FJ spring question
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CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
Mike, as far as the spacers are concerned: Considering your corrosive environment I would do one of two things: Use the Daystar kit or use the CF and after you do the first re-torque of the 3 nuts (each side) spray it with some undercoating. Nobody has complained about Daystars compressing etc. That's just a theoretical. I'd lean that way. That's my 2cents. I don't think you can go wrong.
:cheers:
:cheers:
HB 4X4
New member
CJ3Flyr said:
X2 but do the smaller Daystar lifts deal with the false advertising? The 2" spacer only provides 1.5" of lift, so will he have that problem wit the smaller ones too and get less than he desires?
Maybe the 2" Daystar that gives 1.5" will look really good because it will net about 2-2.5 in front with the FJ springs, and .5"-.75" in back with just the springs.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
I'd order the 1st 1.25" listed here. http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm It seems they have great customer service from what others have shared. If you called them I'm sure someone would grab a package and measure it for you. (Josh has a good point. It seems all the brain power at Daystar goes into making spacers not learning how to use a ruler
I think the 1.25" is probably fine as it is half of the old style 2.5 which most claim does 2.5 or a hair better. I'd expect pretty close to the advertised 1.25".) You want to hear that the material thickness is greater than .5" and less than .9". I don't think the second 1.25" option is what you need as you'll gain the touch of firmness the T4R needs from the FJC springs.
If I were going for a 'do-over' I would probably choose these. The only reason I say probably is I tow frequently enough that I need to start with more rake than I consider ideal which means I'll probably stay where I am for now.(if that makes sense.
)
:cheers:
I think the 1.25" is probably fine as it is half of the old style 2.5 which most claim does 2.5 or a hair better. I'd expect pretty close to the advertised 1.25".) You want to hear that the material thickness is greater than .5" and less than .9". I don't think the second 1.25" option is what you need as you'll gain the touch of firmness the T4R needs from the FJC springs.If I were going for a 'do-over' I would probably choose these. The only reason I say probably is I tow frequently enough that I need to start with more rake than I consider ideal which means I'll probably stay where I am for now.(if that makes sense.
):cheers:
J.A.
Senior Member
As Chris said, I would also do the 1st DS kit on the link he gave you. Disregard the advertised 1.25" lift measurement. It is a topout spacer measuring 1" in thickness and will give 2" of lift. You are already getting the firmness from the FJ springs and the topout spacer is the way to go with them.
I am sure I asked Chris this before, but what is the expected lift amount from the FJ front/rear springs in a V8 4WD 4R and what is the increased ft lbs in spring rate (front and rear)? Thanks!
I am sure I asked Chris this before, but what is the expected lift amount from the FJ front/rear springs in a V8 4WD 4R and what is the increased ft lbs in spring rate (front and rear)? Thanks!
J.A. said:
I know this has been discussed before , but wouldn't the spacer be .625 (5/8") to give the 1.25 lift ? I don't want to get a 1.25 thickness spacer as I think that would put me nose high or level . I need some rake b/c I do pull a trailer. (mostly tractors) nothing overly heavy .
I was almost going to order that spacer (1st one listed) until I read JA's post.
Why would I have to re-torque the top nut's and do I have to keep doing that ??
HB 4X4
New member
Falls said:
I think he recommended that to make sure after they are worn in and settle, that the top nuts don't come lose. I always re-check any bolts that have been worked on after a few weeks. I could turn my nuts by hand (LOL
) after I installed my spacer lifts because a few of them had become slightly loosened after driving.Makes sense , maybe they will use thread lock.
I'm hoping to have this done at a local frame and axle shop and I can work with them . Owner lives in subdivision.
I really would like to do it myself so I can learn , but there is a few things Im not comfortable with , like seating the springs correctly ect, since I am putting different springs on would I or they still need a spring compressor ?
All you guy's live at the wrong end of the country
I'm hoping to have this done at a local frame and axle shop and I can work with them . Owner lives in subdivision.
I really would like to do it myself so I can learn , but there is a few things Im not comfortable with , like seating the springs correctly ect, since I am putting different springs on would I or they still need a spring compressor ?
All you guy's live at the wrong end of the country
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
Falls said:Makes sense , maybe they will use thread lock.
I'm hoping to have this done at a local frame and axle shop and I can work with them . Owner lives in subdivision.
I really would like to do it myself so I can learn , but there is a few things Im not comfortable with , like seating the springs correctly ect, since I am putting different springs on would I or they still need a spring compressor ?
All you guy's live at the wrong end of the country
I was talking about a one-time re-torque after a week or so. Perhaps not even necessary I think it's smart though...
They will use a spring compressor to put the springs onto your struts.
You're correct about the 2/1 on the front spacers. It'll vary a little bit but basically 1" thick = 2" of lift.
J.A.- As far as lift is concerned... Most seem to get around .75" from the FJC springs on the V6 and about than .5"-.6" on a V8. The unloaded length is identical for the rear and the fronts are 10mm longer than V6 OE springs (5mm longer than V8 springs.) The spring rate is officially unknown (to me anyways). The barstock is about a MM thicker than OE springs. They also have a full extra wrap of coil.
When you do it be sure to unbolt the brackets that hold the ABS wire and disconnect them so as not to pull them. That's the only tricky part that the guys at the shop may not have a full respect for how fragile the wires can be.
:cheers:
J.A.
Senior Member
Falls said:
What I said was that it is incorrectly advertised. By no means is it a 1.25 anything. If it truly is the old style DS topout spacer as shown in the picture on their site, It is 1" in size and provides 2" lift. To be absolutly sure, call wheelers and get the part # and compare that to the one on my site. Dont pay any attention to what size they say it is, just get the part #.
Hopefully wheelers will be able to measure it for me. It does not indicated a 1.25 spacer it indicates a 1.25 lift.
If it's 1.25 spacer that yields me 2.5 lift thats to much lift. The 1" budget boost must be the same thing.
I understand about the re torque , good idea.
JA the shop I'm talking about are the ones that originally told me where I can disconnect/connect it without issue . They researched it on the computer Toyota mechanics program , then they called a mechanic friend they new at a Toyota dealer to confirm.
If it's 1.25 spacer that yields me 2.5 lift thats to much lift. The 1" budget boost must be the same thing.
I understand about the re torque , good idea.
JA the shop I'm talking about are the ones that originally told me where I can disconnect/connect it without issue . They researched it on the computer Toyota mechanics program , then they called a mechanic friend they new at a Toyota dealer to confirm.
J.A.
Senior Member
Have you defined exactly how much lift you want front and rear?
I have seen (read about) people with a 4R 4WD V8 and FJ front springs getting as little as 1/4" of lift. Max is going to be about 1/2". Combine that with the old style DS topout spacer part # M03532 (1" thick, 2" lift) and you will be between 2.25 - 2.50" higher than stock.
If you use the CF spacer you have on hand you will only be at 1.25-1.50" higher.
Is the CF spacer you have preload or topout?
I have seen (read about) people with a 4R 4WD V8 and FJ front springs getting as little as 1/4" of lift. Max is going to be about 1/2". Combine that with the old style DS topout spacer part # M03532 (1" thick, 2" lift) and you will be between 2.25 - 2.50" higher than stock.
If you use the CF spacer you have on hand you will only be at 1.25-1.50" higher.
Is the CF spacer you have preload or topout?
J.A. said:
Trying to achieve a 2/1 with a spacer and the little heavier spring's , if it's slightly less in front I'm ok with that .
The CF spacer is a flat 1/2" disk with 3 holes. I still don't understand if its a preload or topout . I could never get how that works , even after all you guys have explained . To me I can only see 1 spot where a spacer would go.
I'll car wheelers and DS tomorrow and report back.
jlmilligan
Member
I have all 4 FJ springs on mine.
Pics are on these posts:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48101
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44362
I also installed a 2 inch spacer (1" thick) in the front. It sits almost perfectly level. I think a 1.5" spacer (.75" thick) would be better so I could retain a little rake. The springs alone will give you aprox. .75" of lift. I purchased all my stuff from a guy on FJcruiserforums.com. I paid $50 for 4 springs, the spacers, and 2 rear shocks. Plus $45 for shipping. $95 is still a good deal in my book. Everything was near new. Good luck and go for it. Its cheap and very effective. Besides, most dealers wouldn't notice the difference for warranty purposes.
Another good "free lift" is to remove the running boards. I pulled them so I could get my daughter in without getting my shins all muddy and it turns out, I like the looks much better.
Pics are on these posts:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48101
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44362
I also installed a 2 inch spacer (1" thick) in the front. It sits almost perfectly level. I think a 1.5" spacer (.75" thick) would be better so I could retain a little rake. The springs alone will give you aprox. .75" of lift. I purchased all my stuff from a guy on FJcruiserforums.com. I paid $50 for 4 springs, the spacers, and 2 rear shocks. Plus $45 for shipping. $95 is still a good deal in my book. Everything was near new. Good luck and go for it. Its cheap and very effective. Besides, most dealers wouldn't notice the difference for warranty purposes.
Another good "free lift" is to remove the running boards. I pulled them so I could get my daughter in without getting my shins all muddy and it turns out, I like the looks much better.
jlmilligan
Member
I have the V8. With 1" thick spacer, I gained 2 3/4" in the front, and 7/8" in the rear.J.A. said:
