Suspension upgrades, UCA and struts/shocks, and springs

[Bl4ck4rm4]

Ok, I think I have racked my brain on researching this. I’m planning on lifting my truck this summer, already got my spacers purchased though Burtman Industries. Going for a 3” lift. Looking for recommendations for the supporting parts.

UCA, seems to have a bunch of manufacturers, JBA, SPC, Bilstein, Dobson, Icon, etc. there is a lot of options, lots of great reviews from here and other sites, lots of old information as well. Not concerned too much with ball joints, easier replacement is better , but have a ball joint press if they are traditional. Prices seem around the same price +\-$200. I know it isn’t necessary, but just don’t want to max out camber/castor adjustments. I’m dealing with that on another car.

Shocks and struts, what do you all recommend? I see Bilstein 5100 seem to be the ticket along with 6100 series. Any other brands or thoughts?

Another other parts should I look at? Replacing stock springs with stiffer factory height replacements? Sway bar adjustment mounts? Etc.

Just as a little background this is going on an 08’ SR5 V6. Since I have bought this, i have had the basic maintenance things done but haven’t replaced ball joints, struts and shocks, spring isolators if any, etc.

Thanks


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[y=mx+b]

Ok, I think I have racked my brain on researching this. I’m planning on lifting my truck this summer, already got my spacers purchased though Burtman Industries. Going for a 3” lift. Looking for recommendations for the supporting parts.

UCA, seems to have a bunch of manufacturers, JBA, SPC, Bilstein, Dobson, Icon, etc. there is a lot of options, lots of great reviews from here and other sites, lots of old information as well. Not concerned too much with ball joints, easier replacement is better , but have a ball joint press if they are traditional. Prices seem around the same price +\-$200. I know it isn’t necessary, but just don’t want to max out camber/castor adjustments. I’m dealing with that on another car.

Shocks and struts, what do you all recommend? I see Bilstein 5100 seem to be the ticket along with 6100 series. Any other brands or thoughts?

Another other parts should I look at? Replacing stock springs with stiffer factory height replacements? Sway bar adjustment mounts? Etc.

Just as a little background this is going on an 08’ SR5 V6. Since I have bought this, i have had the basic maintenance things done but haven’t replaced ball joints, struts and shocks, spring isolators if any, etc.

Thanks

either do spacers on the stock suspension or go with a whole aftermarket coil spring and shock package. I wouldn't put a spacer lift on anything but a stock shock and coil setup. 5100s have little clips that move the lower coil seat up, so you can get a little lift by preloading your stock coils more. Using a spacer lift on 5100s would be redundant

Most of the static aftermarket UCAs are the same. They all add caster from the UCA by moving the upper ball joint backwards in the wheel well. SPC upper control arms are adjustable, but hard to find someone that understands how they work to align them. I have SPCs and prefer to do my own alignment. For static arm, my buddy recommends the Dirt Kings

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Agree - no reason to do a spacer and a suspension lift. What are your plans for the vehicle? Any off roading/ overlanding or no? The 5100s will improve the ride. The 6112 gives a really nice ride, but is more expensive and if you wont off road much may not be worth the price increase

 

[Bl4ck4rm4]

Ok. I’ll take a look at dirt king. For the most part the aftermarket UCA is just to help with camber, like you said. I know I can just freshen up my original ones or just straight out use what I have, however I don’t want to be at my limits with stock parts when aligning with a lift, spacers or full on suspension. Been down that road before

For shocks, I’m just looking for something a tad stiffness, similar to what you would get with say a sports shock


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[Bl4ck4rm4]

Agree - no reason to do a spacer and a suspension lift. What are your plans for the vehicle? Any off roading/ overlanding or no? The 5100s will improve the ride. The 6112 gives a really nice ride, but is more expensive and if you wont off road much may not be worth the price increase

Most off-roading it would see is either driving on the beach, or heading up to the hill country hitting some scenic trails or visiting relatives on a ranch. Bumpy dirt roads.


I’m still relatively new to the 4Runner game, the most I have done with this truck besides headlights has been oil changes, filters and brakes plus a headliner drop to access the drain from the sun roof.

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[Hi-desertT4R]

Other things to consider might be lower control arm bushings. I had to do mine before my alignment shop would align it and guarantee the work. If the coil over is out, consider the spacer to correct the lean on the left side. Out back, 3” lift springs could require coil spring compressors to install them…always sketchy. Also, either an adjustable panhard bar or panhard correction kit from someone like [MENTION=28464]eimkeith[/MENTION]. As you lift your axle will shift and it must be centered.

I installed my 3” Toytec lift and ran stock upper control arms for quite a while. I installed JBA uca’s. They use heavy duty GM style ball joints that bolts on. I like them.

 

[Bl4ck4rm4]

Other things to consider might be lower control arm bushings. I had to do mine before my alignment shop would align it and guarantee the work. If the coil over is out, consider the spacer to correct the lean on the left side. Out back, 3” lift springs could require coil spring compressors to install them…always sketchy. Also, either an adjustable panhard bar or panhard correction kit from someone like [MENTION=28464]eimkeith[/MENTION]. As you lift your axle will shift and it must be centered.

I installed my 3” Toytec lift and ran stock upper control arms for quite a while. I installed JBA uca’s. They use heavy duty GM style ball joints that bolts on. I like them.

That is a good point, didn’t think about the lower bushings and probably ball joints. They are probably gonna need replacing, wouldn’t hurt if I’m going that far into it.

I keep the pan hard bar in the back of my mind. Not sure if I’ll need it right now. For right now, I’m just lifting with spacers for the time being, I’ll have minimal off roading, and will have just the piece of mind if having to traveling for work during wet weather and flooding. It isn’t to say later on my taste will change.

As of now, I’m just trying to get the supporting pieces together.


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