Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen
- Thread starter Toy4R4Me
- Start date
Teh Ric
New member
Head over to FJcruiserforums. I searched the Want to Sell section for awhile, but had better luck after posting in the Want to Buy.
blazier196
New member
2011 fj cruiser 4x4 front coils and struts
I have a brand new pair of coils from a 2011 fj cruiser 4wd
I'm asking 130 shipped. I can send pictures. Text 850-324-6726. I also have front and rear struts but no rear springs.
I have a brand new pair of coils from a 2011 fj cruiser 4wd
I'm asking 130 shipped. I can send pictures. Text 850-324-6726. I also have front and rear struts but no rear springs.
blazier196
New member
I have a brand new pair!! Front coils and front struts from a 2011 4wd. Domt have rear springs but do have rear struts. Everything is brand new. Shoot me a text 850-324-6726.
RaggedViking
New member
Thank You!
I just wanted to thank the folks who put in the time to compile and update this thread. I was pretty conflicted as to how I was going to upgrade my springs from the stock ones that were put on at the factory (175K Miles Ago!) and this thread helped me out immensely.
I ended up putting the Moog 81090's up front and the OEM FJ Cruiser springs in the rear. In total, if the math is right - I should get an initial all around lift of 1/2". In all reality, it might be around 3/4" based on the age of my current springs.
Either way, I wasn't looking for a significant height increase...
Just some ride improvement.
I'll post pictures when I get it all installed..
I saved a bunch of money going through Rock Auto and Conicelli Toyota.
(As my local Toyota Dealership - albeit great people - think their parts are lined in gold.)
Thanks again!
I just wanted to thank the folks who put in the time to compile and update this thread. I was pretty conflicted as to how I was going to upgrade my springs from the stock ones that were put on at the factory (175K Miles Ago!) and this thread helped me out immensely.
I ended up putting the Moog 81090's up front and the OEM FJ Cruiser springs in the rear. In total, if the math is right - I should get an initial all around lift of 1/2". In all reality, it might be around 3/4" based on the age of my current springs.
Either way, I wasn't looking for a significant height increase...
Just some ride improvement.
I'll post pictures when I get it all installed..
I saved a bunch of money going through Rock Auto and Conicelli Toyota.
(As my local Toyota Dealership - albeit great people - think their parts are lined in gold.)
Thanks again!
scd969
New member
Rear spacer advice?
I posted this in the wrong forum earlier, but I am rocking the bilsteins and FJ springs per the advice of this thread, with bilstein set to .85. I want to go to the 1.75 setting when I get bigger tires (265/70/17).
Am I right thinking I need a 1 inch spacer in the back to keep my approximate rake level the same as it is now? Thanks in advance.
I posted this in the wrong forum earlier, but I am rocking the bilsteins and FJ springs per the advice of this thread, with bilstein set to .85. I want to go to the 1.75 setting when I get bigger tires (265/70/17).
Am I right thinking I need a 1 inch spacer in the back to keep my approximate rake level the same as it is now? Thanks in advance.
Mr.emergency
New member
Before:
After with running boards removed:
How do you like that roof rack mounted led bar? Also, which LED bar did you use and how did you mount it?? I was thinking about mounting at that same location but unsure how haha.
larhodes02
New member
Tires
Tires confuse me. I know this information is out here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. I have an 08 Sport V6, and I am going to do FJ springs front and rear with the Daystar leveling kit to preserve my XREAS system. I want to run the biggest tire I can fit without having to trim the body or fender liners. I'm also concerned about it feeling "sluggish" if I go too big. Anyone have any help??
Tires confuse me. I know this information is out here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. I have an 08 Sport V6, and I am going to do FJ springs front and rear with the Daystar leveling kit to preserve my XREAS system. I want to run the biggest tire I can fit without having to trim the body or fender liners. I'm also concerned about it feeling "sluggish" if I go too big. Anyone have any help??
Nodnarbian
New member
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=102272
Oops, linked to last page. Read through first few posts. It's there.
Slowgoat
New member
Top is the AFTER pic
Bottom is the BEFORE pic
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, and this amazing forum, especially [MENTION=54706]Toy4R4Me[/MENTION]! I couldn't have done it without you!
When I pulled the old spacer lift, it looks to be a 3/2 Daystar kit. The original Xreas system was on the 4runner.
I put the rear spacer back on with new Moog FJ springs all around (81108 + 81081) and 5100s.
Looks like before it settles a bit, I got a bit more than an inch.
My apologies, in my haste to attack the project, I forgot to measure my lift before.
Bottom is the BEFORE pic
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, and this amazing forum, especially [MENTION=54706]Toy4R4Me[/MENTION]! I couldn't have done it without you!
When I pulled the old spacer lift, it looks to be a 3/2 Daystar kit. The original Xreas system was on the 4runner.
I put the rear spacer back on with new Moog FJ springs all around (81108 + 81081) and 5100s.
Looks like before it settles a bit, I got a bit more than an inch.
My apologies, in my haste to attack the project, I forgot to measure my lift before.
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pjbrownva
New member
Added FJ springs and billy 5100 shocks. Springs are from a 2013 FJ trail team edition. The springs fit fine. Its the shocks that would have required a different boot to be pressed in if i wanted to use them.
Put the front shocks at 0.85.
Truck was leveled nicely, but i preferred the rake. Dropped the shocks back down to the lowest setting, and i like it better. It corners better with the rake, has less wind noise, and makes it easier to see whats in front of the truck for situations such as parking. Im not knocking those who like to level their ride... But im sure the factory must have done it for a good reason, and now i can tell that the reason is cornering, wind noise and general on road handling. Ill post photos in a few days. Its raining here today. [emoji4]
Put the front shocks at 0.85.
Truck was leveled nicely, but i preferred the rake. Dropped the shocks back down to the lowest setting, and i like it better. It corners better with the rake, has less wind noise, and makes it easier to see whats in front of the truck for situations such as parking. Im not knocking those who like to level their ride... But im sure the factory must have done it for a good reason, and now i can tell that the reason is cornering, wind noise and general on road handling. Ill post photos in a few days. Its raining here today. [emoji4]
pjbrownva
New member
Don't know. I used Bilstien 5100s which are adjustable in the front. I would suggest that you try the toytec 1/2 inch front spacers, which should give you about 1" of lift
in the front. The FJ rear springs should give you slight lift in the rear... probably less than 1" from what I understand, so with the the 1/2" spacer upfront, and the slight lift from the FJ coils in the rear, you should sit level, or still have a slight rake. That's my understanding, but I'm still pretty new at this... if there are any "experts" feel free to chime in. Also, there is a spreadsheet you can look at that shows people's experiences. I believe it is in this thread.
No. '07 and newer springs work. If you go with 2010 or newer SHOCKS from the FJ cruiser, the lower bushing on the shocks needs to be changed to fit the 4runner.
To change the bushings it requires that you press the old bushings out, and press the new bushings in. Some people have done it using a vice. There are posts on this forum giving more specifics. Use google to search. In a regular google search box type:
site: 4th Gen T4Rs - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum fj shocks bushings
or try similar search words until you find a post that's helpful.
P.S. -- I just did the swap, having no prior experience with this.
Here's my $0.02
1 -- The method that other have posted on here about marking the position of the cams on the lower control arm, and then
loosening it to allow the shock to drop is absolutely the way to go. Read up about it... I'm not giving you the full instructions here.
I actually searched and found a youtube video showing the procedure, and it really helped me to see it in video.
2 - Removing the sway bar end links really made a huge difference. It allowed more room to work, and more movement to get parts in and out.
3 - Having a friend available to help for parts of the swap was a huge time saver. I struggled for hours alone on some parts, and then got it done in about 30 minutes
with a friend to help.
4 - Having a set of ratcheting closed end wrenches made ALL of the difference for tightening and loosening the top nut on the shocks. I did the original install
using a crescent wrench and pliers.... big mistake... it took HOURS. When I decided to lower the adjustment on the front, I went to Home Depot and bought
a gift set of metric and SAE ratcheting wrenches for $50 for the set. It took me about 1/2 hr per side to jack up the truck, drop the shock, adjust it, and put it back.
This was alone (but with jack stands and a good floor jack) and in the dark. What a difference!
Spraying with PB Blaster the day before helped to remove many of the nuts,
but I still ended up cutting off and replacing the rear sway bar end links.
I also upgraded the front and rear sway bar holders with grease-able polyurethane replacements while I was in there.
I hope that my inexperience helps other noobies who try this swap.
I found this video useful for info, tips and images: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc
and this one too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6u7dC7EHg
Good luck!
Sincerely,
-Phil
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Mushroom_Cap
New member
I have been doing a lot of research on this site in preparation to remove all 4 of my XREAS shocks/struts and replace them with Bilstien 5100's.
I am 100% sure I want to go with the 5100's (adjustable fronts).
I am still scratching my head on what to do with the springs/coils.
One option that sounds like it would work is just to re-use the OEM springs. I may end up doing this but to be honest I want to try something else.
The FJ springs seem to be very popular and that is what I wanted. But I can't find any! I live near Vancouver, BC (Canada). I have a wanted add up on CL, have looked on CL and kijiji, and have looked on the FJ forums. No luck!
I did find one add on CL that looked promising, called the place, and the guy said they have the springs from a 2007 FJ80, only. I was like...not an FJ cruiser? He said no, but we sell a lot of FJ80 springs to the 4Runner guys. I looked this vehicle up on the net and it looks like it's a lot older than 2007! I just got a bad vibe from the guy. Don't want to shop there.
So, any advice on what NEW springs would work? Don't want to buy new FJ springs from the dealership (I can only imagine the cost!!). I called the place I plan to buy the 5100s from and asked the young lad.
He said to go with the ARB (Old Man Emu) springs ($225 a pair). I said do you know if they will give any extra ride height compared to the OEM springs? He said I have no idea, sorry.
If anyone can recommend some springs that would be awesome.
I want the front to come 2.5 inches or so. "level-ish" Maybe not equal height in both wheel wells, but level-ish at the running boards/roof. The vehicle currently has an ugly factory rake and I hate it. I should also mention when the current 265/65/17 tires wear out (probably by next spring/summer) I plan to go with 265/70/17 tires. Not sure if this will factor in to the equation or not.
I am 100% sure I want to go with the 5100's (adjustable fronts).
I am still scratching my head on what to do with the springs/coils.
One option that sounds like it would work is just to re-use the OEM springs. I may end up doing this but to be honest I want to try something else.
The FJ springs seem to be very popular and that is what I wanted. But I can't find any! I live near Vancouver, BC (Canada). I have a wanted add up on CL, have looked on CL and kijiji, and have looked on the FJ forums. No luck!
I did find one add on CL that looked promising, called the place, and the guy said they have the springs from a 2007 FJ80, only. I was like...not an FJ cruiser? He said no, but we sell a lot of FJ80 springs to the 4Runner guys. I looked this vehicle up on the net and it looks like it's a lot older than 2007! I just got a bad vibe from the guy. Don't want to shop there.
So, any advice on what NEW springs would work? Don't want to buy new FJ springs from the dealership (I can only imagine the cost!!). I called the place I plan to buy the 5100s from and asked the young lad.
He said to go with the ARB (Old Man Emu) springs ($225 a pair). I said do you know if they will give any extra ride height compared to the OEM springs? He said I have no idea, sorry.
If anyone can recommend some springs that would be awesome.
I want the front to come 2.5 inches or so. "level-ish" Maybe not equal height in both wheel wells, but level-ish at the running boards/roof. The vehicle currently has an ugly factory rake and I hate it. I should also mention when the current 265/65/17 tires wear out (probably by next spring/summer) I plan to go with 265/70/17 tires. Not sure if this will factor in to the equation or not.
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You can buy new FJ coils on rockauto for less than $50.
Mushroom_Cap
New member
Thanks T-man I was just looking at them on Rockauto.
Keep in mind that these are NOT OEM, but rather MOOG "OEM fit."
Was looking at the 81081 (rear) and 81108 (front) coil springs.
Honestly after reading so much about the FJ coil springs I kind of want them! However, am not having any luck finding a set in my area,
And, honestly, I'd be a bit nervous buying a used set. So buddy on craig'slist says they are 07-09 FJ coils, I can't really verify this. Maybe they are something else and he is just trying to hose me.
Where I'm at is I'm probably going to go either:
A- New, OEM FJ coils from the Toyota dealership, or
B- A high end aftermarket coil like OME/ARB.
These are more expensive options obviously that used FJ coils, but whatever I just want the job done right and to be really happy with it. We drive the 4Runner on a lot of crappy/rough roads and the one thing I do not want to cheap out on is suspension!!
I'm thinking the MOOG coils are about 100 Canadian for a pair. OME are about 225-250 a pair. I'm sure OME are a bit overpriced but assuming the "get what u pay for" saying is applicable here I am going to guess that the OME's will offer an improved drive and durability over the MOOG and other off-shore made brands.
Any on have any words to the wise? Will be interesting to see what the stealership sells the coils for. I'm guessing the price will be alarming and I'll end up going OME.
Keep in mind that these are NOT OEM, but rather MOOG "OEM fit."
Was looking at the 81081 (rear) and 81108 (front) coil springs.
Honestly after reading so much about the FJ coil springs I kind of want them! However, am not having any luck finding a set in my area,
And, honestly, I'd be a bit nervous buying a used set. So buddy on craig'slist says they are 07-09 FJ coils, I can't really verify this. Maybe they are something else and he is just trying to hose me.
Where I'm at is I'm probably going to go either:
A- New, OEM FJ coils from the Toyota dealership, or
B- A high end aftermarket coil like OME/ARB.
These are more expensive options obviously that used FJ coils, but whatever I just want the job done right and to be really happy with it. We drive the 4Runner on a lot of crappy/rough roads and the one thing I do not want to cheap out on is suspension!!
I'm thinking the MOOG coils are about 100 Canadian for a pair. OME are about 225-250 a pair. I'm sure OME are a bit overpriced but assuming the "get what u pay for" saying is applicable here I am going to guess that the OME's will offer an improved drive and durability over the MOOG and other off-shore made brands.
Any on have any words to the wise? Will be interesting to see what the stealership sells the coils for. I'm guessing the price will be alarming and I'll end up going OME.
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