Mike's '07 Build

[m1kefries]

Well we had a lot of fun this past weekend. After doing a lot of research here, and getting confused, and then straightened back out we finally got to wrenching. Let's start with the base platform and parts.

2007 SR5 4Runner 6 cylinder
FJ Coil Springs front and rear
Bilstein 5100's up front
Stock shocks in the rear until the 5100's are back in stock
Daystar 1.5" spacer in the rear
255/75/17 Goodyear SA's

The 4Runner is the perfect size IMHO, however I hated that the 4th gen 4Runner has such a hard rake to the front, and lets face it the stock suspension is just mushy. We started with the Bilstein's in the 3rd slot to give ~1.75" of lift. Combined with the FJ front springs it netted ~3" of total front lift. Out back we put in the FJ springs with a 1.5" spacer from Daystar netting ~2.5" of lift.

I couldn't be happier with the results. The suspension is firm without being harsh. Total time was about 5 hours from start to finish, but now that I know the sequence and tricks I could do it in 3 hours easy with a helper. The whole family was involved from wrenching to, pictures, and last but not least celebrity beverages! Pics at the link below.

Detailed Build Pictures

Finished product!

 

[8086bruce]

Hey Looks great Mike good job!

 

[2slo2go]

I second that...It looks really nice!

 

[<<<<]

Any tire rub @ full turn?

 

[m1kefries]

Any tire rub @ full turn?

No rub at all front or back. The goodyears are more squared off at the edges than the OEM tires, but not as bad as the BFG AT's. I actually could have gone bigger with the tire, but I think the 255/75/17 looks just right.

 

[techmen17]

Like the work! Plus I'm sure it feels better knowing you just saved a bunch of money on that install

 

[shuly]

Looks great....clever just putting the larger tires w/o mounting to compare prior to mounting them.

 

[m1kefries]

Like the work! Plus I'm sure it feels better knowing you just saved a bunch of money on that install

I actually got a quote from a local Off Road shop to do all the work using the springs I had already purchased. They came in at about $2200.00 to buy the parts and install. Their quote also included new tires and a front end alignment.

With a little smart shopping and labor assistance from my son we got it all done for just over $1000.00 including the new tires and front end alignment. It was a great time getting him involved in the project. Of course he is a year away from the drivers license so ya gotta know where that's going....... Everyday he comes up with a new project vehicle that we can "share...."

 

[4Beast]

looks great! I am thinking of pretty much the same mods for mine (probably have to wait til tax refund though, since I'm about due for a timing belt). So if I can deduce from your total cost and knowing the rough cost of the SAs that you spent something like $500 on the Bilsteins and spacers? While that's a really reasonable amount (kudos to doing your own work, btw) i was curious what steered you away from an OME type setup, which sounds like really about the same price given that you still need rear shocks? Thanks!

 

[m1kefries]

looks great! I am thinking of pretty much the same mods for mine (probably have to wait til tax refund though, since I'm about due for a timing belt). So if I can deduce from your total cost and knowing the rough cost of the SAs that you spent something like $500 on the Bilsteins and spacers? While that's a really reasonable amount (kudos to doing your own work, btw) i was curious what steered you away from an OME type setup, which sounds like really about the same price given that you still need rear shocks? Thanks!

Correct, after backing out the tires and alignment it was right at $500.00 for parts. The OEM shocks and springs were just too mushy for my tastes. I'd go over a speed bump and wallow on down the road for 50 yards. With the FJ springs and Bilstein shocks it takes the speed bump, rebounds once and I'm on my way. The other advantage of the Bilstein setup is I can vary the lift in the front if I want or need to without having to buy something else. I put them in the back as well just to have a matched set.

The work was easy once I figured out the steps to loosen up the lower control arm. Between that and using the floor jack to release the pressure from the springs it was probably one of the easiest jobs I've done except changing the oil.....