MSU4Runner
New member
I know how much research and reading I did before this project, so hopefully this will help some others out there. I told a few people I would post my results/thoughts on the install, so here it goes:
Parts used: FJ coils front and rear, FJ bilsteins in front, left stock 4runner rear shocks, Daystar 1.25" top-out spacer kit (KT09117BK)
New Tires: General Grabber AT2 P265/70R17
Results: Overall I was just wanting a little lift, no rake, and a beefier look. I think the final results turned out well. Tires are a big help. If I had to change anything, I might prefer just 0.5" or 1" extra in the rear. As it is now, the measurements I have taken on flat ground indicate front and rear are about identical. Pictures from different angles or on any incline can always be deceiving.
I had some rubbing after the new tires, but this was solved easily by moving the fenders forward an inch or so per JA's instructions on his website.
Pre-Install: I rented the usual spring compressor from Autozone and had no problems at all with hand tools on my living room floor compressing the FJ coilovers just enough to relieve pressure on the top plate. The top plate had to be removed in order to swap out the longer bolts that came with the Daystar 1.25" leveling kit. Freeing the old press-fit bolts and installing the new ones required a deep-well socket and a hammer, which took some figuring out, but ended up working easily. Again, JA's write-up was a help.
Install: I was lucky enough to find a really nice guy on the FJ Forums that not only sold me his old FJ equipment for $50, but also help me with the install. I owe him big time. I volunteered to help him on his next FJ project, but from the looks of his rig, there may not be much more he can do! It is very impressive. Look him up if you care to (name is Landy).
The installation time sped up tremendously after we did the front passenger side. That first bit of the installation took probably 1.5 - 2 hrs. However, we then cruised through the driver side in less than an hour. We swapped the rear springs in maybe 30 minutes total. He had some nice jack stand combo's from Tractor Supply Company that made the lifting portion very fast, I will have to buy a set for myself. Of the entire install, the only portion that gave us trouble was forcing the lower control arm down far enough to wedge in the bottom end of the new longer strut and get the lower bolt through. Key items included: using the spring compressor again to help get that extra bit of push, disconnecting the ABS cable bracket on the UCA to prevent damage, rubber mallet to force several areas. Having two people wrenching at the same time speeds things up considerably.
If anyone wants more details on the install feel free to ask. I know I appreciated every last tip I could read up on before doing it.
Now for some photos, right?
Installation in progress:
After the FJ suspension and Daystar spacers:
It was very sunny/bright, so capturing the tires against the wheel wells was not so great, but here is the final result with tires installed and a much-needed alignment:
Now just trying to decide if I want to remove the running boards or not
I like the look but not sure about the lack of a step...
Parts used: FJ coils front and rear, FJ bilsteins in front, left stock 4runner rear shocks, Daystar 1.25" top-out spacer kit (KT09117BK)
New Tires: General Grabber AT2 P265/70R17
Results: Overall I was just wanting a little lift, no rake, and a beefier look. I think the final results turned out well. Tires are a big help. If I had to change anything, I might prefer just 0.5" or 1" extra in the rear. As it is now, the measurements I have taken on flat ground indicate front and rear are about identical. Pictures from different angles or on any incline can always be deceiving.
I had some rubbing after the new tires, but this was solved easily by moving the fenders forward an inch or so per JA's instructions on his website.
Pre-Install: I rented the usual spring compressor from Autozone and had no problems at all with hand tools on my living room floor compressing the FJ coilovers just enough to relieve pressure on the top plate. The top plate had to be removed in order to swap out the longer bolts that came with the Daystar 1.25" leveling kit. Freeing the old press-fit bolts and installing the new ones required a deep-well socket and a hammer, which took some figuring out, but ended up working easily. Again, JA's write-up was a help.
Install: I was lucky enough to find a really nice guy on the FJ Forums that not only sold me his old FJ equipment for $50, but also help me with the install. I owe him big time. I volunteered to help him on his next FJ project, but from the looks of his rig, there may not be much more he can do! It is very impressive. Look him up if you care to (name is Landy).
The installation time sped up tremendously after we did the front passenger side. That first bit of the installation took probably 1.5 - 2 hrs. However, we then cruised through the driver side in less than an hour. We swapped the rear springs in maybe 30 minutes total. He had some nice jack stand combo's from Tractor Supply Company that made the lifting portion very fast, I will have to buy a set for myself. Of the entire install, the only portion that gave us trouble was forcing the lower control arm down far enough to wedge in the bottom end of the new longer strut and get the lower bolt through. Key items included: using the spring compressor again to help get that extra bit of push, disconnecting the ABS cable bracket on the UCA to prevent damage, rubber mallet to force several areas. Having two people wrenching at the same time speeds things up considerably.
If anyone wants more details on the install feel free to ask. I know I appreciated every last tip I could read up on before doing it.
Now for some photos, right?
Installation in progress:
After the FJ suspension and Daystar spacers:
It was very sunny/bright, so capturing the tires against the wheel wells was not so great, but here is the final result with tires installed and a much-needed alignment:
Now just trying to decide if I want to remove the running boards or not
I like the look but not sure about the lack of a step...
Last edited:
