Edit by Mod: Due to the popularity of this swap with 4th gens I am going "stick" this thread. Another very helpful resource for those considering the swap can be found here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/78933-4th-gen-all-whove-done-fj-swap.html :cheers: CJ3Flyr
So, I just did the FJ spring lift and found myself running all over the place to find the information I needed. I've been on many other forums and most others make a lot more use of Stickies for this kind of information that's widely requested. I don't know if we try to keep the number of stickies down or what, but if a mod sees fit to sticky this, that would be great.
Anyways, on to the info. (Disclaimer: I am just organizing information here so it is easy to find, not claiming any of this as my own)
The parts:
You'll need a set of stock FJ cruiser springs, which many members get from Craigslist, eBay, or the
FJ community classifieds
any set from an 07-09 4x4 FJ will be a direct replacement for any 03-09 4runner, but those from 2010's require some slight modification. 2WD springs will fit as well, but will not yield the same results.
According to X6RUNNER:
The 2010 front FJ strut's lower joint needs to be modified in order to fit a 4Runner. The rear mounting hole (on the chassis) also need to be enlarged to fit the larger bushing washer. It can be done with some power tools.
The FJ has 3 models, all with different shocks. The base model has Tokico shocks. The Trail Teams and TRD both have Bilsteins, although the shocks are different between the two. The Bilstein's are definitely preferred, but any of them are an upgrade based on the responses I've seen.
It is important to note that there is a difference between the driver and passenger side
front springs. The drivers side is about 1/4'' taller and a little stiffer to offset the additional weight of the driver and gas tank. The springs are color coded Yellow/Green on driver side and Gray/Green on the passenger side.
Most people who do this lift add a spacer to the front springs to "level" the truck. There are two ways people define level. First is having the running boards and roof rack level, which is what most prefer and what the following setups should achieve. Others go for equal space between the tire and fender (takes more lift to achieve this). So, if you're a v6 owner wanting equal space between the tire and fender, the 1/2" spacer may need to be considered.
The 1/4'' toytec spacer (1/2'' net lift) is suggested for a v6 runner and the 1/2'' spacer (listed as 3/4'' lift, but actually yields 1'' net lift) for the v8. The cornfed 1'' lift front spacer yields similar results to the toytec 1/2'' spacer. Some also add a full spacer lift on top of the springs such as the cornfed 2/1 or the Daystar 2.5/1.5 to give some extra height.
If you have a 2wd (v6 or v8), the 1/4" spacer is recommended. The FJ springs provide more lift on 2wd's than 4wd's.
toytec 1/4'' spacer
toytec 1/2'' spacer
popular lift installation write-ups
Note: this lift can be done with XREAS; it is highly suggested that you leave the hydraulic lines connected to the shocks/struts and work on them in the wheel well because if you lose fluid from the system it is ruined. However, there are ways to disconnect the XREAS if you so desire.
Many people (including myself) have used and suggest the no spring compressor method for the install.
No Spring Compressor Method
but here are two others just for variety
Daystar (Spacer) installation on 4Runner with XREAS - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift
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.
Pictures
gaterose: V6 2WD FJ springs w/ 1/4'' toytec spacer 265/65 stockers
My V8 4x4 w/ FJ springs and 1/2'' toytec spacer 265/70 BFG ATs
EDness: fj springs with cornfed 1'' spacer
zstamp: fj springs with daystar 2.5/1.5 and 265/70 hankooks
PharmSCRunner: fj springs with cornfed 2/1
and there are probably countless other combinations out there, but these should give you the basic idea.
[Additional comments by ARK_SWAMP_RIDER have been added]
Acknowledgments:
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER's write up
CJ3Flyr's write up
