Compiled: FJ Springs Lift Info for 4th gen

[sport2004]

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.

Thanks a bunch...+1

 

[Rodtheviking]

Thanks a bunch...+1

Try Wheelers Off road.

https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...2003-2009-4runner/suspension-229844/shocks-5/

 

[sport2004]

Try Wheelers Off road.

https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...2003-2009-4runner/suspension-229844/shocks-5/

Thanks!

 

[OlBillyFreckleFace]

2004 Sport V8

No noise and the suspension is still alrigh at 97k. Is it worth the swap or should I wait until there’s an actual need?

 

[mightyduck]

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.

Just thought I would chime in for you and WittDuncon....

I recently threw on 5100(.85)/5160 combo with used fj springs. The ride shits on stock xreas. For some context...im basically a city driver but I occasionally find myself on fire roads, snowy roads, light offroading.

I did a ton of research on this before I pulled the trigger and heres a few random things I found along the way:

- the wheelers T12 rear spring is a good option for an aftermarket rear spring but everyone here seems to be finding that it yields more lift than advertised. They also make a T13 spring which will provide right around a half inch of lift past stock springs (if I remember correctly).

- If you go with the fj coils in the back you should spend the extra money on the 5160 (rather than the 5100) for the rear because the dampening rate of that shock is better suited for the increased coil rate of the fj spring. The 5100 is better suited for the stock coil rate.

- From my experience wheelers offroad is super helpful and very knowledgeable about their products. I would suggest calling them...they very patiently babied me through everything.

 

[sport2004]

Just thought I would chime in for you and WittDuncon....

I recently threw on 5100(.85)/5160 combo with used fj springs. The ride shits on stock xreas. For some context...im basically a city driver but I occasionally find myself on fire roads, snowy roads, light offroading.

I did a ton of research on this before I pulled the trigger and heres a few random things I found along the way:

- the wheelers T12 rear spring is a good option for an aftermarket rear spring but everyone here seems to be finding that it yields more lift than advertised. They also make a T13 spring which will provide right around a half inch of lift past stock springs (if I remember correctly).

- If you go with the fj coils in the back you should spend the extra money on the 5160 (rather than the 5100) for the rear because the dampening rate of that shock is better suited for the increased coil rate of the fj spring. The 5100 is better suited for the stock coil rate.

- From my experience wheelers offroad is super helpful and very knowledgeable about their products. I would suggest calling them...they very patiently babied me through everything.

THANK YOU!
Very helpful.

 

[camp332]

5100 strut to replace Cornfed 2" lift up front(Your Advice Please)

Hello Again Team T4R
So, I'm looking to replace the OE replacement Monroe struts/springs with a 2" Cornfed spacer lift I installed last year with some Billy 5100 struts, and FJ springs. My question is which setting on the 5100's in combination with the FJ front springs would get me close to the same height as this Cornfed 2" spacer lift?

In addition, I have a 1" spacer lift in the rear with FJ coils installed already. I'm planning on replacing the OE shocks in the rear with 5100 shocks.

 

[sport2004]

5100 on FJ spring set at 1.75 is the way to go!

Looks fantastic. Wondering if you could break this down a bit. 5100's in front set at 1.75, with FJ springs. Can you say the brand and source of the FJ springs?

I assumed you also used FJ springs in the rear, same question, brand and source...? Thanks...

 

[jrm]

opinions are like....

Hello Again Team T4R
So, I'm looking to replace the OE replacement Monroe struts/springs with a 2" Cornfed spacer lift I installed last year with some Billy 5100 struts, and FJ springs. My question is which setting on the 5100's in combination with the FJ front springs would get me close to the same height as this Cornfed 2" spacer lift?

In addition, I have a 1" spacer lift in the rear with FJ coils installed already. I'm planning on replacing the OE shocks in the rear with 5100 shocks.

But...id suggest scrapping the FJ coils, unless you already bought um and use some wheelers T1 coils up front on the lowest setting which will yield around 2"s of lift.

 

[bskredsvig]

Just did FJ coils on mine.
2004 limited V6, 4wd with 120k miles.
I used 2008 FJ Trail Team coils and shocks all around, got rid of all XREAS. They reportedly had about 50k miles on them. Also added the Daystar 2.5" spacer lift, KT09115BK. Tires are Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, 265/70-18. They are on a 9" wheel that had a little less backspacing than stock. I took off the front mud flaps and also trimmed the inner fender up front to stop some rubbing. The ride is stiffer but not harsh. Corners a lot flatter with minimal body roll. I really like it better than before.
Before:
Center of hub to wheel well opening; RR 21.25", LR 20.75", RF 18.25", LF 18.25"; ground to bottom of front lic plate 19", ground to bottom of center of running boards 11" both sides.
After:
Center of hub to wheel well opening RR 23", LR 23", RF 22.25", LF 22"; ground to bottom of front lic plate 24.75", ground to bottom of center of running boards 15.5" both sides.
I gained about 4" front and 2" ish rear from the springs and spacers and another 1.5" from the tire difference.

 

[sport2004]

Just did FJ coils on mine.
2004 limited V6, 4wd with 120k miles.
I used 2008 FJ Trail Team coils and shocks all around, got rid of all XREAS. They reportedly had about 50k miles on them. Also added the Daystar 2.5" spacer lift, KT09115BK. Tires are Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, 265/70-18. They are on a 9" wheel that had a little less backspacing than stock. I took off the front mud flaps and also trimmed the inner fender up front to stop some rubbing. The ride is stiffer but not harsh. Corners a lot flatter with minimal body roll. I really like it better than before.
Before:
Center of hub to wheel well opening; RR 21.25", LR 20.75", RF 18.25", LF 18.25"; ground to bottom of front lic plate 19", ground to bottom of center of running boards 11" both sides.
After:
Center of hub to wheel well opening RR 23", LR 23", RF 22.25", LF 22"; ground to bottom of front lic plate 24.75", ground to bottom of center of running boards 15.5" both sides.
I gained about 4" front and 2" ish rear from the springs and spacers and another 1.5" from the tire difference.

Pretty nice, can you tell us about those wheels?

 

[bskredsvig]

The wheels are jr motorsports. They were on it when I bought it. They are 18x9 or so and I think there's about 5" of backspacing.

 

[sport2004]

The wheels are jr motorsports. They were on it when I bought it. They are 18x9 or so and I think there's about 5" of backspacing.

thanks

 

[camp332]

But...id suggest scrapping the FJ coils, unless you already bought um and use some wheelers T1 coils up front on the lowest setting which will yield around 2"s of lift.

I value your feedback. I do have the front fj coils sitting in my shop waiting for something. Maybe ill sell them, and purchase lift springs. Thanks!

Im always open to the ideas you guys give.

 

[summit21]

Finally got new tread to finish off the lifted transformation. I did the 5100's set at 2.5" and Moog FJC coils this past spring. GY Duratracs 285/70/17 fit w/ a little trimming! Next is some new UCA's, probably JBA's.

 

[sportsmanjake]

What else do I need before I start?

Hello all, I am new to the forum and have a question about the FJ coil lift.

My 4Runner is an 07 v6 with 100k miles.

I recently picked up off craigslist the following: FJ Front Coils, FJ front Bilstein Shocks, and FJ Rear Coils.

Questions

• The Toytec space is recommended. Are you only supposed to use one, on a specific side? Or are you supposed to buy a pair and use one on each side?
  
• I want to replace the rear shocks. Can you make a recommendation? I would like to keep it around $100 if possible. But it looks like if I want to match the front with Bilsteins I will need to bump it up to $200. Should I go 5100 or 5160?
  
• Are there any other wear items I should replace while I have the front and rear taken apart?

Thank you.

 

[sbitter]

I have dug through this thread for some time now and I just want to make sure my understanding is correct and hopefully clarify for anyone else that has been reading about this as well.

1. You can use the springs without any modification from a 2010+ FJ but you can not use the shocks because they will require modification.

2. You can then purchase separate Bilstein Shocks that fit your 4runner (mine is a 2008) and install the 2010+ fj springs with the correct shocks without any modifications.

Am I correct from what I have found or is this wrong?

Any help would really be appreciated [emoji3]

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

 

[sportsmanjake]

1. You can use the springs without any modification from a 2010+ FJ but you can not use the shocks because they will require modification.

2. You can then purchase separate Bilstein Shocks that fit your 4runner (mine is a 2008) and install the 2010+ fj springs with the correct shocks without any modifications.

Hi Sbitter, I don't think this thread is checked very often. I have read about 70% of it though and your findings are correct.
Most people are going with the adjustable Bilstein 5100.

What I cannot seem to find out is what is exactly needed to fit 2010+ FJ front shocks on the 4Runner?
edit: Seems like quite a bit could be required.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...-you-put-10-shocks-09-yes-but-should-you.html

edit2:

Just found this which makes it seem a bit more simple.

If you decide to use the shocks from the FJ, the only thing you will have to do to modify the 2015 FJ setup for your 09 is to grind down the inner steel sleeve on the front bottom shock mount and drill out the hole in the frame for the rear shock to fit correctly. I had to do this for the 2014 FJ setup I have.

So it looks like I have to modify the shock and the shock mount. I am hesitant to modify the shock mount. What if in the future I decide to change up the front shocks? What then?

Thanks guys.

 

[ZebRuaj]

So it looks like I have to modify the shock and the shock mount. I am hesitant to modify the shock mount. What if in the future I decide to change up the front shocks? What then?

Thanks guys.

You're modifying the rear shock mount, not the fronts. You can grind down the strut eyelet for the front and not touch the lower A arm.

If you ever need to replace the rears after widening the mount, then you have to start shopping for 5th gen replacements (as the later FJ's and 5th gen are pretty much the same).

I've done the mod. I have full 14' FJ Trail Bilsteins and springs on mine.

 

[sportsmanjake]

You're modifying the rear shock mount, not the fronts. You can grind down the strut eyelet for the front and not touch the lower A arm.

If you ever need to replace the rears after widening the mount, then you have to start shopping for 5th gen replacements (as the later FJ's and 5th gen are pretty much the same).

I've done the mod. I have full 14' FJ Trail Bilsteins and springs on mine.

Oh wow. Thanks for clarifying! I don't yet have rear shocks so this is very helpful. I think I will go with these.

So really I only need to modify the front strut. Are there any pictures/documentation that show this? Or is it just too simple?