The grocery getter

S

sc5

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Hello to all, I have just purchased a new 2013 4-runner Blizzard Pearl SR5, I had a TR4 before this one and we loved it. This is my wife's rig and I am just wanting to level it out but improve the ride also, I have been reading this site for the last couple of weeks and looking at what you guys have done to your TR5's and there are some nice rigs posted on this site. I would like to go with UCA's but I don't want much lift as this thing will not see any technical trails, I have a lifted Tundra and also a lifted CJ7 for when I want my off road fix. So I ask of you what is the best option for this vehicle while keeping the height fairly close to stock for her. Your help is appreciated.
 
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You don't need UCA's at all for your goal. Just buy some better tires (LT rated) and Bilstein HD shocks for a better ride. If you want to level it, go with 5100's at the .85 setting in front and add 5100s or HDs in rear if you want. You could also go with a spacer in front to level it instead, but this will do less to improve the ride than 5100s would.

My advice is be clear on your goals, do exhaustive research, and ask lots of questions before making your decision. This forum is a great resource. Good Luck!
 
I'm in a similar boat - Just got a "cushy" 2013 SR5 4x4, and I'd like to lose some of the vagueness in the steering/handling and lessen the nose-dive and body-roll while keeping a stock height (more or less).

I'll be adding a pretty heavy audio system in the rear cargo area - so I might need height adjustability as well (the additional weight in the rear might level it as-is, but I don't want a rear-leaning rake for sure!).

I'm mainly on-road (110 miles daily - all highway) - so I don't want to sacrifice a descent ride - but really want to lessen the nose-dive and body roll. I'll likely be swapping on some 275/70/17 BFG Rugged Trails or Rugged Terrains in a few months on the stock 17" SR5 wheels. I anticipate that will also help me reach my goal for a tighter/grippier T4R...

Seems like the 5100's are the way to go? I know I loved the Bilstein's that came on my 99 Taco 4x4 w/TRD Package!

Thanks for any assurance as I continue to do my legwork :cool:
 
If your going to use it as a "grocery getter" then you definately need to get it lifted/levelled and scrap the stock tires and wheels! My two teenage sons called mine the "mom car" when I first got it. Now they both think its "kinda cool" :ybrick:
 
+1 for the Bilstein 5100s. Have them set at .85 to level the front and reduce the nose dive. You'll need an alignment after installation. Tell the alignment tech to push the caster as far forward as possible. I got +3.3 with stock UCAs. It helps make the steering a lot less twitchy. Less than $500 for everything...well worth the money!
 
The Grocery getter 2

So it sounds like the 5100's are the way to go, the next question is do you use your stock front spings with the 5100's? I do have a spring compresssor and the technical knowledge to make the swap, or do you guys recommend different front springs also? Thanks for the reply's I really appreciate your help.
 
I used the stock front springs. Unless you are lifting or using a heavy aftermarket front bumper, they should be fine. I have a 50+lb brush guard and the stock springs are fine with the 5100s. I actually got about 1 1/8" lift from the 5100s at the .85" setting, even with the weight of the brush guard.
 
What about in my case - where I will have a "permanent" ~150-200 lbs (or so) load in the cargo area? Should I plan on using the .85" setting for Front and Rear to maintain a factory rear height? I'm assuming the weight alone will level the truck (slightly lower the rear) - but I might want to maintain the factory ride height.

And how hard is it to re-adjust the 5100's? I see they use a "snap ring" - so I assume that means re-compressing the springs (and removing the shocks?) for any post-install height adjustments?

Thanks!!! :cheers:
 
Randyman... said:
What about in my case - where I will have a "permanent" ~150-200 lbs (or so) load in the cargo area? Should I plan on using the .85" setting for Front and Rear to maintain a factory rear height? I'm assuming the weight alone will level the truck (slightly lower the rear) - but I might want to maintain the factory ride height.

And how hard is it to re-adjust the 5100's? I see they use a "snap ring" - so I assume that means re-compressing the springs (and removing the shocks?) for any post-install height adjustments?

Thanks!!! :cheers:
Click to expand...

To be clear to all, there are NO adjustable rear suspensions for our trucks, as of now. You will need to play with different rates and/or heights with different springs to achieve your goals. Only the fronts are adjustable coilovers.
 
Randyman... said:
What about in my case - where I will have a "permanent" ~150-200 lbs (or so) load in the cargo area? Should I plan on using the .85" setting for Front and Rear to maintain a factory rear height? I'm assuming the weight alone will level the truck (slightly lower the rear) - but I might want to maintain the factory ride height.

And how hard is it to re-adjust the 5100's? I see they use a "snap ring" - so I assume that means re-compressing the springs (and removing the shocks?) for any post-install height adjustments?

Thanks!!! :cheers:
Click to expand...

What about airbags for the rear?
 
mace. said:
What about airbags for the rear?
Click to expand...

Airbags are a great solution for the rear suspension. If I were keeping my rig, I'd have looked into them more, as the truck squats a bit with 200lb of bikes hanging off a rack. KDSS keeps it stable in the curves though ;)
 
Well poo! Thanks for the info. I'll likely get the audio/nav system done (have 6 days off starting Weds to get it started), and see how she sits. If I get a rear-rake - I'll ponder the Airbags or different rear springs. I assume Airbags would also help with body roll? I've never dealt with Air bags - shoot - this is my first vehicle with rear coilovers and a 4-Link!!!

If she sits level with the box installed, I might just go with some better shocks and LT275/70R17 tires, and call it a day.

So much good info around this place! :lookout:

:cool:
 
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