4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Monty87ls]

More information on your end is needed for us to offer help/solutions.



What suspension do you have in the rear? How many miles? Any extra weight? Several things to consider when trying to root cause this issue and the best approach to fix.

Been a bit crazy. Not the best pics but i just took it to the carwash for the first time and decided to take a look. I think my eyes were deceiving me before but right now looks like the driver side is lower then the passenger.

I'm gonna measure it when the weather is better and I can leave my kids inside alone for more then 2 min without bloodshed...

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[dpsnake]

Hi, I am new to this forum and for some reason i cannot create a thread yet. So I will ask for your help here: I just bought a 2007 4Runner Ltd V6, and thanks to this forum I have been learning little by little about this car. So far I love the car! and now after 1 month that I've owned it, I would like to add some cool stuff on it. I am very noob on car stuff, and as much as I read the threads it is still a little confusing for me all the different options I have for the car in terms of suspension and tires. Would you guys help me with this??
The T4r is my DD for now, I am planning on doing just few off-roading trips (probably 3-4 times a year only), but I like the idea to lift it so that it also looks nicer and drives better, as well as new wheels and tires But basically it will be my DD for now, and for now I just want my truck to look and DRIVE better. I like the method wheels combined with the duratracs tires. My 4runner now has 18' wheels, so I will probably get 17'wheels. I just dont know much on sizes and all that if I did a lift. Sorry for the long message, hopefully someone is patient enough to guide me through this Thanks!

 

[Bluesky 07]

Hi, I am new to this forum and for some reason i cannot create a thread yet. So I will ask for your help here: I just bought a 2007 4Runner Ltd V6, and thanks to this forum I have been learning little by little about this car. So far I love the car! and now after 1 month that I've owned it, I would like to add some cool stuff on it. I am very noob on car stuff, and as much as I read the threads it is still a little confusing for me all the different options I have for the car in terms of suspension and tires. Would you guys help me with this??
The T4r is my DD for now, I am planning on doing just few off-roading trips (probably 3-4 times a year only), but I like the idea to lift it so that it also looks nicer and drives better, as well as new wheels and tires But basically it will be my DD for now, and for now I just want my truck to look and DRIVE better. I like the method wheels combined with the duratracs tires. My 4runner now has 18' wheels, so I will probably get 17'wheels. I just dont know much on sizes and all that if I did a lift. Sorry for the long message, hopefully someone is patient enough to guide me through this Thanks!

Welcome to the forum. Regarding suspension, check out the “X-REAS delete...” post linked in my sig. Your Limited may not have X-REAS but the Tacoma swap option would work either way and is a cost-effective way to meet your goals. I am happy to answer any questions as best I can.

 

[dpsnake]

Welcome to th e forum. Regarding suspension, check out the “X-REAS delete...” post linked in my sig. Your Limited may not have X-REAS but the Tacoma swap option would work either way and is a cost-effective way to meet your goals. I am happy to answer any questions as best I can.

Thank you so much replying. I will read it right now and let you know if I have other questions if its ok with you. Thanks again!

 

[dpsnake]

Welcome to th e forum. Regarding suspension, check out the “X-REAS delete...” post linked in my sig. Your Limited may not have X-REAS but the Tacoma swap option would work either way and is a cost-effective way to meet your goals. I am happy to answer any questions as best I can.

[MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] So I took a look at your post! In terms of numbers, what is a good lift in your opinion for a DD and some off-roading trips? Also, any tire size suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Bluesky 07]

You don’t need a lot of lift depending on the kind of trails you plan to do. My YT channel is also linked & there are videos of what I’ve driven before & after upgrading my suspension. A stock 4th Gen is plenty capable offroad so don’t feel like you need a bunch of special gear or giant tires to have a lot of fun.

Also, thanks for being patient with my response time. I’m working a COVID-19 specimen collection station & that’s keeping me a lot busier than usual.

 

[rhoyneriver]

Just ordered some level 8 MK6 wheels in 17x9 with -12 offset from Discount Tire. They were on sale for only $98 each, paired them with some 265/70/r17 Grabber ATX for $155/each (not a great price but decent).

I'm a stock 2008 Limited -- judging by the FAQ in the OP, I should fit 265/70/r17 with mud flap removal right? I don't mind a little tire rub, my main concern is whether or not it can be installed and driven -- I plan to add a 5100 lift or possibly spacers shortly anyway.

 

[RoyBell]

Just ordered some level 8 MK6 wheels in 17x9 with -12 offset from Discount Tire. They were on sale for only $98 each, paired them with some 265/70/r17 Grabber ATX for $155/each (not a great price but decent).

I'm a stock 2008 Limited -- judging by the FAQ in the OP, I should fit 265/70/r17 with mud flap removal right? I don't mind a little tire rub, my main concern is whether or not it can be installed and driven -- I plan to add a 5100 lift or possibly spacers shortly anyway.

I installed the same size K02s on TRD Pro wheels on my stock limited. It only rubbed a little at left turn. You can drive with them at no lift if you are cautious.

 

[RoyBell]

Is it normal for the passenger rear to sit a little higher than the driver side after a lift? It's about 1/2" higher.

 

[rhoyneriver]

Is it normal for the passenger rear to sit a little higher than the driver side after a lift? It's about 1/2" higher.

I think I read a post in one of the stickied threads that the springs on the driver side are a little higher, to account for the weight of the gas tank + driver? So if you replaced your springs and used the same size for driver & passenger, that may be your problem.

I definitely don't know though, you'll want to confirm that with someone more experienced than myself!

 

[RoyBell]

I think I read a post in one of the stickied threads that the springs on the driver side are a little higher, to account for the weight of the gas tank + driver? So if you replaced your springs and used the same size for driver & passenger, that may be your problem.

I definitely don't know though, you'll want to confirm that with someone more experienced than myself!

I didn't measure the aftermarket ones. I did however just measure the factory springs and they both measure the same.

 

[RoyBell]

I checked it out last night. The rear springs weren't centered in the seat all the way on both sides. Took the weight off the axles and was able to scoot them over.

Sitting a little better. RR-37.75", LR- 37.5", RF-36.5", LF- 36.25".

I checked my stock car and its very similar. Driver side is 1/4" lower compared to the other side Front and Rear. The fronts settled a lot. They were sitting close to 37" on Saturday.

 

[Heffernan]

Hey everyone - first post after I bought my second 4Runner last weekend. A 2008 Sport Edition V6 with only 80k on the clock.

I use to own a 3rd gen about 10 years ago so I've been slowly buy surely getting back into researching a suspension lift for it. I've got it narrowed down to the final 3 below but looking for some insight. The primary use of the truck will serve as a daily driver with some potentially light weekend off-roading ever now and than, nothing crazy. It will be mainly used as an on road, family hauler.

Below is my current list of suspension choices and I'd love to get some feedback from current T4R owners on which they would choose for my overall needs.

1. 3" Toytec/Bilstein setup - The most expensive option but it seems to be a favorite in the Toyota world.

2. Eibach Pro-Truck Kit Stage 1 - Less expensive option, reputable company, not quite as much lift.

3. 3"/2" spacer lift - The 'budget boost' would allow for the most cost effective option. I might even consider upgrading to OME 895 w/ Bilstein struts in the rear instead of spacers.

Those are the current options I am considering. I feel for the primary use of the truck option 3 makes the most sense but I wanted to see what others thought as well before I start ordering parts. Thanks in advance! Good to be back in a T4R!

 

[Silver Stallion]

Hey everyone - first post after I bought my second 4Runner last weekend. A 2008 Sport Edition V6 with only 80k on the clock.

I use to own a 3rd gen about 10 years ago so I've been slowly buy surely getting back into researching a suspension lift for it. I've got it narrowed down to the final 3 below but looking for some insight. The primary use of the truck will serve as a daily driver with some potentially light weekend off-roading ever now and than, nothing crazy. It will be mainly used as an on road, family hauler.

Below is my current list of suspension choices and I'd love to get some feedback from current T4R owners on which they would choose for my overall needs.

1. 3" Toytec/Bilstein setup - The most expensive option but it seems to be a favorite in the Toyota world.

2. Eibach Pro-Truck Kit Stage 1 - Less expensive option, reputable company, not quite as much lift.

3. 3"/2" spacer lift - The 'budget boost' would allow for the most cost effective option. I might even consider upgrading to OME 895 w/ Bilstein struts in the rear instead of spacers.

Those are the current options I am considering. I feel for the primary use of the truck option 3 makes the most sense but I wanted to see what others thought as well before I start ordering parts. Thanks in advance! Good to be back in a T4R!

I use my 2004 SR5 V8 4runner like you do. Daily driver, family hauler, weekend offroading/camping.

I just installed the Eibach Pro Stage 1 Kit and it's awesome. It lifts and levels with the max height you would want to go without replacing other components such as UCAs ext. It's stiffer than stock but not harsh, the ride is greatly improved on and offroad over stock. If you have 12 year old XREAS suspension with the sport edition this would be a big upgrade for a good price. Eibach also makes Toytecs springs so you get the same quality as the more expensive kit, and the Eibach shocks are comparable to Bilistiens.

I had spacers on previously and it made the ride a harsher, it was just a bandaid fix to get rid of the factory rake so I could buy my tires first. I would not recommend them. Wish I did the suspension kit from the beginning.

 

[Heffernan]

Thanks for the input - any chance you might have any photos that you could share of your truck with the lift? The Eibach kits seems to be popular with the 5th gen guys, it's been hard to find 4th gens with the kit.

 

[Silver Stallion]

Thanks for the input - any chance you might have any photos that you could share of your truck with the lift? The Eibach kits seems to be popular with the 5th gen guys, it's been hard to find 4th gens with the kit.

I'll try and snap a picture tomorrow and I'll post it. I don't have any before lift photos for comparison, didn't even think of it!

 

[RoyBell]

Hey everyone - first post after I bought my second 4Runner last weekend. A 2008 Sport Edition V6 with only 80k on the clock.

I use to own a 3rd gen about 10 years ago so I've been slowly buy surely getting back into researching a suspension lift for it. I've got it narrowed down to the final 3 below but looking for some insight. The primary use of the truck will serve as a daily driver with some potentially light weekend off-roading ever now and than, nothing crazy. It will be mainly used as an on road, family hauler.

Below is my current list of suspension choices and I'd love to get some feedback from current T4R owners on which they would choose for my overall needs.

1. 3" Toytec/Bilstein setup - The most expensive option but it seems to be a favorite in the Toyota world.

2. Eibach Pro-Truck Kit Stage 1 - Less expensive option, reputable company, not quite as much lift.

3. 3"/2" spacer lift - The 'budget boost' would allow for the most cost effective option. I might even consider upgrading to OME 895 w/ Bilstein struts in the rear instead of spacers.

Those are the current options I am considering. I feel for the primary use of the truck option 3 makes the most sense but I wanted to see what others thought as well before I start ordering parts. Thanks in advance! Good to be back in a T4R!

I went with Bilstein 6112 setup. Lifted the rear 1.5" with the B12 springs, front 2.5". I could had gone another notch and gained another 1/4-1/2" in front. It drives phenomenal on the street so far. Very planted, but doesn't feel like a 1 ton truck. Actually pretty surprised how compliant it is. Coupled with the 265/70-17 K02s it drives nicely. I am debating on doing the same setup on my other 4runner or going with the 5100s to save some money. I think the added weight of the V8 in mine would benefit from the 6112s though. The last time I lifted a vehicle was my Jeep XJ and I Went the cheap route with a cheap lift. Rode like crap and never enjoyed it. I put a spacer on my Wrangler last year and it now drives like crap due to the extra pre-load. I plan to pull the spacers out and put a better spring/shock on. You get what you pay for with lifts. With a daily driver you want to enjoy driving it on the road.

 

[Heffernan]

I went with Bilstein 6112 setup. Lifted the rear 1.5" with the B12 springs, front 2.5". I could had gone another notch and gained another 1/4-1/2" in front. It drives phenomenal on the street so far. Very planted, but doesn't feel like a 1 ton truck. Actually pretty surprised how compliant it is. Coupled with the 265/70-17 K02s it drives nicely. I am debating on doing the same setup on my other 4runner or going with the 5100s to save some money. I think the added weight of the V8 in mine would benefit from the 6112s though. The last time I lifted a vehicle was my Jeep XJ and I Went the cheap route with a cheap lift. Rode like crap and never enjoyed it. I put a spacer on my Wrangler last year and it now drives like crap due to the extra pre-load. I plan to pull the spacers out and put a better spring/shock on. You get what you pay for with lifts. With a daily driver you want to enjoy driving it on the road.

Looks great and thanks for the picture and tire size info, very helpful. Just to confirm the Bilstein/6112 setup is the Bilstein 5100s w/ Toytec springs, correct? Did you need to install UCA and a diff drop?

I think right now it's between the Bilsteins and Eibach. I want to remove the XRAES system when I do the swap so no point in doing spacers.

 

[RoyBell]

Looks great and thanks for the picture and tire size info, very helpful. Just to confirm the Bilstein/6112 setup is the Bilstein 5100s w/ Toytec springs, correct? Did you need to install UCA and a diff drop?

I think right now it's between the Bilsteins and Eibach. I want to remove the XRAES system when I do the swap so no point in doing spacers.

Bilstein 6112 in front
Bilstein 5160 in the rear with B12 springs

I did UCA because @ 100K I figured I should change the ball joints regardless. For a couple bucks more I got the UCA with greaseable balljoints/bushings. The old bushings on the original UCA were pretty rough looking once I got them out of the car. I think you might be able to get away with stock ones if you don't go super high. I did not do a dif drop since supposedly it's not required with a 2.5" lift.

Bilstein 6112 1.38-3" Front and 5160 0-2" Rear Lift Shocks for 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner

 

[Heffernan]

Thanks - I wasn't aware of this version of kit.