A few people here have installed FJ Cruiser coils in the rear of their 4Runner to gain about an inch of lift:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23448&perpage=15&pagenu mber=2
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=22357
The problem is that good info has been tough to come by. These members used the FJ springs in combination with other spacer lifts, so the amount of lift that could be attributed to the springs alone was unclear. Also, both 4Runners in question were 2WD, so I was curious if I would see similar results on my 4x4.
The fact that one member reported a stiffer ride also intrigued me- was it possible that a 4Runner could gain 1" of lift AND some load carrying capacity by making the switch? Stock 4WD FJ springs are readily available for cheap over on the FJ cruiser forums (I paid less than $100 for all 4), so this had the makings of a cheap experiment.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the rear springs (FJ coils on the left, 4Runner coils on the right):
Observations: The FJ coil is 1/4" taller. Also notice the extra coil over the height of the spring. What may not be obvious is the difference in coil thickness- the FJ coil is 1/32" thicker (19/32" vs. 9/16") according to my antique dial calipers.
Results:
Height with 265/70/17 Firestone Destinations
Before/After
L: 36.0"/37.125"
R: 36.5"/37.5"
Measurements were taken on level ground, at the centerline of the wheel, from the ground to the bottom of the fender flare. No changes were made to the load inside the truck during the install (load was very light and evenly distributed). Tire pressure was a constant 38 psi in both rear tires before and after.
Overall I gained about 1" of lift. The ride (unloaded) seems a *little* firmer, but not very noticeable. I expect the springs to handle weight in the rear better, especially when towing.
***It should be noted that I installed an Air Lift 1000 kit in the rear at the same time I put the new springs in. All "after" measurements were taken with 5 psi in the bags, which is the minimum recommended pressure. They should not have had any effect on the change in height.
My next mod will be a 2" front spacer to level the truck. I will compare the 4Runner vs. FJ front springs at that time. Depending on how they differ, the 4WD FJ front coils may be a good option for someone looking for a mild lift on a 4Runner- possibly dependant on whether the 4Runner is 2WD vs. 4WD, or V6 vs V8.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23448&perpage=15&pagenu mber=2
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...threadid=22357
The problem is that good info has been tough to come by. These members used the FJ springs in combination with other spacer lifts, so the amount of lift that could be attributed to the springs alone was unclear. Also, both 4Runners in question were 2WD, so I was curious if I would see similar results on my 4x4.
The fact that one member reported a stiffer ride also intrigued me- was it possible that a 4Runner could gain 1" of lift AND some load carrying capacity by making the switch? Stock 4WD FJ springs are readily available for cheap over on the FJ cruiser forums (I paid less than $100 for all 4), so this had the makings of a cheap experiment.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the rear springs (FJ coils on the left, 4Runner coils on the right):
Observations: The FJ coil is 1/4" taller. Also notice the extra coil over the height of the spring. What may not be obvious is the difference in coil thickness- the FJ coil is 1/32" thicker (19/32" vs. 9/16") according to my antique dial calipers.
Results:
Height with 265/70/17 Firestone Destinations
Before/After
L: 36.0"/37.125"
R: 36.5"/37.5"
Measurements were taken on level ground, at the centerline of the wheel, from the ground to the bottom of the fender flare. No changes were made to the load inside the truck during the install (load was very light and evenly distributed). Tire pressure was a constant 38 psi in both rear tires before and after.
Overall I gained about 1" of lift. The ride (unloaded) seems a *little* firmer, but not very noticeable. I expect the springs to handle weight in the rear better, especially when towing.
***It should be noted that I installed an Air Lift 1000 kit in the rear at the same time I put the new springs in. All "after" measurements were taken with 5 psi in the bags, which is the minimum recommended pressure. They should not have had any effect on the change in height.
My next mod will be a 2" front spacer to level the truck. I will compare the 4Runner vs. FJ front springs at that time. Depending on how they differ, the 4WD FJ front coils may be a good option for someone looking for a mild lift on a 4Runner- possibly dependant on whether the 4Runner is 2WD vs. 4WD, or V6 vs V8.
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