Anyone with this setup???

[mtnbiker]

I have a 2007 SR5 4WD. I have been pouring through posts and pics about lifts and tires and have yet to find anyone with this setup. Needsmoresalt and Marked are pretty close, thanks to them for posting pics and descriptions, both nice looking trucks. JH's site is awesome as well.

Keeping in mind I live in Tahoe and drive in slush/powder (hopefully) alot so I'm concerned about tire width and it would be nice to get decent gas mileage. I pay $3.75 gal right now

Here's the setup I'm looking at:

Daystar 2.5/1.5
Spidertraxx
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 265/75R16 C rating

Will there be any rubbing thus trimming?
Would it be better to get a wider tire and forgo spidertrax? more rubbing and trimming? Snow traction and gas mileage being a consideration there too.

Also, I was quoted $400 to install the lift. Seems a bit excessive for 4.5hrs work, does it really take that long? I have tools and am somewhat handy (professional bicycle mechanic) anyone done this lift themselves and have any pointers?

Sorry for the long post but as you can see I NEED HELP! :thanks:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

There's no way I'd personally pay $400 for the install, especially since you don't have XREAS. It takes a little time, but it's not very complicated. Click the link in my sig and it'll take you to my write-up which should answer most questions you have about the install.

 

[08V8Sport]

I just finished lifting and putting tires on my 2007 sport. I installed the same lift with 1.25" spacers, Airlift 1000 airbags and Goodyear 275/70/17 tires, i also sandblasted and painted the rims myself. The lift and bags took about 4.5 hours. it would have been ALOT faster with out the XREAS but it still was pretty easy. There is very very minimal tire rubbing with this set up

 

[NCSCOTT]

I have that lift and spidertrax, I installed it myself in my driveway with a good floor jack and 2 jackstands, and a good set of metric Sockets. ( You will need a 14mm Racheting open end wrench to make it easier to remove the bolts off the top of the shock tower) I did the entire front myself (it would have been much easier with a second pair of hands at times.) I had a friend help me man handle the springs in the rear and used the toyota bottle jack in the front and back to help push things down when needed. I have done it twice now (helped another member Martini install his) No problems either time. Both had X-Reas. Without X-Reas it would be even easier.

No rubbing with minor fender trimming in the front. I have 17" wheels but the difference in size from a 265/70/17 to a 265/75/16 is like a tenth of an inch.

The first time it took me 4.5 hours. The second time we were done in under 3 hrs. I would never pay anyone to put that lift on. A ball joint puller is a big help, it lets you put some pressure on the upper ball joint (just good and snug) and then smack it with a hammer. Make sure your hands are clear it will spring up quickly.

Good luck

 

[mtnbiker]

FJ Suspension

First thanks to NCSCOTT, 08V8Sport, and ARK Swamp Rider for giving me the courage to try doing the lift myself :bluejump:

A new twist though. I have the opportunity to get all 4 shocks and springs from an '08 FJ 4x4 w/ only 5k on them.

From what I've read on this forum, the ride is exceptional. My questions are these:

1. Can I just pull the stock shocks and springs out and install the FJ's?

2. I would still like to get a 3" (or so) lift that is also level. Do I still use the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for 4runner or would I need an FJ kit?

3. I know that people are getting different results of lift from FJ suspensions. One variable is V8 vs V6. I just want to make sure I'm level with my V6. I carry 2x Downhill bikes and rack on the hitch...100lbs or so.

4. Is the FJ (4) shocks and springs worth the 11 hour roundtrip drive and $100 cash or is there something comparable or better considering the gas, cash, and time I'll be spending??

Thanks for bearing with me through this. I just want to get it right before I start shelling out a bunch of dough!

 

[m1kefries]

First thanks to NCSCOTT, 08V8Sport, and ARK Swamp Rider for giving me the courage to try doing the lift myself :bluejump:

A new twist though. I have the opportunity to get all 4 shocks and springs from an '08 FJ 4x4 w/ only 5k on them.

From what I've read on this forum, the ride is exceptional. My questions are these:

1. Can I just pull the stock shocks and springs out and install the FJ's?

2. I would still like to get a 3" (or so) lift that is also level. Do I still use the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for 4runner or would I need an FJ kit?

3. I know that people are getting different results of lift from FJ suspensions. One variable is V8 vs V6. I just want to make sure I'm level with my V6. I carry 2x Downhill bikes and rack on the hitch...100lbs or so.

4. Is the FJ (4) shocks and springs worth the 11 hour roundtrip drive and $100 cash or is there something comparable or better considering the gas, cash, and time I'll be spending??

Thanks for bearing with me through this. I just want to get it right before I start shelling out a bunch of dough!

I don't think you can go wrong with the FJ setup. I went that way after doing a lot of reading and research and couldn't be happier. As far as the time to drive and gas costs go I'd find out what they would charge to ship the parts to you. In the long run it could be cheaper considering your time and fuel costs.

Congrats on doing the work yourself, it's actually pretty easy. I did a lot of reading on this site and some others, but still learned a couple of tricks on the front end with the first side.

 

[leftyguns21]

From what I've read on this forum, the ride is exceptional. ?

Much much better

1. Can I just pull the stock shocks and springs out and install the FJ's?

Yes, they are the same

2. I would still like to get a 3" (or so) lift that is also level. Do I still use the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for 4runner or would I need an FJ kit? ?

the 4Runner and FJ kits are the same/interchangeable

3. I know that people are getting different results of lift from FJ suspensions. One variable is V8 vs V6. I just want to make sure I'm level with my V6. I carry 2x Downhill bikes and rack on the hitch...100lbs or so.
?

you wont be level just with the springs swap, you will still need a level kit and even then still have a little bit of rake up front. not much though

4. Is the FJ (4) shocks and springs worth the 11 hour roundtrip drive and $100 cash or is there something comparable or better considering the gas, cash, and time I'll be spending?? ?

i would have them shipped. youll pay a ton more in gas and time to get them. shipping should be less than a tank of gas

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Looks like the other questions have been answered, so I'll address the lift amount. I got .5" on the front with my v8 4runner. Most I've seen get anywhere from .5-1" (v6 or v8). I have seen some get more, such as one who did FJ springs and a 1/2" thick spacer who got 2.5" total (thus 1.5" from the springs, and this was a v6). It's hard to say, I'd think the Daystar 2.5/1.5 would be good, but you never can tell with the amount of lift from the FJ springs.

 

[810moto]

I'll chime in on it as well. I just put on the front FJ shock/spring combo with 1/2" spacer and it's now lifted 2.25" in the front. Its a V6 also so the weight is a bit less than ARK's V8. The ride is great. don't think I would change anything right now.

 

[mtnbiker]

Looks like the other questions have been answered, so I'll address the lift amount. I got .5" on the front with my v8 4runner. Most I've seen get anywhere from .5-1" (v6 or v8). I have seen some get more, such as one who did FJ springs and a 1/2" thick spacer who got 2.5" total (thus 1.5" from the springs, and this was a v6). It's hard to say, I'd think the Daystar 2.5/1.5 would be good, but you never can tell with the amount of lift from the FJ springs.

So do you think the Daystar lift would be too much? (lift) And at what point should I think about a diff drop??

 

[CJ3Flyr]

So do you think the Daystar lift would be too much? (lift) With the FJC springs, maybe. I like a bit of rake rather than nose-up. I'd look for a little less front spacer, 1.5-2.0 net lift. That in combination with the 1.5" spacers on the rear would be great. And at what point should I think about a diff drop?? When you hit 3" total lift. Up to and including 3" is fine without. It's so cheap and if you like the piece of mind do it. Don't forget the CV's angle up quite a bit at the stock height. At about 1.75" of lift the CV's are dead-straight. At about 2.5" the CV's are angled down as much as they were angled up (prior to lift).

:cheers:

 

[jpless]

I'm doing the same...eventually. I have the fj shocks and springs in my storage unit waiting to order the spacers. I've decided on the daystar leveling kit up front and the 1.5" daystar in the rear. I expect a little rake in the rear (reason for the 1.5 in the rear). With just the leveling kit up front, there's a slight upward slope in the running boards so 1.5 in the back will should net me around 2.25-2.5" up front and 1.5-1.75" in the rear. That would reduce the rake from, i think, 1.5" to between .5 and .75". Not much rake but I'd prefer the back a bit higher for towing and whatnot.

I haven't done the install but this is where I've landed after reading a LOT of threads and debating what to do.

 

[mtnbiker]

Fox Coilover 2.5 w/remote reservoir

Anyone have experience with these?? They are spec'd for 07-09 FJ's.

FOX RACING SHOX :: OFFROAD : OE : 2.5 COIL OVER

 

[ki_soarer]

I have been thinking about doing this to mine as well. I have a line on the lift kit off of an FJ for $60. I just havent decided if I want to do just that, or wait till I find some FJ suspension somewhere. Be sure to post up some pics when your done with the install.

 

[mtnbiker]

I'm doing the same...eventually. I have the fj shocks and springs in my storage unit waiting to order the spacers. I've decided on the daystar leveling kit up front and the 1.5" daystar in the rear. I expect a little rake in the rear (reason for the 1.5 in the rear). With just the leveling kit up front, there's a slight upward slope in the running boards so 1.5 in the back will should net me around 2.25-2.5" up front and 1.5-1.75" in the rear. That would reduce the rake from, i think, 1.5" to between .5 and .75". Not much rake but I'd prefer the back a bit higher for towing and whatnot.

I haven't done the install but this is where I've landed after reading a LOT of threads and debating what to do.

It seriously is confusing. With my V6, all I want is a 3" lift and level using fj springs and shocks all the way around. I don't want to do a diff drop or lenghten any brake lines.

I was thinking 2" front spacer and 1" rear spacer with fj suspension to accomplish this...but don't really know! :shrug:

 

[mtnbiker]

Got The Parts...

OK, much gratitude to all whom have helped me make these decisions. :hello: I have got the shocks and springs from an FJ with only 5k on them. (thanks to ALLOUTGEAR on the FJ forum). I've got the spidertrax. I've ordered the 2" front spacer kit, 1.5" rear poly spacers, and a front diff drop kit.

Can anyone think of anything that is wrong with this setup or that will go wrong before I start this? I want to be level and as close to 3" lift on my V6. Any comments will be appreciated!

Next is tire size. Looking at the Goodyear Duratrac 265/75R16.

 

[mtnbiker]

I have been thinking about doing this to mine as well. I have a line on the lift kit off of an FJ for $60. I just havent decided if I want to do just that, or wait till I find some FJ suspension somewhere. Be sure to post up some pics when your done with the install.

Finished the install this weekend. I really like the way it turned out. The ride is awesome, if you can get a FJ suspension, do it! It took me a full day to do it solo. But it is worth it. :driving:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Great, glad you're happy with the outcome. Looks excellent, especially those tires!!!

 

[mtskibum16]

So mtnbiker: You ended up doing the FJ suspension with a 2" lift in front and 1.5" in back? Do you have any shots straight on from the side so we can see the stance better (hard to judge when it's at an angle). Also, do you have before/after measurements of the wheel wells and running boards? I'm planning to do this too but with a DS 2.5/1.5 and I've been thinking about machining the fronts down slightly. Thanks for the help and pictures.

 

[Hayden]

mtnbiker - I think I'm in the exact same boat.

Could you post URL's to every part you had to buy? I'm not going to install myself, I don't think...but I'd like to bring the shop every part they may need.

I want a 3" lift and level, while retaining a decent ride quality. I was thinking 3/2 cornfed spacer but FJ suspension is probably better. Any reason you didn't just go with a 3/2 spacer?

I'm sort of a suspension noob so go easy.