upgrading front suspension

[4runnerAzGuy]

Well i have over 200k on my 4runner and it runs great. The front suspension is still tight as a drum but all the boots are torn. I replaced just the boots on the uppers but i want to get in there and really upgrade everything. I was thinking of Total Chaos UCAs, and also upgrading the springs because i got my winch in so im going to begin building a winch bumper. I upgraded to the Bilstein 5100s already to get around a 2.5 in lift.

Ive heard the lower ball joints are a pain, also is there a uniball option to replace the lowers with? Anything else i should upgrade while im in there?

Im going to be ordering everything probably today, i was thinking of using Toytec. Is there another site with maybe better prices u guys can think of? Thanks.

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

I was thinking these springs to compensate for the heavier bumper and winch, are they called lift coils just because their heavier rated? What do u guys think?

Toytec/Eibach front coil lift springs

 

[txclimber]

I can only comment on the UCA's. I went with total chaos and couldn't be happier. They are really beefy, allow for perfect alignment, and don't squeak at all. Some folks say uniballs will squeak. I haven't found that to be the case.

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

yea i heard some saying that uniballs squeak. The uniballs are so much stronger though that i wont mind if they squeak, if i get the added strength, especially because this rig is basically just for offroading and camping trips and not a dd

 

[AARONR]

Suspension

Uniball upper arms can squeak if they are neglected or after off roading. Dirt and grime build up and as the uniball articulates, it grinds that dirt up and makes noise. A little WD40 will solve 90% of that. (but must be re-applied after each trip)
I have uniballs on my long travel kit and do not have much squeaking unless just after a run. Usually works itself away.

The lower uniball arms are available from Total Chaos as well.
TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION
Not the cheapest but the best. Also allows for 2nd shock for the hardcore wheeler.

If you need for spring rate for your winch setup, try OME combined with the 5100 Bilstein. (Might have to bring down 1 clip in order to align)

Let me know if you have any more questions, I will be more than happy to share.

Aaron

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

Well i ordered the Total chaos uppers, and the eibach 112-620 springs to compensate for the weight of the winch bumper and winch. I called toytec and they recommended the eibachs because they said the spring rate on the OME coils didnt work well with the 5100s and i just bought the 5100s so id rather not replace them.

I really like they look of those Total chaos lowers but their soo expensive, maybe i can save a little and grab them. From everything ive read the uniballs are worth the money over the stock ball joints in the long run.

 

[AARONR]

Good deal. You will be happy with them.

For future reference, I work at Off Road Warehouse in Temecula. So I can help get parts for members on here as well.

have a good one

 

[ebg18t]

Well i ordered the Total chaos uppers, and the eibach 112-620 springs to compensate for the weight of the winch bumper and winch. I called toytec and they recommended the eibachs because they said the spring rate on the OME coils didnt work well with the 5100s and i just bought the 5100s so id rather not replace them.

.

Couple things to keep in mind.

1.- profit margin is most likely higher for them on the a Toytec/Eibach front springs than the OME. Private label vs reselling w/overseas shipping expenses factored in.

2.- your current oem front springs are 345mm long and 580# spring rate. OME 885 is 395mm long and 590# rate. The Eibachs they sell are about the same length as the OME but are 620# rate.

3.- the front Bilstein 5100 does not know the difference between and of those springs. Bilstein suggests that rates stay within 15% of stock to be within the dampening range. Several retailers with private label springs suggest oem spring or 'their' spring.. But not the option with lower margins, interesting...

4.- the rear 5100's are too soft to be used with OME rear springs. OME rears are ~40% stiffer.


OffRoad Warehouse, DownSouth Motorsports are excellent technical shops to deal with. Many if their competition are just part resellers with little to no custom valving and real shock techs.