Entry Level Suspension kits

[Dalko43]

I'm looking to add a mild lift to my otherwise stock 4runner: 1", if that.

I'm not looking to break the bank. And I'm not looking for something that is going to seriously firm up the 4runner from its stock setup. I won't be adding any additional weight (in terms of armor or roof racks), so I don't need extra load capacity.

From reading various articles and forums posts, it seems there are 2 obvious options:
1) The Bilstein 6112/5100 kit, which goes for ~ $1k (which I understand to be similar to what Toyota puts on the TRD Pro model).
and
2) The Old Man Emu kit which goes for ~$800-$900.

Does anyone have experience with one or both of those kits?
Any obvious differences between the 2, other than price?
How do both kits compare in terms of ride and handling?
Are both kits good for reliability and durability? I live in the northeast, so in addition to many miles of rough logging roads, I need the suspension to be able to weather road salt and prolonged exposure to inclement weather.
Are there any other kits I should be considering for that price point?

 

[Simpleman74]

if you are looking for 1" slap a daystar top mount 1" coil spacer up front and call it a day

 

[LandCruiser]

Either lift or don't. 1" will just waste money/time on an install you will be sick of in 6-12 months.

It's not a cheap truck, don't get a cheap lift.

OME is a good value and lets you tweak what kind of coils you get for what kinds of loads you plan on running.

 

[1engineer]

I'm looking to add a mild lift to my otherwise stock 4runner: 1", if that.

I'm not looking to break the bank. And I'm not looking for something that is going to seriously firm up the 4runner from its stock setup. I won't be adding any additional weight (in terms of armor or roof racks), so I don't need extra load capacity.

From reading various articles and forums posts, it seems there are 2 obvious options:
1) The Bilstein 6112/5100 kit, which goes for ~ $1k (which I understand to be similar to what Toyota puts on the TRD Pro model).
and
2) The Old Man Emu kit which goes for ~$800-$900.

Does anyone have experience with one or both of those kits?
Any obvious differences between the 2, other than price?
How do both kits compare in terms of ride and handling?
Are both kits good for reliability and durability? I live in the northeast, so in addition to many miles of rough logging roads, I need the suspension to be able to weather road salt and prolonged exposure to inclement weather.
Are there any other kits I should be considering for that price point?

Yep. If you are only doing it for looks then a spacer lift is the way to go.

 

[Dalko43]

if you are looking for 1" slap a daystar top mount 1" coil spacer up front and call it a day

I'm not looking for a spacer kit, and I'm not doing this merely for appearance's sake. I would like a little bit more clearance on my frame/body, though I realize the rear and front axles/diff's really won't change. I also want something that will maintain a compliant (Read not overly stiff) ride.

From the first few posts I'm getting, it seems that a normal suspension lift will entail going up more than 1". Okay, for argument's sake, let's say I want a 2-3" lift....which of the previously mentioned kits would people here suggest? Or is there another kit/brand that I should look into?

 

[srsrogerissrs]

Sounds like a Bilstein 5100 setup all around w/ new rear springs/spacer would satisfy for your needs for the least amount of money.

 

[SierraMare]

Don't be surprised to get flamed for not searching. That said, I have the Bilstein 6112 coil over in the front of mine set at the third of five notches for 2" of lift, with the rear lifted 2" with Icon lift springs paired with good old Bilstein 5100 shocks. Going for a moderate lower lift meant that my post lift alignment was good enough that I didn't have to get new upper control arms. I love my lift, both the look along with the on road and off road performance.

I researched OME lifts, which are well regarded. Some note a stiffer ride with OME stuff, though it is reliable and cheaper than the 6112 set up.

I wouldn't rush your lift. Use your vehicle for a year or so and continue your research. This will lead you in the right direction over time that best meets your needs. Do it once, do it right.

Here's where you should start your research: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[fish0281]

So you just want different suspension? I don't understand why ... you don't really want a lift, you don't want to change the ride characteristics, and you don't need any increased load capacity... sounds like you should go with the factory suspension. Sorry if I'm missing something here.

Just for the record, if you go to something like the Bilstein struts and put the perch at .85", you're effectively doing the same thing as a spacer.

 

[Dalko43]

Don't be surprised to get flamed for not searching. That said, I have the Bilstein 6112 coil over in the front of mine set at the third of five notches for 2" of lift, with the rear lifted 2" with Icon lift springs paired with good old Bilstein 5100 shocks. Going for a moderate lower lift meant that my post lift alignment was good enough that I didn't have to get new upper control arms. I love my lift, both the look along with the on road and off road performance.

I researched OME lifts, which are well regarded. Some note a stiffer ride with OME stuff, though it is reliable and cheaper than the 6112 set up.

I wouldn't rush your lift. Use your vehicle for a year or so and continue your research. This will lead you in the right direction over time that best meets your needs. Do it once, do it right.

Here's where you should start your research: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Thanks! I was hoping to get that kind of feedback. And trust me, I'm not rushing into anything. I've had my stock 4runner for a bit over 2 years now and I've taken it through some moderately difficult terrain; the 4runner's stock suspension has handled most of that stuff very well, but there were a few areas where my frame and skid plates were bottoming out...hence my search for a suspension with slightly higher clearance.

I had heard that OME's stuff was well-regarded too, but that it was a bit more geared towards putting heavier loads on your rig, which I'm not planning on doing at this time. I haven't heard too much about Bilstein's 6122/5100 setup, other than it rides a bit stiffer on the street (relative to the stock setup). Have you noticed that?

I've read through that FAQ section numerous times, and while it is helpful, it doesn't provide too much in the way of user feedback. Thanks for your input; it was helpful!

 

[Dalko43]

So you just want different suspension? I don't understand why ... you don't really want a lift, you don't want to change the ride characteristics, and you don't need any increased load capacity... sounds like you should go with the factory suspension. Sorry if I'm missing something here.

Just for the record, if you go to something like the Bilstein struts and put the perch at .85", you're effectively doing the same thing as a spacer.

Refer to my previous post. I'm looking for a bit more clearance on my frame and skid plates. As well my stock suspension has over 60k miles on it, much of that while loaded down and traversing rough roads. I'm sure it still has some life left in it, but I'd like to put some newer components in there now as I plan on putting many more miles on it in the future.

Noted, on the .85" w/ the Bilstein struts. I'm not really wed to any particular lift height so long as I get some added clearance but don't have to mess around with alignment issues and getting new control arms and what not...I suppose there is a good compromise in the 1-2.5" range...I don't know. Perhaps someone could chime in on that.

 

[fish0281]

Reading your previous posts is why I am lost as to what you're trying to accomplish. A 1" lift isn't going to net you any real clearance... you'd be better off going with a 275 tire to get that subtle change in clearance.

I totally understand avoiding changing out the UCAs and from what I've gleaned, anything approaching 3" or more lift will necessitate new UCAs to get a good alignment. I'm looking to lift mine about 2", but I think I'll be going with a spacer for cost reasons - and I expect my factory struts to last 100k miles.

Refer to my previous post. I'm looking for a bit more clearance on my frame and skid plates. As well my stock suspension has over 60k miles on it, much of that while loaded down and traversing rough roads. I'm sure it still has some life left in it, but I'd like to put some newer components in there now as I plan on putting many more miles on it in the future.

Noted, on the .85" w/ the Bilstein struts. I'm not really wed to any particular lift height so long as I get some added clearance but don't have to mess around with alignment issues and getting new control arms and what not...I suppose there is a good compromise in the 1-2.5" range...I don't know. Perhaps someone could chime in on that.

 

[mrevilandy]

5100 will do u fine it will just depends on the springs u choose that will more determine ride stiffness...one inch lift not sure what tires u have now but what about bigger tires for that extra lift since u don't want to change the ride quality? Just a thought.

 

[Dalko43]

Reading your previous posts is why I am lost as to what you're trying to accomplish. A 1" lift isn't going to net you any real clearance... you'd be better off going with a 275 tire to get that subtle change in clearance.

I totally understand avoiding changing out the UCAs and from what I've gleaned, anything approaching 3" or more lift will necessitate new UCAs to get a good alignment. I'm looking to lift mine about 2", but I think I'll be going with a spacer for cost reasons - and I expect my factory struts to last 100k miles.

Changing to a 275 would yield .25" increase in clearance, if that; that is why I am looking for a suspension lift, which provides much more tangible benefits IMHO.

I'm not looking for a spacer kit. I fully expect toyota's stock suspension to last 100k or more under normal driving conditions. But given where i've gone with my stock rig, and given where I plan on going in the future, I would like to have newer components, with a little bit more lift...it's a peace of mind thing.

Thanks for your feedback and good luck with your own suspension search.

 

[grabgrass]

The stock springs are fine IMO for most things. I was in the same boat as you when i got my trail edition. I wasn't interested in spacers at first until I saw my buddy's truck, and the price in which he did it.

Bilstein 5100s on all 4 corners, front set to 1.75" and a daystar 1.5" rear spacer. It keeps factory rake, preloads the front spring a tad and prevents the looseness that stock has, and the shocks give it a solid ride. I also have 275/70/17 KO2s and it is only a little stiffer of a ride, but i love it.

To top things off I put airbags in the rear for $80 in case i load it down, and they're great. Total cost of setup was around $500 for me. Total lift of the front was ~1 3/4" and rear was just under 1.5"

 

[Dalko43]

The stock springs are fine IMO for most things. I was in the same boat as you when i got my trail edition. I wasn't interested in spacers at first until I saw my buddy's truck, and the price in which he did it.

Bilstein 5100s on all 4 corners, front set to 1.75" and a daystar 1.5" rear spacer. It keeps factory rake, preloads the front spring a tad and prevents the looseness that stock has, and the shocks give it a solid ride. I also have 275/70/17 KO2s and it is only a little stiffer of a ride, but i love it.

To top things off I put airbags in the rear for $80 in case i load it down, and they're great. Total cost of setup was around $500 for me. Total lift of the front was ~1 3/4" and rear was just under 1.5"

Do the daystar spacers limit your downtravel much, if at all?

 

[MattAK]

The stock springs are fine IMO for most things. I was in the same boat as you when i got my trail edition. I wasn't interested in spacers at first until I saw my buddy's truck, and the price in which he did it.

Bilstein 5100s on all 4 corners, front set to 1.75" and a daystar 1.5" rear spacer. It keeps factory rake, preloads the front spring a tad and prevents the looseness that stock has, and the shocks give it a solid ride. I also have 275/70/17 KO2s and it is only a little stiffer of a ride, but i love it.

To top things off I put airbags in the rear for $80 in case i load it down, and they're great. Total cost of setup was around $500 for me. Total lift of the front was ~1 3/4" and rear was just under 1.5"

This is exactly what I have (and a lot of other people on here) minus the air bags and it's perfect if you're sticking with stock size tires or bumping up to 275. I don't have experience with OME but I did a ton of research on their kits when I had my 3rd gen and the consensus was that the OME was a lot stiffer ride than the 5100's. I went with the 5100's on my '01 and again when I got my '16 and haven't been disappointed. For a "cheap" lift it suits my needs just fine.

 

[Dalko43]

This is exactly what I have (and a lot of other people on here) minus the air bags and it's perfect if you're sticking with stock size tires or bumping up to 275. I don't have experience with OME but I did a ton of research on their kits when I had my 3rd gen and the consensus was that the OME was a lot stiffer ride than the 5100's. I went with the 5100's on my '01 and again when I got my '16 and haven't been disappointed. For a "cheap" lift it suits my needs just fine.

So people keep referring to the entry level Bilstein's as 5100's. I thought that the front strut and spring assembly was 6112 while the rears were 5100's, like in the kit advertised here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195QB5Y...UTF8&colid=SQUVDH1EZCSO&coliid=I3NK0SCI4NLJDW

Also, I guess there is an option to use remote reservoir shocks, labeled 5160's. Anyone here tried those? Expedition Portal did a review on them, and I guess they require getting springs from a 3rd party:Did Bilstein Just Make The Ultimate 4Runner Overland Suspension System? | Expedition Portal

 

[grabgrass]

Do the daystar spacers limit your downtravel much, if at all?

None at all. It is very transparent. The thing I like the most is that it only took about an hour and a half in my driveway to do, so I know I could reverse it or upgrade the springs later just as easily. But I don't have any intentions to at this point.

 

[Cymon]

So people keep referring to the entry level Bilstein's as 5100's. I thought that the front strut and spring assembly was 6112 while the rears were 5100's, like in the kit advertised here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0195QB5Y...UTF8&colid=SQUVDH1EZCSO&coliid=I3NK0SCI4NLJDW

Also, I guess there is an option to use remote reservoir shocks, labeled 5160's. Anyone here tried those? Expedition Portal did a review on them, and I guess they require getting springs from a 3rd party:Did Bilstein Just Make The Ultimate 4Runner Overland Suspension System? | Expedition Portal

The 5100 setup is different then the 6112/5160. The 5100 rear shock are often paired with the 6112 front although the 5160 valving match is a little better. Unfortuanately the 5160's have had some issues and only have a 90 day warranty unlike the limited lifetime of the 5100 and 6112.

All the info you seek on this setup is here... Happy Reading!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/183858-when-will-bilstein-6112-released.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/total-automotive-performance/190841-bilstein-6112s-stock-now-shipping-total-automotive-performance-toyota-4runner-gb.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/181698-bilsteins-really-best-shock-our-5th-gens.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/177769-what-changes-bilstein-5100s.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/165065-5th-gen-4runner-lift-buyers-guide.html

 

[Dalko43]

The 5100 setup is different then the 6112/5160. The 5100 rear shock are often paired with the 6112 front although the 5160 valving match is a little better. Unfortuanately the 5160's have had some issues and only have a 90 day warranty unlike the limited lifetime of the 5100 and 6112.

All the info you seek on this setup is here... Happy Reading!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/183858-when-will-bilstein-6112-released.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/total-automotive-performance/190841-bilstein-6112s-stock-now-shipping-total-automotive-performance-toyota-4runner-gb.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/181698-bilsteins-really-best-shock-our-5th-gens.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/177769-what-changes-bilstein-5100s.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/165065-5th-gen-4runner-lift-buyers-guide.html

Do you have experience with either kit? The 6112/5160 or the 5100's?