Just to say hi and get some thoughts...

[classic72]

Hi Guys :hatsoff:,
New to the forum but not Toyota or off pavement. I just purchased a 2014 SR5 Premium 4x4 and am loving it. I already have a Gobi stealth on the way and some Duratracs on order.

The last 4Runner I had was an '86 (380k!) and since then have had several Tacoma's as well as some Rovers. Anyway, new to the 5th Gen's and am trying to get a gameplan down for mods. I don't plan on doing anything crazy as it will be a daily driver but we are an avid outdoors family and frequent the desert as well as the mountains several times a year. We like old logging roads and rough trails to get to good camping and nice scenic views.

On my Rovers I always ran OME and ARB (pretty standard). I was planning on getting an ARB rack but fell in love with the stealth. I have now been looking at the OME suspension setups. One thing I noticed is when I brake there is pretty good nosedive on my T4R. I was wanting to cut some of that out if possible and hoping at the same time to get 2" or so of lift.

What do you recommend is the best setup from OME in regards to suspension to level the truck (the 2014's are pretty level as is) and give it a slight lift. The tires I ordered are the Duratracs in 265/70/17 (stock size) in a C Load.

I have been reading quite a bit but I know there is somewhat of a science for each make/model when it comes the right setup with OME.

 

[1engineer]

In order to travel what you discribed you need to do nothing except tires. The 4Runner is more than capable off the lot to go in much more difficult conditions than you will experience. Now, if you WANT to do it for looks or fix nose dive as you suggest then Bilsteins 5100 will be sufficient. Its not complicated lol.

 

[classic72]

I know these are capable trucks and all I really need is the tires I already purchased. It would be to correct the nosedive and I figured if I was going to the trouble I might as well fit it with OME's. The height on these 2014's is really good already, in my opinion which is why I don't want anything drastic nor do I need it.

I will so some research on the 5100's since I am not familiar with them.

 

[T4R_Finally]

I can give you some feedback (though I am sure you will find plenty already here) on the Bilsteins. Getting mine installed tomorrow. So after 3 years with the nosedive which we have apparently just gotten used to, I should notice a big difference if there is one.

 

[classic72]

Awesome, do let me know.

Where did you end up purchasing the 5100's?
Are you doing front and rear?

 

[Ducmonsta]

Awesome, do let me know.

Where did you end up purchasing the 5100's?
Are you doing front and rear?

It sounds like you have some experience with the aftermarket industry based on the previous vehicles (Rover) you've owned. They have quite a following as well and I imagine you probably frequented those forums.

Bilstein 5100s are a replacement shock/strut. You would treat them as such. It's, by no means, a requirement but a heavy suggestion that you replace all of them at the same time. They are designed and valved to work with each other.

I assume you have experience with the OME system for the Rovers. It is very similar on the Toyota platform. There are different spring rates available. If you are happy with the OME performance for your Rover, you won't be disappointed with the Toyota. You could just get the suspension system from them.

5100's is what I would do if you only wanted to level the truck. Factory Toyota coil springs in the front and rear. OME is what I would go with if you're looking to lift the truck. OME coil springs for the front and rear. OME shocks and struts. This would give the end product consistency.

 

[classic72]

Thanks Ducmonsta--

I do know Rovers in and out and was happy with OME... just not sure I want a 3" lift as it appears to give these. Was thinking more along the lines of 2".

I see that the adjustable 5100's on the front at 1.75 and then replace the rears (at 0) should level the truck. What I am finding confusing is I saw another post where someone is recommending 5100's on the front with daystar 1.5 inch spacers on the rear coils.

If the adjustable 5100's at 1.75 level the truck why would you recommend another 1.5" on the rear? I figure I am just missing some info somewhere.

At the end of the day though, I am looking for a level truck with +/- 2" of Lift. I plan to keep the 265/70 Duratrac's I ordered I guess... I don't want any rubbing like I am concerned with the 285's.

 

[BigredTEX]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Dallasite.

I have the OME setup with the softest springs. It will give you 3" of lift and solve the nose dive problem, but will be pretty stiff. The OME system is designed for overland expedition type travel with a heavily loaded vehicle. I don't think you will be happy with the stiff ride. I have sliders and a winch and it's still pretty rough. You will also need adjustable upper control arms to keep the alignment within spec if you go with 3" lift. The 5100's may be the best setup for you. I also have 285's. There was minor rubbing, but trimming the inner fender liners took care of that. Others have simply loosened the bolts holding the inner fenders and shifted them forward to solve the problem.

 

[classic72]

Thanks Bigred! I remember the stiffness of the OME on my Rovers. Since this is a DD, not sure I want to do that. One of my Rovers was too, but really after awhile I got tired of it.

In regards to the 5100's, answered my own question and posting it here for future people interested:

Level Truck:
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable in the Front 1.75"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear

Optional
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Front set to 2.5"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear
Daystar 1.5" Coil Spacers in the Rear

Keep the 265/70/17's to avoid rubbing.

If you see any corrections to this, please let me know.

Here are part numbers for the 2014's...

Front Adjustable: 24-196499
Rears: 33-187174

 

[T4R_Finally]

Classic, it is likely some of what you have been reading were discussions I was recently involved in. I am sold that the 5100's are a good way to go for ride improvement and leveling and even up to 2" of lift. I have been all over the place between leveling or lifting but I only wanted to lift for bigger tires. I found out with my own eyes today that the bigger tires I wanted will rub even with the lift, so I decided to stay stock size and just level it. I don't want to get into modifying or cutting fender trim, etc. I bought a set of daystars but decided not to use them. I have them for sale in the classifieds forum.

Tomorrow afternoon, I should be able to share info and pix on the ride quality, nosedive, and whether the 1.75" setting leveled mine to my satisfaction or if there was too much reverse rake and I had to back down to the .85" setting. I do know that my fenders are just 1/8 more in the rear than 1.75". But the fenders being level doesn't mean the truck is truly level.

To answer your other question about where I got them, I think I found a decent deal on eBay. Got the entire set sent to my door for $350. But there were only 2 sets at that price and I bought one of them a couple weeks ago. This site has some good sponsors that can probably offer you good prices as well.

I am taking mine in first thing. My son as a high school baseball game tomorrow, so depending on when the truck is done, I will post info and pix as soon as I can.

 

[classic72]

Thanks man. Looking forward to hearing your impressions.

 

[moyechua]

The 4Runner is more than capable off the lot to go in much more difficult conditions than you will experience.

 

[Antman]

Thanks Bigred! I remember the stiffness of the OME on my Rovers. Since this is a DD, not sure I want to do that. One of my Rovers was too, but really after awhile I got tired of it.

In regards to the 5100's, answered my own question and posting it here for future people interested:

Level Truck:
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable in the Front 1.75"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear

Optional
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Front set to 2.5"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear
Daystar 1.5" Coil Spacers in the Rear

Keep the 265/70/17's to avoid rubbing.

If you see any corrections to this, please let me know.

Here are part numbers for the 2014's...

Front Adjustable: 24-196499
Rears: 33-187174

Welcome to the forum!

Another option would be to set the 5100's at 2.5" as you described and in the rear (instead of the spacers) go with SAW 1.5" coils. I have ths setup and LOVE it. The stance is just right (IMO) and the SAW coils ride very nice- almost like stock- with an increase in load capacity and better articulation which you won't get with those spacers.

Here's a link to my setup...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antmans-thread-post1460310.html

 

[T4R_Finally]

Thanks man. Looking forward to hearing your impressions.

Classic, I've started a thread, link below. Don't have the after pic up yet because the truck is still at the shop, but check it later and I should have it up for you.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/165886-leveling-new-tires.html#post1667553

 

[classic72]

Thanks guys. Antman I like that setup. I may do that. Looking forward to seeing T4R_finally's later today.

I contacted downsouth motorsports in San Diego about the 5100's and he said there is a nationwide shortage and all are on backorder from Bilstein on the 2014's. Can anyone confirm this??

The part# looked the same for 2010+.

 

[KTMRIDER]

I love my OME set up, Takes carevof the nose dive, it is a little stiffer but honestly not that bad.
Before and after just so you can see a direct comparison.

 

[Stifler]

Level Truck:
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable in the Front 1.75"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear

I would do this with a 1" cornfed spacer out back (Or firestone Airbags) if you plan on carrying a load in that back. as for purchasing... check shockwarehouse.com

 

[T4R_Finally]

Thanks guys. Antman I like that setup. I may do that. Looking forward to seeing T4R_finally's later today.

I contacted downsouth motorsports in San Diego about the 5100's and he said there is a nationwide shortage and all are on backorder from Bilstein on the 2014's. Can anyone confirm this??

The part# looked the same for 2010+.

I guess I got in under the gun because Downsouth is where mine came from - I just found them in their store on ebay instead of going direct to them. The link to their ebay store is below - take a look.

Off Road, 4WPW items in Downsouth Motorsports store on eBay!

 

[badhabits]

Thanks Bigred! I remember the stiffness of the OME on my Rovers. Since this is a DD, not sure I want to do that. One of my Rovers was too, but really after awhile I got tired of it.

In regards to the 5100's, answered my own question and posting it here for future people interested:

Level Truck:
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable in the Front 1.75"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear

Optional
Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Front set to 2.5"
Bilstein 5100 Shocks in the Rear
Daystar 1.5" Coil Spacers in the Rear

Keep the 265/70/17's to avoid rubbing.

If you see any corrections to this, please let me know.

Here are part numbers for the 2014's...

Front Adjustable: 24-196499
Rears: 33-187174

.0

I got mine from amazon. After checking on Bilstein's web site for the part numbers I searched on amazon and got a pretty good price. It may be worth a try. I checked amazon and they are in stock. Just search the part numbers you have.

 

[classic72]

The rears are in stock at amazon. Apparently it's the fronts on back order nationwide.

Thanks for that pic KTM. Your truck stance is great. If I can't get these anytime soon it may be OME after all. What size tires are in those pics? Stock?

I am going to do some more locating and try shockwarehouse.