4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Bryanmc]

I just purchased a 2007 SR5, my first step into the 4Runner world. The tires on it rub when the car is turned hard to the left (and I think the right as well though it's tougher to hear).

My thought is a slight lift would fix the issue, and gives me an excuse to raise it up a bit.

After doing some research around here I'm thinking the Daystar 2.5/1.5 is the way to go.

Any thoughts/suggestions for this newbie? I'm really excited to be here and look forward to many, many years in the T4R world!

 

[t-man]

I actually read a lot of your posts the other day including your build thread and the bilstein thread, keep up the awesome work man, but so many people use them as a budget option I figured it was a good place to start till I figure out what I like and dont like.

My problem is I have no clue how to properly balance a suspension. I dont want the front and rear to not get along and cause a bumpy ride.

So if I got fox 2.0 or 2.5 front I wouldnt know what I need on the back to A) level everything and B) work well with the front.

Thanks! I really appreciate it. I've done so much research on the 4Runner now my wife gets.... Touchy.... About the whole subject. Lol
I have to be honest, I'm not sure what will keep the rear under the best control. I personally need lt because I max my droop out constantly and also hit the rear bumps. I offroad in washed out area's and woods so I need all the articulation I can.
I think the ome setup is lower budget, haven't looked at price in some time now, and from the guys on here running them I haven't heard negatives. I think they would do a better job of keeping up with coilovers over bilstein personally. With Bilsteins on all 4 corners the rears still can't keep up with the front. But, a few guys like there's and haven't had issue so I guess it depends what you plan on doing.
You could go icon stage 2 kit, higher if funds are healthy, and they'll be valved good.

 

[Brian3676]

If you have $1700 to spend on a lift/suspension, get the Radflo kit from Metal Tech, with there 4th of July sale its $1306. Then if you feel you need them get some UCAs and you will be much better off then a 5100 set up and better then a OME set up as well. Or they have there stage 2 kit with TC arms for $1900

 

[saleen12]

Thanks Brian and tman for all the advise. I like the radflo setup idea but I swear I read some negatives about the fronts making noise or having issues? The even bigger issue is I can't even find a 4runner for sale in my area but when I do I want to be ready and educated in regards to lift options. Would fox 2.5 or 2.0s play nice with rear radflos and some kind of 2inch coil? I don't plan on having a constant load at first but would like to do a front bumper with winch at some point

 

[aag713]

I'm ready to replace my leaking XREAS system with 5100's and fj coils. I'm trying to get everything together before I recruit someone to install them. Just a question unless I'm not looking at them right how do the front springs load on to the shocks? Is there bracket or something that loads onto that adjustable ring I'm missing. Or is it transferable from the stock strut? Any thoughts or help or other items I may need to purchase to avoid running back and forth or ordering parts on a downed rig. Thks


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[aag713]

I just looked at the picture from where I bought the shocks and there is a ring inside. I haven't pulled the shocks completely out to the boxes so maybe what I'm looking for is inside. Will follow up once I check. Still any thoughts on what else might be good to have at the ready?


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[morphious]

I like that you won't have to use the bumpstop drop. Do you know how the ome shocks will handle? Comparable to the icon or radflo shocks available with the kit from MT? My biggest issue is the ass jumps all over, bottoms out, and just can't keep up with the front even with Bilsteins all around. Whenever I upgrade the rear I'm also going to use superbumps.

Hey Tony, to answer your question no I personally do not know but from what I have read, people seem to be happy. My biggest goal for going with MT LT coils was to get lift, I like that they give better down travel but for me I do not want to sacrifice up travel which is important to me. I found a lot of very useful information in these 2 threads:

superflexy on the cheap, or more expensive if you're into that :bigthumb: - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Metal Tech 4x4 Rear Long Travel Suspension Package - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[t-man]

Hey Tony, to answer your question no I personally do not know but from what I have read, people seem to be happy. My biggest goal for going with MT LT coils was to get lift, I like that they give better down travel but for me I do not want to sacrifice up travel which is important to me. I found a lot of very useful information in these 2 threads:

superflexy on the cheap, or more expensive if you're into that :bigthumb: - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Metal Tech 4x4 Rear Long Travel Suspension Package - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Thanks for the info. I am in the same boat, I don't understand why they would want to sacrifice up travel. I can tuck my 35's all the way without rubbing currently. Even if I had to weld different shock mounts I'm cool with that. I'll look at the links you sent and read up. Thanks again!

 

[gaara46]

hi guys quick question:

will i have to do a diff drop or get UCA's (paired with OME 884 springs) if i want to fit a 275/65/18 tire?

i already have 5100's all around btw

 

[Bryanmc]

After much research I'm thinking now of going with 5100s all around, stock springs, set to 1.75.

Is this a legit place to order the kit?

Bilstein 5100 Front Rear Shocks for '03 '09 Toyota 4Runner 24 239370 33 187174 | eBay

Thanks!

 

[Bryanmc]

Sorry for the newb questions, but want to be sure I get this right. 4wheelparts has a decent 4th of July sale on the 5100 package ($356) so was going to pull the trigger. Then I saw this answer in the Q&A:

Q: I have a 2007 4runner , I will apreciate your confirmation that you will provide the correct parts, FRONTmod 5100 part number 24-239370 REAR mod 5100 part number 33-187174

A: Hello Marco,
Provided your vehicle is a 4x4, they are the correct part numbers. This package will fit your vehicle application. Thank you.

I have a 2007 SR5 2wd (no X-REAS)and thought the 24-239370 Bilsteins would work on the rears, but now I'm confused. Can I put the 5100s on the rears on my 2wd?

The deal ends today so I'm trying to figure it out quickly!

Thanks!

 

[t-man]

Sorry for the newb questions, but want to be sure I get this right. 4wheelparts has a decent 4th of July sale on the 5100 package ($356) so was going to pull the trigger. Then I saw this answer in the Q&A:



I have a 2007 SR5 2wd (no X-REAS)and thought the 24-239370 Bilsteins would work on the rears, but now I'm confused. Can I put the 5100s on the rears on my 2wd?

The deal ends today so I'm trying to figure it out quickly!

Thanks!

I've never heard of the 2wd being different. Several here are running Bilsteins and are 2wd so I'd not listen to the 4wheel parts guy.

 

[sonoranbiker]

Noob here!

OK, I have read every page on this thread and the Tire/Lift pics thread, in addition to everything I can find about Bilstein shocks and other options, and I have more questions. Apologies if this is redundant, and thanks in advance for any info.

Just bought a 2006 T4R SR5 4WD with 125k miles on it. Immediately replaced all fluids (power steering, brake, transmission, differential/transfer case), water pump, serpentine belt, rear brakes, and spark plugs, Replaced the old, bald tires with Nitto Terra Grappler 265/70/17.

Now I want to do a small lift, no more than 2" in front and 1" in back. This will primarily be a daily driver and a road tripper, with occasional off-roading to get to cool places and trail work sites (I am the president of the local MTB club and build singletrack almost every weekend). Balance between MPG and off-road ability is important, with an emphasis on the MPG and highway travel. I also routinely tow a trailer (2k-3k pounds), and plan on installing air bags for that purpose. I also don't want to spend a huge amount, so trying to avoid any $1k coilover conversions or anything like that.

Option 1: Bilstein 5100 shocks all around, front at 1.75" w/ stock rear. Sounds this might work, might make me nose high (still want level or slight rake). Won't know until I mount them?

Option 2: Some sort of rear spacer lift to bring the rear up 1". I have looked at Corn Fed spacers, but they apparently don't work with air bags. Any other options for a max 1" rear spacer lift?

Option 3: Bilstein 1.75" in front, some sort of spring lift in the back. OME 895e sounds like the best option, but will likely give me a 1.5" lift in back (too much). Have also looked at MOOG springs, but it seems like they will give too much lift and there are mixed reviews about lift and performance.

Option 4: Bilsteins plus FJ springs, likely front at .85" with no lift in rear beyond new spring and shock. I am reluctant to buy someone's older used FJ springs and new OEM ones are really expensive, but found these replacements from Import Direct at Reilly. No info on their website about measurements/spring rate. Anyone have any experience with Import Direct springs?

Option 5: New Bilsteins with the front at .85, air bags in the rear, maybe replace the OEM springs with direct replacements because they are 125k miles old, call it good. Definitely the least bad-ass option, but probably the easiest.

Would love any feedback on options 1-4, or other suggestions (especially #4 with the Import Direct springs). Again, I have read pretty much everything I could find on these options, and am hoping for some more info.

Thanks!

 

[Bryanmc]

I've never heard of the 2wd being different. Several here are running Bilsteins and are 2wd so I'd not listen to the 4wheel parts guy.

Thanks, ordered!

 

[Low Range Off-Road]

How to Remove X-REAS From the 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner

Many suspension upgrades require the removal of Toyota's Cross Relative Absorber System (X-REAS). This video shows how to remove (X-REAS) using a 2004 Toyota Sport Edition 4Runner as an example. These instructions could apply to any X-REAS equipped 4th Generation 4Runners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAskv_pSmS0

 

[Hawaiian Hillbilly]

Awesome information!

Great thread and very good information sharing on here gang thank you! I just finished my install of OME 885 coils and Bilstein 5100 struts up front set and second notch from the top. Also did my rear with Procomp FJ coils and Bilstein 5100 in the back. I really like how it turned out as the handling is great! Here are a couple pics of the metamorphosis of my 4th gen! there is first a before pic with only a front 3" spacer kit and then after the lift installation. Then finally with the Procomp rims and tires I installed as well. Again... many thanks to all of you who have great input that can help someone like me to install my own lift. Much mahalos from Hawaii!

Oh...one weird thing might be worthwhile exploring is that I had 35" from ground to fender in the front with the 3" motofab spacer and the stock struts and coils. Of course it was 32" before the spacer. Now with the spacer removed and the lift installed I have got 39" with the same sport rims and tires. I'm looking at a 7" difference. Out of the norm? I'm the 2nd owner of the vehicle and the coils and struts were replaced before I got the car. (cop car) The springs and struts were in decent shape and I've saved them in case I ever want to go back stock for whatever reasons. I am glad to have gotten a 7" lift with this set up when compared to the stock set I had on there to begin with. Alignment is scheduled and off roading will commence shortly!

 

[sportschiro07]

Need help on lift options

I have a 2006 sports edition V6 in Silver that I just bought 2 weeks ago.
It sits stock with 20" from center hub to fender on front and 21.5" center hub to fender on back.. Wheels are stock 17" with hankook MT 265/65/17

I want to lift it 3" front and back, and will be adding either a shrockworks or Demello bumper on front (or something similar), with possibility of CBI rear bumper with tire carrier in back. May also get some sliders.

I want to do some off road, but nothing hardcore like some of the crazy stuff some members do. Just some light trails and camping adventures.
But I really like the look of the trucks.
My Runner is a daily driver also.

Here is the hard part. What lift kit to get? There are just soo many options.:fear:
I would really appreciate some advice on the best kit for my situation based on your past experiences.

I want to be able to do it myself, and dont want to do it twice.

If i can get a top 3 choices including parts needed. And why you prefer your top setup.

Thanks alot, and look forward to getting your feedback.


I have

 

[sportschiro07]

What I have and what I Want..

I have a basically stock 06 Sport but I want to upgrade to the other pictured.





Thanks again for the feedback

 

[jaket96]

So I'm planning on throwing a 3" Toytec lift on my 05 SR5 and had a few questions. The lift is just gonna be 3 inch spacers on the front and then 2 inches added on the back with rear coil springs. I talked to a few mechanics around my area and a majority of them said that not only would it ride pretty bad. But eventually my upper control arms are going to see some issues if I didn't replace those and my shocks to after market. I was wondering if any one has this lift or if anyone agrees with what they had to say about that.

 

[Morphyne]

I have a basically stock 06 Sport but I want to upgrade to the other pictured.
View attachment 211614

View attachment 211615


Thanks again for the feedback

Keep in mind the 4runner pictured is a v8. That's a lot of weight and rotating mass to add to a v6. Not trying to bust your bubble. But just be cautious in your upgrade route. Regearing is expensive.