Bout to install FJ shocks/springs

mrpanic7

mrpanic7

New member
I picked up some 08' FJ springs and shocks, and planning to install them this weekend. I have ARK SWAMP RIDER's sticky for install info but the only one close to what I'm going to do is OME no compressor method. FYI I'm 04' SR5 V6 4x4 NON-XREAS.

My questions are:

-Anyone have a step by step guide somewhere for FJ springs/shocks swap that im not finding?

-Any personal tips/tricks from experience?

-torque specs for related bolts?

-Should I also upgrade any of the bushings involved?

Any relevant info appreciated :)
 
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I know ARK_Swamp swapped out the bushings and said he liked the upgrade. It's relatively inexpensive to do but I don't believe that it's necessary unless you've got the funds to do it and want to.
If you check his sig on some of his posts, I think there's a link to the FJ swap with numbers and possibly a write up.

If not, then check toyota120.com for writeups there, they might have one.
 
I am no help to you questions :( however i was wondering, what do new shocks and springs do for your ride? I have a completely stock sr5 and im going to be needing updates/replacement parts soon. Better off just having our mechanic put on whatever...or get specific ones?
 
For the most part, I followed the steps in this thread: OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

There were two main deviations from this write up though. First, I didn't loosen the eccentric bolts on the LCA. This required me to really torque on the LCA with the jack handle, which probably isn't the best for the LCA bushings. Also, the jack handle slipped at one point and tore one of the lower ball joints. If you use this method, I highly recommend marking and then loosening the eccentric bolts to give you some more room. Second, I didn't have any wheel spacers installed, and I found that the stock wheel studs don't stick out far enough to use a 2x4 to support the hub during the install. Instead, I used the stock bottle jack and a small piece of 2x2 to support the hub from the bottom. This worked out really well actually, allowed me to raise/lower the hub as needed. Other than that , it really wasn't too bad.

Here is another useful thread that I used (especially the PDF's linked towards the bottom of the first post, they have torque specs):
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/75601-front-bilstein-5100-install-tips-tricks-help-you-out.html

I would replace all bushings and retainers during the install, stock replacements are fine. Good luck!
 
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Spiggie said:
I am no help to you questions :( however i was wondering, what do new shocks and springs do for your ride? I have a completely stock sr5 and im going to be needing updates/replacement parts soon. Better off just having our mechanic put on whatever...or get specific ones?
Click to expand...

If you can't do a search, then yes, have your mechanic put on whatever. This forum is literally filled to the gills with info about lifts (options, costs, parts, reviews, assessments, etc.)

Sorry to be that guy, but wtf.
 
I had my mechanic do the swap for me. Ripped out the xreas and put in the FJ springs and bilstein shocks. It was worth it. I love the ride on the truck now. It is a very noticeable difference.

You should inquire from the more knowledgeable members here as to what you might want to replace/ service on the truck while you have it apart.

Things like CV joints, ball joints, etc.
 
Thanks alot sonerick and pwgunny really appreciate it!

@Spiggie the FJ cruiser shocks/springs before 2010 year, fit perfectly into the 4th gen 4Runner. Doing both offers a little bit more lift but it varies in how much you'll get. Doing this swap will give you not only the lift, but also firmer ride and less brake dive, body roll, etc

But sonerick is right just sit down with some tea or coffee and read thru all the 4th gen threads youll learn PLENTY.
 
Alright thanks! I'll get a big coffee an read :) let me know how the upgrades work for you! I'm looking for less body roll!...always find myself holding on to the center console when I take turns.
 
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Spiggie said:
Alright thanks! I'll get a big coffee an read :) let me know how the upgrades work for you! I'm looking for less body roll!...always find myself holding on to the center console when I take turns.
Click to expand...

I will keep you posted. Also if you are looking for less body roll, upgrading the sway bar bushings to poly is worth it. I haven't done mine yet, but Ive felt the difference in body roll!
 
SR5 Iron said:
Does anyone have a write up for the rear springs or is it just so easy it doesnt warrant one?
Click to expand...

Really easy.

Lift vehicle and set frame on jack stands as high as possible. Use a floor jack to support rear diff. Unbolt shock top nuts. Unbolt shock lower eye bolts. Remove shock. Disconnect sway bar either by unbolting end links or by unbolting bar from axle. Lower the jack supporting the rear diff, being mindful of the brake lines. Pop out the old springs, and pop in the new ones. Make sure you re-use the rubber bump stop at the top of each spring. Pry bar helps with spring removal, spring compressor helps with installation. Install everything in reverse order, making sure to re-install bushings and retainers on the shocks.
 
SR5 Iron said:
Does anyone have a write up for the rear springs or is it just so easy it doesnt warrant one?
Click to expand...

I don't have a write up but it's really easy. Jack up the rear until the suspension is fully flexed (use jack stands under the rear frame, just in case) then use another jack to raise one side of the axle. The springs are only held in there by the weight of the vehicle so as soon as one side is raised the other side is relaxed and you can pull out the spring. Then proceed to crack open your favorite adult beverage and enjoy the fruits of your labor. That's how I did mine :cheers::cheers::cheers:
 
krupnation said:
I don't have a write up but it's really easy. Jack up the rear until the suspension is fully flexed (use jack stands under the rear frame, just in case) then use another jack to raise one side of the axle. The springs are only held in there by the weight of the vehicle so as soon as one side is raised the other side is relaxed and you can pull out the spring. Then proceed to crack open your favorite adult beverage and enjoy the fruits of your labor. That's how I did mine :cheers::cheers::cheers:
Click to expand...

Good point, I guess you don't have to remove the shocks if you're not changing those out too!
 
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