Leveled my 18 4runner today

Decided to level my 18 4runner today.

These are the measurement before:
LF -29.00 and RF -29.25
LR -31.25 and RR -31.25


Installed front Bilstein 5100 Shocks with clip on 2nd notch from the bottom (0.85"). I also installed spacers on both side with the Bilstein Shocks. Added a 3/8" Spacer on the LF with new strut bolts and 1/4" spacer on the RF with new strut bolts. This will eliminate the typical lean.

Attached photo shows before and after photos and also the issue of RF cam bolt sleeve with rust on it. I did add anti-seize on all the cam bolts and sleeve to avoid any future problems. I did not get a front end alignment as of yet but it should settle a little before I get it done.

These are the approximate measurement after my front end alignment 12-2-2019.
LF -30.75 and RF -30.75
LR -31.25 and RR -31.25

 

Looks good

 

Well done! Thanks for posting measurement numbers as well! You going to put some wheels and tires on it too?

 

Measurements being to top of fender well? I like how it turned out...did you consider Eibach shocks at all vs. the Bilsteins?

I'm also interested in your install process if you did that yourself.

 

I will be installing new tires and rims this spring, going with stock silver Pro wheel with stock size Hankook Daynapro ATM.

 

Measurement from center bottom of rim to top of fender well, to me this is the most accurate area to get a measurements.

I did not consider Eibach at all. I had Bilsteins on my FJ and now on 4runner.

Yes I installed it myself! I already have done it on my 08 FJ. I used the 4runners weight to decompress and compress the spring, I thinks for the DIY's it is the safest way!

 

Where exactly do the spacers go in this setup, and what material are the spacers made of?

 

I put spacers on my 2016 runner . lifted the front end and much less droop on braking.. springs took a set after 2,000 miles so I had to adjust the toe . tires had less toe so the runner wandered on the hywy.
just did the tire rotation 26K miles last week .. all tires measured on wear the same. perfect wear .rotate tires 7K miles .
I spray silicone on the control arm bushings to reduce any rust ... so if I need to mess with the camber I can not replace the bushing parts.
your runner looks like my 2016 white on its front end lift. I do like my work on this issue.. springs sag after use.

 

The spacer are only 3/8" placed on the LF and 1/4" placed on the RF, tough to see them since they are black polyurethane. They are installed on top of top hat of the strut, had to add longer studs just to make sure the bolts are totally seated.

 

Updated front and rear measurements after my front end alignment.

 

Very interested in before and after pics, should you get a chance to snap some...

Plus, a description of the process...

 

I did mine in my driveway and it was no big deal. I used the no spring compressor method to remove the the original shocks and replacing them with Bilstein 5100 shocks. I hope you at least used anti seize on all the lower control arms cam bolts and sleeves so they don't get frozen in the future. I can tell you installing the Bilstein shocks make the 4runner ride soooo much better!

 

Sorry buddy but you still need to mess with the LCA since a Front End Alignment is needed to get it back to specification after adding the spacers.

BTW I would recommend replacing the upper strut studs since they did not have enough treads for you nuts for safety!

 

Try those measurements on flat ground with the E brake OFF!
Both on my tacoma and my 4runner i thought I had lean. No lean after ebrake released.

Might want to double check. Not every vehicle is like this

 

I would like to WARN those who do the no spring compressor method to BE CAREFULL! I had my original settings at .85. When i moved to 2.5 (and the threads were perfectly fine when i removed the top bolt) and I was tired and decided to just do the no spring compressor method, I ended up fucking up the threads on the driver side. And i was careful. I ended up having to take it apart and had to buy a new one from the dealer and chuck the bad one.

 

Well I never that one before but I just checked my measurements without the emergency brakes.
LF-30.75 RF-30.75
LR-31.25 RR-31.25
So I can say that I originally had the lean but since I added a 3/8" spacer on the LF and 1/4" spacer on the RF non more lean.
The lean is from the battery, driver and gas tank being on the same side. This was also true with my 08 FJ.

 

Buy a new what?