4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[ewokfarmer]

I'm looking to level out my 08 v6 runner (with x-reas). Not looking for a 3" lift or anything as I don't do that much off-roading. Not crazy about using spacers would like to keep x-reas for a while longer if possible. Would FJ springs in the front alone level it out? What other options do I have?

 

[cognus]

I think the 5100's are less than effective on a 2wd 4.0l, which is what I did. on a V8 4x4 I think you're setting up a bunch of work for a big disappointment. that's my .02. Go with something with damping headroom

2008 4.7L V8 SR5 4x4

I was all set to buy strut spacers to raise and level it out, but my original front struts are leaking. Since I need struts I thought I'd go with Bilstein 5100's which are height adjustable in front, but the rears are not. If the setting choices are 0, .85", 1.75" and 2.5" I think getting it level will be a problem. I'd like it 2" - 2.5" higher in front but level. Any advice on what should I get?

I need new tires also and I'm going with stock size because I don't want to adversely effect the 0-60 time by installing a taller tire. I only do casual off roading and I drive it to work daily so ride quality is important.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[cognus]

there is a sticky somewhere [i can't find quickly] where one of the forum greats did a table comparing the various poplular/good springs vs stockers. very valuable. would pay to read that before jumping on spring purchase.
that said, I think you're on the right track: better to level the front with a better spring, imho, than fooling with spacers or adjustable struts alone

I'm looking to level out my 08 v6 runner (with x-reas). Not looking for a 3" lift or anything as I don't do that much off-roading. Not crazy about using spacers would like to keep x-reas for a while longer if possible. Would FJ springs in the front alone level it out? What other options do I have?

 

[show4588]

I am in need of some advice and knowledge because I have no knowledge of suspension. The car is a 2006 4runner sr5, 2WD, V6 purchased with 13 miles on the ODO. I am currently coming upon 333K miles and I am riding on stock suspension that probably is due for a refresher. Looking for a slight lift and was wondering if this was an alright way to go. Someone locally is selling this set up that was purchased for a tacoma. They are selling this for $275OBO. Look ok or should I look elsewhere?
Pro Comp Nitro 3" Front 1" Rear lift kit for 2WD 05-16 Toyota Tacomas lift with Front ES6000 and Rear ES9000 Shocks and Boots. These are the correct part Numbers and length struts and shocks for this height lift. This is all new in the box.
Fits 2005 to 2016 2WD Toyota Tacoma
Lift Height: 3 Inch front, 1 Inch rear
Front lift method: Strut Spacer
Rear lift method: Lift Blocks w/U-Bolts
Includes: All necessary hardware & instructions
Max Tire Size: 32x11.50 Inch
Wheel Diameter: 16 Inch and Larger
Wheel Width: 8 Inch to 9 Inch
Backspace: 4 Inch to 5 Inch
alignment after installation recommended
Recommended Front Shock: EXP622053 (included)
Recommneded Rear Shock: EXP922518 (included)

 

[DGrey]

2008 4.7L V8 SR5 4x4

I was all set to buy strut spacers to raise and level it out, but my original front struts are leaking. Since I need struts I thought I'd go with Bilstein 5100's which are height adjustable in front, but the rears are not. If the setting choices are 0, .85", 1.75" and 2.5" I think getting it level will be a problem. I'd like it 2" - 2.5" higher in front but level. Any advice on what should I get?

I need new tires also and I'm going with stock size because I don't want to adversely effect the 0-60 time by installing a taller tire. I only do casual off roading and I drive it to work daily so ride quality is important.

Any help is appreciated.

I had hoped to not have to re-invent the wheel but I didn't get the answers I needed, so I rolled the dice...I bought 4 Bilstein 5100's, set the fronts to +1.75" lift, no spacers on the rear. It lifted the front 2" and leveled the truck perfectly. I have a V8 so the same setup on a V6 may result in rearward rake.

The truck looks great, I love the ride, and it no longer rubs or bottoms out on a primitive road I frequent. I hope this info helps someone else.

 

[98evanb]

Another Advice Q

Hi all, Just joined the Tr4 club. Wanting some advice on what to do to level my 2005 sr5. My bro is offering me some 5th gen rear coils for $50 and ill have to find something in the front to level me out, I am thinking OME 884's for the front but wanting some advice before i pull the trigger on them.

 

[kimjun]

Rear Coil Orientation

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I can't ask it in new thread, I am trying to figure out rear coil orientation of 4th gen 4runners, to use them on my GX.

Does the 4runner rear coil bottom pig tail face forward and outward towards brakes?, I checked few youtube videos, one seems to face inwards (https://youtu.be/-tDYnzKtE2c?t=20m47s) and the other seems to face outwards (https://youtu.be/oxV-CAAfrgg?t=2m12s).



Thanks.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I can't ask it in new thread, I am trying to figure out rear coil orientation of 4th gen 4runners, to use them on my GX.

Does the 4runner rear coil bottom pig tail face forward and outward towards brakes?, I checked few youtube videos, one seems to face inwards (https://youtu.be/-tDYnzKtE2c?t=20m47s) and the other seems to face outwards (https://youtu.be/oxV-CAAfrgg?t=2m12s).



Thanks.

I don't think it would matter, and you are looking at the right side and the left side of the axle in those pictures so maybe that is why they are different. It would make sense the coil buckets aren't symmetrical but that they are identical. Any coils for the 4Runner will fit the GX anyway.

 

[Badong]

I've only had it a few days but love it so far.

Any more feedback on these? Thinking of pulling the trigger along with a couple of Moog top hats. Summit and Tirerack have them priced very competitively.

Summit

Tire Rack

 

[kingofthehill]

Well I am finally biting the bullet and ordering the parts for my lift today. I decided to buy all the parts individually to save a little cash. Here is my list of parts and where I am getting them. I am looking to get 2"-2.5" of overall lift. Im looking to get the best price and prioritize warranty. I wanted to order the shocks from Autozone, for lifetime warranty, but when I clicked checkout it wouldn't let me because they are apparently not in stock. For those that have lifted their 4runners can you please confirm that I have everything I need and if you have any suggestions I would appreciate it a lot.

Autozone:
2X KYB Strut mount Kit (SM5640) $27.99 ea.

Amazon:
2X Bilstein Front Shock (24-239370) $99.13 ea.
2X Bilstein Rear Shock (33-187174) $79.62 ea.

Wheelers Offroad:
Wheelers T1 Front Coils (WOR COIL-T1 X2) $159.00
Wheeler T12 Rear Coils (WOR COIL-T12) $159.00
Front Stem Cushion Kit (WHE STEM CUSHION KIT 1) $20.00

Total around $835 after shipping and taxes.

 

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Well I am finally biting the bullet and ordering the parts for my lift today. I decided to buy all the parts individually to save a little cash. Here is my list of parts and where I am getting them. I am looking to get 2"-2.5" of overall lift. Im looking to get the best price and prioritize warranty. I wanted to order the shocks from Autozone, for lifetime warranty, but when I clicked checkout it wouldn't let me because they are apparently not in stock. For those that have lifted their 4runners can you please confirm that I have everything I need and if you have any suggestions I would appreciate it a lot.

Autozone:
2X KYB Strut mount Kit (SM5640) $27.99 ea.

Amazon:
2X Bilstein Front Shock (24-239370) $99.13 ea.
2X Bilstein Rear Shock (33-187174) $79.62 ea.

Wheelers Offroad:
Wheelers T1 Front Coils (WOR COIL-T1 X2) $159.00
Wheeler T12 Rear Coils (WOR COIL-T12) $159.00
Front Stem Cushion Kit (WHE STEM CUSHION KIT 1) $20.00

Total around $835 after shipping and taxes.

What's the stem cushion kit for? Your shocks will come with brand new hardware. Looks good otherwise.

DownSouthMotorsports has the best price on the 5100 set.
https://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-...ks-for-2003-2009-toyota-4-runner-package.html

 

[kingofthehill]

What's the stem cushion kit for? Your shocks will come with brand new hardware. Looks good otherwise.

DownSouthMotorsports has the best price on the 5100 set.
https://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-...ks-for-2003-2009-toyota-4-runner-package.html

I thought I might need it but glad to hear that the shocks should have the new stem bushings.

For front springs would the OME 2885s work better for achieving the 2"-2.5" lift I want? and would they pair well with t12s in the rear or is there a better option?

 

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

I thought I might need it but glad to hear that the shocks should have the new stem bushings.

For front springs would the OME 2885s work better for achieving the 2"-2.5" lift I want? and would they pair well with t12s in the rear or is there a better option?

So I have 885s up front, but the Superflex in the back. With the V8, 885 net me about 2-2.25". You can get a trim packer to bump it up. I bought mine, just haven't installed them yet. I also have like 150lb extra up front, soooo lol.

Superflex net me a solid 2-2.5" lift, so I sort of wish I went with the T12s TBH. Then I wouldn't need to throw in these packers.

 

[Badong]

I thought I might need it but glad to hear that the shocks should have the new stem bushings.

Are you changing the springs to stiffen up the ride? You can achieve up to a 2.5" lift in the front with nothing but the 5100s and your OEM springs. You can add a spring spacer in the rear like the Daystar and get a 1" lift to match. That would cut your budget almost in half.

I wanted to try different springs so I ordered Eibach's new Pro-Truck Lift System. It's a new product so I'll have to let you know how it comes out . . .

 

[Badong]

What's the stem cushion kit for? Your shocks will come with brand new hardware. Looks good otherwise.

The Billys do not come with top mounting bushings in the front, only rear. I just had a set in hand before I returned them.

 

[kingofthehill]

Thanks for the posts. I went ahead and placed my order. I got everything listed in my original post. I don't want to go the spacer route in the rear as I do need to stiffen the rear and the T12 are also supposed to be stiffer than stock. Thanks for all the answers. Hopefully Ill get everything installed over memorial day weekend.

 

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

The Billys do not come with top mounting bushings in the front, only rear. I just had a set in hand before I returned them.

Yeah, they're struts though. He's ordering top hats.

 

[Whytey]

Does anybody know the estimated life span on higher end shocks like Fox, King , Icon? I understand it depends on usage but I'm trying to figure out whether to go with 6112's or something like the Fox 2.0 or 2.5 (I think I remember seeing only the 2.5's are rebuildable so for arguments sake we'll say the 2.5's). I am more so looking for a leave it on for the life of the shock instead of rebuilding them every few years (just don't want that downtime out of vehicle and have to do that process every few years.)
Would a set of Fox's mainly daily driver driven last like 30,000 miles before rebuild or more like 50,000? I have not been able to find that information anywhere. I suppose I could contact Fox/King/Icon directly and inquire but thought I'd ask here first.
Thanks

 

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Well, what are your needs here? You're not going to burn through a shock in 30K if you're mostly driving on pavement. If you're wheeling heavy, sure, maybe.

 

[kjonus]

Hey guys, I know this has been covered so many times and I've read so much I'm getting lost with the info. I have what is a stock '07 Sport with '18 Trail Rims that have the OEM 265/70R17 tires on them.

I'm wanting to level the front out with a little lift and a small life in the back. I do tow however I use an equalizing hitch. I don't do any 4 wheeling just the odd dirt road here and there. I still would like a nice city/highway daily driver just with a lift in it. I'm looking at the Bilstein 5100's on all corners just struggling on the coils to use; stay with stock, OME 883/995E, Moog 81090 and 81945, or even 5th gen 4Runner coils. Thanks in advance.