About to Have FJC Springs/Bilstein 5100's Installed Next Weekend

[415runner562]

Hey all,

I've noticed that most of the T4R members who did the FJC swap ended using spacers. Are spacer's required?

Which setting on the Bilstein Adjustables will give it the closest look to "level"? .85 or 1.75?

On another note, is it better to get an alignment after getting the swap done with a brand new set of tires? Does it matter?

Last question: This is for the ones that live in LA County or Orange County. Do you recommend any particular shops that will do the swap? What is a reasonable price?

So far, I called Performance Plus Tire in Long Beach, and they quoted me $160 all around + $75 for the alignment.

Thank you very much!

 

[810moto]

Call Rodney at Herbs Automotive in Signal Hill. Tell them Jason from Gaines Electric sent you.
Herbs Automotive
They have a coupon on their webiste for alignment as well.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

To completely level a 4runner, the spacer is needed with standard shocks. With the 5100's, this feature is built in so no spacer is required. Do you want to raise the rear at all, or just level the front? If you just want to level, the second setting (.85") will do the trick. You'll get over 1.5" with that setting, probably close to 2".

You will need an alignment afterwards. How quick depends on your tires. If you've got new(er) tires, get it right away. If you are gonna be replacing tires within the next 1-2 months, wait (assuming you don't put a ton of miles on your 4runner).

That price seems fair, much better than what a lot of shops out there charge.

 

[415runner562]

@810moto: Thank you very much! I'll check out the shop.

@ARK_SWAMP_RIDER: I plan on buying tires within the next month or two. I'm going to go from Michelin Cross Terrains 265/65/17 (about 74k miles on them, with some tread left) to 265/70/17's. I'm still debating about what kind of tire to get. I might get Michelin LTX M/S2's or something else.. You probably replied in my previous thread about what tires to get, but how are the Hankooks doing for you? Do they have a reputation to last about as long as Michelin CT's? I don't offroad at all, but I would probably give it a shot one day.

You asked if I wanted to raise the rears. Will it get raised after the swap? How many inches am I looking at? I would only consider it if it's required to accommodate the tire size I'm looking for. Thanks again!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You will get a small amount of lift in the rear, my guesstimate would be .5"-.75". With just the leveling kit, you will fit the 265/70/17's so that's all I'd go for. Click the last link in my sig (the one about the FJ swap) and look at the chart. Others have posted up numbers before/after their suspension swaps. I believe there are some there with the v6 and 5100/Fj combo. The v6 will get more lift than the v8, and a 2wd gets more than a 4wd. You need to take that into account when looking at the numbers.

I really like the Hankooks. I've not yet taken them off road, don't know that I will (been on gravel and they performed great there). They have done everything I could expect an AT to do. Worked great in snow/ice. Smooth ride and good handling on road. I will note that I've begun to notice some noise with them as I approach 20k miles. After a little research, this seems common. It's not annoying or bad at all, just more noticeable than before. After about 17k miles they're wearing well. From what I've read they'll go 50k+, will just have to wait and see on that.

 

[bigwebb83]

what is the most lift you can get with 5100's and fj springs? Can you get something equivalent to stock xreas with a 3/2 spacer?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You would use the same space in the rear, the 5100 rear don't provide any lift. The fronts are adjustable, 0", ,.85", 1.75", and 2.5" are the settings on the front. FJ springs will add .5-.75" on top of that on a v8 4ad, can't comment on others. Check link in my sig for numbers. So yes, you can get similar amounts of lift.

 

[415runner562]

So I just called the shop that 810moto recommended, and they mentioned that I would/should need to change the top plate as well?

 

[810moto]

So I just called the shop that 810moto recommended, and they mentioned that I would/should need to change the top plate as well?

Good to hear you called them. Did you talk to Rodney or Jake? I have done quite a few lifts at my house and never replaced the top plate. However, know that the guys at Herb's have never done anything without my permission. They do suggest things here and there that might be helpful but will not force you into doing or spending anything you don't want to. Great bunch of guys and the biz is certainly family owned. They usually have some pretty sweet rides in there as well. Keep us posted on the outcome of your install.

 

[415runner562]

I forgot who I talked to about it, but whoever it was, asked how many miles I had. By the time I receive the Bilstein's, I'm going to have about 106k. How long do top plates last?