4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[HCWatson997]

I drive a 2003 sport with 2wd and v8. It is a sport version, so it does indeed have the xreas system. I have already have a spacer on the front coils which creates about 3" of compensation and levels the rig. I was debating on my options for a mild lift. I found it pretty quickly...the aftermarket springs can be installed with xreas!!! Now if I have the 3" of compensation already in the front, what should be the game plan for springs? I see old man emu coils come in different stiffness levels, so which should I install on front, and then on rear to keep my vehicle level while adding a small amount of height?

Any and all info will be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: The original suspension is 14 years old so there is almost definitely some sagging going on. That's on top of the front end having to deal with the extra weight of the v8, so I hope that will make any thoughts clearer on the matter...

 

[Rodtheviking]

I drive a 2003 sport with 2wd and v8. It is a sport version, so it does indeed have the xreas system. I have already have a spacer on the front coils which creates about 3" of compensation and levels the rig. I was debating on my options for a mild lift. I found it pretty quickly...the aftermarket springs can be installed with xreas!!! Now if I have the 3" of compensation already in the front, what should be the game plan for springs? I see old man emu coils come in different stiffness levels, so which should I install on front, and then on rear to keep my vehicle level while adding a small amount of height?

Any and all info will be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: The original suspension is 14 years old so there is almost definitely some sagging going on. That's on top of the front end having to deal with the extra weight of the v8, so I hope that will make any thoughts clearer on the matter...

You can on the rear but not on the front, the shocks are too short for lift springs.

 

[HCWatson997]

You can on the rear but not on the front, the shocks are too short for lift springs.

Could I have the option of putting original length springs on that haven't sagged out yet? Surely that will bring the whole thing up a little right? I don't want to resort to a body lift if I don't have to do so. I'm on the road probably 95% of the time and would mainly be for looks. I don't go crazy when I'm off the pavement either

 

[Rodtheviking]

Could I have the option of putting original length springs on that haven't sagged out yet? Surely that will bring the whole thing up a little right? I don't want to resort to a body lift if I don't have to do so. I'm on the road probably 95% of the time and would mainly be for looks. I don't go crazy when I'm off the pavement either

I would imagine you could, some FJ springs and possibly a one inch top spacer would be good.

 

[laufer]

I have been searching this forum for 4 days and finally found out that I can use 2010+ FJ springs thanks to your comment here!! Thank you! Is there anything I should know about using 2010+ fj springs and belstien 5100s all around?

Hi, I meant to respond much sooner but got tied up.

I think that's a really good combination. I would set the 5100s to the 2nd lowest setting in the front (0.85" effective lift). That should accommodate a 32" tire (255/75/17).

If you plan to fit a bigger tire, you could set the front to 1.75" effective lift and add a spacer in the rear.

Let us know what you end up going with...

 

[sport2004]

I have been searching this forum for 4 days and finally found out that I can use 2010+ FJ springs thanks to your comment here!! Thank you! Is there anything I should know about using 2010+ fj springs and belstien 5100s all around?

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

What are the specs of your Runner?

 

[kingofthehill]

Mine is a daily driver. I want to lift it for aesthetics and some miner trail driving. I dont want something to extreme just and inch to two inches. Im thinking of going with wheelers T1/T12 combo. I like it cause it not only lifts it but also stiffens the suspension. I also want to install bilstein 4600 shocks. Does this combo require new UCAs to get the alignment within spec?

 

[DEF4Runner]

Mine is a daily driver. I want to lift it for aesthetics and some miner trail driving. I dont want something to extreme just and inch to two inches. Im thinking of going with wheelers T1/T12 combo. I like it cause it not only lifts it but also stiffens the suspension. I also want to install bilstein 4600 shocks. Does this combo require new UCAs to get the alignment within spec?

Might want to search the V8 configurations here on the boards, but with the V6, I gained about 2.5 inches with those springs on all 4 corners (keeping the factory rake), paired with 5100s at the lowest settings. If the added V8 weight compresses the springs any further, you 'might' wind up with more rake than you'd want.

As for the UCAs, well...depending on who does the alignment, you might squeeze 1-2 degrees out of the factor arms. The spec is 4 degrees. It'll all depend on how it feels to you.

 

[4RunnerIRL]

Mine is a daily driver. I want to lift it for aesthetics and some miner trail driving. I dont want something to extreme just and inch to two inches. Im thinking of going with wheelers T1/T12 combo. I like it cause it not only lifts it but also stiffens the suspension. I also want to install bilstein 4600 shocks. Does this combo require new UCAs to get the alignment within spec?

I have the Wheelers T1/T12 combo, with Blistein 5100s, set on the lowest perch as the springs give plenty of lift. I'd guess I got about 2.5" of front lift and 1.5-2" rear. There are pics of my silver 4runner earlier in this thread. It's a V8 also.

I did not need new UCAs from what I know (had an experienced guy do the install). He said up to 3" over standard you're ok and he did the alignment no issues. He did need to use a 3rd Gen rear sway bar link though as it's longer. but this was a pretty cheap part apparently. Hope that helps.

 

[STEVEN08Runner]

My Suspension

I have 2wd 2008 4runner. When I joined the forum it got me wanting to build mine even though it is a 2wd model. I love the look. So for about a year I have been building mine piece by piece. I installed everything myself. I have put in Rancho 2.5" front adjustable coilovers, 4" Spindle lift, and Light Racing Adjustable UCAs. In the rear I have bilstein 5100s with toytec superflex coils and the daystar 1.5" coil spacer. This gave me about 5" of lift in the back. The truck sits level after the daystar kit was put in. Love the ride too! Would suggest all of the options to anyone looking to lift their 4runner! will post pics soon. I will be adding 5th gen 20" wheels and 35" tires soon.

 

[jrm]

Consider

Mine is a daily driver. I want to lift it for aesthetics and some miner trail driving. I dont want something to extreme just and inch to two inches. Im thinking of going with wheelers T1/T12 combo. I like it cause it not only lifts it but also stiffens the suspension. I also want to install bilstein 4600 shocks. Does this combo require new UCAs to get the alignment within spec?

dobinson. There rep Mike has a thread on this board where you can ask any questions you might have. Also, when the aftermarket suppliers claim a lift height there claiming the amount of lift based on that vehicles ride height when new. On a vehicle whose suspension hasn't sagged over time.

 

[ETXT4R]

Alright guys, so I’ve read so many posts on here and still can’t decide what to do on tire sizes. I just bought an ‘06 2WD SR5 and my DS 2.5/1.5 came in today. I read the first page of this thread that shows compatible tire sizes but not sure how the 18mm offset on the 17" mb wheel 352 will effect what I can clear. I’m currently running 265/70/17 with stock ride height and find it hard to believe I can’t go up in tire size from what I'm running at stock lift. I’ve seen some posts where people claim they have fit 285/70/17 on the DS 2.5/1.5 (which is the tire size I'm wanting) with only minor trimming (flaps/bumper) without having to do a chop.

I guess my question is... do you think the 18 offset on these 9” wide wheels will allow for 285/70/17?? I’m open to doing trimming but if it came down to it, I think I would rather go with 265s than to do a BMC.

 

[Jason B]

Alright guys, so I’ve read so many posts on here and still can’t decide what to do on tire sizes. I just bought an ‘06 2WD SR5 and my DS 2.5/1.5 came in today. I read the first page of this thread that shows compatible tire sizes but not sure how the 18mm offset on the 17" mb wheel 352 will effect what I can clear. I’m currently running 265/70/17 with stock ride height and find it hard to believe I can’t go up in tire size from what I'm running at stock lift. I’ve seen some posts where people claim they have fit 285/70/17 on the DS 2.5/1.5 (which is the tire size I'm wanting) with only minor trimming (flaps/bumper) without having to do a chop.

I guess my question is... do you think the 18 offset on these 9” wide wheels will allow for 285/70/17?? I’m open to doing trimming but if it came down to it, I think I would rather go with 265s than to do a BMC.

I can make you a 3" front if you have issues with that smaller 2.5". Let me know.

4th Gen 4Runner Lifts & Leveling kits at Burtman Industries - kits still on sale!

 

[Bundutrailer]

Do the OME BP-51 work with hate 4th gen? Can’t find any info saying so.

 

[raamaudio]

Just bought an 02 AWD, LTD, V8 and planned on 5100's then found out about the FJ springs which would of been about perfect for my needs, moderate to mid offroad on occasion doing some rockhounding. Looking under the vehicle I realized it had the X-reas and it is in perfect working condition so considering the $125 Daystar kit and the FJ springs as long as the springs are not to long for the shocks.

I read through many posts but might of missed something and did see the springs have been used with the X-reas but did not notice any mention of it working well together or problems so please let me know.

Thanks
Rick

 

[chris27]

I can make you a 3" front if you have issues with that smaller 2.5". Let me know.

4th Gen 4Runner Lifts & Leveling kits at Burtman Industries - kits still on sale!

[MENTION=9]Jason B[/MENTION] does your 3/2 kit require taking apart the coil assembly? Or does it sit right on top?

 

[3gunshooter]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you very much for compiling
All this info in one place .I’ think it would be helpful for each of the lifts listed, suspension travel or droop was listed. I’m trying to figure out whats goin to give me the best off road performance that i can get out this 4runner. After several hours I havent found anything thats yet been helpful in deciding. Maybe ICON but no numbers comparing to bil 5160. been reading Im sure its here , so ill keep looking

 

[Jason B]

[MENTION=9]Jason B[/MENTION] does your 3/2 kit require taking apart the coil assembly? Or does it sit right on top?

Yes, and this is the most robust and safest setup. We can make a slightly smaller kit that you won't have to do this, but it's not recommended for any offroad type of driving and not as robust.

4th Gen 4Runner Lifts & Leveling kits at Burtman Industries - kits still on sale!

Also, you can see a ton of installed pics here of these kits:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/229041-lift-leveling-kit-holiday-season-sale.html

2/1 leveling kit came out awesome. It sits perfect and alignment even stayed the same.

Above is the 2/1 installed.

 

[kingofthehill]

I am planning on using my bonus this year to do a lift. I want to budget it around $600 and be able to net at least 2" of lift. Here is my plan: Wheelers T1/T12 springs and Bilstein 5100 or 4600 shocks in front. Not sure on which to go with. I plan on keeping my current shock in the rear (KYBs) because they are brand new (bought 2 months ago). Is this a good combination? has anyone tried something like this? does anyone have any recommendations for this combo?

 

[chris27]

When everyone says that their old suspension "sags" does this usually mean the coil or the shock, or both? If I want to replace one, but not the other, which one would I replace to fix "sag" to return the truck back to its stock height.