4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I just found some 2012 Tacoma 4x4 Front Bilsteins & Coils locally. I have read that these will give more lift and a similar ride to the FJ coils. Does anyone have any experience with these/ any insight on how much lift I will get?

I was planning on running FJ Coils with Bilstein 5100s @ the 2.5 setting. How big of a spacer would I need to run to get a similar lift?

I ran that setup for a week or two while waiting on my coilovers to be rebuilt. I really liked it, comparable to the FJ setup. You'll get around 1.5" lift, so you'd need to add a 1/2" or 3/4" thick spacer to get 2.5"-3" lift. Several offer a 1/2" thick spacer, such as Toytec. I'm not sure of anyone who makes a 3/4" one other than ordering one custom from Cornfed.

This does seem like a common occurrence so what steps should be taken at the time of the install to avoid this situation?

There's not much that can be done unless you swap clamps when you lift it. The factory clamps seem to be the issue.

Replacing CV bands - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[FactoryFreak]

Will This Work?

Noob here looking for someone to tell me if I'm on the right track. I've gone cross-eyed from reading through all of the information on this site and since I'm doing this install myself (first time with something like this, mostly brake jobs and oil changes in the past) I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Here's the info.
My vehicle: 2003 Limited 4x4 V8 with X-reas, 112,000 miles
Planning to add:
- 18x9 Ultra Motorsport Guantlet wheels with -12mm offset and 4.49" backspacing.
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 265/65-18 tires (also considering Revo 2's).
- Moog FJ Cruiser coils front & rear
- Bilstein 5100's front and rear, front set to .85

My goal is to level the truck out (no rake, running boards parallel to the ground) while also lifting enough to make room for the larger than stock tires. I understand some trimming/mud flap removal is inevitable.

With the above items and settings does it seem like I should be good to go? I've been debating if I'll need to add a spacer in the rear and up the setting on the front Bilsteins to 1.75 to provide enough clearance. I also see a lot of folks are using wheel spacers (1.25" Spidertrax seem to be the top choice), will those be necessary when using a wheel with a -12mm offset?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[AUSig]

I ran that setup for a week or two while waiting on my coilovers to be rebuilt. I really liked it, comparable to the FJ setup. You'll get around 1.5" lift, so you'd need to add a 1/2" or 3/4" thick spacer to get 2.5"-3" lift. Several offer a 1/2" thick spacer, such as Toytec. I'm not sure of anyone who makes a 3/4" one other than ordering one custom from Cornfed.

Thanks for the info! I will try it out and report back. I'm thinking .5" spacer, I want to keep this as low as possible with 33's (I'm fine with cutting )

Still have to decide what to do for the rears. I will probably go with Superflex coils and Bilstein 5100's.

 

[Daymian]

Awesome Post

Thanks Ark...
Looking to level out my 06 4runner and got everything I needed. I'm just starting the work on mine.

Thanks Again

 

[My06runner]

Thanks Ark...
Looking to level out my 06 4runner and got everything I needed. I'm just starting the work on mine.

Thanks Again

5100 all around OME 884 up front 5 100 set at stock setting and 2" super flex in rear.

 

[tenguns]

Multi-use options

First - this is the most extensive suspension post I've found. Great stuff. I read about 25 pages before the threat of shovel poisoning pushed me to post!

I have a 2009 Limited 4R with the 6 cylinder. I put the cornfed on it originally as a cheap way to lift it for the front bumper and 12k winch up there.

I use the truck as a daily driver - but push the limits of the trucks capability in the Sierra's and Rocky's. I know it will never have the solid axle articulation but because I push it to the point of abuse I want to maximize that part.

Initially, I planed on getting a "mid-travel" kit for the front - to provide more travel there without widening the stance too much.... better for fitting between trees and on narrow trails maybe. Then I thought maybe just putting some SAW coilovers on there would suffice... but either way I want to get enough lift for eventual 255/85R17 and maximize articulation as much as possible in a IFS truck. I run the tallest, skinniest tires I can always... right now a 235/80R17s in a Nitto - but want to go to a 33+ size. I know if I went with the SAWs or a Toytec or another shock / spring combo I'll have to get some UCAs that will remain tough and "quiet". Nothing worse then front end control arm squeaks when trying to get in someplace quietly.

Because I tow a boat sometimes - for now i've decided to install airbags (Firestones should be here today) and will probably change the springs to the Superflex allowing me to keep those. I'm guessing I can go with the 10%rs but am considering the HDs. That might be too stiff given the daily driver aspect... both options sound like they'll help with articulation a little. I'd like your collective thoughts on that. I'll rip out the XREAS and put in 5100s or something out back too.

From an articulation and lift perspective - what other front end options would you recommend. The 33"+ tires give you "real" lift and the articulation should allow me to get in as much trouble as possible..

I need a way to do all this without putting too much pressure/angles on other front end components where I will break them and end up "found in the spring" in-trouble.

I'll keep reading the 70+ pages - but would like to get your thoughts on this app.

 

[tenguns]

One more thing... I initially read alot about spacers and ended up putting the standard on my truck - but burned through wheel bearings too fast... So, between the cornfed and Spidertracks - I'm done with looks. I need function and believe anyone really interested in lift for use and not looks should avoid those imho.

 

[philskeeter]

Sorry to bring this up but I'm putting fj coils and 5100s all around. The could have 8k miles and shocks are new. I have a 2006 sr5 4x4 v6. I am also putting a day star 1.5" spacer in the rear. Can anyone with the same scenario give me advice on what to set the fronts at? I'm doing it all myself and it's a real pain to compress these with a ratchet to assemble them so I really don't want to take them off once installed. I can't decide between 1.75 and 2.5. I'll also throw in I don't want the front higher at all. A little rake is fine.

 

[ellroy2]

Sorry to bring this up but I'm putting fj coils and 5100s all around. The could have 8k miles and shocks are new. I have a 2006 sr5 4x4 v6. I am also putting a day star 1.5" spacer in the rear. Can anyone with the same scenario give me advice on what to set the fronts at? I'm doing it all myself and it's a real pain to compress these with a ratchet to assemble them so I really don't want to take them off once installed. I can't decide between 1.75 and 2.5. I'll also throw in I don't want the front higher at all. A little rake is fine.

I just did the same setup as you on my 08 v6 minus the spacer. Front measured about an inch lower than the rear right after completion. Haven't measured since driving it for the last week. I too think a little rake is good. I would say at least an inch. So with a rear spacer, I would say 1.75 for a little bit of rake and 2.5 for level. Seems like every truck is a little different though....

 

[philskeeter]

I just did the same setup as you on my 08 v6 minus the spacer. Front measured about an inch lower than the rear right after completion. Haven't measured since driving it for the last week. I too think a little rake is good. I would say at least an inch. So with a rear spacer, I would say 1.75 for a little bit of rake and 2.5 for level. Seems like every truck is a little different though....

That's kind of what I was thinking. I assembled them at 2.5 to copy someone's setup and then realized his was a v8 and it would most likely make me a little high in the front, but it's nice to here reassurance. Thanks

 

[KingGeorge]

I'm about to get bilstein 5100 adjustable with OME coils and probably a 1/2 inch spacer on the front struts. debating on getting UCA's or wait for that and soend that money on sliders

 

[Troymclure]

I'm about to get bilstein 5100 adjustable with OME coils and probably a 1/2 inch spacer on the front struts. debating on getting UCA's or wait for that and soend that money on sliders

Id go for the UCA's. I put it off when I did my lift, and after getting them, realize it was a mistake. They made my truck handle so much better, I couldnt believe it.

 

[ebg18t]

Id go for the UCA's. I put it off when I did my lift, and after getting them, realize it was a mistake. They made my truck handle so much better, I couldnt believe it.

2nd this!

 

[KingGeorge]

Id go for the UCA's. I put it off when I did my lift, and after getting them, realize it was a mistake. They made my truck handle so much better, I couldnt believe it.

yea man i could just ask for sliders for like a christmas gift from my parents. i dont NEED sliders but want them because of the look and help if i get a hi-lift jack

 

[FoxNJ]

Is there a reason Id rub front driver side on stock suspension running 265/65/17? I thought that was the OE tire size?

I just bought the car yesterday and I neglected to see the front driver side fender liner has been trimmed (read: mangled).

 

[ebg18t]

Is there a reason Id rub front driver side on stock suspension running 265/65/17? I thought that was the OE tire size?

I just bought the car yesterday and I neglected to see the front driver side fender liner has been trimmed (read: mangled).

Bent or damaged suspension components

 

[FoxNJ]

Bent or damaged suspension components[/]
I feel confident saying this is not the case. The car handles great and hasn't given me a reason to think theres an issue with any of the suspension components.

Hypothetically, if the previous owner ran a larger tire without a lift, is it possible that it would only rub on the driver side and not the passenger?

 

[ebg18t]

I feel confident saying this is not the case. The car handles great and hasn't given me a reason to think theres an issue with any of the suspension components.

Hypothetically, if the previous owner ran a larger tire without a lift, is it possible that it would only rub on the driver side and not the passenger?

Maybe, but something on the suspension would not be equal. It is pretty hard for a stock sized tire to rub anywhere unless something is not right with the suspension components. You said you are confident nothing is bent or damaged and if the aligment is spot on (handles well) then there is nothing wrong.. You shouldn't rub.

But since you do.... And you are confident the suspension is ok... Humm...

 

[FoxNJ]

Maybe, but something on the suspension would not be equal. It is pretty hard for a stock sized tire to rub anywhere unless something is not right with the suspension components. You said you are confident nothing is bent or damaged and if the aligment is spot on (handles well) then there is nothing wrong.. You shouldn't rub.

But since you do.... And you are confident the suspension is ok... Humm...

After a second look, the fender liner was just trimmed so poorly that it lost its form and now "sits" close to the tire. Ill fix it in the morning.

What youre saying makes perfect sense though.

 

[ebg18t]

After a second look, the fender liner was just trimmed so poorly that it lost its form and now "sits" close to the tire. Ill fix it in the morning.

What youre saying makes perfect sense though.

Clean up the fender liner and see how it holds up. Depending on how butchered you might try to find a used replacement liner. Stock sized tires and even one size up shouldn't rub anywhere. Let us know how it goes.