4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[jrm]

Measure your current set-up from

2007 Limited V6
Ive researched and seem to find conflicting information on this setup. I realize the 5100's are adjustable however Im generally happy with my current ride height. I'm currently running the daystar spacers and have just purchased the 5100's. Going to keep stock springs. Id like to stay at the same height-maybe slightly higher. My concern is adjusting the spring tension on the strut making the ride stiffer-but maintaining my current height without spacers. Or setting the 5100s basically stock and keeping the spacer-maintaining stock ride quality(?) It seems like most people say ditch the spacers and adjust the shock but I also see people complain about a stiff ride on higher settings, would the spacers on a stock setting not be the best of both worlds? Thanks in advance!!

the center of the hub to the fenders lip/edge and then duplicate it with the new set-up. I know people do it and it works but the pairing a new strut with a OE coil with 100k + miles and then compressing it to gain lift is going to result in a pretty bad quality ride.

 

[RickF]

It depend on how much weight you will carry. I had the Superflex in the back and they were great empty but I kept hitting the bump stops when off-road fully loaded for long trips (family of 4). Switched to Icon Overland springs and they are great. Not too hard empty either since they are dual rated, but you get 3" of lift. If you don't carry a lot of weight the Superflex are nice.

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Hey Bag, what is rest of your setup (both front and rear) - springs, shocks, spacers, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[GIGI'07]

the center of the hub to the fenders lip/edge and then duplicate it with the new set-up. I know people do it and it works but the pairing a new strut with a OE coil with 100k + miles and then compressing it to gain lift is going to result in a pretty bad quality ride.

Thanks for the response. Im not sure I follow what your saying. Are you describing how to set it up similar to my current ride height? If so thanks for the idea however Im really looking for opinions/experiences on running spacers for lift vs tightening up the struts. I also do see most people switch out springs, is that as important as the shock itself? In my head leaving the spacers in and keeping the stock strut setting would give similar ride quality, I hate to just crank up springs to lift the truck but understand that spacers aren't much better.

 

[andreylights]

Will I see the difference between 5100 and Dobinsons?

Hello guys!

I bought a winch and was thinking of pairing it with a steel bumper. Right now my '07 v6 is lifted 2" using trd pro coils and 5100 at 1.75". Considering the added weight I am thinking of changing coils and I like the Dobinsons brand so thinking of using their springs with 5100 at bottom notch. While I am pulling the front apart I might change the shocks as well. Question is -- is it going to worth it? Will I feel the difference that might justify the price difference?

 

[phatcheeks]

When installing new lift shock assembly with new UCAs, do i still need to undo the lower ball joint bolts? or will the removal of the UCA give enough room to install the new shocks?

 

[rwelch53]

Thanks for the response. Im not sure I follow what your saying. Are you describing how to set it up similar to my current ride height? If so thanks for the idea however Im really looking for opinions/experiences on running spacers for lift vs tightening up the struts. I also do see most people switch out springs, is that as important as the shock itself? In my head leaving the spacers in and keeping the stock strut setting would give similar ride quality, I hate to just crank up springs to lift the truck but understand that spacers aren't much better.

I am wrestling with the same question in my head as well, and while I have gotten some great info and answers from people on here, it can be a bit of info overload of sorts LOL. I've talked to brand reps (Bilstein, Toytec, Eibach) and some local shops, and my engineering/gearhead buddies and I have taken our knowledge of lowering cars and tried to apply it here and summed it up like this:

1. Spacers are for looks only, as you obviously are not getting additional travel that a suspension lift affords, so would probably keep a stock-ish ride with the 5100's and stock springs.
2. Stock springs and the 5100's set at max height will not take advantage of the entire shock dampening, so will probably ride a bit stiffer.
3. Adjustable shocks such as the 5100's with lift springs (Toytec, Eibach, TRD, FJ, etc.) will "properly" lift and take advantage of the extended travel and better dampening when it comes to ride quality.

This is obviously just my opinion, but I've based it on good research and good minds' input. I figure that the couple hundred bucks for the springs, since you already are doing the shocks anyway, is justified to have a good lift and a good ride, especially if you are planning on keeping your T4R for years like I am. I am 90% on city streets and highways, so that was important to me also. I've just got to decide between the 5100's/Toytec combo or the Eibach Pro Truck setup now...hmmmm LOL.

If anyone feels I am wrong, or somewhat misinformed on this, please feel free to say so, as I am doing my best to figure this out and make this decision myself!

 

[shootersanks]

Has anyone ever used FJ springs (front and rear) with tacoma shocks (2005-2015)? I already have the FJ coils and I'm looking to replace my shocks and i've come across a good deal on just the shocks for a Tacoma. I didn't find any info on that combination so if anyone has any I'd appreciate it.

 

[andreylights]

5th gen uca

5th gen UCA -- are they compatible with our 4th gens?

 

[mysticz]

I know my SC LR UCA's are compatible with 4Runner's 2003-Current.

25480 - Adjustable Upper Control Arms
Lexus 4WD: 2003 & Up GX
Toyota RWD/4WD: 2007 - 14 FJ Cruiser;
2003 & Up 4Runner

 

[montijo505]

When installing new lift shock assembly with new UCAs, do i still need to undo the lower ball joint bolts? or will the removal of the UCA give enough room to install the new shocks?

Removing the UCA’s should do the trick. It’s a very easy install. One tip is use a small pry bar to get the lower shock mount lined up as it can be a hair difficult. Pry from under the shock to slightly compress the spring and help you center the mount. Good luck!


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[phatcheeks]

Removing the UCA’s should do the trick. It’s a very easy install. One tip is use a small pry bar to get the lower shock mount lined up as it can be a hair difficult. Pry from under the shock to slightly compress the spring and help you center the mount. Good luck!


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Thanks. Ive done plenty coilover installs for lowering cars, this is my first lift. After watching a few videos it seems pretty straight forward now.
Just need to find the time to install my lift now.

 

[dkrkljus]

It depend on how much weight you will carry. I had the Superflex in the back and they were great empty but I kept hitting the bump stops when off-road fully loaded for long trips (family of 4). Switched to Icon Overland springs and they are great. Not too hard empty either since they are dual rated, but you get 3" of lift. If you don't carry a lot of weight the Superflex are nice.

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Thanks for the info, how has the changeover been, now that you've driven around a while what do you think?

 

[dkrkljus]

I ran superflexes and Icon 2.5 remote resi’s with the adjusters for a few weeks. Nice ride. I just like 20 minutes ago switched to Icon 2” rear springs. I’ll update in a few days when I have a chance to drive around a bit.


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Thanks for the info, how has the changeover been, now that you've driven around a while what do you think?

 

[montijo505]

Thanks for the info, how has the changeover been, now that you've driven around a while what do you think?

I’d say it’s not a drastic difference, but a slight improvement. They are a bit stiffer than the superflex, which is what I was looking for. I only switched because I’m getting a hitch mounted spare tire carrier and wanted the additional load rating of the Icons. I didn’t measure but I didn’t notice a difference in ride height when empty after switching.

I do have a bit of rake but I don’t want to preload my coilovers anymore than they are right now. If it doesn’t settle a bit with the tire carrier in the back I’ll likely switch to 14” springs up front.


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[JTS197]

Hello all.

I am planning to yank out my XREAS and RAS and go with 5100s. After reading all of the different set ups I am not sure what to go with. I am not looking to lift my 4Runner drastically but to level it out. I plan to use an Energy Suspension coil spring isolator for the rear, since I do not have the perch(?) like non-RAS axles. I am also adding a MOOG FJ rear spring as well. The isolator is about 1/2in in height. If I use the stock front springs, with the 5100 set at 1.75", should that get it close to level?

Thanks

 

[hdhp65]

AWESOME INFO :thumb3:!!

Mods, please sticky!!!!!

Yes, Awesome!!

 

[truckmike26]

Top Post of 1/2" Front, 3/8" Rear Overall Lift

Toytec 1/4" front spacers and OME 10 mm rear trim spacers. It ain't much and imperceptible BUT they're inexpensive, super easy to install and do improve ride quality (the front bottoms out less frequently and the rear has an extra urethane buffer for all driving conditions. Plus, no chance of drivetrain/steering alignment/handling/noise problems.

 

[Quiero]

I'm looking to lift my 4th gen slightly so that 265/70/17's fit better without any rubbing. I'd be happy with 1.5-2" in front and 1" or so in back.

The stock shocks (non XREAS) are completely shot, so it makes sense to replace them with 5100s all the way around.

I can re-use the stock coils, right? I dont need increased stiffness for weight or anything.

Will I need a spacer for the rear?

 

[eleven14]

I'm looking to lift my 4th gen slightly so that 265/70/17's fit better without any rubbing. I'd be happy with 1.5-2" in front and 1" or so in back.

The stock shocks (non XREAS) are completely shot, so it makes sense to replace them with 5100s all the way around.

I can re-use the stock coils, right? I dont need increased stiffness for weight or anything.

Will I need a spacer for the rear?

You definitely can reuse your stock coils but if they're original, there's a good chance they're shot as well (ironically my XREAS was still very functional but the coils were done when I installed 5100s).

If you go that route, you'll want to adjust the height/clip on the front 5100s and you'll need something in the rear to gain that inch (FJ coils, spacer, etc.).

 

[Bluesky 07]

I'm looking to lift my 4th gen slightly so that 265/70/17's fit better without any rubbing. I'd be happy with 1.5-2" in front and 1" or so in back.

The stock shocks (non XREAS) are completely shot, so it makes sense to replace them with 5100s all the way around.

I can re-use the stock coils, right? I dont need increased stiffness for weight or anything.

Will I need a spacer for the rear?

You don’t say what year 4R you have but best case (2009), you’re riding 10-year-old metal that has carried a couple tons of SUV around for (probably) 100K+ miles. Springs are relatively cheap. Replace them.