FJ springs/shocks

J

jrocket

New member
I'm thinking about getting a full set of FJ springs for my '06 4x4 Limited, and they come assembled with the shocks. I was going to install just the front but I wouldn't mind a lift all the way around so I'm thinking I'll install all 4, then lift the front to level it out.

Questions:
1a. Do people install just the FJ springs, or both the springs and shocks?
1b. Is there any downside to installing both FJ springs and shocks?

2. I know people use the FJ front springs to help level the front with the back. If i install both the FJ front and back springs/shocks, how much of a spacer will I need to level the front with the back?

This will be sitting on 265/65R18's that will soon be replaced with 275/65R18's or larger, but I want to see what I can fit in there after this suspension change.

I very much appreciate any replies. I've read many threads about this lately, but everyone's got their own setup so it's hard to tell what to expect.
 
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hey you might want to post this thread on the 4th gen t4r section, cuz this is not a suspension section. you'll get more replies over there.
 
jrocket said:
I'm thinking about getting a full set of FJ springs for my '06 4x4 Limited, and they come assembled with the shocks. I was going to install just the front but I wouldn't mind a lift all the way around so I'm thinking I'll install all 4, then lift the front to level it out.

Questions:
1a. Do people install just the FJ springs, or both the springs and shocks? People do both. Some find just springs and some find assembled units and rear shocks. Everybody seems happy. If I had full units I'd use them.
1b. Is there any downside to installing both FJ springs and shocks? No.

2. I know people use the FJ front springs to help level the front with the back. If i install both the FJ front and back springs/shocks, how much of a spacer will I need to level the front with the back? With a V6 use these, with a V8 use these IMHO. I think most will back me up.

This will be sitting on 265/65R18's that will soon be replaced with 275/65R18's or larger, but I want to see what I can fit in there after this suspension change. Without trimming/cutting etc 275/65/18 is about it. If you don't mind some cutting/mudflap removal etc many have used 285/70/17 or equivalent. A few with much more lift than you're talking about have gone to 295's or 305's. Without a V8 I'd want to budget in a gear change if I went that big.

I very much appreciate any replies. I've read many threads about this lately, but everyone's got their own setup so it's hard to tell what to expect.
Click to expand...

Do a username search for euy and ark_swamp_rider, they have great threads with many how-to links etc.

My V8/V6 and which spacer comments are based on the net result. If you use the larger spacer with a V6 some have reported the nose looks too high. The extra weight of the V8 seems to work well with the slightly larger space.
:cheers:
 
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CJ3Flyr said:
Do a username search for euy and ark_swamp_rider, they have great threads with many how-to links etc.

My V8/V6 and which spacer comments are based on the net result. If you use the larger spacer with a V6 some have reported the nose looks too high. The extra weight of the V8 seems to work well with the slightly larger space.
:cheers:
Click to expand...

Super Moderator indeed! Thanks a lot for your reply. I've seen threads from euy and ark_swamp_rider, but like I said, people seem to get different results, even with similar setups. I remember a comment in one of euy's threads that a guy had the same setup but was showing different measurements, but I guess that's just confirming what I said earlier about not knowing what to expect. I've got a V8, so it looks like my plan will work out fine.

Thanks again.
 
CJ3Flyr said:
The rear springs are great! They are exactly the same length as stock ones when unloaded (sitting on the garage floor). They have a thicker barstock material and a full extra coil. The rear of my T4R rides about 1/4-1/2” higher (if that).
Click to expand...

From your thread in 2008
Guess I didn't search far back enough, this is exactly some of the information I was looking for. Funny coincidence.
 
Glad that helped:bigok:


8086Bruce or one of the other two I suggested reading missed a key point at install. Search their threads a bit and read up on the fact there's a different spring for the R & L on the front. The rear springs are the same, R & L. The short story is the drivers front is a hair longer to help compensate for the battery, driver and gas tank.

-The next-to-final advice is to have the front struts rotated to the correct clock position at install. The goal is max swaybar clearance.

-The final advice is to unbolt (10mm socket) the support for the front ABS wires. With that done you'll have adequate wiggle room without stressing the extremely fragile wheel-speed sensor wire.

Good luck! You're going to be pleased if the goal is a better ride, braking and handling above 20mph and a slight lift:D Be sure to post-up the results.

:cheers:
 
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Im running FJ shocks and springs all they way around . Love it better than Xreas that came stock . Much better ride ( firmer ) but not jarring at all.

I am also running a 1/2" lift spacer up front which yields 1" of add'l lift in front .
 
Is there a difference between the springs from a 4x4 FJ and a 2x4 FJ ? Do I need to make sure they're coming from a 4x4, or are the front springs/shocks the same either way?
 
I believe there are 3 different shocks available on FJ's. There are the stock tokico shocks, the bilsteins (TT edition FJ) and the TRD's( I believe these are a stiffer bilstein).When I bought my FJ springs I looked specifically for the bilstein setup from an FJ TT model. I just had this swap done, along with the Daystar 2.5" spacer front and 1.5" rear. The truck is level. I did not measure the amount of before and after clearance from the suspension swap. I just had 265/70/17 tires mounted yesterday. Looking at my truck now I wish I had tried for a slightly wider tire. I will say the ride is great. My Xreas system had 89,000 miles on them before they were removed. There were a few years when I was pulling a 21' Boat with a tandem axle trailer. That surely aged and stressed my suspension more than a typical owner would have.

The truck looks great, but not as extreme as I thought the end result would be. I don't think a lot of people would notice the height of the truck unless it was side to side with a stock 4Runner. I really notice the difference when I stand in front of the hood. Good luck with the swap and I am sure you will like the FJ springs and shocks.
 
jrocket said:
Is there a difference between the springs from a 4x4 FJ and a 2x4 FJ ? Do I need to make sure they're coming from a 4x4, or are the front springs/shocks the same either way?
Click to expand...
You do want 4x4 springs. 4x2 springs are like the 4Runner 4x2 springs. That is to say all the rear springs are the same and 4x2 front springs are a bit shorter. 4x2 FJ springs will still be thicker/longer than 4x2 4Runner springs but not really what you want.

Look for 4x4 springs.

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
I do think that the springs are different between them, although all 4wd springs should be the same across models.
Click to expand...
:iagree:
 
Here's a pic of my updated 4runner with the full FJ suspension and 2.5/1,5 Daystar comfort ride lift.
 

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Is there any markings on the springs to show if they are 4x2 or 4x4? I just picked up a set of FJ springs. Man, that would suck to get 4x2 springs.
 
gm350reratliff said:
Is there any markings on the springs to show if they are 4x2 or 4x4? I just picked up a set of FJ springs. Man, that would suck to get 4x2 springs.
Click to expand...

No markings that I know of... The front springs should be at least 13.8" tall. The spec is 350mm. The drivers side may be a touch longer. OE 4th gen 4wd 4Runner springs are 340mm or 345mm in length (V6/V8).

If they are two wheel drive springs is that really all bad? It just effects which spacer to buy. (I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons for you:D )

Not many 2wd FJ guys upgrade and I don't think there's many used 2wd springs out there.
:cheers:
 
Which Springs?

So I am also looking to do the upgrade to my 4Runner to FJ Springs, could someone repost what model year FJ Spring swill fit on my 2004 Limited V8 Runner? I found some Springs in CL off a 2007 FJ will these fit?
 
The FJ TRD springs, struts, and shocks, are definitely stiffer than stock. On my V8, the nose is down probably an inch or so compared to the back. The ride is much better but the unloaded back is a bit stiff..perfect for towing or for when you have 75+ lbs back there. It does not bother me since I live/work where there are really smooth roads. I will not put any spacers up front since it does not bother me and my gas mileage may go down.

I'll just decide on how level I want it when I do a full lift. I have never been a fan of spacers though, so I'll probably never use them.

Overall, the FJ mod is highly recommended. Stock (esp with the V8) there was too much brake dive and body lean. Also, it seemed like the springs compressed too much offroad. It felts bouncy and uncontrolled as well when making sudden moves. Maybe it's just the heavier-nosed V8 but I did not like the ride at all. Even 10% stiffer springs all around would greatly improve the ride.
 
Thanks Flyer for the quick response and info on how it will sit, however I was looking to know what FJ model years coils would fit my vehicle.
 
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