FJ TRD Pro suspension installed. Initial impressions for those interested

99Runnr

New member
Vehicle is a stock weight 2008 4x4, V6.
Replaced: Moog FJ springs, 5100s

The mods to the truck for fitment are simple. 1" drill bit for rear shock mount. Got a really nice bit online for $13, local hardware/professional supply store wanted $93, so watch that aspect. The struts up front needed simple narrowing to the lower bushing mount.

NOTE: The kit (for me at least) did NOT include upper FRONT or REAR bushings. So when you go to tighten the shock in back, there is an exposed collar visible. On the front, it doesn't come with any bushings whatsoever, just a spring perch and top nut. Pretty stupid, but when you suddenly don't have what you need? Come on Toyota.

Also, very minor contact of upper control arm at full droop, once you go beyond 1/2" top plate spacer. I used my dremel and a very minor clearance job to the arm. I was able to do it with the truck sitting on the ground, took less then 5 minutes.

Here are my spec's and then heights.

FJ TRD springs, didn't swap anything out. Drivers side on top notch of strut, passenger on lower. Drivers side 3/4" top plate spacer, passenger side 1/2" top plate spacer. Rear is the same FJ Moog springs with 10mm drivers side spacer.

LF: 38.125"
RF: 38"
LR: 38.375"
RR: 38.25"

This now sit's about 1/8-1/4" higher then my 5100 setup did with Moog FJ springs on 1.75 perch, 3/8" driver spacer and no passenger spacer. I expect a bit of settling and it will be about the same.

So, it's sitting in PERFECT unison, when I get in (200 lbs) the truck sits perfectly level with 3/4 tank of gas. It is very plush coming off the 5100 stuff. Just took a really quick drive to cycle the suspension a bit before I go for an alignment tomorrow morning.

The FJ/5100 combo rode fine, I really didn't have much for complaints. Except if I think hard, it seemed to have a fairly steep ramp on the dampening. It would kind of quickly jolt the truck on larger bumps/holes, what have you, an then smooth out an absorb. It gave plenty of feedback what you were driving over but wasn't excessive. This stuff performs like I expected, for someone who isn't an extreme off-road type, this should be about the best you can get short of King/Icon, ect.

I literally had an order for King's an they waited (vendor) a few days to say it wasn't actually in stock and would be 4+ weeks. I canceled, saw this a few days later, an figured it was a sign. So, for the investment of $558 shipped, plus $13 drill bit, $80 Bilstein 5160 reservoir clamps, an some bushings, I am very happy with the results.

It's very nice riding (to me) over the 5100. It has very nice manners, plush but not soft. The body roll feels identical to the 5100 setup, minimal considering I have no front sway bar. Was a real quick drive, but the area's I expected improvement with a higher end shock then 5100's, this really seems to hit the mark.

Hope that helps someone.
 
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I'll be lifting the exact same vehicle. 08, v6, 4x4

I'm currently planning 1.5 inch springs in the rear and the kit up front with 1/4" (1/2" net lift) spacers on both sides.

Two related questions:
-Are the spacer dimensions total lift height or the actual height of the spacers themselves?
-How much did the TRD suspension lift your front end above stock height? I've been able to deduce 2" based on the fact this kit lifts fjs about 1 extra inch.

I think you're one of the few v6 guys who's installed the kit.


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Good to hear!

My kit should be shipping today (should...) and install on my 2006 V6 this week or weekend.

Do you have any pictures of the bushings or part numbers?
 
My spacer thicknesses are physical, not net lift.

I am lifted 1" in the back, although it came up about 1.25" from stock. So it took 3/4 spacer (roughly 1.5" lift) on top of the spring's to level it out. I had a 3/8" spacer on just the drivers side before.

Ride's great, drove it today for alignment already. Got it in good spec with factory UCA still. Actually got another 1.4* of caster over my last alignment somehow. I think the last guy didn't try real hard. Handles great, no brake dive, stays pretty flat all things considered in corners. Comfort is much higher then 5100's.
 
Sweet! I’m getting ready to do the suspension on my new 07 V6 Sport with Xreas. I was going to go with 5100’s and some springs but this seems the better route. Mine is a 2wd and rarely go off road, lots of LA city urban driving with the occasional camping trip in the mountains and or Pismo dunes. I just called my local Toyota dealer (North Hollywood) and they told me this kit is sold in individual pieces. Is that the case or are you guys buying this assembled together? Looks forward to getting these bad boys

Ronnie
 
Sweet! I’m getting ready to do the suspension on my new 07 V6 Sport with Xreas. I was going to go with 5100’s and some springs but this seems the better route. Mine is a 2wd and rarely go off road, lots of LA city urban driving with the occasional camping trip in the mountains and or Pismo dunes. I just called my local Toyota dealer (North Hollywood) and they told me this kit is sold in individual pieces. Is that the case or are you guys buying this assembled together? Looks forward to getting these bad boys

Ronnie
I bought the kit. Came with two front struts, two front coils, and rear shocks. You still need rear coils and top hats.

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Vehicle is a stock weight 2008 4x4, V6.
Replaced: Moog FJ springs, 5100s


FJ TRD springs, didn't swap anything out. Drivers side on top notch of strut, passenger on lower. Drivers side 3/4" top plate spacer, passenger side 1/2" top plate spacer. Rear is the same FJ Moog springs with 10mm drivers side spacer.

LF: 38.125"
RF: 38"
LR: 38.375"
RR: 38.25"


I literally had an order for King's an they waited (vendor) a few days to say it wasn't actually in stock and would be 4+ weeks. I canceled, saw this a few days later, an figured it was a sign. So, for the investment of $558 shipped, plus $13 drill bit, $80 Bilstein 5160 reservoir clamps, an some bushings, I am very happy with the results.

It's very nice riding (to me) over the 5100. It has very nice manners, plush but not soft. The body roll feels identical to the 5100 setup, minimal considering I have no front sway bar. Was a real quick drive, but the area's I expected improvement with a higher end shock then 5100's, this really seems to hit the mark.

Hope that helps someone.

Are your measurement based on from the ground to the fender? Also, you mentioned you had to buy the rear reservoir clamps. My kit came with the clamps included. You might want to follow-up with the vendor and ask why your kit's clamps were missing.
 
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Are your measurement based on from the ground to the fender? Also, you mentioned you had to buy the rear reservoir clamps. My kit came with the clamps included. You might want to follow-up with the vendor and ask why you kits clamps were missing.

Yeah, the math is a bit confusing. Moog FJ coils should give you about .5” of lift in the rear. Paired with his spacer, he’s right in getting about 1.25” in the rear. But that puts his stock height at 37”. Stock height should be aprox 35.3. Maybe bigger tires? Something is bumping him up an extra 1.5-1.75 inches.

Assuming the same for the front end, 38 - 1.75 (tires?) – 1.5 (Spacer) = 34.75 (lifted height from springs).
Not sure if the math is stackable like this, but this means he got about 1.5” of lift from the setup. Seems a bit low, as you get this from the FJ Moog setup w/ ¼” spacers, and this lift kit is supposed to lift FJ cruisers about an additional 1”.

Someone correct me.
 
I run slightly larger tires. My measurements of course are ground to fender.

The figures were also noted in relation to the FJ Moog springs on 5100 @ 1.75 perch so people had a relative comparison. A number is a number, there is tire variables, weight, ect. Don't trust my word if you guys aren't prepared for those variables.

My stock suspension was only 32.x" STOCK on 265/75/17s. Tired and sacked out, some measurements I saw for stock height was 32-34".

So AGAIN, to be CLEAR. On MY truck, I noted the measurements, floor to fender, on 265/75/17 DURATRAC's with 90% tread, in relation to FJ/5100 combo on MY truck with 265/75/16 DURATRAC's. Your truck might be lower, higher, the same, if you do the math as I did though, they do sit consistent with 1" taller figures over a regular FJ spring. If you research those, you will also see a huge variance in height's posted, so take it as you will.
 
Booya!!! Ordered my suspension from North Hollywood Toyota and comes in tomorrow. I’m going to wait a little to install until I have the rest of the suspension parts and wheels/tires. So, with that said..... what exact do I need to run this set up? Meaning, what’s not included or parts I’d need to run on my 07 runner? Thanks!
 
I run slightly larger tires. My measurements of course are ground to fender.

The figures were also noted in relation to the FJ Moog springs on 5100 @ 1.75 perch so people had a relative comparison. A number is a number, there is tire variables, weight, ect. Don't trust my word if you guys aren't prepared for those variables.

My stock suspension was only 32.x" STOCK on 265/75/17s. Tired and sacked out, some measurements I saw for stock height was 32-34".

So AGAIN, to be CLEAR. On MY truck, I noted the measurements, floor to fender, on 265/75/17 DURATRAC's with 90% tread, in relation to FJ/5100 combo on MY truck with 265/75/16 DURATRAC's. Your truck might be lower, higher, the same, if you do the math as I did though, they do sit consistent with 1" taller figures over a regular FJ spring. If you research those, you will also see a huge variance in height's posted, so take it as you will.

Just the information I was looking for. Confirms my estimates.

Thanks for sharing

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So is the ride significantly better than the 5100's? I realize the springs make a big difference but I have some 5100s and 5th gen coils waiting to go on my truck and am now second guessing my decision haha! :boom:
 
So is the ride significantly better than the 5100's? I realize the springs make a big difference but I have some 5100s and 5th gen coils waiting to go on my truck and am now second guessing my decision haha! :boom:

The damper and it's tuning are what make the biggest difference in ride quality. I haven't had a ride in these specific shocks, but I did ride in a 4Runner TRD Pro, it felt awesome.

I think the bigger 2.5" type front shocks are a good upgrade to a 2.0" type 5100. Allowing for a larger piston to control the flow of oil, but that doesn't tell the whole story...
 
The damper and it's tuning are what make the biggest difference in ride quality. I haven't had a ride in these specific shocks, but I did ride in a 4Runner TRD Pro, it felt awesome.

I think the bigger 2.5" type front shocks are a good upgrade to a 2.0" type 5100. Allowing for a larger piston to control the flow of oil, but that doesn't tell the whole story...
Man I can't wait to get my kit in...

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