I have a 2008 4Runner 4x4 sport with the XREAS. A little over 100,000 miles on it. In about the last year I've noticed the struts/shocks feel worn. Decided I wanted to replace them and started with the Toyota parts counter for kicks. WOW, just the XREAS shocks and struts were going to be about $2000 CAD before taxes, plus the labor to install! I didn't even bother to ask the service guys what the labor $ would be on top of this.
After this I did some research on line (most on this site) and it seems the Bilstien 5100's with FJ springs are the route I wanted to take. I've looked on Craig's list and so on in my area and can't find any used 07-09 FJ springs. Not even going to bother asking the Stealership what they would charge for a new set.
I went to a 4x4 shop the other day and talked to the staff. They convinced me that I will be happy with the 5100's and my current 4Runner springs. I inquired about Moog springs and others that I read about online and the staff more or less convinced me to save my $ and use the OEM springs.
The only things I'm still pondering are...
1- I want the front leveled out. Also when the current 265/65/17 tires wear out I'd like to go to a 265/70/17 mainly as I think it would look better. However for the time being I'm going to leave these tires on.
Sooo, how do I know how much to lift the front up? Or how does the shop know how high to go? It might look a tad goofy with the 65 series tires for now but when I put the 70 series tires on I want to look nice and "filled in."
2- The adjustable front shocks, are they easy to adjust up and down once they're installed? Or are they kind of "set" at that height and adjusting requires a fair amount of labor? I was just thinking if say they are set at 2.5, and I want to raise it up a hair after the new tires, hopefully it isn't a huge pain.
3- Lastly, the guys at this 4x4 shop said to just leave the back height stock, however I have read on some sites a lot of ppl raise the back up 1" or so if they're going 3" or so on the front?
Any advice would be appreciated.