ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
It is this spacer, you'll need two.
Full FJ Cruiser Suspension Installed
- Thread starter KingZ
- Start date
KingZ
New member
Si, that's the part: TP14. Toytec was great to work with also. Shipped in 3 days.
Overall ride quality is much improved. Brake dive and ride over bumps both minimized. It feels tighter in turns and just more solid to the road. My stock set-up had 115k miles and was getting bouncy. Even with the Tokicos from the FJ, the dampening is vastly improved. It is primarily a highway/city driven vehicle so the Bilsteins wouldn't have been put to test.
Cosmetically I love it, and am glad I went with the 1/4" spacer over the 1/2". The running boards are almost perfectly level, and the wheel well space still has a bit of rake.
+1, I'd love to hear the answser to that question too.
camdz
New member
I picked up a set from a Trail Teams FJ and the Bilsteins were silver with blue dust covers. I dont remember which year FJ it was though but I would imagine it was pre 09 since thats when I did the install.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
I think you'll like it. There has to be 20-25 (or more) who have done it. The only negative feedback(s) I've seen are clemsonexplorer who has "something" going on that's not working for him and one other who wasn't really negative but did comment on the stiffer ride. He actually called it stiff rather than 'firmer in a good way'.
I don't know what clemson is dealing with. I suspect he's got a combo alignment/tire and maybe something else too. It's just whacky. I hate it for him, he's trying though...
Point is 2people who have tried it are unsatisfied/semi-unsatisfied and all others seem to think it's a great, super-cheap suspension upgrade that will never replace high$$$ coilovers but makes the 4Runner drive as it should have from day 1.
:cheers:
That "too harsh" ride is why I chose the FJ stuff to start with instead of the Bilstein HD, for example. A firmer ride would be just fine but I don't think I would enjoy a harsh ride that bucks or launches the rear end off bumps. This way, I don't spend too much and I'd guess it is a bit less stiff than the aftermarket shocks and struts. If it doesn't work for me, I can always sell it and not be out much $$.
CJ3Flyr
Super Moderator
KingZ
New member
Install
A couple points on the install. I am a novice driveway mechanic, and had assistance from my buddy who is a mechanic. I definately think it's a two person job, but simply for the extra hands/muscle.
If you read the installs it goes very smoothly...with the exception of the rear springs. It took serious effort/muscle to get the springs into place, although we did it with just undoing the shocks.
Front took longer, but were easier to do. One person can do the fronts. It made it very easy to remove the strut assembly by taking down the skid plate and removing sway bar brackets. This way the sway bar is easily pushed aside for removing struts.
It took me about 3.5 hours for complete shock and spring install.
A couple points on the install. I am a novice driveway mechanic, and had assistance from my buddy who is a mechanic. I definately think it's a two person job, but simply for the extra hands/muscle.
If you read the installs it goes very smoothly...with the exception of the rear springs. It took serious effort/muscle to get the springs into place, although we did it with just undoing the shocks.
Front took longer, but were easier to do. One person can do the fronts. It made it very easy to remove the strut assembly by taking down the skid plate and removing sway bar brackets. This way the sway bar is easily pushed aside for removing struts.
It took me about 3.5 hours for complete shock and spring install.
wbwatson79
New member
Where are you guys picking up the used FJ parts? Are you just watching Ebay and FJ message board classifieds? Lastly, if you don't mind my asking how much do 4 springs/shocks typically set you back?
I found mine locally on CL. You can try the FJ Cruiser forum as well- keep an eye out there. They will set you back anywhere from $100-200.
camdz
New member
I got mine from the FJ forums. Some get lucky and pick up a set by just paying for shipping. I honestly dont remember what mine cost, but think it was a little over $100. If you are more patient than I am they can definitely be had cheaper. Id say anywhere from $50-150.
This is for both springs and shocks.
This is for both springs and shocks.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
It just depends on the deal you can find. Most end up paying $75-$100, maybe more for the Bilstein's. Others get lucky and get them free (only pay shipping if not local). I've seen more than one set on the FJ boards folks were trying to give away.
HoochRunner
New member
I'm thinking about getting a set of stock oem takiko shocks and springs also. I have an '07 sport with the XREAS system. Does making this swap eliminate the XREAS? Does the XREAS system make this install much more difficult? Thanks in advance...
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Yes, swapping to the FJ springs and shocks (or any new shock except OEM) will eliminate XREAS. Depending on how far you go, XREAS won't complicate things too much. There is a fitting, all you do is unscrew the line and remove the shock as normal. You can choose to leave the rest of the systems (lines and canisters that connect the shocks) or jerk it out (most remove it all as they will not be reinstalling XREAS).
truckmike26
New member
Good point. Though, I've found two grown people and some day-to-day stuff in the back make my 4Runner just about level.
camdz
New member
Agreed. With a female friend of mine in the back seat (no more than 105lbs) and some camping gear in the back, my 4runner was level if not a TINY bit nose high. This was with the 1" toytec spacer lift and FJ install. In most of my trip pictures the car looks level, but a few it appears to be sagging. This could have just been the angle.
Although now I have the daystar 2.5" kit with the FJ suspension and I think its nose high. So maybe the FJ suspension gave me more lift in the front than I was expecting.
