Suspension lift help!

[White04SR5]

Looking to level out my 2004 4runner v6 2wd. 206k miles. front is really saggy..

I have read a crazy amount of posts on what to do and what options to choose from. I found some great info but am still stumped on what exactly to buy.

I want to go the route of the FJ 4x4 springs with bilstein 5100 shocks and 1/4 toytec spacers in front. I am looking to level out my 4runner and also gain a slight lift and reap the benefits of the slightly stiffer ride/improved handling. I do not want to buy used FJ springs as i don't want to trust a used spring that might already have some sag. I want to start with brand new stuff as I am already doing a lot of other suspension and steering work as well. New oem control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar bushings and links and probably steering rack bushings too. Should i go with poly stabilizer bushings? i heard good things... Also thinking about adding 265/70r17's... I want my 4runner to ride and turn like new.

Okay so here is my actual question lol. I want to go with oem FJ 4x4 springs from a dealer but hell they are not cheap. I will shell out the money for them but want to know if there are any OME options that are cheaper and will give me similar lift height as what ive heard the FJ stuff does. I dont want a huge lift and it seems like the OME stuff is at least 2''?
I have heard of the MOOG FJ stuff but dont want to go that route as ive heard the springs rates are not the same as the oem FJ 4x4 stuff and ive read about the rear spring seating issue with the rear moog springs and dont want to cut on anything or have a hard time.

2nd question. I want to do all this stuff at once and not go back underneath my 4runner for a while after this. I have heard things about needing spacers on the drivers side due to the driver and gas tank weight. I want my 4runner to sit pretty perfect and level so will i need any of these spacers? which ones and where?

3rd question. I plan to have a moto-tote motorcycle holder/trailer hitch ramp thing on the back of my 4runner occasionally and it will have a Husky 450cc dirtbike on it. The added weight of the dirtbike and the moto tote will be around 300-350lbs together. Will this make my 4runner run nose high at all? It isnt much weight and im thinking it will most likely not affect the nose at all since the FJ 4x4 springs are stiffer and should be able to handle the added weight.

Sorry for the long most that actually only has 3 questions. I figured some detail on my wants and needs would help...

Thanks!
-Preston

 

[eleven14]

Some quick thoughts to get ya started...

1. Start with this thread, it answers most of your coil-related (spring rate, etc.) questions.

2. Depends on the springs you go with and if you'll be adding any weight in the future. I went with 5100s and Moogs six months ago and am already swapping Moogs for OMEs due to added weight. It's addictive.

3. Likely have mild reverse-rake when loaded unless you go the airbag route but I'm sure others that have faced this dilemma will chime in.

 

[MAST4R]

I don't know the details about 4th gen, but a couple things come to mind:

1/ Yes, you want new springs. Dobinsons offers a great variety of really good springs. I would not consider OME given all Dobinsons offers. I had Dobinsons front springs and I loved them. Either way, 5100s are said not to last very well with Dobinsons/OME shocks though I cannot personally attest to that.

2/ Just as Dobinsons seems to be the "new OME" so Eibach shocks seem to be the "new 5100." I have 6112s so I cannot comment but I can observe the quick rise of popularity of Eibach and fade of the 5100 on the forum. What I do know is that the 5100s have less sophisticated valving being an older design.

3/ "I want to do all this stuff at once." So said everyone ever, LOL. It does not work. At least not if you really use the vehicle and pay attention to detail. I am on my 3rd set of aftermarket front springs, so make it 4 with the stock ones. In 20 months. Of course, if it is 2WD it may be a lot easier assuming dirt roads and easy trails in dry weather is the most you do off pavement.

4/ If you eliminate the factory rake and have a bike on the back you will look ridiculous at best and handling can be dangerous at worst.

 

[81runner]

Ok, so Moog FJ springs up front are no issue at all, you could put them on 5100s and be fine, I'd start with the lowest setting and see how it looks and feels. The rear Moog FJ springs are softer than OEM 4runner springs, avoid those if you're planning to have weight back there, you will be sag-o-riffic. Try the ome 895e, taller spring handling the same weight as stock. In a 2wd, you can do a toytec 1/4 spacer on the driver strut and be pretty level.

 

[CV4RNR]

I'm reading a lot on lifts as well. So the 5100s are "old school"? Trying to put something together for leveling out the front stock look and give a little lift while there- to get away from the soccer mom look-
I'll keep reading.
Thanks for the info!

 

[ktom3001]

There's a lot of low mileage Tacoma struts out there. Some are pretty much new because those guys lift right away. This is an easy swap and get's you around +1.25" in the front. More if your springs are tired.
For the rear, I use a moto-jack rack with a KTM 250 XCW and it will sag. Easy solution is the Firestone airbags.