4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Drunner97]

The best advice I can give on tires, is to look at every single tire/lift combo in that sticky, and decide what you like the best. I went with 255/75/17 (255/70/18) and don't rub, still have mud flaps (although I'm probably going to take them off) and didn't have to hack on anything w/ a 3/2 lift. I probably went through the lift/tire thread 2 or 3 times before I decided on that tire size. There are all sorts of tire/rim/lift combos that you don't have to make any changes with.

 

[LPilotSmith]

In my last post I made a comparison between 7.5" wide factory wheel with spacers and a 9" wheel with -12mm offset. That comparison was based on +12mm offset! My bad!!!

 

[LPilotSmith]

Thx Drunner97! I too have spent hours looking at build threads and photos trying to find the right fit and look I'm after. Not easy with so many options out there. Seems like the new school of thought is 265 and under, so that's the direction I'm leaning toward. Don't want to have to make too many alterations beyond the lift itself just to fit an extra 1" of rubber! Do you have a build thread or pics of your setup posted?

 

[Drunner97]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2117342-post3944.html

This was right after I finished installing the lift so it's settled down since. I can take some more pictures when I get home later if you want more angles. The tires look close to the mud flaps, but they aren't hitting. I was just off road with it twice this past weekend and there are no rub marks through the dirt/mud on the flaps or fender liners.

 

[LPilotSmith]

Nice rig! Thx 4 posting the pic! I assume the offset on your factory wheels is close to mine(+30mm). Are you running with or without spacers?

 

[Drunner97]

Nice rig! Thx 4 posting the pic! I assume the offset on your factory wheels is close to mine(+30mm). Are you running with or without spacers?

Thanks. Running without spacers and the tires are REALLY close to my UCAs.

 

[NubRunner]

Help!

ok.....2007 sport v6.
OME 90000 Shocks up front with 885 coils
OME 60020 Shocks in Rear with 896 HD coils
measurements from center of hub to bottom of fender:
front 23" Even
Rear is about 24 1/2 "
17" FJ wheels with 265/70/17 Terra grapplers.
If i added a 1" spacer lift all around, and UCA's could i fit 285'S?

 

[boredfast]

Newbie poster here hoping some of you guys can direct me to the best possible solution for my situation. There's a ton of info here, but I'm not really sure if I'm making the best possible decision.

What: 2005 Sport 4x2 with about 142k ish miles, XREAS, V6.
Primary Use:Use the runner as my daily driver, but maybe 4-5 times a year, I use it to haul my motorcycle(s) to the track. I either use a hitch carrier or a trailer (depending if I'm taking people and their bikes).

The weight on the receiver (tongue weight) can vary anywhere from 350-500 lbs (depending if i'm pulling a trailer, or have the bike on the carrier). I notice CONSIDERABLE droop when putting bikes on the back, and of course a really sketchy front feel on the steering wheel.

I had considered to just put in FJ springs into the rear, but last time I was under the car, I noticed the dust boot on the front shock had torn (for some time), as well as the steering tie rods have all blown up. The shocks and XREAS themselves are not leaking.

I'm thinking it's best to do an entire overhaul of the suspension, but with the rear beefed up to handle 500 lb tongue weight and not droop that much.

• Can this be done for under 7-800 dollars, assuming labor I do myself? Let's not count the cost of the tierods at the moment, since that will be dictated by OEM dealer prices.
• Can someone suggest a good combo for me with the towing in mind?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Newbie poster here hoping some of you guys can direct me to the best possible solution for my situation. There's a ton of info here, but I'm not really sure if I'm making the best possible decision.

What: 2005 Sport 4x2 with about 142k ish miles, XREAS, V6.
Primary Use:Use the runner as my daily driver, but maybe 4-5 times a year, I use it to haul my motorcycle(s) to the track. I either use a hitch carrier or a trailer (depending if I'm taking people and their bikes).

The weight on the receiver (tongue weight) can vary anywhere from 350-500 lbs (depending if i'm pulling a trailer, or have the bike on the carrier). I notice CONSIDERABLE droop when putting bikes on the back, and of course a really sketchy front feel on the steering wheel.

I had considered to just put in FJ springs into the rear, but last time I was under the car, I noticed the dust boot on the front shock had torn (for some time), as well as the steering tie rods have all blown up. The shocks and XREAS themselves are not leaking.

I'm thinking it's best to do an entire overhaul of the suspension, but with the rear beefed up to handle 500 lb tongue weight and not droop that much.

• Can this be done for under 7-800 dollars, assuming labor I do myself? Let's not count the cost of the tierods at the moment, since that will be dictated by OEM dealer prices.
• Can someone suggest a good combo for me with the towing in mind?

If you're only carrying the extra weight (either hitch carrier or trailer) a few times a year, building a suspension to cater to this is the wrong approach. You need to build your suspension for the "normal" weight you will carry. For added support 4-5 times a year, look at either Firestone or Airlift air bags for the rear. This way your ride won't be too stiff when unloaded, but you can compensate for when you are loaded up.

For your suspension, are you wanting to lift it? If so, how much? For your budget, I'd consider Bilstein 5100 shocks ($330 from DownSouth MotorSports). Depending on how much lift you want, you have several options for coil springs.

 

[boredfast]

If you're only carrying the extra weight (either hitch carrier or trailer) a few times a year, building a suspension to cater to this is the wrong approach. You need to build your suspension for the "normal" weight you will carry. For added support 4-5 times a year, look at either Firestone or Airlift air bags for the rear. This way your ride won't be too stiff when unloaded, but you can compensate for when you are loaded up.

For your suspension, are you wanting to lift it? If so, how much? For your budget, I'd consider Bilstein 5100 shocks ($330 from DownSouth MotorSports). Depending on how much lift you want, you have several options for coil springs.

Ah, airbags, why didn't I think of that.
Not looking to lift, just keep the standard lift as OEM.
Any suggestions for the spring portion? I want to maintain at least the same ride quality as OEM.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Ah, airbags, why didn't I think of that.
Not looking to lift, just keep the standard lift as OEM.
Any suggestions for the spring portion? I want to maintain at least the same ride quality as OEM.

Your best bet would be to find a low mileage set of coils from a 03+ 4runner. Many folks here have replaced theirs and you could find a set cheap. I believe 5th gen coils would work as well, so that gives you a few more options. Also consider stock coils from a FJ Cruiser. They provide a mild lift (1" or less) and the spring rate works well with the 5100s. As a last resort, consider aftermarket oe replacements such as Moog. Quality control isn't great, so I'd pick a oem set (even used) over them.

 

[sweetcheek316]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2117342-post3944.html

This was right after I finished installing the lift so it's settled down since. I can take some more pictures when I get home later if you want more angles. The tires look close to the mud flaps, but they aren't hitting. I was just off road with it twice this past weekend and there are no rub marks through the dirt/mud on the flaps or fender liners.

Looks awesome! Exactly what I'm looking to do... what do you have your front 5100's set on? 1.75? Thats the only thing I can't figure out... what does everyone running 5100's and 885's set them on to match a 2" lift in back??

 

[Drunner97]

Looks awesome! Exactly what I'm looking to do... what do you have your front 5100's set on? 1.75? Thats the only thing I can't figure out... what does everyone running 5100's and 885's set them on to match a 2" lift in back??

5100s set at 0. The 885s provide all the lift to match the rear.

edit: Just saw you have a V8. I'm running 0 on the V6 to get a 3" in the front, not sure you'll get the same on the heavier engine.

 

[06forerunner]

Hopefully someone can help...

Bought a set of 5100's from a member on here with the Daystar 2.5 spacer lift already assembled on the strut assembly with factory coils. The Billies are set on the "0" lift setting so all my lift is coming from the Daystar kit. The problem is I had an alignment done the other day and there is some toe-in that can't be corrected because they have run out of ability to adjust the upper control arm.

This leads me to my question... If I remove the Daystar 2.5 spacer lift and bump the Billies up to the "2.5" lift setting will I maintain the same ride height (within 1/2") as I have now with just the Daystar ?

Sorry for the newbie question, did research but couldn't find anything specific to my question.

 

[DisguisedRope]

So I've been looking at all the options to lift my truck and there are a lot. I was going to get the Toytec boss kit, but then I saw that they now have that kit with 2.5 coil-overs. From what I've read they are re-branded sway a ways and are pretty solid. However, once you factor in shipping from Toytec, the price difference between that kit and an Icon Stage 1 kit isn't very much. Which kit would y'all recommend? is it worth the extra money for the Icon? Is it even better than the Boss kit with the 2.5s?

 

[NatiN2KrazY]

awesome info mate

 

[kyerrr]

Need HELP, trying to find a lift kit for my 2005 Toyota 4Runner RWD

I am new to this and also not very knowledgable about cars and suspensions. I want to lift the front end a couple inches (level it out). My front struts are leaking, so I had purchased rancho quick lift coilers. But when going to install them, i found out that i have a hydraulic system in the front.
Does anyone know of any lifts that i can do to the front end to give me a 2" or more lift on my 4Runner.

(Here is a picture of the strut with the hydraulic)

 

[t-man]

I am new to this and also not very knowledgable about cars and suspensions. I want to lift the front end a couple inches (level it out). My front struts are leaking, so I had purchased rancho quick lift coilers. But when going to install them, i found out that i have a hydraulic system in the front.
Does anyone know of any lifts that i can do to the front end to give me a 2" or more lift on my 4Runner.

(Here is a picture of the strut with the hydraulic)

You have the XREAS system. You shocks are connected with those tubes which means you have to replace all 4 at once. You can use any aftermarket shocks basically, but you have to do all them.

 

[kyerrr]

You have the XREAS system. You shocks are connected with those tubes which means you have to replace all 4 at once. You can use any aftermarket shocks basically, but you have to do all them.

well the Rancho quick lifts that i have purchased don't have the connector for those tubes.
Do you have any suggestions of what suspension i can get to give me the leveling/lift?

 

[t-man]

well the Rancho quick lifts that i have purchased don't have the connector for those tubes.
Do you have any suggestions of what suspension i can get to give me the leveling/lift?

You can use those in the front, UT you need regular rear shock whether they are from Rancho, bilstein, or whatever. FJ shock fit too.
You will not be reusing those tubes and can unbolt them after replacing the shocks.
Look up the XREAS system here on the forum. There's several very informative threads about it and how to remove it.