Guidance is need for a simple lift

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kormaster

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Guidance is needed for a simple lift

I have 07 SE 2wd. mostly do highway roads on socal area.
Ive done a lot of reading on lift threads... but feel a different perspective here for my car.

I just wanted a better riding truck

Things I dont like about oem setup:1
1) feels like a tank/boat when turning (even at a slow speed)
2) uneven road makes the car feel like its going to flip over (wobbles way too way)
3) did i way it wobbles and feels unstable with any lateral movement?

So originally i just wanted a lift using a Daystar 2.5/1.5 kit. Now Im beginning to feel that shocks/springs may need to be considered (even a thicker sway bar) to improve on-road characteristics.

FJ Cruiser setup - lots of people are doing this but i guess my 2.5/1.5 Daystar kit will be useless if i go this route?

Would a Tacoma shock/spring fit?

Sways - any brands you guys recommend?

thanks!

Dave
 
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kormaster said:
I have 07 SE 2wd. mostly do highway roads on socal area.
Ive done a lot of reading on lift threads... but feel a different perspective here for my car.

I just wanted a better riding truck

Things I dont like about oem setup:1
1) feels like a tank/boat when turning (even at a slow speed)
2) uneven road makes the car feel like its going to flip over (wobbles way too way)
3) did i way it wobbles and feels unstable with any lateral movement?

So originally i just wanted a lift using a Daystar 2.5/1.5 kit. Now Im beginning to feel that shocks/springs may need to be considered (even a thicker sway bar) to improve on-road characteristics. Addco makes a rear bar but before I dropped the change on that I'd try the bushing swap and see if that doesn't get you where you want to be. Link in sig.

FJ Cruiser setup - lots of people are doing this but i guess my 2.5/1.5 Daystar kit will be useless if i go this route? Why? It'll all work together.

Would a Tacoma shock/spring fit?

Sways - any brands you guys recommend?

thanks!

Dave
Click to expand...

Coilovers will be best but they're a bit pricey. The Overland or Toytec have great choices (as do others).
 
The T4R, in stock form, has limited compression travel in the front. A little lift as would be provided by a small lift helps with ride a lot. Based on your described usage/goal I think you'd enjoy the FJC springs and at least a small spacer like this one: Front Top Plate Spacer Kit - 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

If you want more of a pre-runner setup a Daystar with FJC springs and some swaybar bushings would be a sweet choice IMHO. All of that is fairly budget friendly.
:cheers:
 
I drive a '03 Ltd 2WD, I did the FJ swap a couple weeks ago and would never go back to factory springs. I used FJ springs and 1/4" toytec spacers (which means 1/2" lift, so with the springs ~1.5" total) The FJ springs are just stiff enough to keep the 4runner from feeling like a boat going over bumps or around corners. I found my springs a few hours away for $100 (fjcruiserforums.com), though from what I've read I may have overpaid, the spacers were only $20 each. Or you could toytec 1/2" spacers fro $60 or daystar 1" spacers for $40, depending on how much lift you want.
I just wanted to smooth out the ride and didn't want the running boards too out of level, so I didn't go for a lot of lift, but you definitely want the rear springs too. I drove mine for 2 days with fronts only before deciding to put the rears on too.
 
gaterose said:
I drive a '03 Ltd 2WD, I did the FJ swap a couple weeks ago and would never go back to factory springs. I used FJ springs and 1/4" toytec spacers (which means 1/2" lift, so with the springs ~1.5" total) The FJ springs are just stiff enough to keep the 4runner from feeling like a boat going over bumps or around corners. I found my springs a few hours away for $100 (fjcruiserforums.com), though from what I've read I may have overpaid, the spacers were only $20 each. Or you could toytec 1/2" spacers fro $60 or daystar 1" spacers for $40, depending on how much lift you want.
I just wanted to smooth out the ride and didn't want the running boards too out of level, so I didn't go for a lot of lift, but you definitely want the rear springs too. I drove mine for 2 days with fronts only before deciding to put the rears on too.
Click to expand...

:iagree: 100%

Off topic: I think it's funny. In the early days with some guidance from guru Bulldog at T120 and others here I decided FJC springs might be cool. It has turned into an epidemic! Cracks me up:D It seems to work great and there's no throwing away of substantial money... I'm not knocking "real" setups but for many of us the cost isn't worth it and we wouldn't get it back on the resale. Blair, Josh and many others live in God's Country and truly benefit and can take full advantage of the cool setups that are available but many of us don't... :-(
:cheers:
 
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You guys are awesome. Thanks for the "direct-to-the -point" info.

So just look for FJ springs only (does it matter from which year? the shocks are different depending on which package it came off from... How about the FJ shocks? (I am asking since stock XREAS need to be retained)

i guess daystar 2.5/1/5 kit i bought was a waste of money since FJ spring setup would need much less lift... :cry2:
 
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CJ3Flyr said:
:iagree: 100%

Off topic: I think it's funny. In the early days with some guidance from guru Bulldog at T120 and others here I decided FJC springs might be cool. It has turned into an epidemic! Cracks me up:D It seems to work great and there's no throwing away of substantial money... I'm not knocking "real" setups but for many of us the cost isn't worth it and we wouldn't get it back on the resale. Blair, Josh and many others live in God's Country and truly benefit and can take full advantage of the cool setups that are available but many of us don't... :-(
:cheers:
Click to expand...


It's the risk takers that becomes the pioneers of trend or success... lol i like that story.. didnt even know that is how things started here....
 
kormaster said:
You guys are awesome. Thanks for the "direct-to-the -point" info.

So just look for FJ springs only (does it matter from which year? the shocks are different depending on which package it came off from... How about the FJ shocks? (I am asking since stock XREAS need to be retained) Abbreviated: The short story is "maybe". Many have scrapped the XREAS for any variant of the FJC spring/shock setup. Nobody regrets trashing the XREAS. If I had XREAS, due to the expensive replacement, I would get the most complete FJC setup possible. If I had a low mileage rig I would save the shocks for when (not 'if') the XREAS starts leaking. The year doesn't seem to matter, I have yet to read a 'bad' report. If your low-mileage AND you want XREAS then just springs would be ok. If you find the complete setup and you plan to keep your T4R "forever" then why not keep some shocks "in-stock".

i guess daystar 2.5/1/5 kit i bought was a waste of money since FJ spring setup would need much less lift... :cry2:No! If you're going for true 32" class tires, a Pre-Runner look and FJC springs that'd be sweet IMHO!
Click to expand...
:cheers:
 
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Ive found FJ spring/shock that has around 18k miles. It's from All terrain Package so it comes with Bilstein blue/gray shock - as opposed to Tokico of earlier regular package. I assume springs are same but just different shocks.

What is a fair value of this...
 
you posted - " So just look for FJ springs only (does it matter from which year? the shocks are different depending on which package it came off from... How about the FJ shocks? (I am asking since stock XREAS need to be retained)" im guessing u have the xreas, yes? then u dont need the fj shocks, unless u want to remove the xreas.
 
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To do the FJ setup do you use guys use the 4runner stock shocks with the FJ front springs. Or the FJ shocks with a spacer lift?

Also what do you guys do for the rear so the lift is level? Do you use the FJ's springs/shocks in the rear also?
 
chmura said:
To do the FJ setup do you use guys use the 4runner stock shocks with the FJ front springs. Or the FJ shocks with a spacer lift?

Also what do you guys do for the rear so the lift is level? Do you use the FJ's springs/shocks in the rear also?
Click to expand...

I have the stock shocks now, will probably upgrade later when I have more money, but they stock shocks seem fine. Some use the shocks and springs..I think it depends on what kind of deal you find.. I don't see the point in buying used shocks personally (especially from someone who has purchased a lift and more than likely off-roaded with the old shocks) so I just bought the springs and will get new shocks later. But I've also had bad experiences in the past with a few different (expensive) shocks, so I'm picky about which one I put on since mine still ride fine now.
If you want more than 3/4"-1" you will need a spacer in the front. I forgot to measure mine before changing but I've read those measured got about that much out of the spring alone. I also used 1/4" spacer to get another 1/2"
The rear springs provide about 1/4" from what I've read, you would need longer coils or spacers to lift the rear any more.
I think most who use the FJ springs are just looking for the smoother ride and lifting the front end a little bit.
 
I ended up getting used OEM front/rear FJ springs off ebay... shipping kinda made the deal sour but it is ok.. it wasnt a lot...

Having existing XREAS (not sure if i want to retain them but no choice since no money to buy full replacement shocks/springs for lift)

I now have
- Day star 2.5/1.5 spacer kit
- Spidertrax wheel spacers 1.25
- OEM Front and rear FJ springs off 07-09 model


Tire size wise - ill probably go with 275/70/17 BFG or Good Year SA


Ill try this setup and hope it keeps me happy for awhile.

My goal is to have firmer feel of the suspension. Stock sports edition with XREA is really soft.. i can jump up and down on the side step and wobble the whole car.. pretty funny cuz thats what happens when i go over little speed bumps at shopping centers unevenly.. gives me a headache...
 
chaz said:
you posted - " So just look for FJ springs only (does it matter from which year? the shocks are different depending on which package it came off from... How about the FJ shocks? (I am asking since stock XREAS need to be retained)" im guessing u have the xreas, yes? then u dont need the fj shocks, unless u want to remove the xreas.
Click to expand...

Heard many sides of the story of retaining XREAS vs dumping them for complete coilover setup... i think money is the main factor for me.. so far i spent around $250 for daystar kit and FJ front and rear springs... that;s all i can do for now since i have to spend a lot for new tires... Current 265/65/17 factory duelers arent so great... in fact.. they suck and only have 33k miles on them.. showing wear now but they just suck..
 
kormaster said:
Ive found FJ spring/shock that has around 18k miles. It's from All terrain Package so it comes with Bilstein blue/gray shock - as opposed to Tokico of earlier regular package. I assume springs are same but just different shocks. Correct.
Click to expand...


chmura said:
To do the FJ setup do you use guys use the 4runner stock shocks with the FJ front springs. Or the FJ shocks with a spacer lift? All combos have been used. Just springs, springs and FJ shocks, springs, spacer, shocks & lift.

Also what do you guys do for the rear so the lift is level? Do you use the FJ's springs/shocks in the rear also? Yes to the springs, some use the shocks, some don't.
Click to expand...
:cheers:
 
kormaster said:
I ended up getting used OEM front/rear FJ springs off ebay... shipping kinda made the deal sour but it is ok.. it wasnt a lot...

Having existing XREAS (not sure if i want to retain them but no choice since no money to buy full replacement shocks/springs for lift)

I now have
- Day star 2.5/1.5 spacer kit
- Spidertrax wheel spacers 1.25
- OEM Front and rear FJ springs off 07-09 model


Tire size wise - ill probably go with 275/70/17 BFG or Good Year SA


Ill try this setup and hope it keeps me happy for awhile.

My goal is to have firmer feel of the suspension. Stock sports edition with XREA is really soft.. i can jump up and down on the side step and wobble the whole car.. pretty funny cuz thats what happens when i go over little speed bumps at shopping centers unevenly.. gives me a headache...
Click to expand...

That's going to be really nice. Post up the results, your impression etc when you're done:bigok:
 
kormaster said:
I ended up getting used OEM front/rear FJ springs off ebay... shipping kinda made the deal sour but it is ok.. it wasnt a lot...

Having existing XREAS (not sure if i want to retain them but no choice since no money to buy full replacement shocks/springs for lift)

I now have
- Day star 2.5/1.5 spacer kit
- Spidertrax wheel spacers 1.25
- OEM Front and rear FJ springs off 07-09 model


..
Click to expand...

Definitely post some pics of your set up! I'm thinking of this exact set up also.. or maybe with a cornfed 2/1 plus FJ springs
 
kormaster said:
Heard many sides of the story of retaining XREAS vs dumping them for complete coilover setup... i think money is the main factor for me.. so far i spent around $250 for daystar kit and FJ front and rear springs... that;s all i can do for now since i have to spend a lot for new tires... Current 265/65/17 factory duelers arent so great... in fact.. they suck and only have 33k miles on them.. showing wear now but they just suck..
Click to expand...

Mine also have exactly 33,000 miles on them and I tried a quick stop on the freeway today and it felt like the tires were going to explode out from under me. I checked the tires when I got home and they literally look like they are 10 years old (even though they aren't even 3 years old yet). What crap tires. What did you get and how are they treating you? These tires are literally dangerous.
 
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