suspension refresh: more confused than ever

[mhenks05]

Hopefully the community can bear with another suspension question and help me out. To preface, I've read the stickied threads on Suspension FAQ, FJ Springs and spent the last few months searching and reading any others that I can find. Now, I'm overloaded with options and need help narrowing things down.

I've got a 2006 Sport V6 with XREAS and a 2.5/1.5 daystar spacer lift on 265/70/17 Wildpeak AT3's. The truck has 143,xxx miles on the clock and its starting to feel like its time for an upgrade. I've noticed that its not as smooth over typical road bumps as it used to be and passengers that have been riding in the back seat are commenting that its quite bouncy.

I need your help. I'm willing to spend to get quality components, but since I spend about 95% of the time on-road, I don't need the beefiest gear. I do use this for hunting and some logging road type drives, but I can just take things slow and be fine.

What are your suggestions for replacing my aging XREAS and maintaining my slight lift? Ideally, I'd like to scrap the spacers.

I've toyed with going the 5100/FJ springs route but I'm shying away from MOOGS because of the reported fitment issues. Since I don't have a garage at the moment I'll be paying a mechanic for the install and don't want to run into problems there. The craigslist route hasn't been working either. Madison likes cars like the Prius and Tesla, not trucks.

It's probably serious overkill but what about pairing up 6112's with comfortable shock/spring combo in the rear? Or for the economy route, maybe just pick up some KYB's, replace my aging stock springs, keep the spacers and call it a day? But thats no fun.

Any and all help would be much appreciated!

 

[metramm]

I had the same concern as you. I only drive dirt roads once in a while and my 2006 limited v6 stays on pavement for most of its life. I wanted to have a smooth ride on highway (I do long 1,000+ cross country drives alot).

Here is what I went with for mine and I'm happy with it. Smooth on the highway and handles dirt roads very well.

Bilstein 5100's (with my stock springs) in the rear.
Bilstein 5100 (.85 setting, so second notch up) and used Toyota v8 springs purchased from this forum.
New KYB top mounting parts from amazon.

This gave me about an inch or so of front lift to level it out a bit, and vastly improved the ride quality. Handling is much improved and it doesn't wallow around the highway like a bus anymore.

I did the installation myself and it wasn't too difficult.

Hope this helps!

 

[Fern]

5100's set at 1.75 and some fj spring will put you back at the same height and give you a good ride on and off road.

 

[mhenks05]

I like the idea of the 5100/FJ combo from what I've read, but I don't have a good line on used FJ springs and have heard mixed reviews on the moogs. That leaves new OEM as the main alternative unless I'm missing something? At those prices it opens up more aftermarket options.

 

[Elan750]

Dont underestimate the power of poly stabilizer bar bushings. $40 bucks or less and its a drastic difference in how the truck feels. Easy to install too. I was going to upgrade my suspension again until I got them, I was blown away.

also for the front, I really like the moog FJ 4x4 springs, its their heavier ones, at 650# or so. For the price nothing compares.

 

[mhenks05]

Thanks. I just ordered up some of the Energy bushings w/ grease zerks that were referenced in the bushing thread. That's been on my to-do list for a while.

 

[collierunner]

Try the Wheelers off road springs.

I have them in the rear right now with 5100, I think they are a good match.

When I have some cash, I will replace the front spings with Wheelers as well.

https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25490...or-2003-4runner-2007-fj-cruiser-coil-t12.html

https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25490...-1996-4runner-2007-fj-cruiser-coil-t1-x2.html

 

[vr4z06gt]

All things being the same is there a difference between 6112's and 5100's in terms of ride quality?

 

[flyfisher4822]

All things being the same is there a difference between 6112's and 5100's in terms of ride quality?

In my experience the difference is dramatic! 6112's are way more solid/stable, and provide a smoother on and off road ride vs 5100's which can feel too stiff, even harsh for my taste.

 

[mhenks05]

I'm definitely intrigued by the 6112's. What would be a good option to pair them with if ride quality is the main concern?

 

[vr4z06gt]

Reading through the forums Icon 2.0 and OME 885e seem to be a good rear setup to complement a 6112 setup in the front...at least that is what I keep coming across, perhaps others can chime in?

I am in the same boat as the OP. 08 V8 Limited 4x4, 110k miles. Xreas are just getting tired. I am looking for a minor lift, ~2" in the front and maybe an inch in the rear (my intent is to eliminate the rake and add just an inch or so around the vehicle) with an emphasis for on road driving and maybe mild off road (10% or so)