noob, FJ shock/strut and front spacer question.

[NorCalKevin]

Did some searching but didn't seem to find the answer I was looking for. Found a FJC suspension setup here in Hawaii and was wondering if there were any benefits of the FJC shock/struts vs. the stock T4R ones?

Also this is probably a stupid question but, with Toytec 1/4" or 1/2" top plate spacer. Do you install one on each side or just the Driver's side?

Thanks
Kevin

 

[S p a r k y]

For all of your Fj susp swap questions.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/78803-compiled-fj-springs-lift-info-4th-gen.html

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Benefits, yes. There should be days of reading through a search. Better ride and slight lift, plus relatively low cost are a couple benefits. You use one spacer on each side. If you have a v8 4wd, use the 1/2", otherwise use the 1/2" one.

 

[8086bruce]

I have the fj springs and shocks and the 1/4 toytec spacers on my V6 and the set up works great.

 

[kmcu11]

I read through that stick and still had a few questions I was hoping to get answered. When youre using the FJ springs do you just get the 4runner lift (I was thinking a corn fed 3/2 or something)? I am trying to get a large amount of lift and seeing whats the best way to go about it. Thanks

 

[NorCalKevin]

Thanks for the answers guys. I found loads of info on the FJC springs, but didn't seem to find much about FJC shocks vs. T4R OEM.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The 4runner and FJ Cruiser share the same suspension platform. Therefore, things like shocks and coils are interchangeable. Most lift kits out there will be listed to fit either, so it doesn't matter. Technically speaking, the 4runner kit is still what you need. Just be advised the front suspension can't handle much over 3" of lift, so you will be safer going with the Daystar 2.5/1.5 and FJ swap.

NorCalKevin: just let us know if you have any other questions along the way. I will say this, the 2007-2009 shocks are a direct swap, the 2010-2011 shocks require modification to fit. Springs from 2007-2011 will all be a direct swap, but the 2010-2011's have been reported to be a bit beefier than the previous years.

 

[NorCalKevin]

Ark - thanks for the reply. I checked all the info I could find, but was really just wondering if doing a full FJC suspension swap had any benefits over just doing the springs?

 

[S p a r k y]

I have done the full swap, the only benefit that I can imagine is I needed shocks anyway and getting these from an FJ made my purchase cheaper than having to buy new shocks. So no real benefit to FJ shocks that i am aware of. Now if your swapping FJTT silver bilstein shocks, there may be some benefit.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sparky pretty much hit it. If your stock shocks are shot, it's a great time to do the swap. I'd say 90% or more of the benefits come from the springs. The FJ shocks are a little better than our OEM's (FJ Bilstein's preferred) and have been very easy to come by for a good price. People are beginning to ask way too much for them now that they have became popular among 4runner owners, but there are still some great deals out there.

 

[NorCalKevin]

Cool, Thanks again for the help.

Ark - I saw you saying that running over 3" in the front isn't recommended. So running a Daystar 2.5/1.5 and FJ setup wouldn't be recommended on 04 V6 4x4? what about the the DS 1" budget boost in the front and 1.5" in the rear or would that make the back too high?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I can't tell you the technical reason on the 3" lift max. Since I've been here that's always been a rule of thumb. Someone more familiar with the technical side can tell you better the I can. Expect 1" from the FJ springs. It might be able to handle 3.5" front, I'm not positive on that. Hopefully someone else will chime in there. The Budget Boost is listed as a 1" lift. However, it's actually 1" thick, and you'll get almost two inches out of it, plus the inch from the FJ coils, should yield 3" front 1.5" rear, very good stance IMO.

Check out euy's pics. He has a v8 2wd, but it gets the same lift as your v6 from the FJ coils. He has the FJ coils, budget boost, and 1.5" rear spacer. Also, check the link in my sig (click here if you've done the FJ swap) to see what other members with the v6 are using.

 

[S p a r k y]

Ark is right as well, check here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/67836-euy-build-thread-fj-springs-shocks-daystar-2.html Euy has a good setup.

 

[NorCalKevin]

cool, thanks again!