X-Reas suspension 5th gen 4runner

Hi Everyone,

My x-reas suspension needs to be replaced on my 2010 4runner (186k) miles on it.

I am planning to replace the x-reas with the Bilstein 6112/1580 suspension kits. I've heard different recommendations on whether or not I need to level the front and also install a SPC UCA and Icon 3" rear springs. Is this necessary?

I do mostly city/ highway driving with the occasional off road for skiing/ hiking/ camping. I also always have a 50# bike rack attached.

Main concern is a safe/ comfortable ride.

Thanks in advance!

 

Did you mean bilstein 6112 front and bilstein 5160 rear? If I'm not mistaken @Thatbassguy runs bilstein 6112 front and bilstein 5100 rear (similar to 5160 without remote res).

Bilstein 5100 all round is a nice entry level value for money setup and don't need to think of servicing / rebuilding. If it fails just replace with cheaper price tag.

IMO that is up to your choice. I personally don't like to level it. I like front to be little lower.

I would highly recommend getting SPC UCA. I had SPC UCA with OME lift and ELKA lift and the alignment as so good. On my Limited with stock UCA I had Toytec2.5 springs front with 1.5 spacer in back with Bilstein 5100 the alignment was good. But when I change to Ironman foam cell pro 2.5 front and 1.5rear the stock UCA could not meet the alignment to my taste. I'm yet to correct it. So I would vote to get SPC UCA.

I think Icon 3" rear springs are overland folks who carry weight in the back. Else you would have a rough rear. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. Since I have stock weight in rear (no additional weight) I like to have 1.5in - 2in rear springs for a comfortable ride.


For a comfortable ride the most comfortable suspension I got is my ELKA 2.5DC shocks with 2in OME rear springs. Ironman foam cell pro on my Limited would be my second best. But both were not comfortable on-road as stock XREAS.

Though I don't have personal experience Old man Emu BP-51 seems to be in high rating for comfort.

Kings seems to be a top contender amount 4Runner community but per my 4x4shop Kings with mid speed adjuster are great for high speed runs vs dual high and low adjuster shocks like ELKA / Fox wound give more comfort. On Youtube I see some vidoes where they remove Kings and install ELKA and Dobinsons MRR. Dobinsons MRR seem to have 3 way adjuster so it might have better control on adjustability.

You can also do custom tunes for your specific comfort level from shops like Accutune.

Most of all it is best to search more on this forum for other opinion on this subject.

 

Like @kmeeg mentioned, I have a 6112/ 5100 set up on mine. I'm lifted about 2.5" in the front and 1.5" in the rear. The ride is firm, but I also have heavier springs so that could be a factor.

Upper control arms usually become necessary somewhere between 2.5-3 inches of lift up front.

If you want to level it, I wouldn't lift the rear that high. Stock the front rides about 2" lower than the rear. 3" is about as high as I'd go in front. But, for the type of driving you're describing, a lift isn't really necessary.

Ride quality is subjective, but the brands @kmeeg mentioned are all excellent. King, Fox, and Elka seem to be the most popular high end brands. Dobinsons are also very popular here. OME BP-51 looks like a great setup. There are so many options. To an extent, it comes down how much you want to spend.


For reference, here's mine lifted ~2.5/1.5“

 

You can keep stock springs stock height, no UCA’s necessary unless you’re going to lift.