FJ Cruiser Springs Lift

[wake_rider]

I've done some reading on the 07-09 FJ cruiser springs lift, but I haven't been able to figure out what to do for rear shocks. I'm getting a set of springs in by Friday, so I'm wanting to get shocks on order today to possibly get finished by the end of the weekend.

So, for those that have done it, what shocks gave enough travel without the compressed length being too long and demanding extended bumpstops, and also don't droop so low that they allow the spring to become dislodged from the cone seat? Still think the Tundra 5100's are best (while remaining economic) for the front as well, then will there be an issue with ride consistency/quality if I'm not running the 5100 in the rear (I believe its compressed length is too long, making the need for an extended bump stop a reality, then limiting travel).

Also, I have an old set of 99 talls on my truck currently, but it appeared that people's experience in the past showed that these springs netted just a bit (about .5 to .75") more height over 99 talls. I mostly wanted them for the claim that they ride a bit nicer and handle big hits a bit better, as well as giving just a little more height without making the driveline angles get too sharp for my long distance DD.

Finally, is there any other advice for things to look at or prepare for prior to pulling things apart for the least amount of down time (i.e... Not running around this metroplex trying to find parts that I need to finish the job, and making the Mrs even more annoyed with using up an entire weekend on car projects)?

 

[Chuckles89]

Does [MENTION=102266]SRQ-Runner[/MENTION] have any thoughts on this?

 

[Jhelms]

I have 4runner spec 5100's in the rear on one 4runner with an FJ spring lift and KYB's in the rear on the other with FJ springs. They were a perfect compliment but I do like the 5100's better - but I am no wheeler. Just an offroad / camping enthusiast.

Both 4runners have tundra 5100's up front / FJ fronts.

To note, the 5100 rears were longer and allowed more drop than OEM or KYB but were still safe IMO unless you run without swaybars. In that case, axle can drop to far and they could pop out if you're into that hardcore chassis twisting stuff

 

[AZBub]

I was just going to post [MENTION=123173]Jhelms[/MENTION] is the fella to ask about FJ spring lifts.

 

[wake_rider]

I have 4runner spec 5100's in the rear on one 4runner with an FJ spring lift and KYB's in the rear on the other with FJ springs. They were a perfect compliment but I do like the 5100's better - but I am no wheeler. Just an offroad / camping enthusiast.

Both 4runners have tundra 5100's up front / FJ fronts.

To note, the 5100 rears were longer and allowed more drop than OEM or KYB but were still safe IMO unless you run without swaybars. In that case, axle can drop to far and they could pop out if you're into that hardcore chassis twisting stuff

Awesome info. Thank you so much!

I'll go the Tundra 5100's up front, and the 4Runner 5100's in the back. Now I just need to find the best place for some deals on those. Summit racing shows about $390 shipped for all four shocks, but I think I can probably do a bit better with deeper searching.

Here's to the Internet search coma I'm about to fall into. :cheers:

 

[Dephcon]

Check out WheelersOffroad. I got most of my stuff from them, good prices, great service and quick shipping, and they give you a bag of candy with your order... who doesn't like free candy?
4Runner Shocks - 1996 - 2002 - Bilstein, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Old Man Emu, Rough Country

 

[ralatkins]

Check out WheelersOffroad. I got most of my stuff from them, good prices, great service and quick shipping, and they give you a bag of candy with your order... who doesn't like free candy?
4Runner Shocks - 1996 - 2002 - Bilstein, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Old Man Emu, Rough Country

^^^ this is the correct answer. and [MENTION=87036]YotaDan[/MENTION] is the man to speak with. super helpful. great place to buy.

 

[Jhelms]

Awesome info. Thank you so much!

I'll go the Tundra 5100's up front, and the 4Runner 5100's in the back. Now I just need to find the best place for some deals on those. Summit racing shows about $390 shipped for all four shocks, but I think I can probably do a bit better with deeper searching.

Here's to the Internet search coma I'm about to fall into. :cheers:

Fronts Tundra 5100 P/N is Bilstein 24-188265
Rear 4Runner 5100 P/N is Bilstein 24-249966

The best combo price I have found is on ebay from two sellers:
$190 for the pair of fronts Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Shock Absorber 24 188265 | eBay

For the pair of rears $164.98 shipped
Bilstein 24 249966 Rear 5100 Series Shock Kit for 96 02 Toyota 4Runner 4WD | eBay

Makes the total shipped $355



While you are doing this, Replace the front strut tops with KYB SM5184
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-4Run...ash=item23296a373e:g:h20AAOSwo0JWOLeL&vxp=mtr


Last, I advise you use OME trim-packers in the rear. Run a 10mm on the drivers side and a 5mm on the passenger side to level things out with the OEM FJ springs. This should give a very slight forward rake with the setup / front 5100's in the 2nd notch.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281503280345?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281471190558?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[wake_rider]

Fronts Tundra 5100 P/N is Bilstein 24-188265
Rear 4Runner 5100 P/N is Bilstein 24-249966

The best combo price I have found is on ebay from two sellers:
$190 for the pair of fronts Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Shock Absorber 24 188265 | eBay

For the pair of rears $164.98 shipped
Bilstein 24 249966 Rear 5100 Series Shock Kit for 96 02 Toyota 4Runner 4WD | eBay

Makes the total shipped $355



While you are doing this, Replace the front strut tops with KYB SM5184
Toyota 4Runner Tacoma Set of 2 Front Shock Mounts KYB SM 5184 | eBay


Last, I advise you use OME trim-packers in the rear. Run a 10mm on the drivers side and a 5mm on the passenger side to level things out with the OEM FJ springs. This should give a very slight forward rake with the setup / front 5100's in the 2nd notch.
Old Man Emu 10mm Coil Spacer Trim Packer 91 97 Toyota Land Cruiser LX450 4Runner | eBay
Old Man Emu 5mm Coil Spacer Trim Packer 91 97 Toyota Land Cruiser LX450 4Runner | eBay

I have everything sitting in my cart except the top hats. I have my original struts and springs sitting in my garage (ones I took off whenever I put a used 99 tells setup on) and the top hats have zero corrosion. I think they'll be fine to reuse.

One last thing, do I need to get the Tundra isolator (I assume that's the piece that goes between the top hat and the coil)?

I got my springs in today and I just want to confirm that these are the correct ones that I was sent (07-09). Do the rears have a single grayish-purple paint mark, then the fronts have a green/orange and green/grayish-purple color code? Also, which side is for driver's vs passenger's?

 

[wake_rider]

Answering one of my own questions, I can visibly see that the green/yellow (or or orange-ish yellow) is at least a quarter inch taller. That's obviously the driver's side.

Searching other forums confirms that I have the correct years. I'm a happy dude. Now to just pay for those shocks and figure out the isolator issue.

Why is this stuff as fun as it is? My wife doesn't get it...