Cant decide - Spacers vs Shocks/Spacers
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mrevilandy
New member
Ppl either don't mind spacers or they wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole. No one says that for suspension lifts though. If you can swing it why not do the bilsteins
pipo6007
New member
If I were in your shoes I would probably go with the Toytec 3" front spacer and rear coils. And when you have 50,000+ miles then consider changing out the shocks and coils.
stphnman20
Member
Remember, if you're going 3" in the front, you'll need UCA.
borfoo3
New member
If cost difference isn't much, consider the bonus of better handling with Bilstein shocks vs stock.. Unless you like the cushy mushy ride with olympic nosedives
toku58
New member
My 2 pennies.
I would recommend the Bilsteins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBpLKyaG9BE
At the 1:40 mark they go over the difference.
This may not seem to matter much? But here's why I think it's important.
The stock shocks are too short and limiting when you do a 3" lift. The top plate makes the strut too long. (possible over strain to the tie rods and CV's)
The Bilstein took those factors into account. Giving you the maximum articulation range.
If you go with them set at 1.75" you should be fine without UCA's. But if you're going 2.5" it would be a better idea to get a nice set of UCA's. (To be able to dial in your alignment #)
Hope this helps!
I had the exact spacers you are talking about on my FJ. After much research and years of reading on the FJ / 4runner forums, I installed 5100's at 1.75" front with 5100 rears and 1.00" corned spacers when I got my 2014 4runner and this set up is much better. Ride is much better. Higher quality feel, etc. I'm an engineer (nit-picky) and a long time car/truck enthusiast and this is the way a would tell you to go. I will tell you that this set up is exactly level but when I tow my 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer, the front is too high / rear sags too much for my liking, even with Timbren extended bumps installed in the rear. The 4runner rear stock coils are soft. I am probably going to switch to 1.5 Daystar spacers or 1.5"-2.0" lift springs in the rear. If you tow, keep this in mind.
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That video was really helpful! Also MNBighead I really was aiming for doing what you did with 1.75 up front 1inch cornfed rear. I don't tow and once in a while I toss heavy stuff from homedepot in the back. I don't want to get rid of my 20rims so I don't want a 3inch left
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Lindenwood
New member
I would absolutely get the Bilsteins.
True, I just bought a spacer lift for my TRDP. But that is honestly because I would have felt a little guilty for dumping the "upgraded" shocks for even some basic adjustable Bilsteins.
In another few years, though, as the shocks loosen up I will absolutely be upgrading the suspension further.
True, I just bought a spacer lift for my TRDP. But that is honestly because I would have felt a little guilty for dumping the "upgraded" shocks for even some basic adjustable Bilsteins.
In another few years, though, as the shocks loosen up I will absolutely be upgrading the suspension further.
4runnin4mylife
New member
I dumped my shocks at 600 miles for some Bilstein 5100's all around. I like the adjustable front shocks, slightly stiffer ride, and decreased nose dive on braking. I kept the stock shocks if anything goes wrong with the Bilsteins, so they can go back on anytime, but don't see that happening for a while.
85straight
New member
You could always get the bilsteins and recover some funds by trying to sell the stocks
toku58
New member
LOL! Mine only has 120 miles on them. (No one wants to buy the stock shocks)
I set them a 1.75" for now with a set of spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers. Along with a pair of these:
https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...-205552/old-man-emu-150pr10-rear-trim-packer/
Later down the line I'll set them at 2.5" and use daystar 1.5" rear spacers for the rear. But that's when I have a chance to pick up a set of UCA's, and the diff drop kit.
The great thing about the Bilsteins is that you can change the settings. and do different lifts.
It's like adjustable coils for a fraction of the cost!
(I'm done with beautiful coil overs! They all start to look like crap after about a year)
That's why I recommend the Bilsteins.
Good luck!
