FJ Easy Strut Lift?

[drallan]

Hi,
I've read through a ton of the lift threads and tried to search, but haven't really found what I am looking for.

Has anyone done the FJ lift with an already assembled set of easystruts (like the complete sets that rock auto or amazon has)? I'm looking for just an inch or so and leveling on an 04 4wd V8. It is a grocery getter primarily but occasionally sees some pretty nasty dirt roads, fields, driveways and snow. So I'm not looking for anything drastic just restore the factory ride and a little boost in height. Maybe an additional 1" spacer lift for front/rear if coil boost is enough to level.

Amazon has the FJ spring/shock assembly for around $100-150 depending on make. I know that they probably aren't the same quality as a bilstein or KYB, but for my needs I was thinking they should do the job. Has anyone done this yet? If so, what is your opinion?

 

[J053619]

I'd suggest browsing the suspension classifieds or the fjcruiserforums. You could probably snag an OEM FJ suspension or a 5th gen suspension after someone upgrades. I believe the 5th gen fits with some minor modification and i think both should provide the little bit of lift you're looking for.

 

[drallan]

Thanks for the response.

I know I can get old springs from an FJ. I know taking out the old assembly (or even doing on vehicle) compressing, removing strut and reassembly isn't that difficult. I was just wondering if anyone had done the FJ conversion on a 4runner using the cheaper coil/strut assemblies from Amazon or RockAuto.

I realize that Monroe or generic spring/struts leave much to be desired, but I'm looking for someone who has actually done the mod who can weigh in. I have a 13 y/o 4runner w/ over 2k on the clock and figured new springs/shocks could be a pretty quick and cheap way to improve the ride w/o breaking the bank.

 

[J053619]

You wouldn't have to disassemble anything. It would be a direct replacement. A lot of FJ guys sometimes giveaway their original setups when they upgrade. For instance here's a recent thread:

Free TT Stuff

Just trying to help you save some money

 

[Iluvboost]

I'm thinking of doing the kyb quick struts. Can't be all bad.

 

[Lzdc2]

Yep, I did the KYB quick struts. Really easy to install and gave me about 1 1/2" lift.

 

[drallan]

I went ahead and put on the Monroe Easy-struts for the FJ. I ordered them off Amazon for about $100 each. I was getting new tires and an alignment done this weekend and wanted to get the parts in quick and easy beforehand. Amazon didn't have the KYB on prime and I couldn't find anywhere else that had them as cheap and quick delivery. I know you get what you pay for and Monroe shocks don't have the greatest of reputation for our 4runners. But I figured they are going on a 13 y/o truck w/ over 200k on the clock. If they last a few years I'll be happy. The car is my wife's DD so it sees about 95% road use with a little snow in the winter and field use throughout the year (family has a farm). So it won't be beat up too hard.

I kept the old parts and might start collecting pieces to put together a 3/2 lift setup for when the truck becomes mine (she always gets the new car).

Anyways. Install was a snap. It raised the front up about 1" so now everything is level. I was sitting about 19" from center of wheel to bottom of fender in the front and 20" in the back (+/- 1/4 depending on side). Now both front and back sit right at 20". I paired them with a new set of 265/70/17 Cooper AT3s and it looks nice. Ride is a bit firmer and not as much roll in sharp turns or braking. No rub at all. Will see how long they last. But for now I'm happy. For 200$ I'd do it again for those who are looking for a quick cheap level. It ended up being easier and not too much more expensive than doing just a leveling kit or trying to piece together parts from the classifieds.

I'll try to get picks up soon.

Thanks

 

[MedicBob]

Never thought of just getting the KYB FJ strut... I like it.

What year FJ are you using for your search on Amazon? I see a couple of similar but different model numbers excluding the Left/Right.

 

[drallan]

These are the Monroe ones I ordered. Wish I had gone w/ the KYB but they wouldn't have come in time. The Monroe's had decent reviews and fit in w/ no problem. I'm sure the springs are pretty standard, the biggest complaints I've heard about the Monroe shocks is the lifespan and that they tend to leak or wear out early.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AA5QJ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AA5R0Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But I think these are the KYB links (2 different parts 1 for left 1 for right).

https://www.amazon.com/KYB-SR4131-C...toyota:fj+cruiser&keywords=kyb+strut+assembly

https://www.amazon.com/KYB-SR4130-C...toyota:fj+cruiser&keywords=kyb+strut+assembly

 

[lightfreak]

But I think these are the KYB links (2 different parts 1 for left 1 for right).

https://www.amazon.com/KYB-SR4131-C...toyota:fj+cruiser&keywords=kyb+strut+assembly

https://www.amazon.com/KYB-SR4130-C...toyota:fj+cruiser&keywords=kyb+strut+assembly

I have these on my '04, with the KYB rears , easy install and rides great. Gives a bit of lift too

 

[bolantej]

So, these are used to level the front with the rear? Do they have something similar for the rear to add more lift?

 

[drallan]

Yes, these are just used to level the front w/ the rear. In the stock 4runner the front sits about 1" lower than it does in the rear which is why most lift kits are 2/1 or 3/2. As far as lifting the rear I think the only real way to go is w/ bigger springs like OME or a spacer. I'm not sure if the FJ rear springs are taller also. But then you would have to raise up the front again to get it level.

I was looking for new struts up front to replace my 13 y/o ones and saw that a lot of people find FJ coils off of other trucks to achieve a 3/4-1" lift in the front. I figured it would be easier and quicker to just buy the whole front assembly new for and FJ than trying to piece together a set from used parts.

I might add in a 1" top hat space and rear spacer in the future if these hold up. Which would essentially be a 2/1 lift when all is said and done. This allowed me to put on 265/70/17 w/o any rubbing issues and w/o looking like they were stuffed in there too much. Also firmed up the ride and got rid of the forward lean.

I would definitely recommend this (maybe w/ the KYBs) for anyone looking to level the ride w/o requiring too much work. I did it in my driveway w/ no issues then took it in to get new tires and alignment.

 

[MedicBob]

Thanks for the links.

 

[fAr eAst rUnnEr]

Did this today. Had a bad strut mount so decided to replace both strut assemblies. Funds are tight so decided to go with the lowest cost option for now and maybe next year upgrade again when job prospects are better. All the same got 1.5 inches of lift in the front. I'm sure this may settle over the coming weeks. It got dark before I could replace the sway bar and I stripped the bolts when removing them so I'll need to replace those. Can't wait to see the difference in the light tomorrow and seeing that tomorrow is a holiday I'll have to wait a couple of days before getting replacement bolts for the sway bar. Total cost $200 bucks. Not too shabby.