Hey everyone.
I just picked up a ’11 4Runner SR5. I’m planning on doing some suspension work. My comparason is an 04 Xterra w/ HD shocks. As compared to that it’s too soft, too much body roll & break dive. I’d like tighter more percise control, a tad more ground clearance, and a litte more level wouldn’t hurt but it’s not a big priority. I’m not a bushwacker, rock crawler and even hard core off roader. It will spend most time as a commuter, some time bouncing across the dunes and on somtimes deeply rutted sugar sand beaches, occasionally drive cross country family vacas, and occasionally on dirt, gravel and rock trails.
I was set to get 4 Bilstein’s and a 1 1/2” spacer for rear. I heard from someone here who did just that and seemed happy. Apparnetly this is a common lift combo.
Then I called ToyTech.
Scott the customer rep from ToyTech suggested otherwise. He suggested the first thing I should do is replace the coil springs. He said that would maintain ride quiality while giving a little more height and allowing more travel. He suggested 521200 front 2 1/2” springs. He said the stocks had 500 lbs these have 620 lbs. He also suggested RCC 2” rear springs. Stock has 150 lbs & these have 190. He said the ’11 SR5 is 2” higher in the rear. This would lift rear 2” and 2 1/2 which would leave front end still 1 1/2 lower?
When I asked him about the springs vs shocks. He said using the stock springs w/ the extended 5100’s would put preload in the springs making the ride harsh.
RE: front tilt (rake) he (Scott fom ToyTec) said that the Toyota engineers had very good reasons for this tilt (e.g., so when rear is loaded the butt isn’t dragging w/ nose high, messing w/ MPG, breaking, steering, cornering etc.
I told him I was suprised that he suggested springs instead of 5100’s. He said at ’11 w/ 54K the shocks prolly stiil have some life. He siad that down road (like next year or so) I could go to 5100’s and they would give me an even better ride.
I’m thinking, at approx $100 an hour, disassembeleing, reassembeling and alignment. I don’t want to do that twice in a couple years if I can help it. He said if I can afford it that would be good and to also replace the bushings and washers. Parts for just the springs (no shocks) are $392. Combined springs, 4 5100 shocks, washers & bushings are $792. Don’t know how much labor that will be.
What do you guys think? Do you agree w/ Scott? Going cheaper... just springs? Going bigger shocks, springs & bushing?
Money is important (as in this will go on the credit card) so I don’t want to spend more than I must. On the otherhand I don’t wanna be penny wise & dollor foolish.
I greatly appreciate your input, opinions & suggestions.
Thanks much folks!
JD
I just picked up a ’11 4Runner SR5. I’m planning on doing some suspension work. My comparason is an 04 Xterra w/ HD shocks. As compared to that it’s too soft, too much body roll & break dive. I’d like tighter more percise control, a tad more ground clearance, and a litte more level wouldn’t hurt but it’s not a big priority. I’m not a bushwacker, rock crawler and even hard core off roader. It will spend most time as a commuter, some time bouncing across the dunes and on somtimes deeply rutted sugar sand beaches, occasionally drive cross country family vacas, and occasionally on dirt, gravel and rock trails.
I was set to get 4 Bilstein’s and a 1 1/2” spacer for rear. I heard from someone here who did just that and seemed happy. Apparnetly this is a common lift combo.
Then I called ToyTech.
Scott the customer rep from ToyTech suggested otherwise. He suggested the first thing I should do is replace the coil springs. He said that would maintain ride quiality while giving a little more height and allowing more travel. He suggested 521200 front 2 1/2” springs. He said the stocks had 500 lbs these have 620 lbs. He also suggested RCC 2” rear springs. Stock has 150 lbs & these have 190. He said the ’11 SR5 is 2” higher in the rear. This would lift rear 2” and 2 1/2 which would leave front end still 1 1/2 lower?
When I asked him about the springs vs shocks. He said using the stock springs w/ the extended 5100’s would put preload in the springs making the ride harsh.
RE: front tilt (rake) he (Scott fom ToyTec) said that the Toyota engineers had very good reasons for this tilt (e.g., so when rear is loaded the butt isn’t dragging w/ nose high, messing w/ MPG, breaking, steering, cornering etc.
I told him I was suprised that he suggested springs instead of 5100’s. He said at ’11 w/ 54K the shocks prolly stiil have some life. He siad that down road (like next year or so) I could go to 5100’s and they would give me an even better ride.
I’m thinking, at approx $100 an hour, disassembeleing, reassembeling and alignment. I don’t want to do that twice in a couple years if I can help it. He said if I can afford it that would be good and to also replace the bushings and washers. Parts for just the springs (no shocks) are $392. Combined springs, 4 5100 shocks, washers & bushings are $792. Don’t know how much labor that will be.
What do you guys think? Do you agree w/ Scott? Going cheaper... just springs? Going bigger shocks, springs & bushing?
Money is important (as in this will go on the credit card) so I don’t want to spend more than I must. On the otherhand I don’t wanna be penny wise & dollor foolish.
I greatly appreciate your input, opinions & suggestions.
Thanks much folks!
JD
