Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen
- Thread starter Toy4R4Me
- Start date
skibummin101
New member
That picture is a little deceiving as my driveway slopes down hill left to right. I double checked to make sure they installed the springs on the correct side, and they did.
HavocRunner
New member
Some coil questions with Bilstein 5100 adjustables
Good evening. I am new to posting here after reading this forum for awhile. I have a few questions before I finalize my purchase. I already have Bilstein 5100 adjustables for the front and the matching for the rear. I was thinking about going with FJ coils for the front and toytec coils for the rear. The rear say they give 2 inches. Can someone help me with where to set the front 5100s? Is the coils swap I am considering a good one? What year FJ coils would be best? The truck is a '05 SR5. Thanks for any advice.
Good evening. I am new to posting here after reading this forum for awhile. I have a few questions before I finalize my purchase. I already have Bilstein 5100 adjustables for the front and the matching for the rear. I was thinking about going with FJ coils for the front and toytec coils for the rear. The rear say they give 2 inches. Can someone help me with where to set the front 5100s? Is the coils swap I am considering a good one? What year FJ coils would be best? The truck is a '05 SR5. Thanks for any advice.
Hey guys, another 4th gen owner who went with the FJ coils and Billies. Picked up 07 FJ coils from FJCforums, Billies from Wheeler's offroad and got my local gas station to mount it (I would hae done it, but broken bones). Gaterose aka Matt was my apple guru-bar, kind enough to answer a bunch of last minute questions.
I haven't really driven it any reasonable distance since the install to comment on the ride quality. I did notice right away when I picked it up that the steering felt firmer. The lift seems to be pretty mild in my case, with front Billies set to 0.85. My old stock shocks were getting squishy after 68k miles, so I am happy with just new shocks.
Left is before, right is after. Thanks for this great thread!
After:
The goodies:
I haven't really driven it any reasonable distance since the install to comment on the ride quality. I did notice right away when I picked it up that the steering felt firmer. The lift seems to be pretty mild in my case, with front Billies set to 0.85. My old stock shocks were getting squishy after 68k miles, so I am happy with just new shocks.
Left is before, right is after. Thanks for this great thread!
After:
The goodies:
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Yet another 4th gen upgrade
SPECS:
2008 Sport edition 4WD
Downhill Assist Control,
3 Skid plates,
NAV w/ Back-up camera
Assembly in Japan and shipped to Long Beach on da'boat
No NHTSA TSB or Recalls for throttle or whatever
82K miles
Well, following all the good advice here I, with the wifie decided to make the change. (her Daily Driver; The San Diego Toyota dealer quoted us $3300 + tax for the XREAS replacement.All 4 shocks, no exceptions) We have been nursing a leaky RR shock for 6 mos. and now a LR Shock started leaking.
So with 2 FJ coils in the rear and 4 Bilies, fronts set at max, we gained about 3.0" at least. Also added some Toyo open country IIs 265/70/17 to the mix. The ride is so much better. Crappy SOCAL roads feel SO MUCH BETTER on my Azz!
The Toyos and FJ rear coils with 4Billies=$2200 installed
The Thule roof basket goes on this weekend...:clock:
I can't believe the difference in the ride and the height! Our TRK looks good on the road!
Heading up to Chama New Mexico, Durango Colorado & Moab UT and the Alpine Loop in a couple weeks. Ready, set, GO! :biggrin2:
Thank your all for the input here. You guys are great!
Will def be paying more attention to this forum.
may have to trade in the family FORDRanger for another 4Runner!
Grats to all!
Before:
T4R.ORG modified:
SPECS:
2008 Sport edition 4WD
Downhill Assist Control,
3 Skid plates,
NAV w/ Back-up camera
Assembly in Japan and shipped to Long Beach on da'boat
No NHTSA TSB or Recalls for throttle or whatever
82K miles
Well, following all the good advice here I, with the wifie decided to make the change. (her Daily Driver; The San Diego Toyota dealer quoted us $3300 + tax for the XREAS replacement.All 4 shocks, no exceptions) We have been nursing a leaky RR shock for 6 mos. and now a LR Shock started leaking.
So with 2 FJ coils in the rear and 4 Bilies, fronts set at max, we gained about 3.0" at least. Also added some Toyo open country IIs 265/70/17 to the mix. The ride is so much better. Crappy SOCAL roads feel SO MUCH BETTER on my Azz!
The Toyos and FJ rear coils with 4Billies=$2200 installed
The Thule roof basket goes on this weekend...:clock:
I can't believe the difference in the ride and the height! Our TRK looks good on the road!
Heading up to Chama New Mexico, Durango Colorado & Moab UT and the Alpine Loop in a couple weeks. Ready, set, GO! :biggrin2:
Thank your all for the input here. You guys are great!
Will def be paying more attention to this forum.
may have to trade in the family FORDRanger for another 4Runner!
Grats to all!
Before:
T4R.ORG modified:
2k54RUNNIN
New member
After reading this thread, I am assuming this is not possible with any spacer lift taller than 2/1 correct? I just got a set of FJ coils locally for $20, but I already have Cornfed 3/2 spacer lift. So if I want to use the FJ coils I would need to switch to Toytec or Daystar 2/1 lifts? I like the height mine is at right now. I need to keep this height so that my tires will fit and not rub. Of course I would be changing out the struts/shocks, but I just want to clarify about the lift. Thank you.
BigNuge
New member
Is there any benefit in using FJ front springs (will they provide lift or a better ride)? If I were to go with 5100's all around would I even need to use new coils or just use the stockers (up front)? I know I would need FJ coils in the rear to give a little lift, just wondering if I have to bother with the front springs at all.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Actually the shop that installed our makeover used the same stock springs up front with the billies adjusted up to the max setting. The rear coils are 07 FJs. I originally wanted the front coils FJs but the guy talked me out of it. Being that my fronts are maxed out, I am not sure if I need to be concerned or not. I asked about using spacers with the billies adjusted down but he said what is the point?
2003 Sport with XREAS with 111,000 miles Changed over to 2013 FJ Rear Coils and 2007 Front coils and FJ stock shocks both Front and Rear. The 07 FJ parts had 2,000 miles of use. The fronts came with a 3" Trailmaster lift. I was not going to use the 3" Trailmaster and hoped to just use a 1/2" spacer. My mechanic said it was all or nothing on the Trailmaster set-up an he made the command decision to keep it. Here are the specs:
Mesured from the ground to top center of the wheel well lip's leading edge. Measured with nearly a full tank of gas. I'm calling it 2 3/4 lift in the front and 3/4 to 1 inch in the rear. It measures dead level at the roof rack rails with a carpenters level. It may be my eye but it looks like a positive rake in the picture.
Driver Front:
32 15/16
35 12/16
+2 13/16
Passenger Front:
33 1/2
36 1/4
+2 3/4
Driver Rear
35 9/16
36 1/4
+ 11/16
Passenger Rear
35 1/2
36 1/2
+ 1"
Spent $165 for parts and shipping and $466 for install and alignment.
Mesured from the ground to top center of the wheel well lip's leading edge. Measured with nearly a full tank of gas. I'm calling it 2 3/4 lift in the front and 3/4 to 1 inch in the rear. It measures dead level at the roof rack rails with a carpenters level. It may be my eye but it looks like a positive rake in the picture.
Driver Front:
32 15/16
35 12/16
+2 13/16
Passenger Front:
33 1/2
36 1/4
+2 3/4
Driver Rear
35 9/16
36 1/4
+ 11/16
Passenger Rear
35 1/2
36 1/2
+ 1"
Spent $165 for parts and shipping and $466 for install and alignment.
Attachments
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BigNuge
New member
I think the picture is making it look like it has positive rake. Try another pic on a more level spot (and maybe less shadow on this side of the truck so we can see the running board/ground relationship).
I'm closing a deal on 08 FJ suspension now. I'm in an 03 Sport V8 AWD W/XREAS with 124k on it. XREAS is coming out and I'm going FJ springs & 5100's all around. Hoping for a mild lift like yours. Also want to have a comfortable ride on the road too, that is where most of my miles are now.
daka320
New member
Thanks to all for your pics and comments! Learned a lot on what setup to go with. Ours is a daily driver mostly by my wife so I had to get her onboard.
Xreas is starting to leak on the rear shocks. Decided to go with the fj coils and 5100's all around. Ordered everything brand new for $650. Install will be $275-$350. Will show pics, measurements, and prices after it is done tomorrow.
arty:
Xreas is starting to leak on the rear shocks. Decided to go with the fj coils and 5100's all around. Ordered everything brand new for $650. Install will be $275-$350. Will show pics, measurements, and prices after it is done tomorrow.
arty:
BigNuge
New member
Thanks to all for your pics and comments! Learned a lot on what setup to go with. Ours is a daily driver mostly by my wife so I had to get her onboard.
Xreas is starting to leak on the rear shocks. Decided to go with the fj coils and 5100's all around. Ordered everything brand new for $650. Install will be $275-$350. Will show pics, measurements, and prices after it is done tomorrow.
Please do post pics & measurements. I'm looking to do the exact same thing. My XREAS is not leaking but is getting seriously soft and bad for offroad.
One question, are you using FJ coils up front too? I am going to use them on all 4 corners as well as 5100's. If you are I'm curious what setting your mechanic uses on the 5100's up front. I'm not sure if FJ front coils provide any sort of lift themselves or if it is still done with the 5100's.
Anyway, can't wait to see how you make out.
Tmaxxexpress
New member
I lifted my 2004 4wd 4 runner this past weekend. 122,00 miles on the truck. stock measurements from the ground to center of wheel well front was 33 and the rear was 35. I bought 2012 FJ Cruiser rear coils and front strut assembly with toyota struts with 12,000 miles. I installed a 1 1/2 inch spacer in rear and 2 inch spacer in front. (top mounted) finished results are 36 inches front and 37 1/2 rear. Also the lower mount on my truck was 39 mm and the lower strut assembly was 41 mm. I read about grinding and all that but we took the lower control arm off and decided there is not enough material to grind on the mount. So, I took a piece of 1/8 steel placed inside of the mount put a long bolt through the other side placed a bunch of washers on the bolt inside the mount then placed a nut on the end of the bolt snugged it up against the steel then took an impact wrench and tightened up the bolt even more which of course spread out the mount. this worked perfectly!! The other side we left the lower control arm on and just did the same thing while still on the truck. We loosened up the alignment bolts on the lower control arms so they would fall out of the way. Marked them and it worked great.
zopperman
Moderator
DS 2.5/1.5, Rear FJ coils.
my measurements seem to be about 38.5 rear and 37.5 front
literally from the first post of this thread:
Expected Lift
The FJ springs alone net about .5-1'' in the front and .25-.75'' in the rear. 1/2" front is more common on v8 4runners. On 2wds (v8 or v6) and v6 4x4 1" is about average. Most models get about 1/4" from the rear, but some do get as much as 3/4". This difference is what makes it so difficult to suggest an exact setup, there are way too many factors to consider when swapping out the springs. Mainly, all of our 4runners have sagged different amounts on the stock suspension, same for all the FJ's. So, the lift gained depends on how much use your stock springs have and also how much use the FJ springs you have sagged.
Also, many members have been impressed by the change in ride quality. The FJ springs are stiffer, reducing body roll and brake dive. However, the ride is far from harsh and many prefer it to stock.
my measurements seem to be about 38.5 rear and 37.5 front
literally from the first post of this thread:
Expected Lift
The FJ springs alone net about .5-1'' in the front and .25-.75'' in the rear. 1/2" front is more common on v8 4runners. On 2wds (v8 or v6) and v6 4x4 1" is about average. Most models get about 1/4" from the rear, but some do get as much as 3/4". This difference is what makes it so difficult to suggest an exact setup, there are way too many factors to consider when swapping out the springs. Mainly, all of our 4runners have sagged different amounts on the stock suspension, same for all the FJ's. So, the lift gained depends on how much use your stock springs have and also how much use the FJ springs you have sagged.
Also, many members have been impressed by the change in ride quality. The FJ springs are stiffer, reducing body roll and brake dive. However, the ride is far from harsh and many prefer it to stock.
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daka320
New member
5100's and fj springs are done!!! Wow what a difference!!! The ride quality is ssooo much better. Did not get much of a chance for highway cruising but driving on city streets and over speed bumps there is less bounce and a nicer ride.
Went with the .85 setting (first notch from bottom) on the front struts. On the front went from 33 3/8 to 35. On back from 35 1/4 to 36 3/8. I do notice a difference on the height, which is nice, but we are in it more for the ride. Will post some before and after pics in the next few days. Too dark outside after I got home.
FYI, have your mechanic check all of your front and rear suspension components while they are at it. The bushings on the rear sway bar needed replacing. Also just plugged the xreas system. My mechanic told me to stop back by after 500 miles to make sure everything is still tight and torqued.
For any of you Phoenix, AZ folks I had Sierra Expeditions in Mesa do all of the work. For all of the above and a four wheel alignment they charged me $326.00. Talk to Will, the owner. He is very knowledgeable about our 4runners. He is my new go to guy for any mods!!!
Total cost: $964.00. Coils/Springs from Partznet $328.00. Shocks/Struts from Down South Motorsports $310.00. Install, alignment, sway bar bushings, xreas plugged from Sierra Expeditions $326.00.
Went with the .85 setting (first notch from bottom) on the front struts. On the front went from 33 3/8 to 35. On back from 35 1/4 to 36 3/8. I do notice a difference on the height, which is nice, but we are in it more for the ride. Will post some before and after pics in the next few days. Too dark outside after I got home.
FYI, have your mechanic check all of your front and rear suspension components while they are at it. The bushings on the rear sway bar needed replacing. Also just plugged the xreas system. My mechanic told me to stop back by after 500 miles to make sure everything is still tight and torqued.
For any of you Phoenix, AZ folks I had Sierra Expeditions in Mesa do all of the work. For all of the above and a four wheel alignment they charged me $326.00. Talk to Will, the owner. He is very knowledgeable about our 4runners. He is my new go to guy for any mods!!!
Total cost: $964.00. Coils/Springs from Partznet $328.00. Shocks/Struts from Down South Motorsports $310.00. Install, alignment, sway bar bushings, xreas plugged from Sierra Expeditions $326.00.
daka320
New member
BigNuge I hope the above helps you out.
So its been about 10 days since the suspension upgrade and I'm getting a consistent squeak from the rear when I'm off the gas traveling 30-45 mph. Its loud enough to be annoying in city driving. If I'm accelerating, braking, going over speed bumps etc, nothing. It seems to be occurring from the rear when under minimal load. I snugged up the spare but that had no effect. I tried running with the seats flat and that was not it ~ a few threads point in that direction. They did not remove the REAS components, disappointed there, asked them to do, but they get a pass as they've been great for 20 yrs. The lines are all zip tied. Shocks and coils seem snug. The rear coils were new take-offs from an FJ. They were quite stout. Perhaps squeaking from not being under load? Ideas?
BigNuge
New member
Before, It's tough to see because I didn't take a good profile shot...
So, here are a couple of pictures after the lift & alignment.
A shot of the front end components, including axle angles (no diff drop used).
TT FJ Coils all around, 5100's all around (fronts set at top setting), 1 1/2" Daystars on the rear.
Build thread coming soon...
**Update** Build thread link in my signature...
So, here are a couple of pictures after the lift & alignment.
A shot of the front end components, including axle angles (no diff drop used).
TT FJ Coils all around, 5100's all around (fronts set at top setting), 1 1/2" Daystars on the rear.
Build thread coming soon...
**Update** Build thread link in my signature...
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