Beginning of my project

mgalvez

Member
Hey guys, just got my 2003 SR5 4x4 4runner about a month ago. She has about 73k miles and has been awesome so far.

First day messing around


New tires, Tread Wright 235/80/17, about 2k miles on them, they have been awesome so far! (no re-tread bs please! i've done my research and this is what I want)


Stock






Tires




Messing about near Barstow




So far, so good. Next mod is a stock FJ suspension setup I have sitting in my room, then sliders and bumpers!

PART 2: FJ suspension.
Installed a stock FJ setup with 1/2" Toytec spacers in front. What a freaking difference. The car handles everything so much better. With the larger tires, I could feel the stock suspension was under dampened. First I did the front on Saturday. This was a HUGE upgrade in handling. The car corners flatter yet is much more supple over bumps. It also seems to flex much more. Steering control feel much more instant as well. Then Monday night I did the rear. I heard mixed reviews on using stock FJ shocks for the back so I was unsure if I would use them. Im glad I did. The car rides really nice now. I have retained (I think better actually) the stock drivability and my fuel economy is pretty good. In the city the gas mileage dropped maybe 1 or 2 mpg. Highway, cruising flat road doing 65mph, I think I have actually gained about 1mpg. Back Lift is around 1" and front about 2.5". For the money, this is an excellent upgrade!

Comparing with a stock 4x4 4runner




Clearance on the stock car from the ground to the front skid plate is 7.5". With the spacers and FJ suspension, mine is at 11.75".

Here is a shot of the spacer.


Side with only the front done.


Side with the rear and front done.
0525001908.jpg
 
Last edited:

mgalvez

Member
Thanks! FJ suspension is a low cost way to improve the suspension for now. It will improve control of the heavier tires and lift the front and rear .75 inches. Rear shocks are 14mm longer, so it should flex more as well. Later I will probably go with a coil over setup.
 

mgalvez

Member
So, next is a set of trail gear sliders with a gusset kit. I have a lincoln MIG welder, anyone local want to help me put them on? I pay in beer:sombrero:
 

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