Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen

[BigNuge]

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!

I'm not sure what forum you're looking through, but there is TONS of other folks who have done 5100's & FJ springs....including me.

I have no idea what rear struts you're talking about. The rear on gen 4's are coil springs with separate shocks...no struts.

Use the top setting on the front 5100's, and 1 1/2" spacers in the rear for 1" of rake. It's a very popular lift/level option for the 4th gens. I love the look & ride of this setup.

 

[Colo4Runnin]

New Member

Hello Fellow Runners,

New to the forum but have been lurking the past few weeks after having my old Mercury Mariner totaled in a rear collision and since setting my mind on owning one of these awesome rides! Just purchased myself an '08 V6 SR5 with 4wd and couldn't be happier with my decision! Was able to find a steal here in Wisconsin thanks to my parents as these things tend to sell for RIDICULOUS prices back at home in Colorado.

Anyhow, looking forward to making some major changes to her over the next year, with a lift and suspension change being one of my main projects. I'm admittedly a novice when it comes to mechanical work but it's become pretty clear that many of you are experts and great at sharing your knowledge and skill sets(Derrick Jeter hat tip to "Ark" and several others).

I'd like to start sourcing parts for upgrading the suspension on my new lady as well as lifting her and had a few questions. I think I've settled on the FJ suspension swap and daystar 2.5/1.5 lift option as I don't plan on doing much off-roading and more so am just looking for the improved ride/aesthetics for my runner. Issue is, I can't seem to find many FS adds for the later model FJ suspension that will work with my 4th gen runner. I have found a set from a 2012 FJ but from what I've read, that would need some modification to the runner that I'm not sure I want to do. Any advice or help with sourcing these components at a reasonable price would be TRULY appreciated.

For now, a few pics of my new lady:

 

[Colo4Runnin]

Hmmmm Can't Seem To Add Multiple Pics To My Post From My iPad

 

[BigNuge]

Hello Fellow Runners,

New to the forum but have been lurking the past few weeks after having my old Mercury Mariner totaled in a rear collision and since setting my mind on owning one of these awesome rides! Just purchased myself an '08 V6 SR5 with 4wd and couldn't be happier with my decision! Was able to find a steal here in Wisconsin thanks to my parents as these things tend to sell for RIDICULOUS prices back at home in Colorado.

Anyhow, looking forward to making some major changes to her over the next year, with a lift and suspension change being one of my main projects. I'm admittedly a novice when it comes to mechanical work but it's become pretty clear that many of you are experts and great at sharing your knowledge and skill sets(Derrick Jeter hat tip to "Ark" and several others).

I'd like to start sourcing parts for upgrading the suspension on my new lady as well as lifting her and had a few questions. I think I've settled on the FJ suspension swap and daystar 2.5/1.5 lift option as I don't plan on doing much off-roading and more so am just looking for the improved ride/aesthetics for my runner. Issue is, I can't seem to find many FS adds for the later model FJ suspension that will work with my 4th gen runner. I have found a set from a 2012 FJ but from what I've read, that would need some modification to the runner that I'm not sure I want to do. Any advice or help with sourcing these components at a reasonable price would be TRULY appreciated.

For now, a few pics of my new lady:

Damn, that's a good asking price for an 08! Around here that would be a $20kish T4R (depending on mileage).

To your question, the springs on your proposed swap should work just fine. However, the shocks off of a '12 FJ are the part that need a small modification. I suggest going the route many have (as well as me). FJ springs, 5100's all around, 1 1/2" spacers in the rear. It will level the truck out nicely (still retain a very small amount of positive rake), it will look great & ride great, and performs great for light off-roading as well!

Good luck!

 

[Colo4Runnin]

Thanks Nuge, I Thought So Myself! It Currently Has 66K In Miles On It And Would Have Definitely Cost Over 20K Back Home In Colorado. I Test Drove One At A Dealership With 139K Miles They Were Asking $20K For!


I'm Going To Ask If This Seller Will Sell Me Just The Springs As They Are Asking $250 For The Springs And Shocks With The Front Coils And Shocks Still Being Intact. With 1 1/2" Spacers In The Rear, Will I Still Get Some Lift Out Of This Proposed Setup? I Really Liked The Look Of That Daystar Lift Kit After Installed imp:


Thanks For The Advice!

 

[BigNuge]

Thanks Nuge, I Thought So Myself! It Currently Has 66K In Miles On It And Would Have Definitely Cost Over 20K Back Home In Colorado. I Test Drove One At A Dealership With 139K Miles They Were Asking $20K For!


I'm Going To Ask If This Seller Will Sell Me Just The Springs As They Are Asking $250 For The Springs And Shocks With The Front Coils And Shocks Still Being Intact. With 1 1/2" Spacers In The Rear, Will I Still Get Some Lift Out Of This Proposed Setup? I Really Liked The Look Of That Daystar Lift Kit After Installed imp:


Thanks For The Advice!

You'll get a small lift (nowhere near level) out of a direct swap. Try to get just the springs. If not, don't worry about the springs. Just get a full set of 51`00's and the 1 1/2" rear spacers...you'll be happy with that.

 

[Colo4Runnin]

Oops Nevermind

 

[Colo4Runnin]

Hey Fella's,

Found A Set Of 2007 FJC Springs Locally With 30K Miles Put On Them.

You Think These Would Be A Good Purchase For $200 Total Front And Back?


Or Am I Better Off Just Buying The Bilstein 5100 Shocks New And Keeping The Stock Springs Currently On My Truck?

As You Can Tell, I'm Pretty New To All This And Am Just Trying To Figure Out What My Best Option Is For Adding Some Lift To My New Lady While Keeping A Smooth Ride

 

[Halfbred82]

Hey Fella's,

Found A Set Of 2007 FJC Springs Locally With 30K Miles Put On Them.

You Think These Would Be A Good Purchase For $200 Total Front And Back?


Or Am I Better Off Just Buying The Bilstein 5100 Shocks New And Keeping The Stock Springs Currently On My Truck?

As You Can Tell, I'm Pretty New To All This And Am Just Trying To Figure Out What My Best Option Is For Adding Some Lift To My New Lady While Keeping A Smooth Ride

Im new to this too and have learned a LOT on this site and others. And in my own research. $200 is WAY expensive for the set of coils from what I am hearing. I just bought a set of 2012 for $100, all four corners. They claim they only have 2500 miles on them. They look really new Definitely will have to see how they sit when I install them. I would keep looking and from what I hear the FJ coil/Billy 5100's set up is a great choice for a set up rather than stock coils. I would keep looking for a better price on the coils unless you got $200 to easily drop. All my opinion.

 

[Colo4Runnin]

Im new to this too and have learned a LOT on this site and others. And in my own research. $200 is WAY expensive for the set of coils from what I am hearing. I just bought a set of 2012 for $100, all four corners. They claim they only have 2500 miles on them. They look really new Definitely will have to see how they sit when I install them. I would keep looking and from what I hear the FJ coil/Billy 5100's set up is a great choice for a set up rather than stock coils. I would keep looking for a better price on the coils unless you got $200 to easily drop. All my opinion.

Thanks For The Feedback Buddy! :yo:

From What I Have Read Here Over The Past Few Weeks, $100 Is All One Should Pay For Used Coils, So I Was Thinking That Guys Asking Price Was A Bit High For Ones With That Kinnda Mileage On Them. Hard Part Is Finding Someone Letting Go Of The Coils From My Brief Experience In The Market.


If Anyone Has A Lead On Front And Rear Coils At A Reasonable Price Point, Please Do Point Me In That Direction :becky:

 

[US Cavalry]

FJ Cruiser TT 2009 setup

I figure I would post this for everyone. Also, like to say thank you to everyone else that helped provide me good info.

I decided it was time to replace my aging XREAS (150,000 miles on it) with the FJ Cruiser TT 2009 suspension setup. I called the dealership, yes, its going to cost me a pretty penny, and purchased new front and rear springs and the rear shocks that come with the 2009 FJ C TT 4x4.

For the front shocks I bought the 5100 Billys and will have the dealership set them at .85.

Just as a side note too, I am going to have the dealership totally remove the rest of the old XREAS from the my 4Runner too.

All things considering, based on what I have been reading here, this setup should level out my 4Runner and make the ride "better". Not sure how to define "better" other than to say, less bouncing around or nose dives when I come to sharp halt.

Also, another note, no my old XREAS did not have any seen leaks but I figured that with 150,000 miles on it, the XREAS was due for a change and I did not want to spend a fortune replace those shocks.

I will post before and after pictures once I get my 4Runner back from the dealership, should be Wednesday since I am dropping it off on Monday. Not sure why it would take them that long but oh well.

Thanks again for those individuals that have been giving me advice on this setup. I hope I am not missing anything else, that needs to be replaced since I am having the XREAS removed.

 

[Lolrax]

I figure I would post this for everyone. Also, like to say thank you to everyone else that helped provide me good info.

I decided it was time to replace my aging XREAS (150,000 miles on it) with the FJ Cruiser TT 2009 suspension setup. I called the dealership, yes, its going to cost me a pretty penny, and purchased new front and rear springs and the rear shocks that come with the 2009 FJ C TT 4x4.

For the front shocks I bought the 5100 Billys and will have the dealership set them at .85.

Just as a side note too, I am going to have the dealership totally remove the rest of the old XREAS from the my 4Runner too.

All things considering, based on what I have been reading here, this setup should level out my 4Runner and make the ride "better". Not sure how to define "better" other than to say, less bouncing around or nose dives when I come to sharp halt.

Also, another note, no my old XREAS did not have any seen leaks but I figured that with 150,000 miles on it, the XREAS was due for a change and I did not want to spend a fortune replace those shocks.

I will post before and after pictures once I get my 4Runner back from the dealership, should be Wednesday since I am dropping it off on Monday. Not sure why it would take them that long but oh well.

Thanks again for those individuals that have been giving me advice on this setup. I hope I am not missing anything else, that needs to be replaced since I am having the XREAS removed.

Pics asap!

 

[US Cavalry]

Backorder Bilsteins 5100

So...

Just got a email saying that my order for the Bilsteins 5100 adjustable front shocks are on backorder.

Anyone know of a business that has them in stock and can ship ASAP. I have a scheduled appointment next week to get all the work done, changing out my suspension and I would like to keep it.

I already resorted to AutoZone and O'Reilly's. Both said that would not be able to order for another month or so.

Looking into Amazon as a option but I don't know the part number to reference for my vehicle. I will keep searching for that answer unless someone has it for me.

Another option from Tirerack: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...ted&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&brand=Bilstein

Though I am not sure about when I would get the shocks from Tirerack.

However, reading through some of the comments here on the site, it looks like a bridge too far for me to get these shocks in time.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BigNuge]

So...

Just got a email saying that my order for the Bilsteins 5100 adjustable front shocks are on backorder.

Anyone know of a business that has them in stock and can ship ASAP. I have a scheduled appointment next week to get all the work done, changing out my suspension and I would like to keep it.

I already resorted to AutoZone and O'Reilly's. Both said that would not be able to order for another month or so.

Looking into Amazon as a option but I don't know the part number to reference for my vehicle. I will keep searching for that answer unless someone has it for me.

Another option from Tirerack: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...ted&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&brand=Bilstein

Though I am not sure about when I would get the shocks from Tirerack.

However, reading through some of the comments here on the site, it looks like a bridge too far for me to get these shocks in time.

Any help would be appreciated.

Yeah, thats been the case for quite some time. Kinda put the cart before the horse on that one...:dammit:

 

[chompster4runner]

Wheelers off-road? I ordered from them when everyone else was on back ordered.

 

[US Cavalry]

Yeap

Yeah, thats been the case for quite some time. Kinda put the cart before the horse on that one...:dammit:

So true, I didn't think this was an issue, especially when I placed the order and got the confirmation date. :doh:

I will commence banging head into tree...maybe that will help. :sobbing:

 

[US Cavalry]

Wheelers Off Road

Wheelers off-road? I ordered from them when everyone else was on back ordered.

Guess I will give them a call and see what they can do....Thank you.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

So...

Just got a email saying that my order for the Bilsteins 5100 adjustable front shocks are on backorder.

Anyone know of a business that has them in stock and can ship ASAP. I have a scheduled appointment next week to get all the work done, changing out my suspension and I would like to keep it.

I already resorted to AutoZone and O'Reilly's. Both said that would not be able to order for another month or so.

Looking into Amazon as a option but I don't know the part number to reference for my vehicle. I will keep searching for that answer unless someone has it for me.

Another option from Tirerack: http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...ted&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&brand=Bilstein

Though I am not sure about when I would get the shocks from Tirerack.

However, reading through some of the comments here on the site, it looks like a bridge too far for me to get these shocks in time.

Any help would be appreciated.

For the 5100s, the 4th gen uses 24-239370 front and 33-187174 rear. A couple places to check in addition to what's been mentioned:
Toytec
AJUSA
Down South Motorsports
EBay

 

[t-man]

Down South Motorsports all the way baby!! :typing:

 

[4RunnerINprogress]

I've been searching for the 5100s also. Found the best deal on carid.com. Came out to $313/shipped no tax. It is on back order though but I can wait at that price.