FJC suspension - 4x4 vs off road package

[JD914]

I'm hitting 3 major financial points in my life right now:
-I'm about to have a beautiful woman and her 2 kids invade my single-guy life
-My 04 V8 Limited is needing new shocks
-I've been bitten by the off road bug (to add to my expensive moto-hobbies)

So I've been doing some research on how to deal with all of this at the same time, and have decided on upgrading to FJC shocks/struts and springs, along with some mild spacers in front and maybe rear.

I've found a complete FJC 4x4 suspension for ridiculously cheap, low miles, located right between home and work. But the guy says that it's from an 07 without the off-road package.

Does the off road package have a better suspension? Will it fit a Runner? Should I pass on this deal and hold out for a kit from an FJ with the off-road package?

Just need a little help on this one, as in all my research I haven't come across any info on this package. Thanks a lot!

JD

 

[Wild Snapper]

The off road package has different shocks that are blistien 5100s I believe. These will be better than the standard 4x4 shocks in that they will be a higher quality shock and will be stiffer aiding in nose dive when breaking ect.... If your going to replace all 4 corners on your runner, I would look for the offroad package shocks. I'm not sure if the springs are any different between the two setups. Also make sure you don't have an Xreas system on your 4runner if you are going to run the fj shocks because they will be too long. Otherwise both the offroad and reg 4x4 setups will fit fine.

 

[Roams001]

For a few dollars more just go with OME...it'll be cheaper in the long run (especially if you're already a motosports-type person).

OME full suspension -- Click here for details - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

Now you may not be the upgrade type, but the mod bug is powerful. :jump:

 

[JD914]

I do have Xreas, so I can't use the FJC setup at all? I was really looking forward to saving money by going this route, but if I have to, it's still way cheaper than replacing my Xreas suspension.
And I'm trying to avoid the mod bug for the above reasons, and the fact that I've got too many other shiny toys in my garage to be dumping a ton of money into the 4Runner. Plus, I don't want to take it too far from stock, as it's my daily driver.

 

[Will_4R]

You can use the FJ coils with your XREAS shocks. If you want to use the FJ shocks as well, you will have to pull the XREAS. XREAS is the shocks you have now. If you want to replace it with the FJ setup go for it. You just mix the two shocks. Either you have the 4 XREAS shocks or the 4 FJ shocks. You can use the FJ coil on the XREAS shocks, but again, it is probably best to use all four of either one or the other and not mix the two. Basically what I am trying to say is that you can do what I think you want to.

 

[Wild Snapper]

We are making this confusing for you and it's not. You can use the fj shocks and springs, but you will have to take out the xreas system. Or you can keep the xreas system and just install the FJ springs, which will fit the stock 4runner shocks perfectly and also give you a small lift(about .5 inches).
I'm in the process of installing fj springs and a set of front toytec spacers to level the front end and provide a little lift all around from the fj springs. It should improve on road driveability and ground clearance, but I'm curious as to if the off road articulation of the suspension will be better or worse. Anyways at least it will be higher up :bigok:

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

PM sent.

 

[JD914]

OK, yeah, I was confused for a minute there. I actually had no plans to mix and match. I'm going to need to replace my xreas shocks soon, so I was just planning to ditch the entire thing and go with a complete FJ suspension as a basis for a mild lift. I had a line on a regular 4x4 suspension, but will now maybe keep an eye out for the off-road package parts instead.
Thanks everybody.

 

[jlmilligan]

I did the FJC spring mod on my old runner (divorce). The springs are the same between all FJCs. Only the shocks are different. I would personally get Bilstein 5100's for the front. That way you can use them to level the front a bit. The FJC springs will give you about 3/4" of lift. I would probably just get the Billies for the rear too. They have a lifetime warranty and have a slightly different rate than the OEM FJC off road ones. Your ride will be slightly stiffer but it will not be harsh or rough. You may feel all the little bumps but the potholes will feel just like the little bumps.
Good luck
J