Help with Rear Shocks (No lift)

[VA_Steve]

First post to the forum but have been an reader/big fan for a while now and really appreciate all the info. I’ve got 190K out of my original suspension (2004 SR5 V6 4WD) and am beyond ready to upgrade to a firmer ride. Done my research and think I want to upgrade to the Bilstein 5100’s. Looking for a firm/stiff ride and want to raise the front just enough to level out the rake.
I’m going to take it to my local shop to have them installed but I want to make sure they put the right equipment in so I’m going to order the parts online myself.

1. Given the mileage I assume I replace front and rear both. 5100’s on the front, but what goes on the back (given I'm not looking for a rear lift)?

2. Should I replace the coil springs to? I’m not looking to raise the vehicle much – just enough to straighten it – but I do want a firmer ride.

Sorry for the basic questions … I’ve read through most of the sticky’s (hence I’m going with the 5100’s on the front) but didn’t see answers to these specific questions.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

1. Since you're not interested in lifting the rear, you can go with the Bilstein HD rear shocks and save a few bucks (won't be much). The HD's have the exact same valving as the 5100 rear shocks, but are stock length so they will work better since you're not planning to lift the rear.

2. I suggest replacing the coils with stock coils from a Toyota FJ Cruiser (make sure they're off a 4x4). Many here have done this swap. Here's a good thread with info:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/78803-compiled-fj-springs-lift-info-4th-gen.html

 

[VA_Steve]

Thanks for the quick response. I checked the prices and see that the HD's are a few bucks cheaper, but like you said -- not much. So maybe I'll splurge, go with the 5100's all around and raise the back a bit too. I'm looking for a slightly more aggressive stance, without an obviously mod/jacked up look.

As for the coils would love to go with the FJs, just need to find some. Checked CL but no luck. Getting ready to try eBay next.

Thanks again!

 

[wrestler157]

where in va are you?

 

[jimithing]

Thanks for the quick response. I checked the prices and see that the HD's are a few bucks cheaper, but like you said -- not much. So maybe I'll splurge, go with the 5100's all around and raise the back a bit too. I'm looking for a slightly more aggressive stance, without an obviously mod/jacked up look.

As for the coils would love to go with the FJs, just need to find some. Checked CL but no luck. Getting ready to try eBay next.

Thanks again!

Go over to the FJ cruiser forums and create an account. Lots of guys over there upgrade immediately and sell their old stuff. Any year model will work for springs, just make sure you get them off a 4x4 FJ, I believe they're a little more stiff.