Suspension opinion needed...

[Marc P]

I just picked up an 03 4runner v6 and want to lift it a couple inches for offroad use and better look.

I am not too familiar with the options popular on the 4th gen after owning 2nd and 3rd gens.

This will probably be a somewhat temporary setup as I always tend to upgrade as needed..

My choices for the front are

OME 90000 front struts with OME 885 coils, paired with OME N182 shocks,FJ rear coils, Airlift airbags (for towing) and some 1.5 in spacers

or

2008 Tacoma Bilstiens with 1.5 inch spacers, paired with Bilstien rear shocks and same FJ/airbag/spacer setup

I am a little concerned the OME setup may be too stiff up front with the V6 and no bumper.

What are the thoughts of the wise?

 

[Derek G]

I would spend some time looking through the sticky threads on suspensions. There are so many different ways to do what you want to do that every response you get will be different.

I opted for the OME suspension because it is engineered specifically for the truck and the equipment I have, and I couldn't be happier. I did however opt for the Bilstein shocks instead of the OME shocks. Reading hear on the forum, I had heard that the OME shocks didn't perform as well. Very happy with the setup both on and off road, even in the corners with a fully loaded roof rack.

 

[Morphyne]

Marc,

I went with a popular lift on this forum. one that I call the Gaterose clone

Check it out at my build thread.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/154972-morphynes-painkiller-build-tread-3.html

Consisted of:
Bilstein 5100's set at .85
New Moog FJ cruiser springs
265/70/17 Goodyear Silent Armors

I got a lift in that back as well from the new springs (I think. it looks like it anyway, but like a dummy I didn't take measurements before.)
Do you research, I did and I ended up with exactly what I wanted.

 

[Troymclure]

If you already know youre gonna do it twice, why not save the money and do it right once, with some nice adjustable coilovers from Icon, King, Radflo, Fox etc?

 

[YotaDan]

The OME products ride and perform very well, and most people are very happy with the results. We can pair the coils with either the OME or the Bilstein 5100s.

 

[Morphyne]

Marc,

If you can pay to have Wheelers or whoever, preassemble them before shipping. Will make your life a ton easier.

 

[Marc P]

Thanks guys...

 

[sonerick]

I am a little concerned the OME setup may be too stiff up front with the V6 and no bumper.

I run 885's with Bilstein 5100s and have a V6 with no aftermarket bumper or additional weight in the front. It's definitely more truck-like than stock, but not overly so. I have the sway bar removed (since the coils are stiffer than stock) and it is buttery smooth over bumps. The ride with the sway bar on was a little bit stiffer.

FYI the 884's and 885's have the same spring rate, the 885's are just 10mm taller.

 

[Marc P]

I am getting a sweet deal on both, so I think I am going with the OME setup.