4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ

[Bluesky 07]

Pulled the trigger on the Accutune stage 3 Fox 2.5 set up. Has Icon ucas and plus 1" springs. Does anyone have any info or experience with this setup?

I suppose you will soon. ;-)

 

[Rbk747]

Front and rear shocks

Hello, I’m looking for recommendations for front and rear shock replacements. I do highway driving and pull a small camper with my 2004 4Runner sr5 v8, 2wheel drive. It has 110000 miles on original shocks.

 

[Jchamlee1]

Hey guys! New member, first post. I have a 2007 SR5 stock with 17" wheels. I'm looking to put on some all terrain 275/70/17s. This thread has been awesome but now I have some info and have decision paralysis so I thought I'd ask the experts. My ride is my DD and doesn't hit the trail. I'm a workin dad and a baseball coach for all my boys so no free time. I just want my T4R to look bad a$$. To fit 275s should I just put on spacers or better to put on 5100s? Don't want to drop $1000 on a full suspension plus new tires...especially since I won't be trailing it. I want to keep it running good so it can be my sons first car. So size, reliability and good ride are important.

Words of wisdom to share with the new guy? Thanks!!!!

 

[Belizean]

Suspension for my 2007 4runner

hey im from Belize, and just wanted to ask if anyone has suspension parts their not using or want to give away, i would gladly accept them. for parts here in belize are very expensive, i would appreciate it so much. i bought my 4runner because i fell inlove with the 4runner community and ive watched so many videos about it that i had to get one with 200k miles on the dash and i have put a little money on it but i dont have the money for suspension parts. anything would be highly appreciated. my email is ([email protected])

 

[Micstur99]

Very helpful

 

[Heffernan]

Quick question for all the suspension gurus. After installing some 5100s w/ FJ springs on the 'stock/bottom' setting, I got the truck aligned and the caster is already maxed out (roughly 1" of lift). I was hoping to to go up a setting to the .85" to level the stance out a bit more, but will I need UCAs to do so? Seems weird as I thought UCAs were needed more for 2.5-3" of lift. Could it be bad bushing instead? Looking for a little insight before I drop $650 on new UCAs.

 

[Bluesky 07]

hey im from Belize, and just wanted to ask if anyone has suspension parts their not using or want to give away, i would gladly accept them. for parts here in belize are very expensive, i would appreciate it so much. i bought my 4runner because i fell inlove with the 4runner community and ive watched so many videos about it that i had to get one with 200k miles on the dash and i have put a little money on it but i dont have the money for suspension parts. anything would be highly appreciated. my email is ([email protected])

Can you post a pic of your truck?

 

[Aargh]

04 SR5 fitting 2015 Tacoma off-road wheels

I have an 04 SR5 that came with 16" wheels. Offset is 30mm.

Will 2015 Tacoma offroad wheels with 25mm offset fit?

Will be putting a 3.5/2.5 with SPC UCAs.

With that set up (3.5/2.5, SPC ucas, Tacoma off-road 16s) will 285/75/r16s fit?

 

[Tironeous]

I have an 04 SR5 that came with 16" wheels. Offset is 30mm.

Will 2015 Tacoma offroad wheels with 25mm offset fit?

Will be putting a 3.5/2.5 with SPC UCAs.

With that set up (3.5/2.5, SPC ucas, Tacoma off-road 16s) will 285/75/r16s fit?

+25 is stock 4th Gen wheel so yes.

As for running 33s you’ll likely need a spacer with that offset. Plus the standard fender liner mod, removing mud flaps, and possibly body mount chop.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ADVTRK]

Wheel fitment question, any help appreciated

Hello!
First time posting & first time building/upgrading a custom 4x4!
I've been lurking this forum for bit, and so grateful for all the detailed info, Thx Y'all! What an amazing resource!

I've just added a 3/2 OME suspension lift and now its time for tires. My (new to me)2007 - sr5 - V6 - is currently sitting on 16" stock wheels, but I'm looking to run some 255/80/17 Nitto's. Trying to find a set of low priced, used, stock Toyota (4Runner/Tacoma/Tundra) rims that will work,but I start getting confused with the different offset values... Is there anything I should be looking out for? Any of these that just won't work? Is there a specific offset value I should be aiming for? I understand I may need to do some fender trimming, the stock front bumper is already damaged, so that upgrade is likely on the horizon soon.
Trying to educate myself on wheels really has my head spinning...

 

[lhayden505]

2003 Limited V8. Bilstein 5100 all around (lowest/stock perch setting on front), OME 887 front springs (used, already settled), Toytec Superflex rear (new, not settled), 5th gen TRD Off-road wheels, 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeak MT tires. Stock UCAs. Only rubbing was front fender liners. A little massaging with a heat gun and we are good to go.

Love the look of your rig! Just curious, are you running wheel spacers?

 

[1mXL_]

Shudder after 3” lift install

Went for a test drive after installing 3” new front and rear suspension. 03 V8 4x4 151k

Lift: bilstein 5100s, OME 2885 front, 2895 rear. JBA UCAs

Everything was fine, until about 30 minutes later after leaving a stop felt a jerk or shudder at about 5 mph (like the brakes were pressed or the engine lost power). Drove a bit further then it happened again.

Recently did a transmission drain and fill (~4qts) and thought the level looked right. But after the shudder drive, I checked the tranny fluid and it looked high.

Update: took it to firestone to have alignment done due to availability. They troubleshot the clunk and said it needs a new transmission. Their tech said they heard a clunk putting it into drive. I hadn’t noticed that before.

Drove it to the Toyota dealer for 2nd opinion. No clunking on the way to the dealership.

Update 2:
Toyota tech said: “Thanks! We actually got to the vehicle early. The transmission looks good. What the tech found is the newer lift kit is causing the geometry of the suspension to be causing the vibration. No way to correct unless you remove the lift kit. He did feel a tad of brake pulsation when applying the brakes as well.”

How could that be causing a hesitation on start with so many other people having their T4Rs lifted. I saw some advice about greasing the drive shaft but haven’t seen anything about a hesitation after take off. I also greased the drive shaft prior to the lift. Could there not be enough grease or too much on the slip yoke? Possible fixes? Thanks for the help!

 

[07 4 runner SMR]

New Suspension!

Made a rookie mistake and went with the Rancho Quick Lift when I first got my 4 runner decided to switch my suspension got a chance to write about it.. Pretty neat being able to do the work myself very grateful for all the post and info that is shared on this forum! Thank you all!

How to Choose The Best 4runner Lift Kit (Avoid Mistakes!)

 

[07 4 runner SMR]

New Suspension!

Made a rookie mistake and went with the Rancho Quick Lift when I first got my 4 runner decided to switch my suspension got a chance to write about it.. Pretty neat being able to do the work myself very grateful for all the post and info that is shared on this forum! Thank you all!

How to Choose The Best 4runner Lift Kit (Avoid Mistakes!)

 

[Annolino122]

Icon Stage 2 + 1/2" Shim -> fits 34" Tires

I'll post a photo if requested but I have been running Icon Stage 2 kit on smaller tires, decided to add 1/2" shim to my coil overs and run a 34" tire. Its taken some chopping & trimming, anyone wanting to go bigger feel free to ask!

 

[mtkey1121]

Quick question for all the suspension gurus. After installing some 5100s w/ FJ springs on the 'stock/bottom' setting, I got the truck aligned and the caster is already maxed out (roughly 1" of lift). I was hoping to to go up a setting to the .85" to level the stance out a bit more, but will I need UCAs to do so? Seems weird as I thought UCAs were needed more for 2.5-3" of lift. Could it be bad bushing instead? Looking for a little insight before I drop $650 on new UCAs.

I picked up an 07 V8 4WD this weekend with 5100s on it, going to get it aligned and balanced at Firestone this Friday. It sits level and the spring perch ring is at least one above the lowest setting. I'll let you know Friday which level it's set to and how well it aligns

 

[mtkey1121]

Pulled the trigger on the Accutune stage 3 Fox 2.5 set up. Has Icon ucas and plus 1" springs. Does anyone have any info or experience with this setup?

This is what's UP! I had the stage 3 non-adjustable setup on my 04 for about a year before I foolishly sold it. Loved the setup and found a pretty solid shop to do the work for me. I dropped the 4Runner off about 5AM on my way to work with the parts in the back. Half an hour to clock-out I get a call it's done, they did exactly what I needed and the work was super clean.

I had 285/70/R17 Nitto Ridge Graps on 17x8.5 Stealth6 wheels. Keep in mind this is a body-on-frame SUV we're talking about, not a unibody crossover with cushy street tires. That said, the Foxes rode wonderfully. Small bumps were still felt, but that was the nature of my tires' thick sidewalls. Big undulations, like the pavement between expansion joints going over a bridge, were divine, and speed bumps were laughably smooth. I think you'll really enjoy the setup

 

[bigmoose]

Here is my experience with the Old Man Emu front struts advertised as "Stock/Light Duty Kit 1.5"- 2" Lift," and replaced with Bilstein 5100s at the 0.85 height setting (second slot from bottom for the C-clip).

My 2005 4Runner was completely stock, and too low. I did not, and do not care about appearance, e.g., "leveling" or "rake." I am not into cosmetic buildups. I am not a poser. Rather, being in the wildland-travel business, function and reliability are what I care about, as my three 4Runners have work to do.

Stock, it had about 8 inches from the front crossmember to ground. That is inadequate for a vehicle that is actually used to travel wildland roads, IMO. It is the location that often impacts roadbed rocks and ledges. So that measurement -- not wheel hub to lower fender lip -- is the distance that matters.

After installation, I found that the OME kit's advertised specs (1.5-2 inches of lift) substantially understated the actual lift all-round. The OME kit (884 springs and OME shocks, with a trim spacer on the driver front to address the known Toyota driver-side lean) put the actual front clearance at ~14.5 inches from the front crossmember to ground.

I liked the OME kit's handling and ride. The off-road performance was greatly enhanced. I even liked the bold look.

However, the truck immediately began emitting a low, harmonic, rotational groan when cold. The sound disappeared when I switched into 4WD, and after the drivetrain had warmed up. I don't know why.

Also, the OME kit's excessive lift put the CV axles at a substantial angle, upward from the wheel inward. So the boots tore VERY prematurely. As I drive a great deal on unpaved roads, and ford streams from time to time, the axles had to be replaced many thousands of miles before they should have been. (Please don't suggest that I could have just replaced the boots or installed boots for steep axle angles, changed the upper control arms, or added a differential case drop kit ... I had no interest in seeing matters metastasize.)

Also, I've been told that the excessive lift damaged the upper ball joints on both sides, causing an annoying suspension squeak ... meaning they now have to be replaced ($400+).

The lift also caused a loss of about 3-4 mpg in fuel consumption (down to 16-ish), which I anticipated.

Clearly, the OME kit's excessive and inaccurately described lift -- well beyond what ARB and the retailer still advertise for a stock/light-duty 4th gen 4Runner -- was causing problems that probably would only get worse.

So recently (April 2021), I had the OME front struts replaced with Bilstein 5100s, set at the 0.85 height setting with a quarter-inch Superior Suspensions-brand trim spacer (~$22) on the driver side to mitigate the common lean (due, it is said, to the battery and fuel tank being on that side, but I don't buy that). With the Bilsteins, I used the stock springs, which I'd kept. (Keep your old parts!)

(FYI, the springs are assigned specifically to the driver and passenger sides. Toyota color-codes truck springs with dabs of paint for the driver and passenger sides ... for 4th gen 4Runners, red & white is driver side; red & blue is passenger side. You can find Toyota's spring color codes here.)

The axles are now level, not angled. The harmonic groaning is gone. The ride is fine. While the front is much lower now, MPGs are now 19-20ish, occasionally better.

At the 0.85-inch setting, the Bilsteins put the actual clearance from the front crossmember to ground approximately 1.5 inch higher (9.5 inches) than stock. Again, stock was about 8 inches. (An aside: 9.5 inches is the same clearance as my stock, bought-new 1990 4Runner, which has been capable and reliable in very tough terrain and through years of hard use, and which I still have.)

This suggests that the next slot up on the Bilstein shocks -- advertised as 1.75 inch -- would probably exceed 2 inches actual. Bear this in mind if you are trying to determine the actual lift that will result from the several height settings available on the Bilstein 5100s.

Also bear the following in mind:

While the Bilstein 5100s are advertised as "adjustable," in reality that is kind of theoretical. This is due to the labor cost of making a change.

Changing the lift setting on Bilstein 5100s involves total removal and disassembly of the struts, plus front-end realignment. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for a shop to do it. (I will guess someone will chime in here with a DYI method.) If you don't like the change, you'll have to pay again to reset it.

I did keep the OME kit on the rear, since this 4Runner is often heavily loaded with long-term camping gear and supplies. For those concerned with looks, the truck looks good. (Photo is below.)

So, at this point, the Bilsteins are probably what I should have gone with at the outset. Going with OME was a costly error. My lo$$. I am disappointed that the actual results in my case were inaccurate and problematic. ARB, the manufacturer, does not accurately represent actual results -- and potential consequences. Nor did the reputable and very experienced retailer, who should know better. They just published -- and continue to publish -- ARB's inaccurate specs.]

I also had a similar experience with the OME 884's. I'm sorry I did not see Byways post earlier.

I used 5100's front and rear with the OME 884's on the stock (lowest) setting in the front and Toytech Super Flex springs in the rear. Putting the stock springs next to the 884's, the 884's were about 2 inches taller but after installing them I had a little over 5 inches of lift in the front. As Byways has noted the CV axle angle is very steep. Too steep to expect any kind of longevity.

I had measured from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender. Stock was 18 1/2 inches and with the 884's it was a little over 24 inches. I only wanted 2-2 1/2 inches of lift. I ended up pulling the 884's off and setting the front 5100's to the 3rd setting from the bottom and putting the stock springs back on. This gave me exactly 2 1/2 inches. Perfect.

Maybe the 884's are just too stiff. I don't know but they did not work out for me.

New OME 884 front springs for sale $150, includes shipping. LOL !


04 SR5 V6 4X4

 

[Stackman1]

I also had a similar experience with the OME 884's. I'm sorry I did not see Byways post earlier.

I used 5100's front and rear with the OME 884's on the stock (lowest) setting in the front and Toytech Super Flex springs in the rear. Putting the stock springs next to the 884's, the 884's were about 2 inches taller but after installing them I had a little over 5 inches of lift in the front. As Byways has noted the CV axle angle is very steep. Too steep to expect any kind of longevity.

I had measured from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender. Stock was 18 1/2 inches and with the 884's it was a little over 24 inches. I only wanted 2-2 1/2 inches of lift. I ended up pulling the 884's off and setting the front 5100's to the 3rd setting from the bottom and putting the stock springs back on. This gave me exactly 2 1/2 inches. Perfect.

Maybe the 884's are just too stiff. I don't know but they did not work out for me.

New OME 884 front springs for sale $150, includes shipping. LOL !


04 SR5 V6 4X4

My experience with OME 884 was the same. Installed with 5100's on the bottom setting and got 4" of lift on the front.

 

[eleven14]

I also had a similar experience with the OME 884's. I'm sorry I did not see Byways post earlier.

I used 5100's front and rear with the OME 884's on the stock (lowest) setting in the front and Toytech Super Flex springs in the rear. Putting the stock springs next to the 884's, the 884's were about 2 inches taller but after installing them I had a little over 5 inches of lift in the front. As Byways has noted the CV axle angle is very steep. Too steep to expect any kind of longevity.

I had measured from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender. Stock was 18 1/2 inches and with the 884's it was a little over 24 inches. I only wanted 2-2 1/2 inches of lift. I ended up pulling the 884's off and setting the front 5100's to the 3rd setting from the bottom and putting the stock springs back on. This gave me exactly 2 1/2 inches. Perfect.

Maybe the 884's are just too stiff. I don't know but they did not work out for me.

New OME 884 front springs for sale $150, includes shipping. LOL !


04 SR5 V6 4X4

Yikes, I had intended to go with 884s or 885s (have a metal front bumper, v6) and super flexes but this seems like an extreme amount of lift up front.

Did the OME spring specs change? I know a few members that have been running that setup without issue for years but everything recent is similar to your experience.