Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen

[rugger92]

I did 2.5 up front and a 1.5 spacer up front and my rig looks quite level with no visible rake. And it looks really good. plus im running 285/70/17 tires. But only downside is that my speedo is off by 5mph. So at 50mph im really doing 55. other then that it looks great,

03V84R, I could be wrong, but I think RedRum means he put a 1.5 spacer *in back*, in which case, yes, that would work with the 2.5 front setting. Interestingly, I set my front to 2.5 and with the Moog FJ springs (no spacer), which I think are sprung at a little higher rate than the Toyota OEM FJ springs, I got an even look on my 2003 V8. At the wheel wells, the rear of my rig is nearly 1/4 inch higher than the front, so it looks even, but at the running boards the front is nearly 1/4 inch higher. So, the frame is slightly negatively raked, but to the eye it looks level.

I can tell you, however, that for the way it looks and especially how it tackles tough off road trails, I am really, REALLY happy that I set it to 2.5. With your oem fj springs and the 1 inch rear spacer, I would think you would be happy with setting it to 2.5 and still not get a negative rake, but that's a decision that you would have to make. :wink2:

rugger

 

[03V84R]

03V84R, I could be wrong, but I think RedRum means he put a 1.5 spacer *in back*, in which case, yes, that would work with the 2.5 front setting. Interestingly, I set my front to 2.5 and with the Moog FJ springs (no spacer), which I think are sprung at a little higher rate than the Toyota OEM FJ springs, I got an even look on my 2003 V8. At the wheel wells, the rear of my rig is nearly 1/4 inch higher than the front, so it looks even, but at the running boards the front is nearly 1/4 inch higher. So, the frame is slightly negatively raked, but to the eye it looks level.

I can tell you, however, that for the way it looks and especially how it tackles tough off road trails, I am really, REALLY happy that I set it to 2.5. With your oem fj springs and the 1 inch rear spacer, I would think you would be happy with setting it to 2.5 and still not get a negative rake, but that's a decision that you would have to make. :wink2:

rugger

Thanks for the info. Ive set it to 1.75 and Ill see how it looks after it settles.Ill keep you posted.

cheers

 

[03V84R]

OK,here she is. 2003 V8 SR5, 146K. 2016 FJ coils and 5100's. Rear 1" coil spacer and front set to 1.75. New shoes also,2016 FJ TRD Trail Edition 17x7.5et15mm wheels and 255 75 17 Duratracs. Love it! Alignment next.Then a rack.

 

[rugger92]

That looks pretty damn fantastic. Nicely done. I really like the TRD wheels and tire combo. My truck is black and I am seriously pondering putting out the cash for some matte black 4runner TRD wheels. I meant to put a pic in my earlier post so you could see the outcome, but forgot, so here goes.

 

[03V84R]

That looks pretty damn fantastic. Nicely done. I really like the TRD wheels and tire combo. My truck is black and I am seriously pondering putting out the cash for some matte black 4runner TRD wheels. I meant to put a pic in my earlier post so you could see the outcome, but forgot, so here goes.

Yours looks great as well! Im a big fan of OEM quality wheels, most people remove them and put black wheels on that arent as well built, heavier and not as well made. I looked and looked but couldnt find a better deal that the OEMs I picked up. Also black wheels are so common now,I wanted to be different.Dont forget to post pics when you get the TRDs.

 

[RedRumt4r]

Here is a decent pic of mine after the 2.5 lift in the front and 1.5 DS spacer out back. And FJ cruiser 4x4 springs all around. I plastidipped my wheels black because they looked like shit when i got my truck. I cant afford new wheels right now =/. I am gona get darker tint on my windows, blacked out tails and smoked out headlights. And if things work out ill try and attempet MDX led jewel projector retrofit instead of the traditional HID projector retro. anyways my rig sits even as we speak with my 285/70/17s on its just a little raked looking because of the way my driveway is at my business.

 

[alextmullis]

Does anyone else hate how harsh the rear springs are offroad? Even loaded down it sucks, will likely be switching to the Toytec Superflex

 

[sport2004]

So as we all know the Moog FJ rear springs don't seat perfectly.

I didn 't know this and would like to know more about the issue, if anyone would care to explain...Thanks.

 

[jrm]

I did

Does anyone else hate how harsh the rear springs are offroad? Even loaded down it sucks, will likely be switching to the Toytec Superflex

But it was b/c i wasnt using the OE coil isolator so it was metal to metal..

 

[just_n]

Tossed this up in a couple other threads as well, came across this one and thought it might be helpful to some and maybe someone can provide some insight.

5100's set at .85 on the front, stock springs front and rear w 265/70/17 Nittos on TRD Pro Matte Grey wheels.

The roof line looks about right and the steps measure out pretty even but the front end still looks a touch low to me and I have about a 1.5" difference in height from the ground between the front and rear fender wells (center line of the wheels), plus the Nittos rub pretty good. I pushed the inner fenders forward which helped but was thinking about bumping up to the 3rd ring, still concerned that might be too much w the stock springs and no rear lift.....

Considering doing either a .25" or .5" ToyTec spacer on the front for just a little more.

Any experience/input much appreciated!

 

[Nesto03SR5]

Tossed this up in a couple other threads as well, came across this one and thought it might be helpful to some and maybe someone can provide some insight.



5100's set at .85 on the front, stock springs front and rear w 265/70/17 Nittos on TRD Pro Matte Grey wheels.



The roof line looks about right and the steps measure out pretty even but the front end still looks a touch low to me and I have about a 1.5" difference in height from the ground between the front and rear fender wells (center line of the wheels), plus the Nittos rub pretty good. I pushed the inner fenders forward which helped but was thinking about bumping up to the 3rd ring, still concerned that might be too much w the stock springs and no rear lift.....



Considering doing either a .25" or .5" ToyTec spacer on the front for just a little more.



Any experience/input much appreciated!

I have 5100's with stock springs. I definitely recommend bumping it up to third ring but also getting a 1.5 day star spacer for the rear. I am super happy with it, however I am wondering if upgrading the springs at some point is worth it. It rides like smoothly so I am hesitant to upgrade at this time.


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[03V84R]

update

Well,Ive had a little time behind the wheel of my 4Runner after my suspension upgrade,5100's with 2016 FJ springs, truck handles ok,suspension is a little too compliant for what I was hoping for. It could partially be a function of the tires contributing to the feeling also. I upgraded to a set of 255 75 17 Duratracs also. If I had to do it over I probably would have sourced a set of OME coils instead. The Bilsteins do a fine job keeping the ride controlled/dampened.Just my $0.02.

 

[Gromforlife]

OK I'm apologizing in advance for the "explain it to me like I'm 5" nature of this post but here it goes... Dealership said I need new struts and of course quoted me an astronomical price. I'm mechanically inclined and have access to all the tools and patience (as well as a helper) I can need.

I have a 2003 Limited V8. Of course I have the X-REAS system and air suspension in the rear. I want to scrap the X-REAS system because my money tree out back hasn't bloomed yet.

Based off my research I THINK I want to go with the Bilstein 5100s all the way around and then replace the stock springs/air bags with Moog springs. I've attached photos of what I've got sitting in my shopping carts online. Have seen that I'll want to replace my tie rod ends due to the likelihood of damaging them in the process of swapping everything out. Am I missing anything?

 

[just_n]

Update from my earlier post, now with measurements

'06 V6 Sport 4WD w 265/70/17 Nittos

Originally installed 5100's front and rear, fronts set at .85 w stock springs all the way around.
Measurements from the ground to the edge of the fender wells (center of wheels)

5100 set at .85 w a Full Tank
Driver
Front - 34.75
Rear - 36.25

Passenger
Front - 35
Rear - 37

5100 adjusted to 1.75 w a Full Tank
Driver
Front - 35.5
Rear - 36.5

Passenger
Front - 36
Rear - 37.25

 

[sport2004]

Update from my earlier post, now with measurements

'06 V6 Sport 4WD w 265/70/17 Nittos

Originally installed 5100's set at .85 w stock springs all the way around.
Measurements from the ground to the edge of the fender wells (center of wheels)

5100 set at .85 w a Full Tank
Driver
Front - 34.75
Rear - 36.25

Passenger
Front - 35
Rear - 37

5100 set at 1.75 w a Full Tank
Driver
Front - 35.5
Rear - 36.5

Passenger
Front - 36
Rear - 37.25

Great pics and info...I like it, but wonder why the rear went up so much just by raising the front, with stock springs. Maybe I'll stick with stock springs after all.

 

[Pakalolo.]

5100 on FJ spring set at 1.75 is the way to go! So happy with the mild lift and alignment stayed in factory specs

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[WittDuncan]

stock suspension replacement

I recently purchased a 2005 Sport Edition 4x4 V8 currently at 177k and after looking at the service records it's still running stock shocks/springs.

There aren't any strange noises coming from the suspension, so I don't think the shocks are blown, but the ride is a little bouncy and from what I gather after 12 years of driving and 177k miles I'm probably past due for a shock replacement.

Research has led me to look at the Bilstein 5100 shocks (often paired with FJ springs), and I've come across the 6112 package as well.

The 4Runner is my daily driver, and I don't do any heavy offroading. I'm not looking to lift the vehicle dramatically, but I would like to bring the front end up a bit to straighten out the rake. Measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender flare I'm seeing 22" in the rear and 19" up front - a 3" rake. Does this indicate that the springs ought to be swapped out along with the shocks? If the springs ought to be replaced, what's a recommended set that will pair well with the damping of the Bilsteins but won't lift the vehicle more than 1"?

I know there's a lot out there covering this general topic (and I've read plenty of the posts), but I'd be interested to hear what folks have to say regarding my particular situation. Thanks in advance!

 

[pjbrownva]

I recently purchased a 2005 Sport Edition 4x4 V8 currently at 177k and after looking at the service records it's still running stock shocks/springs.

There aren't any strange noises coming from the suspension, so I don't think the shocks are blown, but the ride is a little bouncy and from what I gather after 12 years of driving and 177k miles I'm probably past due for a shock replacement.

Research has led me to look at the Bilstein 5100 shocks (often paired with FJ springs), and I've come across the 6112 package as well.

The 4Runner is my daily driver, and I don't do any heavy offroading. I'm not looking to lift the vehicle dramatically, but I would like to bring the front end up a bit to straighten out the rake. Measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender flare I'm seeing 22" in the rear and 19" up front - a 3" rake. Does this indicate that the springs ought to be swapped out along with the shocks? If the springs ought to be replaced, what's a recommended set that will pair well with the damping of the Bilsteins but won't lift the vehicle more than 1"?

I know there's a lot out there covering this general topic (and I've read plenty of the posts), but I'd be interested to hear what folks have to say regarding my particular situation. Thanks in advance!

I would suggest getting the Bilstein 5100 shocks and a new set of factory 4runner springs. I think that would probably work well, and the front of the 5100 shocks are height adjustable, one of the perches on the shocks equates to a 2.5" lift, so that should just about level out your ride.

FJ cruiser springs are heavier duty, and add some additional lift, so if you don't want the lift, then stay with stock springs. You could always keep the original springs, but I'm betting that after 177K miles, you'll see an improvement in ride quality if you replace them.

Last comment, I had a lift Jeep wrangler about 20 yrs ago, and the ride was Awful! I assumed (probably correctly) that the big tires and lift kit are what made a normally harsh Jeep ride, even worse -- and that probably WAS the case.

The point is, with the 5100 shocks with FJ coils, you DO get a lift, but the ride is really good. Some (including me) feel that the ride is actually better than stock, and by better, I mean more comfortable, and a softer ride over bumps and potholes and uneven surfaces.

So if you don't want a lift, because you want to keep your 4R lower, that's fine, but if your motivation is to preserve your ride quality, you may find that the 5100 and FJ springs are just the ticket.

The 6112 package also seems really nice, and I believe it was designed specifically for the 4R. It's more money, and I don't know how it performs, but I assume that it will be even better than the 5100.

Here's what one person said about the 6112s in a different thread.

Gave in and bought 6112's about a month ago; running 5100's on FJ coils in the rear.

Can't say enough good about the 6112's. The ride is truly smooth and firm at all speeds, unlike the adjustable 5100's, which were rough and always out of synch with the FJ coils. The difference is HUGE!

Seems like the way 4runners should have come from the factory. Finally satisfied after trying 5-6 different options/combinations. Couldn't be happier!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/192772-any-reviews-new-bilstein-6112s-2.html#post2022445



Let us know what you end up getting, and how you like it.

 

[sport2004]

So if you don't want a lift, because you want to keep your 4R lower, that's fine, but if your motivation is to preserve your ride quality, you may find that the 5100 and FJ springs are just the ticket.

I'm looking to do this and am trying to choose aftermarket FJ springs. Would you have any suggestions? I'd like to go with something with a positive recommendation. Thanks for any input.

 

[pjbrownva]

I'm looking to do this and am trying to choose aftermarket FJ springs. Would you have any suggestions? I'd like to go with something with a positive recommendation. Thanks for any input.

We'll have to look for others to make recommendations. I only have first hand experience with my leaking xreas factory system, and then my Billy 5100 with low mileage used FJ springs.

Others would have to chime in on aftermarket springs... especially ones that don't add much lift.

From the brief reading I did, it seems that some people love the Billy 6112 for the front. The come with the front springs, so you would only need rear springs.

I got my billys from one of the forum sponsors, Total Automotive Performance, who sold me a set of 4 5100 shocks for $348 even with free shipping.

Then I got 4 used FJ springs by posting a truthful and entertaining welcome message on an FJ cruisers forum. I told a fair amount about me and my 4Runner, included photos, was honest that I was looking to find someone to sell me used FJ springs, and included a little humor too. (I think I said I was another 4Runner troll, joining their forum to look for their old junk as an upgrade to my 4R)... or something like that.

Anyway, I got two private messages from guys who said they would sell me theirs, and one of them was within an hour of me, so we met, and I got the coils.

Here's a set of 5100 shocks for $360. You'll still need springs.
4Runner4thGen5100Set - Bilstein 5100 Complete SET - Total Automotive Performance - Your Source for Auto Parts and Accessories

Here are links for 6112 for the front @ $700

Bilstein 47-260153 | 6112 Series 47-260153 | Total Automotive Performance

and 5160 shocks for the rear at $426

Bilstein 25-227611 Shocks | Bilstein 5160 Series Shocks | Bilstein Shocks

You'll still need a pair of rear springs, and the bill is already at $1126, but that may not be too bad, depending on your budget.

I went $350 for 5100 all around, plus $150 for used FJ springs, and installed everything myself for a total of $500 even, plus a good, long day of labor.

Call these guys up and ask for their recommendation. They'd be able to help you.



Good luck.