FJ Cruiser Bilstein 5100/Coil Spring Swap

[chips2002]

Hello,
I own a 2004 Lexus GX470 V8 AWD and am having problems with the rear airbags functioning. I am looking to do a FJ Cruiser Bilstein 5100 strut/spring swap and add Airlift 1000 Airbags. I see lots of you guys doing this modification.

I wanted to ask a few questions and confirm before buying used parts and starting the swap:

1) Will only 2007-2009 FJ Cruiser Bilstein 5100 struts fit my vehicle without modification? How about later years? What type of modification is required to have 2010-2014 struts fit my vehicle?

2) Any year springs from FJ Cruiser will fit my vehicle?

3) Can I perform the rear spring conversion without any conversion kits (Metaltech, Strutmaster, Arnott)? I'm not planning on using any kit.

Instead, I was going to place wheel caster wheels (5.25" on top) from Harbor Freight (HF) to keep the spring aligned as some folks on the forums have been doing.

4) Do I need some spring isolator/perch for the bottom? I see Metaltech and Strutmasters includes it in their kits but do not see for the Arnott kit. I saw a post where a 4" HF wheel caster was used but then I would not be able to route the airline through the bottom on the axle.

5) Any other items I need for this conversion? I see some folks placing spacers to keep lift level. I am not looking for any considerable lift.

Thanks for reading my post and hope to hear your comments and recommendations!

Also, please let me know if you guys have any FJ Cruiser Bilstein shocks and coil springs available.

 

[chips2002]

 

[kevinpt]

i dont see a lot of RAS coil swaps on here but try looking for thread about the RAS to coil swap

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

1. You'll need 5100s for the 03-09 4runner or 07-09 FJ (same part numbers). No reason to even consider the newer FJ shocks.

2. Any year 07+ FJ coils should work

3/4 The upper mount is the same on the RAS vs coil equipped 4runners, so I didn't see a need for anything other than the factory isolator. On the bottom, I used the MT kit. I prefer this setup because it prevents metal to metal contact at the top and bottom of the coil. The caster would probably work on the lower mount, but you could end up with some noise from the setup.

5. Other than the upper bump stop/isolator for the coils, that should be all you need.

 

[chips2002]

i dont see a lot of RAS coil swaps on here but try looking for thread about the RAS to coil swap

Above is what I have compiled from the search from various forums. Seems like the full setup with the top wheel caster, no isolators, and Airlift has not been fully executed. I wanted to get some opinions on this setup. Thanks will into the rear air spring to coil swap!

 

[chips2002]

1. You'll need 5100s for the 03-09 4runner or 07-09 FJ (same part numbers). No reason to even consider the newer FJ shocks.

2. Any year 07+ FJ coils should work

3/4 The upper mount is the same on the RAS vs coil equipped 4runners, so I didn't see a need for anything other than the factory isolator. On the bottom, I used the MT kit. I prefer this setup because it prevents metal to metal contact at the top and bottom of the coil. The caster would probably work on the lower mount, but you could end up with some noise from the setup.

5. Other than the upper bump stop/isolator for the coils, that should be all you need.

Thanks for your response! This is the answer I was looking for. You confirmed my research. I also agree about the metal to metal contact. I will have to cut a portion of the OEM coil isolators/bump stops if I decide to use these with the Airlift. I'm going to go as planned with the caster wheels and see how things turn out. Wish me luck and hope you all have a Happy New Year!