Help me with some suspension options?

[Sam Handwich]

Hi all! I've read the suspension thread and done some research, but I was hoping some more knowledgeable people could give me some specific recommendations (2008 SR5).

I'm thinking that, at almost 130k miles, I'm probably just about due for coils and shocks all around (right?), so I'll take this opportunity to upgrade and level.

• I wouldn't mind just a bit of lift, but the level is more important to me (seeing as I'm 5'2" and put kayaks on the roof frequently).
• I'm 98% on-road, with some poorly-maintained dirt roads to river put-ins and take-outs as my main off-pavement travel. On-road handling and comfort is the priority.
• Price is definitely a factor, but I don't want to cheap out on something that's not reliable or good quality. That said, I'm patient and have no problem waiting for the right used equipment to come along.

So, what should I have my eye on craigslist/forums/etc. for? Given that I mostly just want a level, will I need anything besides coils and shocks (e.g., UCAs or spacers)? Is there anything else I should be replacing preventively at the same time?

Thank you!

 

[atalarico]

Hi all! I've read the suspension thread and done some research, but I was hoping some more knowledgeable people could give me some specific recommendations (2008 SR5).

I'm thinking that, at almost 130k miles, I'm probably just about due for coils and shocks all around (right?), so I'll take this opportunity to upgrade and level.

• I wouldn't mind just a bit of lift, but the level is more important to me (seeing as I'm 5'2" and put kayaks on the roof frequently).
• I'm 98% on-road, with some poorly-maintained dirt roads to river put-ins and take-outs as my main off-pavement travel. On-road handling and comfort is the priority.
• Price is definitely a factor, but I don't want to cheap out on something that's not reliable or good quality. That said, I'm patient and have no problem waiting for the right used equipment to come along.

So, what should I have my eye on craigslist/forums/etc. for? Given that I mostly just want a level, will I need anything besides coils and shocks (e.g., UCAs or spacers)? Is there anything else I should be replacing preventively at the same time?

Thank you!

I'd recommend Bilstein 5100s for your shocks, but no idea on a leveling spring for the coilover and rear. I had them in my 97 and they had phenomenal road manners and great off-road manners, even though you won't be off-roading much. You won't need UCA's at that height, but be prepared for some of the original equipment to not like being lifted just a little bit. Just set aside a bit of extra cash in case a CV boot rips, etc.

Good luck!

 

[Daddy4Runner]

Bilsteins 5100s
Look into toytec or Old Man Emu ( OME ) springs.
I used the toytec 112-620 in front, Superflex in rear.
About 2" lift very suttle, not too much.

I did SPC Upper control arms but depending on height you might not have to.

I changed CV axles and Lower control arms since boots were ripped and bushing were shot.

It's nice doing those now when your in there because you save a ton on Labour. Atleast at the shop I went to, because doing the lift everything is already disassembled.

Also front diff drop but some people don't do this either for small lifts.

I have had no problems with alignment and the ride is slpt better than the original xreas.

It was done at 140k~ miles.

Good luck and post up whatever you end up doing!

 

[Daddy4Runner]

I would personally buy pretty much everything new unless new in box on Craigslist or w.e.

Just go to some local shops get some info and quotes. Do a bit of your own research for prices/brand of parts.

And for the leveling, get the bilstein 5100 adjustable front shocks and there is 4 notches to set your ride level depending on rear springs and/or the added weight of aftermarket bumpers etc.

 

[Sam Handwich]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Seems like 5100s are the easy choice for shocks.

I do see some people just keeping their OEM springs. Might that be a good (economical) choice for me, or is it likely that mine are due for replacement with my mileage anyway?

Seems like generally the shocks have a significantly greater impact on ride than springs?

 

[bombventure]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Seems like 5100s are the easy choice for shocks.



I do see some people just keeping their OEM springs. Might that be a good (economical) choice for me, or is it likely that mine are due for replacement with my mileage anyway?



Seems like generally the shocks have a significantly greater impact on ride than springs?

I’d personally recommend getting new springs/coils when you get your shocks. Around that mileage is when they start to go. It’s something I need to replace on my 4R as well, which will happen when I swap my KYB’s to the 5100’s this summer. It will save you the trouble of having either a harsh ride, as I’ve heard/seen on here from members with the 5100’s on stock coils, and paying for the tear down and install of the coils separately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sam Handwich]

I’d personally recommend getting new springs/coils when you get your shocks. Around that mileage is when they start to go. It’s something I need to replace on my 4R as well, which will happen when I swap my KYB’s to the 5100’s this summer. It will save you the trouble of having either a harsh ride, as I’ve heard/seen on here from members with the 5100’s on stock coils, and paying for the tear down and install of the coils separately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks. That's what I thought.

 

[Sam Handwich]

Reviving my own thread...

Starting to hone in on what I want - I like the look of a simple 1" front spacer lift on stock suspension.

So, given that my stock suspension is due for replacement, is my best bet to achieve this lift still 5100s and OME springs, without spacers...or is there something else (cheaper?) for same-as-stock suspension replacement I should get, along with a set of spacers? Like, maybe 5100s with FJ springs?

 

[JeffMerr]

5100's and Wheelers T1/T12 are best bang for your buck. No spacers required. Slightly stiffer than stock in a good way.

 

[jrm]

5100s & FJ coils

Reviving my own thread...

Starting to hone in on what I want - I like the look of a simple 1" front spacer lift on stock suspension.

So, given that my stock suspension is due for replacement, is my best bet to achieve this lift still 5100s and OME springs, without spacers...or is there something else (cheaper?) for same-as-stock suspension replacement I should get, along with a set of spacers? Like, maybe 5100s with FJ springs?

could get you there using the lowest c-clip setting. your might end up with more than an inch however due to the sagging of the existing suspension due to age/wear.

 

[Autoplicity]

Bilsteins are the way to go. Great choice of shocks. The design of their shocks alone is a good reason, their patented design allows the heat to travel to the out surface of the body allowing heat to dissipate better. Their dividing piston also allows the oil to expand as the heat builds to help from aerating it and creating a loss in viscosity.