Bilstein 5100 and FJ Cruiser Coils

[Jhelms]

If I order the shocks from amazon I'm not sure if they come with the bushings. It doesn't say for sure. They are the cheapest on there though so if I need to I'll just buy factory 4Runner ones from the dealership. There are only shock and strut bushings on the bottom though not the top correct? Because on both the front and rear the top just bolts into a mounting plate. EDIT: I actually see in the picture it shows the bushings. They're just already in the shock eyelet (correct term?) in the picture.

The lower bushing is installed in the strut. There are two upper bushings that come with the strut that sandwich the tophat. May have an easier time installing the OEM tophat bushings to note.

For alignment, it will be off. Just take it in for a front end alignment.

 

[michael33r]

The lower bushing is installed in the strut. There are two upper bushings that come with the strut that sandwich the tophat. May have an easier time installing the OEM tophat bushings to note.

For alignment, it will be off. Just take it in for a front end alignment.

Ok. I called the alignment shop and they said they could align it as long as they can adjust the camber far enough. I guess if the shocks make the control arm too extended it will make it so that the camber can't be adjusted far enough. Can anyone else confirm that this setup will work and can be aligned? Is there anything I need to tell them specifically or can they just get it aligned perfectly?

 

[Jhelms]

It can be easily aligned. It is only a 1" - 2" lift max depending on your current springs. Had both my 4runners done the day after I installed both FJ spring lifts. Tundra strut has nothing to do with the alignment as they do not align it at full drop Just tell them to align it to spec, will not be an issue.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Followup:
100% happy with the FJ spring lift. Ride is multitudes better than stock. Very plush feeling / big truck like.

When you say bigger truck like, do you mean smoother?

 

[Jhelms]

Correct, smoother especially on large bumps, speed bumps, dips and so forth. Takes away a lot of light truck feel. Overall, it is clear the FJ springs are quite a large step forward in design. However I am no hardcore offroader, so those types may have something else to say. But for street, general offroad, I could not be happier.

 

[AZBub]

I can vouch for the ride comfort. I had 2014 4Runner rear springs which are similar installed for a while, was such a smooth ride, would have been even better with newer shocks. I can say they were significantly smoother a ride than the Land Cruiser springs I have on now.

some things: the 2014 springs were a little shorter than my stock springs but had thicker wire. For mild trail riding they were fine but I would be concerned with flexing a lot and having a spring fall out.

 

[michael33r]

The front coils and struts work fine. However, the rear FJ coils lowered it about two inches and they rub. Also, the rear Tundra 5100s do not fit. I have to get a different bushing pressed in to make it fit. Not sure how on earth any of you did this at all.

 

[Jhelms]

I do not think anyone ever mentioned rear tundra 5100's... we only use the tundra fronts.

And I could not imagine what went on with yours. Where did you get the springs? off what year? I did the lift on two 4runners - no issues at all.

 

[michael33r]

Apparently you can use the rears with different bushings that press in easily. When I said 5100s all around I meant front and rear. I used ACDelco Professional coils. Turns out they were actually for a 2wd FJ Cruiser. I didn't know they made a 2wd and I'm curious if they actually sit lower than the 4x4s. I decided to go with the OME 906s instead because they'll be an exact fit.

 

[michael33r]

I do not think anyone ever mentioned rear tundra 5100's... we only use the tundra fronts.

And I could not imagine what went on with yours. Where did you get the springs? off what year? I did the lift on two 4runners - no issues at all.

The OME 906 springs didn't seem to lift it much either really. Maybe a tiny bit but I don't think it was 2". It measures 36" ground to fender. Up front it was also at 36" but over night it sank down to stock height. I have them on the second setting. I do LOVE the way it rides now though. I may just leave it the way it is I guess.