I believe has struts so for me to switch out the stock coils and shocks and replace with fj coils and bilsteins won't I need some sort of compression tool to get the coils on the new bilsteins and I guess take out the old coilovers in front and I'll need one to put the new coilovers in?
If you plan to use the top hat hardware yes. Or do the 'no spring compressor' method. I think it is safer and easier to just use a spring compressor.
philskeeter
New member
Ok so use a spring compressor and would it be fine to reuse the hardware? In a scenario that it comes off like it should without having to hack it
I've done both methods and I don't like spring compressors. No-compressor method is very easy and safe, so long as you have adequate jackstands and jack.
Regardless of which method, make sure you loosen the lower control arm bolts so they and move freely downward. Sway bar removal is best too.
philskeeter
New member
ok so once I jack it up and place it on jack stands I'll take the tires off(Don't worry I'll break the bolts before I get it off the ground) take off the sway bar, loosen the lower control arm(I'm guessing this is only for the front?) and how do you think I should get the spring and shock out? Do I use the jack to compress it upwards? If so, then what?
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Haven't heard of anyone extending the front (there is the relocate which pushes it forward for more clearance for the coilover). You can extend the rear end links, several have reported a better ride and more flex making it a worthwhile mod. The steering extension is not required for suspension lifts, it is only needed if you run a body lift over 1".
In your case, I'd definitely go with the 4runner Moogs over the FJ Moog coils in the front. Not sure on the exact numbers for the rear, but I'd go 4runner all around. You shouldn't run into any issues with either setup, other than IMO the FJ Moog coils being too stiff on the front. Using the 4runner Moog coils and the .85 setting on the front should level it out and ride well from the info I've gathered.
Did you measure how much lift you currently have? I'd guess 2.5"-3" in the front. If so, I wouldn't go any higher unless you add aftermarket UCA's. If you're happy with the current suspension, consider a 1" body lift. I would not suggest using the Budget Boost spacer and the 5100's, you'll have too much down travel and it will wear out the front end components, as well as possible damage to the shock during compression. If you need a rear spacer, order a custom one from Cornfed. You can get it in any size you want, and they mount on top of the OEM in-coil bump stop so they will be compatible with your air bag setup without any further modifications. The bump stop will stay in it's current location.
How much lift are you running? Doesn't seem too bad to me.
ddnww
New member
zopperman
Moderator
Will you really see a difference in the 4runner moog coils compared to own coils? Would it be worth the money?
ddnww
New member
How are the moogs and can you post measurements?
ride feels great, measurements are approx 23" front 24" rear.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Figured that was coming. Based on my measurements, you're at 4.5" lift (angles don't appear to bad for that amount of lift). Have you actually measured? Are you running stock UCAs?
I tried the 5100s (and Radflos) with over 3" lift and didn't care for the lost down travel, it was noticeable for me. That's why I ended up with Icon extended travel. As long as your happy with it, that's all that matters. Everyone has their own preference, what works for one doesn't for someone else.
A slightly stiffer coil does improve ride quality imo, and you'll get some lift as well. I'd say its worth it, especially if you have high miles.
ddnww
New member
Measurements are 23 inches front and 24 inches rear, the ride feels good on and off road, I took it off road today no bottoming out ,I like it. as long as the cv's look ok that's what's important.
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