Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen

[morganational]

Again, thanks for your input. So the front are topout spacers, what are the rear? I don't have much experience with auto mechanics (I work in medicine) so I am having my shop put them on for me. They seemed confused on the project. I printed directions for them and they said "if everything goes together as it says here, it should be around $300". That sounded a little steep to me, but I have worked with these guys for years so I trust them... but with that estimate it makes me think they don't fully understand the project. Are there any simple directions or even better simple explanations of the project to show them that its not really that big of a project?? Also, has anyone ever had an issues with this daystar 2.5/1.5 kit? And then any problems adding 1.25" spidertrax?? Any feedback would be much appreciated as I said this is not my area of expertise. Thanks guys!

 

[morganational]

Also, my mechanic says he'll have to remove the rear differential to get at the springs, greatly increasing the cost. Is this necessary??

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Again, thanks for your input. So the front are topout spacers, what are the rear? I don't have much experience with auto mechanics (I work in medicine) so I am having my shop put them on for me. They seemed confused on the project. I printed directions for them and they said "if everything goes together as it says here, it should be around $300". That sounded a little steep to me, but I have worked with these guys for years so I trust them... but with that estimate it makes me think they don't fully understand the project. Are there any simple directions or even better simple explanations of the project to show them that its not really that big of a project?? Also, has anyone ever had an issues with this daystar 2.5/1.5 kit? And then any problems adding 1.25" spidertrax?? Any feedback would be much appreciated as I said this is not my area of expertise. Thanks guys!

Also, my mechanic says he'll have to remove the rear differential to get at the springs, greatly increasing the cost. Is this necessary??

The rear is simply a coil spring spacer. Topout and preload spacers refer to strut spacers (where the spring is mounted on the shock). The Daystar kit is a very easy install, its concerning to me the shop is confused by it. Even more concerning is that they are saying the rear differential needs to be removed, that is not true at all.

I think most shops will bill for about 4 hours although it probably won't actually take that long. $300 doesn't seem to far off, depending on their hourly rate.

This is the easiest method I've found for installing the front: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/77183-leveled-her-weekend.html

The rear is very straightforward. Disconnect the sway bar end link and the shock, then the coil can be removed and the spacer added.

What part of Texas are you in? Might be able to find a local member willing to help, or one who has experience with a shop in the area.

One more thing , what year is your 4runner and how many miles are on it? It could be time for new shocks, and if so you'll want to do that at the same times as the lift to save on labor.

 

[wslytoy]

Decided that I just didn't like the 2 tone look of my rims & I can't afford new rims til graduation & employment so I got some of the VHT flat black wheel paint & applied accordingly.
Started w/ this:

Ended up w/ this:





I still have some touching up to do, but overall, I think it looks better than it did.

 

[morganational]

The rear is simply a coil spring spacer. Topout and preload spacers refer to strut spacers (where the spring is mounted on the shock). The Daystar kit is a very easy install, its concerning to me the shop is confused by it. Even more concerning is that they are saying the rear differential needs to be removed, that is not true at all.

I think most shops will bill for about 4 hours although it probably won't actually take that long. $300 doesn't seem to far off, depending on their hourly rate.

This is the easiest method I've found for installing the front: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/77183-leveled-her-weekend.html

The rear is very straightforward. Disconnect the sway bar end link and the shock, then the coil can be removed and the spacer added.

What part of Texas are you in? Might be able to find a local member willing to help, or one who has experience with a shop in the area.

One more thing , what year is your 4runner and how many miles are on it? It could be time for new shocks, and if so you'll want to do that at the same times as the lift to save on labor.

Thanks for your help! Yeah I printed some instructions for the mechanic and he was like "Oh, yeah I agree with that then." ...I dunno.
Anyways, its a 2008 2WD Sport Edition (4.7L) with 53,000 miles.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for your help! Yeah I printed some instructions for the mechanic and he was like "Oh, yeah I agree with that then." ...I dunno.
Anyways, its a 2008 2WD Sport Edition (4.7L) with 53,000 miles.

I would suggest inspecting all four shocks, see if you can find any trace of fluid on them. If not, they are fine and you'll be good with just the spacers. No issues with the Daystar kit, it's good for what it is for (added height). Also, no issues with wheel spacers other than perhaps some rubbing depending on what size tires you run.

Edit: Since you have a Sport Edition, you have the XREAS suspension. Be sure your mechanic knows to not disconnect the hydraulic lines going to the shocks. There is one line connected to each shock, if these are disconnected improperly it will ruin the system (which costs several thousand dollars to replace). The install can be done with them connected.

 

[morganational]

I would suggest inspecting all four shocks, see if you can find any trace of fluid on them. If not, they are fine and you'll be good with just the spacers. No issues with the Daystar kit, it's good for what it is for (added height). Also, no issues with wheel spacers other than perhaps some rubbing depending on what size tires you run.

Edit: Since you have a Sport Edition, you have the XREAS suspension. Be sure your mechanic knows to not disconnect the hydraulic lines going to the shocks. There is one line connected to each shock, if these are disconnected improperly it will ruin the system (which costs several thousand dollars to replace). The install can be done with them connected.

Thanks for the heads up, I think he does know about this. I'll remind him anyways. Any idea what size tires will start causing rubbing? I actually need new tires as well so I was looking into it. I currently have what I would guess are stock tires [Toyo Open Country 265/65r17] but am wondering if with this lift and spidertrax I could fit some 265/70s on there. So are you saying spidertrax actually hinder my ability to put bigger tires because they'll be more likely to rub the outer wheel well??

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the heads up, I think he does know about this. I'll remind him anyways. Any idea what size tires will start causing rubbing? I actually need new tires as well so I was looking into it. I currently have what I would guess are stock tires [Toyo Open Country 265/65r17] but am wondering if with this lift and spidertrax I could fit some 265/70s on there. So are you saying spidertrax actually hinder my ability to put bigger tires because they'll be more likely to rub the outer wheel well??

You should be able to run 255/75/17, 265/70/17, or 275/70/17 with that lift. All are roughly 32" tall, but different widths. If you run wheel spacers, it does cause some rubbing in the front. With any of these, you may need to move the fender liner forward and remove the front mud flaps (or trim them) if you run spacers. See the bottom of this page for more info and pics. Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

 

[morganational]

You should be able to run 255/75/17, 265/70/17, or 275/70/17 with that lift. All are roughly 32" tall, but different widths. If you run wheel spacers, it does cause some rubbing in the front. With any of these, you may need to move the fender liner forward and remove the front mud flaps (or trim them) if you run spacers. See the bottom of this page for more info and pics. Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

Nice!! Looks like I'll be needing some new tools, most importantly a torque wrench. After what my mechanic wanted to charge me to insert the lift spacers I plan on doing the spidertrax myself. :frusty: :llama:

 

[Halfbred82]

08 SR5 4x4

Ive read over most of this thread and maybe I missed it but For a 4th Gen '08 4x4, what year range of FJ coils will work? Ive heard 07-09 FJ coils, but ive heard that any year coils will work but its the '10 + shocks that aren't a direct swap. Can someone confirm this please. I think I have a set of 4x4 Fj coils with 2500 miles on them that I can get then I want to get bilstein 5100's and get this puppy raised up! Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Ive read over most of this thread and maybe I missed it but For a 4th Gen '08 4x4, what year range of FJ coils will work? Ive heard 07-09 FJ coils, but ive heard that any year coils will work but its the '10 + shocks that aren't a direct swap. Can someone confirm this please. I think I have a set of 4x4 Fj coils with 2500 miles on them that I can get then I want to get bilstein 5100's and get this puppy raised up! Thanks!

That's correct, any year coils will work with the 5100s.

 

[Halfbred82]

That's correct, any year coils will work with the 5100s.

Thanks ARK! I found a set of four 2012's on CL and just wanted to know. I'm going to get a set of four 5100's to be used with these. What is the highest you'd go without needing to drop the diff or replace UCAs? I have read through a lot of this thread and the one with the spread sheet...it seems that is all based on personal preference whether or not to use spacers or not. Is there any benefit to use spacers with the FJ Coil/5100 build or is this solid at .85 to 1.75 setting for a slight rake or level without adding spacers. Does this make sense? LOL.... I'm hoping to put a slightly larger tire on 265/70/17...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks ARK! I found a set of four 2012's on CL and just wanted to know. I'm going to get a set of four 5100's to be used with these. What is the highest you'd go without needing to drop the diff or replace UCAs? I have read through a lot of this thread and the one with the spread sheet...it seems that is all based on personal preference whether or not to use spacers or not. Is there any benefit to use spacers with the FJ Coil/5100 build or is this solid at .85 to 1.75 setting for a slight rake or level without adding spacers. Does this make sense? LOL.... I'm hoping to put a slightly larger tire on 265/70/17...

I wouldn't use spacers on the front, no problem using them on the rear if you want the added height. Here's my suggestions:
If you have a v8: either 1.75" with stock rear, or 2.5" with 1.5" rear spacer
If you have a v6: either .85" with stock rear, or 1.75" with 1.5" rear spacer

It all depends on how much lift you want (you can fit 265/70/17's stock, so either would work).

 

[Halfbred82]

I wouldn't use spacers on the front, no problem using them on the rear if you want the added height. Here's my suggestions:
If you have a v8: either 1.75" with stock rear, or 2.5" with 1.5" rear spacer
If you have a v6: either .85" with stock rear, or 1.75" with 1.5" rear spacer

It all depends on how much lift you want (you can fit 265/70/17's stock, so either would work).

Honestly....this is awesome.... I'm planning to put Bilsteins on the back too, so by "stock" you mean just FJ coil with the Shock length. I'm in a V6 4x4. And no diff drop needed?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Honestly....this is awesome.... I'm planning to put Bilsteins on the back too, so by "stock" you mean just FJ coil with the Shock length. I'm in a V6 4x4. And no diff drop needed?

That is correct, by stock I was referring to just the 5100s ans FJ coils (no spacers, no aftermarket lift coils). The diff drop won't be needed with either of those settings.

 

[US Cavalry]

FJ Cruiser 08 Springs

First, I would like to thank ARK SWAMP RIDER for sharing his thoughts with this option (FJC Springs).

Second, I am looking at removing my current XREAS, adding Bilsteins 5100 F/R and FJC springs on a FJC 2008 Base model. I am being offered FJC springs for $50.00 with 60k miles on them. Wanting to know if that is a fair price. Of course I cant confirm that the springs only have 60k but assuming so, $50.00 doesn't seem too bad. Or should I keep searching around for another option?

Lastly, and yes I checked with Google, were all 2008 FJC 4x4? I believe so and the person offering to sell me his set says, yes.

 

[Patrickg]

First, I would like to thank ARK SWAMP RIDER for sharing his thoughts with this option (FJC Springs).

Second, I am looking at removing my current XREAS, adding Bilsteins 5100 F/R and FJC springs on a FJC 2008 Base model. I am being offered FJC springs for $50.00 with 60k miles on them. Wanting to know if that is a fair price. Of course I cant confirm that the springs only have 60k but assuming so, $50.00 doesn't seem too bad. Or should I keep searching around for another option?

Lastly, and yes I checked with Google, were all 2008 FJC 4x4? I believe so and the person offering to sell me his set says, yes.

Have you looked into the MOOG springs front and rear? They will be abit more money but you will be starting with all new parts. That is what I did with my "new to me" 08 4runner.
I went with 5100s and Moog 81090 and 80145. They are OEM replacement springs and it works to be the same as factory height. I went with .85 lift up front and no lift in the rear. Works out great for me and still gives me some rack for towing.
Here is a thread that I used to get my information. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...m-4runner-oem-fj-moog-others.html#post1621497

 

[US Cavalry]

Have you looked into the MOOG springs front and rear? They will be abit more money but you will be starting with all new parts. That is what I did with my "new to me" 08 4runner.
I went with 5100s and Moog 81090 and 80145. They are OEM replacement springs and it works to be the same as factory height. I went with .85 lift up front and no lift in the rear. Works out great for me and still gives me some rack for towing.
Here is a thread that I used to get my information. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...m-4runner-oem-fj-moog-others.html#post1621497

I did look at the Moog setup while reading over this thread. From what I was able to gather, the increase in stiffness might be more than what I am looking for. My T4R is mainly street/highway with a few off road trips for camping and mountain biking.

From what I have been reading here, OEM FJC springs seem to be the best balance between off and on road (with Bilsteins 5100 shocks).

Last resort, and correct me if I am wrong, I could just use the springs I currently have now with my XREAS and add the Bilsteins 5100. Though my T4R has 150,000 miles on it so the springs might be due for a change.

My ultimate goal is to fit 265/70/17 Duratracs on my T4R with "no rubbing". Reading the information here, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html, a 2 inch lift in the front and 1 inch lift in the rear should allow this.

The rims I am looking at are: 17? Konig Six Shooter ? Set of Four Wheels | FN Wheels Store
(17x8")

I know this was a little off subject, but I just wanted to share a little background into my choices for springs and shocks.

 

[DonP4Runner]

Weird Combo

Hey everyone. Been pouring over the forum for a couple weeks and can't find anyone with the setup I'm planning on using. Therefore, I have two questions I hope you guys can help me with.

I have a 2004 limited up to 135k. I have the springs off an '09 fj with not too many miles. Bought bilstein 5100 adjustables for the front, and have the red/blue TRD struts from an '07 fj for the rear.

Should I set the ring on the 5100s to the .85" or the 1.75" groove for the most level look? (Trying for no rake)

Will this setup clear these 265/70/r17 Goodyear DuraTracs I have from an old project?

Thanks in advance!

 

[McRib06]

First of all, awesome information here! I installed coilovers, rear shocks and rear springs from an '09 FJ along with the Daystar 2.5/1.5' leveling kit last night. I didn't get pre measurements but the after are (measured from the ground to the bottom of the fender using the hub for aligning) Drivers front: 36" Passenger front: 36 1/4" both rears are 37". I am extremely happy with the results. Considering my 4runner has 140k and still had the stock suspension, swapping it out with the FJ's of about 30k the improvement is very noticeable. Ride is much better. No issues with alignment either.