Help me pick new shocks...

[Martinjmpr]

Never bought shocks before and never had a lifted vehicle before, so I'm a bit baffled.

Here's my situation: I want to put a mild lift into my 07 4runner. I've decided to go with the FJ Cruiser Coil lift since it is probably the "mildest" lift I can get that will still get me a bit higher and also allow me to run slightly bigger tires (I have a set of 17" FJC rims for just this purpose.)

The FJC coil kit I got (from another member here on ExPo) is from an 08 Trail Teams FJC and includes front, but not rear, shocks.

So, before I get my lift installed, I need to get some rear shocks. Thing is, I'm not sure how to order them. Is there a particular length or size I need to get?

For reference, here are my front shocks, Toyota/Bilstiens:

I'd like to stick with Bilstiens, and the 5100 series seems to be the most popular. So how do I know what size or length to order? Any ideas/recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SWITAWI]

Bilstein 5100s are a very good option for your application. Toytec should have 'em (edited - may not be the right p/n) Probably Bilstein p/n 33-187174.

You might find them a few dollars cheaper elsewhere online, but if you're going to have them shipped to you their customer service can't be beat - http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ytec-service-thats-what-im-talking-about.html

 

[shmabs]

Martin,

There are many ways to skin this cat! It is likely that someone has done what you are doing and you could perhaps find a pn or measurement from someone else's build thread etc...

But then there is the tried and true DIY way that i like to use:

-Compress your suspension on one side as far as it will go, i.e. on your bumpstops and take the meaurement from upper shock mount to lower shock mount=compressed length.

-Depending on how you are doing this, the other side might be at maximum extension, or droop, and take this measurement as well=extended length.

Disclaimer; the rear suspension on your runner likely travels in a slightly different path when it comes to articulated travel vs straight up and down travel, with that being said, i do my best to figure out how much vertial travel might differ from articulated travel and give my shocks a little bit of room. Also remember that your bumpstops will compress on a hard hit! I try to give my shocks at least one inch of shaft left over when my bumpstops have compressed, its cheap insurance not to ruin your shock.

You can then go to bilstein's site and search away for the correct measurements, mounting style, valving etc. This of course assumes you can install the rear springs and wait to aqcuire your new rear shocks, or possibly re-install the stock ones temporarily.

Another method is to set your truck to its new rear height, either by installing the springs, or slightly jacking up the frame, and take a static measurement on the shocks with your new height, and then figure out how much space you have until the bumpstops. So you would end up with a static measurement, subtract your travel to the bumpstops and this would give you your compressed length. This method leaves the extended measurement 'up to you to figure out'

Clear as mud?!?!

Good luck,

Mike

 

[XPEDITIONREADY]

The fj cruiser and the 4th gen 4runner are both built on the same platform. Do some searching around and see if fj cruiser bilstein 5100s and the 4th gen 4runner are the same part numbers. If i was a betting man i would bet you they are interchangeable allowing you to buy "fj cruiser" shocks for your 4runner. If you are just using cruiser springs then that should be all you need.

 

[Ramjet]

TRDParts4U

Martin,

Give Jacques a call at TRDParts4U and he will get you the right parts for your application.