4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Bluesky 07]

What method did you use for removing the old bushings? Haven't tried all of them yet, but looking at renting a pitman puller.

Glad you asked because I forgot I meant to post about that. The Pitman puller method is definitely the easiest imo and I’ve used it twice now. Be sure to get this one (Autozone p/n 27022). It’s the smaller of the two that they rent. The “jaws” on the larger one are too wide.

Also, be careful when the sleeve bushing gets close to coming out. It can launch out of there when it suddenly comes free.

Here’s a close look at the straight replacement bushings (Energy Suspension 9.8140G) discovered by [MENTION=621924]shan1841[/MENTION]. Note that one side has a flared lip to aid installation. I expect to get the bushings in within the next few days & will post about that.

 

[sammage]

Good stuff, that was my next tack to avoid going medieval with a torch just yet. Already have the 9.8108Gs on hand, so will give those a shot. If any issues will get the 9.8140Gs down the road.

 

[Bkt4runner]

I was thinking of getting these red TRD shocks from a 2007 FJ Cruiser on my 2003 4Runner V8....


1. Do you think I can use the OEM stock springs from my 2003 4Runner or from the 5th gen 4Runner and would I still be able to keep the factory height? I do not want to raise the car more than .5". I prefer to keep the factory height.

2. Can I reuse the upper mounts from my 4th gen 4Runner or do I have to use the upper mounts from the 2007 FJ?

 

[Heffernan]

I was thinking of getting these red TRD shocks from a 2007 FJ Cruiser on my 2003 4Runner V8....


1. Do you think I can use the OEM stock springs from my 2003 4Runner or from the 5th gen 4Runner and would I still be able to keep the factory height? I do not want to raise the car more than .5". I prefer to keep the factory height.

2. Can I reuse the upper mounts from my 4th gen 4Runner or do I have to use the upper mounts from the 2007 FJ?

If you plan on using your stock 4Runner springs, I don't see an obviously reason why they wouldn't work with the TRD FJ shock. The shock isn't going to lift the ride, the springs you choose will do that. The top hats shouldn't be a problem either. From what I've read earlier FJ suspension parts are interchangeable with 4th gen 4Runners.

 

[Bluesky 07]

I was thinking of getting these red TRD shocks from a 2007 FJ Cruiser on my 2003 4Runner V8....


1. Do you think I can use the OEM stock springs from my 2003 4Runner or from the 5th gen 4Runner and would I still be able to keep the factory height? I do not want to raise the car more than .5". I prefer to keep the factory height.

2. Can I reuse the upper mounts from my 4th gen 4Runner or do I have to use the upper mounts from the 2007 FJ?

Perhaps, but that's an error imo. The springs are a critical part of the suspension and yours have been hauling a 4,500 lb. SUV for 17+ years and God knows how many miles. Springs aren't expensive (relatively speaking) and I knew if I used my OEM springs that I'd drive around wondering how much better the ride might be if I'd just sprung (ha!) for some new ones.

People always obsess over what shocks to get, and they're definitely important, but springs are too.

Next we'll talk about bump stops. ;-)

 

[Bkt4runner]

I'm gonna get new springs and upper mounts for sure. I just wanna be sure it fits and work properly. I believe its safer just to go with the FJ Cruiser springs to prevent bottoming out because the valving might be different.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Here is one of the straight replacement bushings (Energy Suspension 9.8140G) discovered by [MENTION=621924]shan1841[/MENTION] installed. Black paint is rust preventative I added, just precautionary.

So there's a twist in my planned 2020 Tacoma swap install. I've always been curious about how the 4th Gen 4Runner-specific 4600 would ride compared to the Tacoma shock. Just the rear ones b/c the front of the vehicle is much more similar than the rear end (for example, Tacomas have leaf springs vs. coils). I've had the Tacoma version for several years and it's been great but when I found a new pair of 4Runner 4600s for $140 shipped on Black Friday, I bought them. There's supposedly a national backorder and I won't get them for a while but I'm looking forward to seeing how they do.

That means I'll be selling the Tacoma rears pictured above if anyone's interested. They were taken off a 2020 TRD Offroad edition at 3,700 miles. Never installed on my rig.

 

[JBend]

looking at swapping out my eibach pro truck lift kit.

was originally looking at Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Reservoir Shocks - about $1300

then kept hearing good things about the 6112 so looked at Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear B8 5160 Reservoir Shocks Set $1200ish

but i've seen a lot of you switch out the rear 5160 for icons or fox or something else.

a package of the front 6112 and rear fox 2.0 performance w/ reservoir would be about $1500 or 6112 with fox 2.0 performance w/o reservoir for about $1100


was just trying to get some insight on what i should do. The guys at shock surplus say the 6112 front coils and shocks are better than the fox 2.0 performance and also offer a bit more height(around a half inch).

opinions and help please. Thanks!

 

[Whitemoose]

Brand new here! First 4runner! Picked up this 2005 v8 about a month ago and added a few mods... bilstein 1500 set at .85, had nice new oem springs, upped tire size to 265/75/r16 falken wildpeak at3 with new rims, blacked out emblems and grille, took off running boards, and upgraded lights to LED with some side shooters! Will upload pics here soon

 

[Bluesky 07]

Brand new here! First 4runner! Picked up this 2005 v8 about a month ago and added a few mods... bilstein 1500 set at .85, had nice new oem springs, upped tire size to 265/75/r16 falken wildpeak at3 with new rims, blacked out emblems and grille, took off running boards, and upgraded lights to LED with some side shooters! Will upload pics here soon

Welcome! Assume you meant 5100s? I think 1500s might ride a little low. ;-)

Sorry, had to razz the new member. Congrats on your truck and your mods.

 

[siznarf]

[MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]

Just a quick update on my suspension upgrade

- xreas delete

- 2013 FJs coils front and back
- 2020 tacoma bilstein 4600 shocks with ( Energy Suspension 9.8140G Shock Bushing Set)
- 2020 tacoma UCAs (plug and play, fits perfect)
- Prothane greasable sway bar bushing front and back
- energy 98105G sway bar link bushing
- KYB SM5640 strut mount top hat

lift (messured from center hub to wheel well)

before:
FL - 19", FR -19"
RL - 21 1/8", RR - 21 1/2"

after (basically 2" up front and 1" in the back)
FL - 21", FR -21"
RL - 22 1/8", RR - 22 1/2"

Ride and steering control has improved significantly. No more bouncing around like a boat when hitting uneven roads. Almost no nosedive when coming to stops. Much less lean while turning corners.

Very happy with the results. Thank you T4R forum, couldn't have done this without you guys.

P.S. have not gotten a alignment yet...not sure if I should drive it and let it settle a bit first or align it right away. Thoughts?


-

Did you use the upper ball joint that came with the Tacoma UCAs?

 

[siznarf]

Here is one of the straight replacement bushings (Energy Suspension 9.8140G) discovered by [MENTION=621924]shan1841[/MENTION] installed. Black paint is rust preventative I added, just precautionary.

So there's a twist in my planned 2020 Tacoma swap install. I've always been curious about how the 4th Gen 4Runner-specific 4600 would ride compared to the Tacoma shock. Just the rear ones b/c the front of the vehicle is much more similar than the rear end (for example, Tacomas have leaf springs vs. coils). I've had the Tacoma version for several years and it's been great but when I found a new pair of 4Runner 4600s for $140 shipped on Black Friday, I bought them. There's supposedly a national backorder and I won't get them for a while but I'm looking forward to seeing how they do.

That means I'll be selling the Tacoma rears pictured above if anyone's interested. They were taken off a 2020 TRD Offroad edition at 3,700 miles. Never installed on my rig.

Recently picked up 2005 4runner SR5 4wd ...

Question/s:
Is the Tacoma TRD OR the only direct swap?

TRD sport shocks should work as well right? Those ride firmer than the OR shocks

 

[foskco87]

Question for you all,

Why do so few people go with 275 tires on 4th gens? (IE 275/70/R17). Seems like its almost always 255, 265 or 285.

I currently have a 2007 Limited with a 3/2 toytec lift with 265/65/18's on stock limited wheels and want to go up in size but am weary of the 285/70/17's as I dont want to cut parts of my truck off. I have aftermarket UCA's so not concerned as far as that goes. Im considering 275/70/17's on 2017 TRD wheels which I know have a small amount of offset. Just wondering if those would fit with no/minimimal rubbing. Also with stock wheels with no offset can you fit 275's with no wheel spacers or do 275's generally require some kind of offset like with 285's?

I know on the write up it shows 275/70/17's as fitting a 3/2 lift with no mods, but I feel like Ive heard people say otherwise about them.

Anyone here with a 3/2 lift ran 275/70/17's on stock or TRD wheels before?

 

[ekoman]

Question for you all,

Why do so few people go with 275 tires on 4th gens? (IE 275/70/R17). Seems like its almost always 255, 265 or 285.

I currently have a 2007 Limited with a 3/2 toytec lift with 265/65/18's on stock limited wheels and want to go up in size but am weary of the 285/70/17's as I dont want to cut parts of my truck off. I have aftermarket UCA's so not concerned as far as that goes. Im considering 275/70/17's on 2017 TRD wheels which I know have a small amount of offset. Just wondering if those would fit with no/minimimal rubbing. Also with stock wheels with no offset can you fit 275's with no wheel spacers or do 275's generally require some kind of offset like with 285's?

I know on the write up it shows 275/70/17's as fitting a 3/2 lift with no mods, but I feel like Ive heard people say otherwise about them.

Anyone here with a 3/2 lift ran 275/70/17's on stock or TRD wheels before?

I JUST got some 275/70/17 Falkens put on my 06 with roughly 3/2 lift (6112s and 5160s with OME coils) and there is zero rubbing. I was in a similar boat and didnt want to use 285s and have to deal with potential trimming. I did add some TRD wheels off a 2016 trail to help with the offset (+15mm vs. +25mm stock). Don't have a pic yet but can provide one soon if you'd like a peak.

 

[foskco87]

I JUST got some 275/70/17 Falkens put on my 06 with roughly 3/2 lift (6112s and 5160s with OME coils) and there is zero rubbing. I was in a similar boat and didnt want to use 285s and have to deal with potential trimming. I did add some TRD wheels off a 2016 trail to help with the offset (+15mm vs. +25mm stock). Don't have a pic yet but can provide one soon if you'd like a peak.

Awesome thanks, that basically answers my question exactly. Do you have mud flaps/running boards on or off? If you can post a pic that would be awesome. You basically have the exact set up I want although I havent decided on tires. You even have the same colour 4runner which would make it even more helpful haha

 

[ekoman]

Awesome thanks, that basically answers my question exactly. Do you have mud flaps/running boards on or off? If you can post a pic that would be awesome. You basically have the exact set up I want although I havent decided on tires. You even have the same colour 4runner which would make it even more helpful haha

Runners are off, mud flaps still on. That was another reason I went with 275s, i wanted to keep the mud flaps on. I'll snap a pic in the next few days and get one posted.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Recently picked up 2005 4runner SR5 4wd ...

Question/s:
Is the Tacoma TRD OR the only direct swap?

TRD sport shocks should work as well right? Those ride firmer than the OR shocks

I don't know for certain but it seems logical that any 2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma gear would fit with the usual modification to the rear shock bushings.

 

[Bluesky 07]

As noted in my post above, I decided to watch for a Black Friday deal on the Bilstein 24-186049, the 4600 made for the 4th Gen 4Runner. I found a new pair for $140 shipped at AJUsa (great service btw) so I bought them and that's when it got interesting. I was pretty surprised at the difference between the Tacoma rear shocks (L) and the one made for 4th Gens (R), which is noticeably larger:

I haven't installed the new ones yet so I can't comment on any ride differences, and this isn't to knock the Tacoma swap or dissuade anyone from doing it. Just wanted to share this so people considering this move can make a more informed decision.

 

[PNWLivin]

looking at swapping out my eibach pro truck lift kit.

was originally looking at Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Reservoir Shocks - about $1300

then kept hearing good things about the 6112 so looked at Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear B8 5160 Reservoir Shocks Set $1200ish

but i've seen a lot of you switch out the rear 5160 for icons or fox or something else.

a package of the front 6112 and rear fox 2.0 performance w/ reservoir would be about $1500 or 6112 with fox 2.0 performance w/o reservoir for about $1100


was just trying to get some insight on what i should do. The guys at shock surplus say the 6112 front coils and shocks are better than the fox 2.0 performance and also offer a bit more height(around a half inch).

opinions and help please. Thanks!

Did you not like the Eibach kit?

 

[bradp3088]

07 Limited 4WD V8 - Just finished the lift this week!

2007 4runner Limited 4WD 4.7L V8
Bilstein 5100's F&R | ARB Springs | ICON Vector 6 | Toyo 285/75/17

IMG-0237 — ImgBB
Thoughts?