Bilstein 5100 + FJ springs Or Bilstein 5100 + stock springs

[Morrobayrunner]

Im about to do my 1st mods. after 4years all stock and i read a lot about lifting in this forum which encourage me to level also my runner. I want to know the exact lift if i use Bilstein 5100 + Fj springs compare to Bilstein 5100 + stock springs. Im drive mostly 70% highway and 20% city, 10 % rough rd. So i need some expert advice what to choose but i dont like the boat ride of the stock.I have 2006 sr5 4wd 4runner all stock. If possible i want 2 inches lift front i dont know how much the rear just to level it.I expecting my bilstein gonna arrive today and fj springs arrive this week fr fj community. And what more do i need to buy like rubber between the shocks and springs or just plain springs and shocks thats it? Im really innocent regarding this mod but somebody gonna help me install it.Im really excited what is the outcome maybe thru all your supports it will be easy. Really appreaciate all opinions and advices. Thanks in advance. Try to post some pics after this project actually i have figure it out how to post too. MorrobayRunner Last question do i need a an alignment after the lift or not necessary?

 

[90scman]

Im running the fj springs with the 5100s and love the ride. With that and a 1.5 spacer in the rear, im running 37 inch in front from the ground to fender and 38 in the rear from ground to fender.

 

[Morrobayrunner]

You setup your bilstein second grove from below which is .85 or the third which is 1.75? i dont have a rear spring for now, how about if i use my rear stock plus 1 spacer or new billies plus my stock rear spring is that possible? anybody can answer. Thx again..........

 

[m1kefries]

I had the same issue as you do, I hated the mushy ride. Since I needed new tires I figured I'd go all the way. I've got an '07 SR5 with FJ springs front and rear, Bilsteins front and rear, and Daystar 1.5" rear spacer. The Bilsteins are in the third notch for 1.75" of lift. That combined with the FJ springs yields 2.5" of lift in the front. The apace and spring in the rear yields a bit over 2". The new tires are 255/75/17, a bit narrower than stock width.

I'm very happy with the overall look and the ride is way better than stock. You can check out a picture of the final product in my build thread. There is also a link to more detailed pictures of the install.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/70984-mikes-07-build.html

 

[gaterose]

i dont have a rear spring for now, how about if i use my rear stock plus 1 spacer or new billies plus my stock rear spring is that possible? anybody can answer. Thx again..........

I have FJ springs all around & the bilsteins (all around as well) set to 0.85". the only lift I have in the rear is the small amount from the FJC springs. I do the same sort of driving as you say you do and I am extremely satisfied with the results. Here are some Pictures

 

[THEROK]

if i may add a toyota design/visual perspective here to go against the assumption that leveling is a good move for the aesthetic...

if you look at the profile of your 4th gen you'll see that the roof itself slopes downward as you move from front windshield area to the back. you'll see this design feature also on the chrysler 300, magnum and a number of other tall-ish cars...

so the rake compensates a bit for this sloped roof which gives the 4r a more compact, bulldogish look as say compared to the top heavy lexus gx.

when you "level it" most are just looking at the wheel gap which is fine... but don't think leveling won't have an impact on how the top roofline will now fall which will make the roof slop towards the back even more pronounced.

i wouldn't level it so much if i were you.... if anything, do it very conservatively. maintaining bit of rake is a good thing imo.

 

[Morrobayrunner]

Hey Guys i finally got my order billstein 5100 from wheelers takes five days to order at $175.00 still waiting for the front springs. Thanks for all your comments and suggestion i will consider all your inputs. Thanks a lot ...... Welcome to some more suggestions.

 

[curlingjh]

I am going to have the same set up as morrobayrunner. I have FJ rear shocks and springs from a 4x4, but not bilstein. I want to use the 5100s for the front. can i use the stock 4runner springs with the 5100s?

 

[gaterose]

I am going to have the same set up as morrobayrunner. I have FJ rear shocks and springs from a 4x4, but not bilstein. I want to use the 5100s for the front. can i use the stock 4runner springs with the 5100s?

Yes you can use the stock springs, the ride will just be softer in the front with stock coils.

 

[THEROK]

I am going to have the same set up as morrobayrunner. I have FJ rear shocks and springs from a 4x4, but not bilstein. I want to use the 5100s for the front. can i use the stock 4runner springs with the 5100s?

of course dude. the 5100s are designed to work with the stock springs. and don't correlate stock springs with "soft". what does that mean? softer as compared to what? what quantifiable value for meaningfulcomparison to say the FJs?

i have the full 5100s on all four corners on stock front springs and OME rears. the ride is just fine. the 4R is a commuter utility struck driven mostly by soccer moms. it rides beautifully with the new setup. some of you guys should be driving sports cars by the sounds of it.

 

[gaterose]

what does that mean? softer as compared to what? what quantifiable value for meaningfulcomparison to say the FJs?

Softer than the rear FJ coil springs. I can only speak from personal experience but for the week I had front FJC coils and rear T4R coils, I noticed the rear was much softer (more bouncy) than the front. Because of that I decided to put the rear coils in. Using that logic I assume if I had done the reverse, then the front end would've felt softer than the rear since it felt even after I changed the rear. It also felt "even" when I had the stock coils all around, just softer. I could be wrong though, I never tried the rears only; just the fronts only because I was originally only looking to level.

When I say softer, I am referring to the way the vehicle bounced 5-6 times after driving over 2 speed tables and 4-5 times after going over a certain dip in the road. All 3 are on the way to/from my house so I drive over them every day.

When I installed the FJC coils, it only bounced 2-3 times (and much more slowly i.e. less boat like) on the speed tables and doesn't bounce at all going through the dip, it just soaks it up.

 

[PhillyBoy]

Hey, I just picked up my Bilstein 5100s for my 03 runner (front and rear). If i put the spring seat to the highest position will it lift the front higher than the rear?

 

[curlingjh]

Thanks for the info! any thoughts on what notch/setting for the 5100s i should use to level the front with FJ shocks and springs in the back?

 

[gaterose]

Thanks for the info! any thoughts on what notch/setting for the 5100s i should use to level the front with FJ shocks and springs in the back?

I have mine on the 2nd (0.85") notch from the bottom with FJC springs front & rear. The first "lift setting"

 

[curlingjh]

.85 it is. looks good on yours. thanks for the info!

 

[Flyer]

I certainly do not want to level my T4R. I have the Bilsteins all around (FJ take-off) and am looking for a place that will install it for a reasonable price. I hear the ride is really good. The stock suspension is a bit too soft, though extremely comfortable on the highway. Still, I think it leans too much and dives too much, and bottoms out when in rough situations offroad. The FJ suspension seems to be the way to go for a first step.

 

[gaterose]

.85 it is. looks good on yours. thanks for the info!

You're welcome & thanks for the compliments!