Solved: FJ Cruiser Spring Lift for 3rd Gen 4Runners

[Pekoe1111]

Ok! Let us know how it works for you.

This is how my truck looks with 881s in front and 906s in the back - at least 1” higher in the rear. Think I really need those 10 mm trim packers for a level stance with those Delco FJ coils?

 

[J.cole13]

This is how my truck looks with 881s in front and 906s in the back - at least 1” higher in the rear. Think I really need those 10 mm trim packers for a level stance with those Delco FJ coils?

Hmm. I lifted my front a little more than you I think. My stock height in the rear was also a half inch shorter than most in the rear to begin with so 2 inches to me might be 1.5 inches to you. You probably could get away without the packers if your front isn't lifted too much. I sit higher by .25 inches in the rear with no weight and I lifted the front 1.8 inches. You can always buy packers later if you want! I have some pictures of my rig before and after in an album in my profile info if you want to see the lift difference. I'm not sure how to post pics here tho.

 

[Pekoe1111]

Hmm. I lifted my front a little more than you I think. My stock height in the rear was also a half inch shorter than most in the rear to begin with so 2 inches to me might be 1.5 inches to you. You probably could get away without the packers if your front isn't lifted too much. I sit higher by .25 inches in the rear with no weight and I lifted the front 1.8 inches. You can always buy packers later if you want! I have some pictures of my rig before and after in an album in my profile info if you want to see the lift difference. I'm not sure how to post pics here tho.

All this is so variable. The 881/906 combo was supposed to give a relatively level 2” lift. I’ll have to get some measurement on level pavement, but seems like I have closer to 2.5-3.0” in the back - and that is with 160 lbs. of wood pellet bags behind the rear seat! Otherwise, everything else is stock. I bought the trim packers so they are on their way - just a question of whether or not I have my mechanic put them in.

 

[J.cole13]

All this is so variable. The 881/906 combo was supposed to give a relatively level 2” lift. I’ll have to get some measurement on level pavement, but seems like I have closer to 2.5-3.0” in the back - and that is with 160 lbs. of wood pellet bags behind the rear seat! Otherwise, everything else is stock. I bought the trim packers so they are on their way - just a question of whether or not I have my mechanic put them in.

I would put the packers in. It definitely won't be a 2.5 or 3 inch lift.

 

[Pekoe1111]

I would put the packers in. It definitely won't be a 2.5 or 3 inch lift.

Do the packers go under the bottom of the springs or at the top? Getting it all put in on Monday!

Thanks

 

[phattyduck]

Do the packers go under the bottom of the springs or at the top? Getting it all put in on Monday!

Thanks

Top. It'll be clear when you are under there.

-Charlie

 

[Pekoe1111]

Top. It'll be clear when you are under there.

-Charlie

Looks even higher than before after the FJ coils and trim packers! Ride doesn’t seem that different either. Not sure where to go next.

 

[Pekoe1111]

Looks even higher than before after the FJ coils and trim packers! Ride doesn’t seem that different either. Not sure where to go next.

I put the four 40 lb. bags of pellets back in and it rides smoother than with the 906s.

Considering putting some stock springs back in with a 1” spacer. Not sure why it’s so hard to get a level 2” lift that rides well.

 

[jgue467]

I'm stock and also ride around with well over 100lbs of tools, still bouncy/jitttery so added 2-50lb sacks of deer corn over wheel wells, Perfect - smooth, no bounce. When I add 300-400 lbs of corn, it feels GREAT! (and sags only 1/2" on stock).

That's as good as it gets, haha. :cowboy:

 

[Pekoe1111]

I'm stock and also ride around with well over 100lbs of tools, still bouncy/jitttery so added 2-50lb sacks of deer corn over wheel wells, Perfect - smooth, no bounce. When I add 300-400 lbs of corn, it feels GREAT! (and sags only 1/2" on stock).

That's as good as it gets, haha. :cowboy:

Interesting-does anyone else drive around with weight in the back to smooth out the ride?

 

[JackFromColorado]

Make sure it's OEM

I tried this idea using Moog coils; they were horrible and sagged badly under any decent load over 100 pounds. Great unloaded though.

That was lesson one in a 'long' line of attempts at rear coils. Never tried the OEMs, went to

Highlander OEM 1 inch coils did not last long with hauling and wheeling.

Currently on ARB 891s because I seem to destroy coils with my offroading trailer and living in Colorado.

 

[J.cole13]

Looks even higher than before after the FJ coils and trim packers! Ride doesn’t seem that different either. Not sure where to go next.

If you haven't replaced shocks in the rear I would do that before changing coils again. Putting in new coils with old shocks won't make your ride much better. Remember that new springs will settle some after a few thousand miles. As for the ride. I an not sure why it feels stiff for you. I don't carry any weight in back and can have an almost empty gas tank and it still rides awesome! Maybe it is just such an improvement from my worn out stock setup but I absolutely love the ride.

 

[Pekoe1111]

If you haven't replaced shocks in the rear I would do that before changing coils again. Putting in new coils with old shocks won't make your ride much better. Remember that new springs will settle some after a few thousand miles. As for the ride. I an not sure why it feels stiff for you. I don't carry any weight in back and can have an almost empty gas tank and it still rides awesome! Maybe it is just such an improvement from my worn out stock setup but I absolutely love the ride.

I put my OME 906 springs in the Classifieds if you are interested.

 

[James082601]

I did the rears today and they worked out great as far as ride and height but from what can tell the coil is contacting the frame and creating an annoying ringing/feeling throughout the truck, can you get close ups from where the spring mounts with the frame

I got moog coils if that makes a difference part number 81081

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...r,4.0l+v6,1433267,suspension,coil+spring,7512

I put them on a 2001 4x4 limited 4 runner

 

[James082601]

how does one delete messages on this fourm?

 

[James082601]

I tried this idea using Moog coils; they were horrible and sagged badly under any decent load over 100 pounds. Great unloaded though.

That was lesson one in a 'long' line of attempts at rear coils. Never tried the OEMs, went to

Highlander OEM 1 inch coils did not last long with hauling and wheeling.

Currently on ARB 891s because I seem to destroy coils with my offroading trailer and living in Colorado.

do you have any pics of the moogs installed?

my moogs make a noise similar to the abs pump going off when you hit a sharp bump

Shared album - James Flores - Google Photos

 

[rileypk31]

Thanks for this post, awesome detail. I am thinking about the bilstein 5100 with OME coils. If there was anyway to do it cheaper and just as effective I am all ears. I think I want a little more lift than 1.5"

 

[osideplayer]

I just placed an order on some brand new FJ coils for the front and rear. I am going to pair these with the existing 4600 HDs for now. I'll keep you all posted once I've got them in.

What is the part number for the 2007 OEM FJ coils

 

[osideplayer]

Correct, if someone wants to do the FJ lift, they specifically want springs from the 07-09 4wd model. NOT the 10-14. And I recommend only OEM springs.

The setup is still working extremely well. I was in Moab last September and had zero issues doing Golden Spike (and the Golden Crack, although that was a close one!), Poison Spider, etc...no springs falling out, etc. I will say though, I did not disconnect my swaybar, so I can't speak to the effects of additional rear end flex. Rides like a dream for an all-around, on- and off-road vehicle.

Overall I'd say for a "slightly-taller-than-stock" option, I think this serves the purpose just fine. I think the reason you don't see more of this is because #1: most folks don't even know about the interchangeability, and #2: People modifying 3rd gens typically want more lift/flex than what this option provides. You're right though, the FJ suspension stuff is pretty commonplace with people who end up lifting their FJs and just want a few bucks for the "leftovers".

I installed the rear FJ coils today. but these dont seem to seat correctly on the lower axle support mount. They rest on the edge and out of the mount. Can someone send a picture of how theirs look.

 

[TX_MD]

Hi there, new to site but have had my 3rd-gen since ‘98, and just recently comfortable enough to do simple things on it myself beyond oil change and bulb replacement. Had my friend help me change the shocks to bilstein 5100s (and due to poor planning) but we didn’t replace rear springs. Found this thread and the FJ springs swap seems like the best application for me - looking for a mild lift and slightly more comfortable ride. If ordering the FJ springs from Toyota, can someone confirm it is the same for both L/R applications? 48231-35420? Much appreciated!