4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[ebg18t]

Looking for some advice,

I keep going back on various options but in the end I've decided all I would like to do is get rid of my current suspension (XREAS) and replace it while keeping my ride stock height (I have a 2WD so no 4 wheeling for me). I would however like to level the front to make it look better. My question is, what is the best option for me? My current coils have 95k miles on them, should I replace them when I replace the shocks or will it not make any difference in the ride? I've read up on Bilstein 5100's but if I am keeping my stock height and not going to be wheeling, wont these be too stiff of a ride? I want to keep the comfortable stock feel. Would it make more sense to go with Bilstein 4600's and throw a 1" spacer up front?

Thanks in advance!

Valving between 5100 & 4600 is the same. Shaft & body length is slightly different to allow more stroke on the 5100. Out of convience I would just get the 5100 set and put the fronts on 0.85" and leave it. If you get the impression down the road you want more lift you can raise them..

If $$ is tight just find a set of a Tacoma TRD take offs as you will gain and inch in the front by installing the Tacoma TRD shock/spring combo. The fronts bolt right up, the rear shock needs a lower bushing change.

 

[JeffMerr]

Valving between 5100 & 4600 is the same. Shaft & body length is slightly different to allow more stroke on the 5100. Out of convience I would just get the 5100 set and put the fronts on 0.85" and leave it. If you get the impression down the road you want more lift you can raise them..

If $$ is tight just find a set of a Tacoma TRD take offs as you will gain and inch in the front by installing the Tacoma TRD shock/spring combo. The fronts bolt right up, the rear shock needs a lower bushing change.

The money isn't an issue, more so I want to get it right since I plan on having this vehicle for a while. Wont 5100's at stock height be pretty stiff compared to the stock system? Also what about the springs with 90k on them, should I try and find a replacement or does it not really matter? It seems like a pain in the ass to find new OEM replacement springs since the moog one's seem to have issues and most of the used OEM springs have at least 50k+ miles on them, which seems kind of pointless. Thanks for your help.

 

[chompster4runner]

The money isn't an issue, more so I want to get it right since I plan on having this vehicle for a while. Wont 5100's at stock height be pretty stiff compared to the stock system? Also what about the springs with 90k on them, should I try and find a replacement or does it not really matter? It seems like a pain in the ass to find new OEM replacement springs since the moog one's seem to have issues and most of the used OEM springs have at least 50k+ miles on them, which seems kind of pointless. Thanks for your help.

5100 isn't exactly pretty stiff. It's a bit firm so nose diving is kept to a minimum while still close to factory ride. You can all always raise the front a bit to compensate the saggy springs. Or find a FJ or even more readily available lessor mileage Tacoma springs. I have the Tacoma coils set on .85 and it's level with my rear until I put FJ rears and it slightly raise it a bit by a hair. LOL. I would prefer a bit rake because once the truck is in motion it look a bit reverse rake. I do have a spare of new Tacoma coils that was taken off right after it roll out of the dealer. I haven't heard anybody complaining about the 5100 is too stiff. In the end stiff can mean so much.

:tape:

 

[Alex 4thrunner]

Hey guys looking to lift my 4runner 2" or 3". I'm new to the lift lifestyle I've driven slammed cars since I was 17 and need some direction on where to look for quality parts.

 

[guardsred944s]

I'm in RI and I'm looking to do the the Body Mount Chop, I could probably handle doing the the cutting and grinding, but I don't know anyone with a welder... Any suggestions??

 

[scapegoat]

Picking up a daystar 2.5 spacer lift for my 05 sportedition 4runner.

Do I need anything else, other than an alignment?

 

[slalomnut]

Pulled the trigger. Got a bit of a surprise.

My stock 2003 V8 Limited was overdue for some shock and spring love. After countless hours reading this thread and other peoples posts I settled on the OME 884 / 895e with Bilstein 5100s, fronts set on 0.85. Christo at Slee tried to persuade me to stick with the 883s but I had read a few V8 owners that weren't satisfied with them or the 884s with added weight.

So I was thinking I'd get ~2.5" with the shocks set at 0.85. Try 3.54" in the front and 2.95" in the rear. And they looked at me like I was a re-tard when I was if they would settle much. On the bright side, I really dig the ride!

Thoughts, input?? Anyone running the same config?

 

[bantis556]

I am thinking of going the OME 884/895 route with 5100's set to .85

What is the advantage/disadvantage of going this route rather than the FJ coils route?

 

[Velonici]

Hey guys I was wondering if you could help me wrap my head around something. I have been reading that with a 3" lift it wouldn't be a bad idea to get longer UCA's. Thing is with my toytec lift I have my lowers pretty much maxed out. If I got longer uppers wouldn't that make my tires to far out on the top? \ / <-- Like that? I will admit that the suspension system is probably my weakest point when it comes to working on vehicles so Im sure there is just something that Im missing.

 

[ebg18t]

Hey guys I was wondering if you could help me wrap my head around something. I have been reading that with a 3" lift it wouldn't be a bad idea to get longer UCA's. Thing is with my toytec lift I have my lowers pretty much maxed out. If I got longer uppers wouldn't that make my tires to far out on the top? \ / <-- Like that? I will admit that the suspension system is probably my weakest point when it comes to working on vehicles so Im sure there is just something that Im missing.

The aftermarket UCA's we all talk about do not change "\ /" like you reference. That would be camber. These upgraded UCA's correct caster (ie increase caster) . As you lift the truck the caster decreases. You need a certain amount of caster for stability and to keep from continually correcting the steering wheel to drive straight at speed. There is more to it, but that should help.

 

[Velonici]

The aftermarket UCA's we all talk about do not change "\ /" like you reference. That would be camber. These upgraded UCA's correct caster (ie increase caster) . As you lift the truck the caster decreases. You need a certain amount of caster for stability and to keep from continually correcting the steering wheel to drive straight at speed. There is more to it, but that should help.

Ahhh, gotcha. See I knew I was just missing something. I guess I need to pick some up soon as I am constantly trying to keep her straight on the highway.

 

[TxRig13]

Tagged for quick reference

 

[Velonici]

Hey guys, one of my tires just got a nice gash in the side wall so I need new tires about 4 months earlier than I thought. I just want to make sure that my layout will work. I already have the Toytec ultimate lift. Looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler in 285/70R17. Will this have any issues on the stock wheels and how bad will they be with out UCA? Those were next on my list but have now been bumped down. From my understanding I will have to trim or remove the mudflaps. Also would spydertrax spacers hurt or help me?

 

[ddnww]

Is it normal for the top bolt on bilstein 5100 to turn with the nut, i tracked down a squeak to the top bolt and when i try to tighten it the bolt turns too.

 

[mpyle]

Why did you decide to set the Bilsteins at .85? From what I have learned from reading this forum, when using OMEs with Bilsteins, the general consensus is that the shocks should be set at 0. I think 2.5" is about average w/perch at 0.

My stock 2003 V8 Limited was overdue for some shock and spring love. After countless hours reading this thread and other peoples posts I settled on the OME 884 / 895e with Bilstein 5100s, fronts set on 0.85. Christo at Slee tried to persuade me to stick with the 883s but I had read a few V8 owners that weren't satisfied with them or the 884s with added weight.

So I was thinking I'd get ~2.5" with the shocks set at 0.85. Try 3.54" in the front and 2.95" in the rear. And they looked at me like I was a re-tard when I was if they would settle much. On the bright side, I really dig the ride!

Thoughts, input?? Anyone running the same config?

 

[southpaw2324]

I will be putting the level lift on my 2008 Limited. Going with 17's and wanted to put around a 32" tire in. This should fit shouldn't it? if all my math is correct it will

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hey guys, one of my tires just got a nice gash in the side wall so I need new tires about 4 months earlier than I thought. I just want to make sure that my layout will work. I already have the Toytec ultimate lift. Looking at the Nitto Terra Grappler in 285/70R17. Will this have any issues on the stock wheels and how bad will they be with out UCA? Those were next on my list but have now been bumped down. From my understanding I will have to trim or remove the mudflaps. Also would spydertrax spacers hurt or help me?

With 285/70s and stock wheels, you will have to run wheel spacers so the tires won't rub the UCA. With removing the mud flaps and some trimming, you should be able to make them fit.

Is it normal for the top bolt on bilstein 5100 to turn with the nut, i tracked down a squeak to the top bolt and when i try to tighten it the bolt turns too.

Are you talking about the upper stem on the shock? If so, yes that is expected. There should be a flat spot at the very top used to hold it to keep it from spinning.

I will be putting the level lift on my 2008 Limited. Going with 17's and wanted to put around a 32" tire in. This should fit shouldn't it? if all my math is correct it will

Stock or aftermarket 17s? If aftermarket, what are the specs on the wheels? Exactly what lift are you planning? It *should* be fine, but need more info.

 

[Twall]

I'm new to this forum but I have a 2005 4unner with xreas and cornfed 3 inch lift. I think my coil springs are sagging ( they have been on there since I bought it). I measured today and the center of the wheel too fender in 21 inches. Would I get more lift by ripping out xreas and putting blisteins all round and 885 coils? Or what?

 

[t-man]

I'm new to this forum but I have a 2005 4unner with xreas and cornfed 3 inch lift. I think my coil springs are sagging ( they have been on there since I bought it). I measured today and the center of the wheel too fender in 21 inches. Would I get more lift by ripping out xreas and putting blisteins all round and 885 coils? Or what?

Quick answer, Yes. If you go to the beginning of this thread it will give you some numbers but no matter how you set your Bilsteins up with those coils you will get some lift, especially if your old springs are sagging some.

 

[blk05sr5]

Warning lights after 3" spacer

Hey does anyone know why all the traction control lights and abs lights came on after I installed my 3" leveling kit on my 2005 4runner? Also does anyone know how to reset the warning lights?