Suspension Swap questions

[cyber_cop]

Sorry for the complete N00B questions, but I'm a Rover guy. Please don't get a rope!

With all the mods I do to my Rovers, my brother-n-law has approached me with the simple task of leveling out his sons 2005 2x4 T4R. I have already confirmed it does not have rear air suspension.

From my quick research, it seems the best option is to have him get some 2007-2009 FJ coils from all 4 corners and a set of toytec 1" coiltop spacers for the fronts.

Was wondering if I am right on track with that and also any recommendations while I am pulling the coils out.

Front Sway bar seems to need to be pulled, so I will have him get new bushings for that.

Any other known gotchas or issues I should address while I am in there?

Thanks for any of help.

 

[preacher35]

Sorry for the complete N00B questions, but I'm a Rover guy. Please don't get a rope!

With all the mods I do to my Rovers, my brother-n-law has approached me with the simple task of leveling out his sons 2005 2x4 T4R. I have already confirmed it does not have rear air suspension.

From my quick research, it seems the best option is to have him get some 2007-2009 FJ coils from all 4 corners and a set of toytec 1" coiltop spacers for the fronts.

Was wondering if I am right on track with that and also any recommendations while I am pulling the coils out.

Front Sway bar seems to need to be pulled, so I will have him get new bushings for that.

Any other known gotchas or issues I should address while I am in there?

Thanks for any of help.

Well, you have asked a mouthful. What is the "best option" for you may be completely different for others. I suppose the two most important questions are 1) what is the purpose of "leveling out" your nephew-in-law's Runner and 2) what is the budget? Many peeps, here on T4R.org start with a spacer leveling kit, only to upgrade later, to full on coil-overs. We try to encourage noobies to the lift/suspension sticky thread to answer questions just like yours:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

Once you decide upon a lift option, come back and let us know. At that point, we can better warn you of "pitfalls" or "issues" that may arise. Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[cyber_cop]

thanks Preacher. I will give that forum a quick read.

I am sure my brother-n-law would not want to hear what "my" budget would be. I lift Rovers :wink2:

I did ask, considering it is a 2x4 and it is just for looks.

I was just wondering what else people recommended to fix/freshen up while doing the springs.

 

[brianhuntRVA]

I didn't have to remove the sway bar, just had to remove the end links and rotate it upward. I did loosen the sway bar mounts thinking it had to come off but you may not even need to do that to rotate it.

 

[cyber_cop]

Thanks guys,

That was a very helpful link. Looks like I will try to source some TRD FJ coils and try to find the Toytec 1/4" spacer for the fronts. The link in that thread did for the Toytec 1/4" spacer did not work.

Looks very straight forward.

I hate the move all the manufactures are making getting away from the body on frame designs. I guess its just cheaper to make unibodyies for everything. I don't get the safety reasons they are all presenting. Tell the soccer moms to get Volvo XC90s and stop messing with our trucks.

Even Land Rover is going this route with the new Discovery Sports. Sad Day!

Thanks for all the help.

 

[gfluff]

If it's an '05, does it need shocks? Bilstein 5100s are easy, not too expensive, and a vast improvement over 10yr old dead shocks. They allow for lift options up front with an adjustable spring perch.
Taco coils are also good for height and firming up the ride a little (less brake dive). See my build thread in signature...

 

[cyber_cop]

Not sure if it needs shocks or not. They bought the truck used. I am trying to prepare him for what we might be getting into. Might see if he is up for buying shocks and if we need them we will have them ready. If not, he can take them back.

I've looked all over craigslist and ebay. Can't seem to fin anybody selling FJ coils. Where do you guys typically find them?