jaybird93000
New member
ouch, that's disgusting.... Don't have a buddy with a hydraulic lift that could save ya a chunk of that...?
4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
Co.Ag.2005
New member
I'll take a look at my invoice this afternoon when I get back to my truck. I'm not sure what it cost, but $335 sounds higher than what I paid. I'll check though...
BlacknMuddy
New member
I shouldnt need any special tools will I? if i decide to do it myself?
jaybird93000
New member
Are the 2011 coils ok for the fj swap?? Anything changed over the past few years? Think Im boutta buy some!!!
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
FJ coils from 07+ will work. However, only shocks from a 07-09 will be a direct swap. Make sure the coils come from a 4wd FJ.
Hi everyone! Thanks for the years of information! We are all a great community!
I have 05 $Runner at 103,000 miles....
My wife will be taking over my 4Runner for a new family in the future and she does not like the stiff ride and the feels every bump in the road...
Any recommendations on what I need to buy for new shocks? I have xreas <sp> 2005 Sport v6
Thanks in advance!
I have 05 $Runner at 103,000 miles....
My wife will be taking over my 4Runner for a new family in the future and she does not like the stiff ride and the feels every bump in the road...
Any recommendations on what I need to buy for new shocks? I have xreas <sp> 2005 Sport v6
Thanks in advance!
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
The first step is to look at the stock shocks and see if they are leaking. I think the FJ swap would be a good setup for you. It's more stiff, but soaks up bumps way better. You can look for shocks and coils from a 2007-2009 FJ Cruiser. Many have done that swap and are very happy with the results. Another option is the Bilstein 5100 shocks (can be purchased online for under $300) combined with coils from a 2007-2011 FJ Cruiser. This setup will be a littlemore stiff than the one using FJ shocks.
Many people have ran both of these setups. While both would be more stiff than stock, ride quality is greatly improved. Again, being stiff isn't necessarily a bad thing. IMO the stock suspension is too soft, so it's easy to bottom out the shocks. The added stiffness soaks up the bumps better.
A final option is that if you find your stock shocks aren't leaking is to keep the stock xreas and just add FJ coils. I would probably consider this first, then the other options I listed. I did this swap on mine with approx 125K miles and it made a huge difference.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Bump, added a couple more links and a little info regarding UCA's.
Again, I typed this up late one night while I was working. If you guys have anything to add or feel something isn't clear or correct, please let me know.
Again, I typed this up late one night while I was working. If you guys have anything to add or feel something isn't clear or correct, please let me know.
noiwontsmile
New member
Thanks for compiling all of this information into one spot. It sure makes getting through it faster with less tab switching and searching.
I have one suggestion and one question after reading through it:
- OEM FJ Springs; listed is 2007+ but I believe I've read where the 2010 or 2011 FJ springs didn't fit the 4th Gen. If thats true could you add the last year which would fit.
- Down in the tire section where this is listed "265/70R17* (except BFG A/T)" and the asterisk is "* requires removal of mud flaps and probably minor trimming"... Does this mean with the BGF A/T you wouldn't need to remove the mud flaps or trim? or that size doesn't apply to BFG A/T? I've read that line a few times and came up with a few different interpretations.
Cheers.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Any of the FJ coils should work (07+). It's only the 2010+ shocks that won't fit (they will, just takes some work).
The bfg at has a more square profile than most. I believe some have had rubbing issue with those in that size. I would use that as a guide, your experience may be different.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I think they would be a great option, just not sure if they're worth the extra money. I really considered these, but I've not found anyone else using them. Didn't feel like taking the chance. Some have found the 5100's to be a little too stiff, the valving is suppose to be dialed in a little better on the 5160's. I don't think I'd ever see the benefits of the remote reservoir, I don't push mine that hard. So, I personally ended up going with the 5100's.
Again, they're no doubt better shocks, just not sure how much better. Since no one has tried them (that I've found after extensive searching), it's hard to say for certain.
Hmm maybe I'll give them a try then when its time for my suspension swap. I don't really push my vehicle that far either, but if it offers a nicer ride then I'm all for it. Though there are lots of other nice options...
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Based on the specs, I think you'll be really happy. If you were to ride on those and then the 5100's, you may not feel it was worth the extra money (pure speculation here). However, simply using the 5160's should work very well. I'm still considering these as a future option, just wasn't able to swing them with the other mods I was doing.
Yeah it would be nice to have something slightly more fancy, even if it isn't worth the extra cash. Although not nearly as fancy as the OW kits, since my unskilled trail riding just won't do those justice. Hard part should be picking the right coils to go with them. Superflex's, All-Pro 2"s...many many choices
stanleybb50
New member
So, not sure if this has been asked/thought if before.. But it's looking like I'm about to pick up some FJ rear coils from progress4m (member here). From the various FJ coil threads on here, I'm expecting to get (around .5'' lift in the rear from these).
I want to level the front while I'm at it as well... Taking the .5'' rear into account, I'm going to want to raise my front 1.5'' to level her out.
To do so, do you think I can stack the toytec 1/2'' spacer with the 1/4'' toytec spacer for a total of 3/4'' (1.5'' net) lift up front?
I'm looking at these topouts because I'm too scared to change the ride characteristics with billies or other options. (The wife loooves the way it rides now and I don't want to change that).
Any thoughts on this?
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I want to level the front while I'm at it as well... Taking the .5'' rear into account, I'm going to want to raise my front 1.5'' to level her out.
To do so, do you think I can stack the toytec 1/2'' spacer with the 1/4'' toytec spacer for a total of 3/4'' (1.5'' net) lift up front?
I'm looking at these topouts because I'm too scared to change the ride characteristics with billies or other options. (The wife loooves the way it rides now and I don't want to change that).
Any thoughts on this?
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I think you can safely get by with 2" lift in the front. I put 1.5" on mine with stock rear, it worked great. With the 1/2" rear, 2" front should do well. Best option here is the Daystar Budget Boost, you can get it from 4wheelparts for under $40.
If you're set on 1.5", I'd advise holding out for a set of front FJ coils. You can use the FJ front coils with either the Toytec 1/2" thick spacer for 1.5" lift (this was the setup I had).
A final option is a spacer sold by Wheelers Off Road. I believe this is made by Daystar, not certain though. It's 3/4" thick, will provide the 1.5" you're looking for. The downside is that this spacer is a preload type and will stiffen the ride some.
03-Current Toyota 4Runner Suspension Equipment -Wheeler's Off-Road
stanleybb50
New member
Thank you much. I'm starting to think that I'll never decide on what I'll do! I guess it just makes me nervous to modify (would be the biggest mod I've done to a car to date.. Plus I'm scared because my wife LOVES the t4r currently and I don't want to make it too ''harsh'' or rough riding, because she loves the ride now...
I plan on driving my '06 for another 10 years if possible. Think a 2" front lift will put undue stress on the components to make anything wear out on me sooner? Along those notes, through all my reading of lift threads, I've not really seen anyone mentioning putting bigger bump-stops on the front. Do we not need them with these small (2-2.5'') lifts? Assume we just get to take advantage of the extra travel all the way to the stock bumpstops with no issues/extra stress?
Sorry... Feel like a noon asking these questions, but they've been on my mind for awhile!
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
A small (2") leveling kit shouldn't make a noticeable difference in ride/handing. The CV axles are angled slightly upward at stock height. With a 2" lift, they have a similar angle, but now it's downward. The angle is no greater than stock, so no stress is added. There will be no issues with a small level kit.
As far as bump stops, shouldn't be needed. Some people running larger tires (over 33") extend the bumpstops, but you won't need this.
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