4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Cygan1008]

Thanks for the valuable input. So many people have already gone the FJ route that there aren't many lower mileage springs available; I was planning on going the Moog FJ spring route, but I've been reading in the forum about some fitment issues. I don't have to stay as low as possible, just trying to keep the cost reasonable since my driving style doesn't require overall lift. At 67, I don't relish ascending into the truck so I'll leave the high rigs to you agile young bucks.



I note from your info you are in Ridgecrest. I was USN stationed at what was then NOTS China Lake in 1965-66. This was about a dozen years before you were born, but I'm guessing it hasn't changed that much. Lots of dirt to play in out there; I rode enduro bikes when I was there.

For what you want I would strongly consider a TRD tacoma 4x4 suspension swap. You get bilstein shocks front and rear with tacoma front springs that are a much better ride. This will accomplish the leveled stance and give a MUCH better suspension then you have now. You can keep the rear springs in or you can upgrade them as you see fit. Plus if you buy the fronts already assembled it's a pretty easy process to replace them.

 

[AusTex4x4Sport]

For what you want I would strongly consider a TRD tacoma 4x4 suspension swap. You get bilstein shocks front and rear with tacoma front springs that are a much better ride. This will accomplish the leveled stance and give a MUCH better suspension then you have now. You can keep the rear springs in or you can upgrade them as you see fit. Plus if you buy the fronts already assembled it's a pretty easy process to replace them.

I appreciate the suggestion, but I already internet-ordered and received the Bilsteins and don't want to have to pay to ship them back and/or deal with a return. Maybe I'll see if I can find some Tacoma springs to pair up with the Bilsteins. If anyone has tried this, please feel free to respond with any thoughts.

Thanks

 

[Cygan1008]

I appreciate the suggestion, but I already internet-ordered and received the Bilsteins and don't want to have to pay to ship them back and/or deal with a return. Maybe I'll see if I can find some Tacoma springs to pair up with the Bilsteins. If anyone has tried this, please feel free to respond with any thoughts.



Thanks

Oh sorry, didn't realize you already had them. Tacoma front springs are easy enough to come by and if you set the 5100s on the lowest setting they will level out the truck. I've seen a few folks on here with that set up maybe they will chime in.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

My apologies if this has been answered before; there are so many long threads on suspension mods I can't remember everything I've read, especially if i didn't understand it in the first place (max newbie).

I have my "new" 2006 Sport V6 4x4 with 102K miles and leaking XREAS that I am replacing with the Bilstein 5100s. No other suspension mods are planned at this time, and I'll be using the stock coils. I am interested in lifting the front enbough to level the Runner out (currently measuring 33" to wheelwell front and 35" rear). What setting would be best for the 5100 fronts to achieve level. I'm mostly a pavement person with occassional trips on roads less traveled for access to more remote mountain bike adventures.

Any/all advice and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

There are two ways to look at being level. First is distance between the tire and fender (what you measured). Second is the height of the running boards front/rear. With the fender heights equal, the running boards (and roof line) will be higher in the front. You can go with the 3rd notch for 1.75" lift and it will be very close to level by the fender gaps, but running boards may be a little high in the front. If you don't want this, the 2nd notch (.85" lift) is the best choice.

That said, I agree with the other suggestions, try to find some FJ or Tacoma coils. Any year 07+ FJ coils will work, so you should be able to find some if you're patient. The Tacoma coils haven't caught on yet, so they are easier to come by. I know [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] has a set of FJ rear coils in the classifieds for $60 shipped (I think). If you could get these and a set of Tacoma fronts, it would be a very good setup for what you are wanting.

 

[LTDSC]

I also have a set of Tacoma struts fully in tact sitting in the garage.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Thanks for the valuable input. So many people have already gone the FJ route that there aren't many lower mileage springs available; I was planning on going the Moog FJ spring route, but I've been reading in the forum about some fitment issues. I don't have to stay as low as possible, just trying to keep the cost reasonable since my driving style doesn't require overall lift. At 67, I don't relish ascending into the truck so I'll leave the high rigs to you agile young bucks.

I note from your info you are in Ridgecrest. I was USN stationed at what was then NOTS China Lake in 1965-66. This was about a dozen years before you were born, but I'm guessing it hasn't changed that much. Lots of dirt to play in out there; I rode enduro bikes when I was there.

Base housing is all but completely gone, some new buildings on the base have been built (mostly the last 5 years) and we actually have a Home Depot and a Walmart, but I'm guessing there's not that many more people here than there were in the '60. Lots of dirt and rocks to play with down here (small cities spring up from November to April as people haul out their trailers, RVs and all of their wheeled toys to play). We generally seek higher ground in the Sierra Nevada and White mountains. Thought I'd hate the desert until I spent some time in it. Now I'm 'bout two hours from pretty much everything. Mt. Whitney? Two hours. Death Valley (one of the few National Parks where you can wheel!) yup, two hours. Lots in between. Rush hour here involves being behind 6 cars at a traffic light. Doesn't feel much like big-city California (which I grew up in). Feels more like it belongs in Arizona or Texas. I would be willing to bet there isn't a place on earth where the ratio of advanced college degrees to firearms is as favorable!

 

[AusTex4x4Sport]

There are two ways to look at being level. First is distance between the tire and fender (what you measured). Second is the height of the running boards front/rear. With the fender heights equal, the running boards (and roof line) will be higher in the front. You can go with the 3rd notch for 1.75" lift and it will be very close to level by the fender gaps, but running boards may be a little high in the front. If you don't want this, the 2nd notch (.85" lift) is the best choice.

That said, I agree with the other suggestions, try to find some FJ or Tacoma coils. Any year 07+ FJ coils will work, so you should be able to find some if you're patient. The Tacoma coils haven't caught on yet, so they are easier to come by. I know [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] has a set of FJ rear coils in the classifieds for $60 shipped (I think). If you could get these and a set of Tacoma fronts, it would be a very good setup for what you are wanting.

Thanks for all of the advice. I just found a set of FJ 4WD coils locally with 30K miles on them, so now I just have to figure out if I want the fender gaps or the roof level (I already took off the Sport step tubes)

 

[2000m2]

2014 Tacoma TRD suspension swap

Sorry if this has been asked a dozen times... but I found someone selling a complete suspension from a 2014 Tacoma TRD. Can I move this over to my 2008 V8 4runner and get a better ride while leveling out the truck? I see some folks using Tacoma TRD suspension parts, but not sure about the years that are compatible with 4th gen.

...or should I just save up for an Icon, Fox, King, Radflo entry-level setup...??

Thanks!

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Had my alignment done at my favorite local shop ($50 and the owner does them himself and does quite a few lifted vehicles, lowered vehicles, etc.). Caster was within spec without a problem on my '07 V6 4WD. I haven't relocated my sway bar mounts but will if I come across any contact.

Lift is OME 884 springs up front, Toytec Superflex in the back and Air Lift 60809 airbags (the ones that are sold for the OEM rear springs so they are pretty short for the new springs). I had it aligned with about 12 PSI in the bags though they don't affect ride height nearly as much as they did when the springs were stock. I tested it last night and between 10 and 50 PSI I only gained 3/4".

Drives straight as an arrow and now I have a new hobby: driving over dips and bumps without slowing down. It used to be a wild ride with the stock suspension, requiring me to really slow down or else the contents of my vehicle would be thrown all around the interior. Now it's hardly noticable! What a remarkable difference in every aspect! Even cornering is far more secure because body roll and motion is far more controlled and dampned. Thanks to the folks who provided input on suspension lifts!

 

[Cygan1008]

Sorry if this has been asked a dozen times... but I found someone selling a complete suspension from a 2014 Tacoma TRD. Can I move this over to my 2008 V8 4runner and get a better ride while leveling out the truck? I see some folks using Tacoma TRD suspension parts, but not sure about the years that are compatible with 4th gen.

...or should I just save up for an Icon, Fox, King, Radflo entry-level setup...??

Thanks!

Yes, all you have to do is replace the rear shock eye bushings with these Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing: Automotive if you chose to use the rear shocks. The others you listed are very good but if all you want is a small lift and better suspension for a low cost the trd swap is right on target.

 

[2000m2]

Yes, all you have to do is replace the rear shock eye bushings with these Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing: Automotive if you chose to use the rear shocks. The others you listed are very good but if all you want is a small lift and better suspension for a low cost the trd swap is right on target.

Great to read, thank you and thanks for the link. Very, very helpful!

 

[Cygan1008]

Great to read, thank you and thanks for the link. Very, very helpful!

Shoot me a if you have any other questions. I just did the trd swap a few weeks ago.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for all of the advice. I just found a set of FJ 4WD coils locally with 30K miles on them, so now I just have to figure out if I want the fender gaps or the roof level (I already took off the Sport step tubes)

That should be a great setup! I'd probably go with the .85 setting unless you plan to add a spacer to the rear.

Sorry if this has been asked a dozen times... but I found someone selling a complete suspension from a 2014 Tacoma TRD. Can I move this over to my 2008 V8 4runner and get a better ride while leveling out the truck? I see some folks using Tacoma TRD suspension parts, but not sure about the years that are compatible with 4th gen.

...or should I just save up for an Icon, Fox, King, Radflo entry-level setup...??

Thanks!

Just to clarify, the Tacoma uses leaf springs for the rear. The front shock/coils will be a direct swap on, and the rear shocks will fit with the bushing change. You will need to figure something else out on the rear coils. Now whether you need to go this route or save for the others, depends on your intended use. Basic daily driving this is a great setup. If you're spending a lot of time off road and/or plan to add steel bumpers, I'd save for the better setups.

 

[JeffMerr]

If the moog FJ springs are designed to replace OEM FJ springs why are people having issues fitting them? Shouldn't they be the exact same as OEM springs? I was planning on doing the full 5100/moog FJ swap so that I have new springs and don't have to scour the internet for low mileage springs, however I don't want to have issues at the shop when they're trying to install them...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If the moog FJ springs are designed to replace OEM FJ springs why are people having issues fitting them? Shouldn't they be the exact same as OEM springs? I was planning on doing the full 5100/moog FJ swap so that I have new springs and don't have to scour the internet for low mileage springs, however I don't want to have issues at the shop when they're trying to install them...

You're right, they *should* be the same, but they're not. I'm not sure if it's quality control issues, or if they are just spec'd slightly smaller. Also, it's important to note the lengths and coil rate of the Moog's are not the same as OEM FJ's. At least for the front (Moog hasn't published specs on the rears), the coils Moog makes for the 4runner are actually a closer match to the OEM FJ coils. I can't recall hearing any issues with the Moog 4runner coils seating properly. See this link for specs on the various coils:.

 

[JeffMerr]

Thanks for the response. I never thought about going with moog 4runner springs. I know I need to ditch my current ones because my front end looks like it's a lot lower and more of a rake than other stock 4runners I've driven past. So would 5100/moog 4runner springs be a good combo for someone who is just interested in improving the ride and leveling the vehicle out? There's no issues or quality control problems with moog 4runner springs? If I wanted a slight lift I'm guessing all I would need to do is purchase a riser for the rear and adjust the front shocks accordingly ?Thanks

 

[AusTex4x4Sport]

That should be a great setup! I'd probably go with the .85 setting unless you plan to add a spacer to the rear.

One (hopefully) final question. What I picked up is complete 07 FJ front strut assemblies. After replacing the shock with my Bilstein 5100, will that FJ strut assembly fit the 4Runner? I'm trying to simplify my XREAS change-out by having a pre-assembled strut ready to slap right back in, rather than having to pull my XREAS strut and then have to replace the spring and shock before the re-install.

Thanks

 

[ZOMBRNR]

So I've got a dilemma and wondering if anyone can offer some advice on my potential setup here.

I want to run 5100/Moog FJ springs set at 2.5 front.

My reasoning for this is, I have a shrockworks front bumper and I want as much lift as possible, but because of the weight of the bumper, I'll lose some height.

Question 1: Will the Moog FJ springs be stiff enough to handle the extra weight? And will I be able to install the springs on the 5100's set at 2.5?

Question 2: Will I need to run a spacer out back to level the truck?

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[2000m2]

Just to clarify, the Tacoma uses leaf springs for the rear. The front shock/coils will be a direct swap on, and the rear shocks will fit with the bushing change. You will need to figure something else out on the rear coils. Now whether you need to go this route or save for the others, depends on your intended use. Basic daily driving this is a great setup. If you're spending a lot of time off road and/or plan to add steel bumpers, I'd save for the better setups.

I caught the leaf springs part for the Tacoma and it looks like I will need FJ coils for the rear for a level ride.
As much as I'd like to say we'll be doing some hardcore wheeling and adding aftermarket parts, etc., the most extreme use will most likely be Forest Service Roads for camping. This set-up should serve us well for while. Thanks for the helpful replies.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the response. I never thought about going with moog 4runner springs. I know I need to ditch my current ones because my front end looks like it's a lot lower and more of a rake than other stock 4runners I've driven past. So would 5100/moog 4runner springs be a good combo for someone who is just interested in improving the ride and leveling the vehicle out? There's no issues or quality control problems with moog 4runner springs? If I wanted a slight lift I'm guessing all I would need to do is purchase a riser for the rear and adjust the front shocks accordingly ?Thanks

Personally, I'd make sure I exhausted all options for OEM springs first (whether it be FJ's all around or a Tacoma/FJ combo). Even though the 4runner Moog's haven't had the fitment issues (to my knowledge), OEM's are still better quality. If that didn't work out, for the price I'd consider the Moog 4runner coils. If you've got the funds, I really like the OME 884's/885's front and Toytec Superflex rear coils, but this will set you back between $300-$400. Great setup to lift and level it out. By the time you pay for OEM coils and any spacers, you're probably half way there.

One (hopefully) final question. What I picked up is complete 07 FJ front strut assemblies. After replacing the shock with my Bilstein 5100, will that FJ strut assembly fit the 4Runner? I'm trying to simplify my XREAS change-out by having a pre-assembled strut ready to slap right back in, rather than having to pull my XREAS strut and then have to replace the spring and shock before the re-install.

Thanks

Yes, if you just swap the 5100 for the stock FJ shock, everything will bolt right in.

So I've got a dilemma and wondering if anyone can offer some advice on my potential setup here.

I want to run 5100/Moog FJ springs set at 2.5 front.

My reasoning for this is, I have a shrockworks front bumper and I want as much lift as possible, but because of the weight of the bumper, I'll lose some height.

Question 1: Will the Moog FJ springs be stiff enough to handle the extra weight? And will I be able to install the springs on the 5100's set at 2.5?

Question 2: Will I need to run a spacer out back to level the truck?

Thanks for your help guys.

I've not followed the Moog's closely enough to know lift heights. All I know is there have been issues with the Moog FJ coils fitting (primarily the rear). Unfortunately I'm not of much help with this particular setup.

I caught the leaf springs part for the Tacoma and it looks like I will need FJ coils for the rear for a level ride.
As much as I'd like to say we'll be doing some hardcore wheeling and adding aftermarket parts, etc., the most extreme use will most likely be Forest Service Roads for camping. This set-up should serve us well for while. Thanks for the helpful replies.

Agreed, that setup should do well.