Hello, have a 4runner 2019 trd off-road premium - Some advice Bilstein 5100 Kit

Hello, hope you all doing well.

I purchased a Bilstein 5100 B8 Kit (front & rear shocks). I would like to set the front shocks on 2.5 inch height, do I need some other mods to do the highest setting of 2.5"?

For the rear shocks, because not adjustable; what would be best for the rear 2" coil springs or 1.5" coil springs?

Other alternative: No new rear coil springs and go with rear Cornfed spacers whch is less expensive.

I would like to put 285/70/17 BF Goodrich KO 2 - Would this be possible without body modifications?

Purchased the 2019 4runner trd off-road premium new, I have 12.000 miles on it.

Advice would be very much apriciated.

Thank you,
Roland

Need to take & upload some better pictures, came like this from the dealership.

 

Welcome to the forum Roland, some get lucky, and some have to chop. Hope you are the lucky one.

 

I apriciate your input SlvrSlug. 67-68 thank you for your service.

 

I would get lift coils all around. They really aren't that much more expensive when it comes down to lifting your truck.

Look for some 2.5" lift coils for the front and a 1.5" lift coil in the back. This will give your vehicle the stance of a Pro, but taller. Most people seem to like this as it gets rid of the extreme rake the 4Runner comes with stock, but leaves you with enough rake to still put some weight in the back.

You'll probably want UCA's to maintain a good alignment and help with road manners. Not all people go this route, but I would if I were lifted that high.

You'll probably need to trim some plastics around the fender well to fit 285s, but this is also dependent on what wheel you run and the offset of that wheel. Without UCA's, you'll probably have to trim or re-mold your mudflap and/or do a body mount chop. With UCA's, you might be able to get away with just doing some minor trimming at the front of the wheel, provided you align your truck using some specific caster specs that you can only achieve with aftermarket UCAs.

 

I had 3” front springs (Toytec), 2”rear springs (Toytec), Bilstein 5100s all the way around, and SPC UCAs installed. Since the front springs were gray and the rear springs were black, my OCD brain could not handle that so I had all of the springs powder coated in TRD red. I am running Michelin Defender LTX 285/70/17 tires on TRD Pro wheels. The fit is perfect. I did not have to trim, cut, or chop anything. The stance is perfectly level (visually). The ride is great as well.

 

Hi @Roland ,

I'll second/third that I would not personally run those shocks on the top notch. It seems the reviews are mixed with that much pre-load placed on the spring. If it was me.. on the cheap = front shocks to the 1.75 setting, and get 1" lift springs from Bilstein (I can get you the part number if you need it.. think it ends with 17). IMO this would be a good setup. If you wanted a little more lift, spend a little more which = new front springs as well as rear. I'd get front springs that lift .5-1" more than the rear springs lift, so that you can get some decent lift in the front, without putting the rear on stilts.

With either lift, I doubt you'll have major rubbing especially if you don't flex off-road a lot. Some minor (trim) mods may be necessary but they are really nothing to worry about. Most don't seem to need body mods for 285's unless they run spacers / really low offset wheels.

 

Hello Koukimonster,

I appreciate your advice, if I go with front & rear springs, do you think I need aftermarket UCA's a lot of controversy about it. I already purchased the Bilsteins 5100 kit, so, I need to work with them. I was planning to go for the rear with the Bilstein B12 - 2" coil springs which gives on a 4WD 1.5" lift SKU: 36-281824_n2 or Bilstein B12 - 1.5" coil springs which gives on a 4WD 1" SKU: 36-281817_N2.

I don't know yet for the front coil springs, any suggestions?

Thank you for your input.

 

Hello Vito,

Very nice setup, for sure something to think about.
Thank you much for your input, I realy like the look, very well done.

 

Hello Nimby,

I appreciate your advice, if I go with front & rear springs, about aftermarket UCA's a lot of controversy about it. I was planning to go for the rear with the Bilstein B12 - 2" coil springs which gives on a 4WD 1.5" lift SKU: 36-281824_n2 or Bilstein B12 - 1.5" coil springs which gives on a 4WD 1" SKU: 36-281817_N2. So which one?

I don't know yet for the front coil springs, any suggestions?

Thank you for your input.

 

Yeah, UCA's are a debatable topic, for sure. So much that I have a hard time even giving a recommendation.

With UP TO 1.75" front lift, I think you're OK with the stock UCA's. In that mystery range of 1.75"-2.5", you may or may not be happy with the stock UCA's. You probably will be fine, unless you're the type that is super critical of vehicle handling, etc. With up to 1.75" front lift, it is likely that your alignment tech will be able to get your alignment numbers within the factory range. That said, you'll be at the bottom end of the range, so the vehicle will not drive *exactly* like stock.. some (most) probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference though, even if they tried. Anything over about 1.75", and they start to struggle with alignment on stock UCA's.

I just lifted the front of my 2020 4Runner 2", and IMO UCA's are necessary for a "stock like" driving experience. The truck is just fine to drive, but it could be better.

Nothing wrong with the Bilstein 5100 shocks.. many have 'em and love 'em. You'd want new shocks even for new springs, so you've not put yourself in a certain situation by wanting to work with them.

I have OME 2883 front springs and the Bilstein xxxx17 rear springs. These gave me just over 2" front lift, and about 1" rear lift. I'm new to the setup so I can't 100% recommend it yet, but so far so good.. you might want to look into it. You also might want different rear springs if you're averse to a perfectly level truck, or put much weight in the rear regularly.

It all adds up quickly. I'm beginning to move my personal advice to here.. If you're going to buy springs, go ahead and buy UCA's. I think that lifting the front ~1-1.75" with adjustable shocks, and then using a spacer or spring for a 0.5-1" rear lift, is the most that the stock UCA's are really happy with. This is the perfect "budget" lift. Anything more, and IMO you might as well spring for the UCA's. If you're the discerning type, you'll be happy you did because the truck just. drives. better.

My two cents...

 

An other alternative: In case I would go with 1.75 in front and not replacing the front springs (only 12.000 miles). For the rear go with the B12 - 1.5" coil springs which gives on a 4WD 1" SKU: 36-281817_N2 (are these the once you have?) Any input on this approach?

Need to take & upload some better pictures, came like this from the dealership.

 

I think that would be a good approach, with one caveat.. How much are you going for a "level" look vs. how much do you like the factory "rake?" Personally, I like some rake, so I'd be happy with your proposed idea. But if one is absolutely against the factory "raked" look, and wants a level aka probably reversed rake truck.. then you might not be happy with the 1.75 F / 1 R lift.

 

Hello,
First of all thank you for your time and advice. Would it be possible to do the 1.75" (Bilstein) and 4runner-eibach-2.75-pro-lift-kit-springs-front - Rear eibach - 1" pro-lift-kit-springs?

 

Is 1.75 F a typo?

 

No problem! You can absolutely run those Eibach springs on your shocks. However, you'd want to set your Bilstein front shocks to the bottom or 0" setting, not the 1.75" setting. At the 0" setting, you'll get roughly 2.75" of lift out of those Eibach springs in the front. You'd basically end up with the Eibach Pro-Truck Lift kit, which is very popular around here. There is a long thread on the other forum with lots of pictures, in case you want to see how it would end up. FWIW, I personally have a feeling that those Eibach rear springs lift more like 1.25-1.5" (not that there's anything wrong with that), but I've never measured them myself so I dunno for sure. Still, a good kit that many really like.

No. I think 1.75F/1R lift will keep a tiny bit of factory rake, and will look like a slightly lifted TRD Pro. Some people feel that is not "level" enough though. Those guys surely like the Eibach kit, which I honestly believe gives reverse rake, or at least a dead level stance, and that's on the bottom ring. Can't believe some people use the second notch with no added weight! To each his own... I just get flustered when guys post pics of clearly reverse-raked 4Runners then claim they are "level even with the rear loaded up." Nah bro. You can like reverse rake, but at least own it!

 

I do not like reverse rake for sure, I believe a little bit forward rake is ok, looks good. My problem. I want some clearance, the TRD 4runners are very nice, they have all the incredible off-road features & settings, hence, in case the terrain becomes a little rocky the vehicle scrapes all-over the under carriage.

I do not mind that the ride is stiffer, I do prefer the factory UCA’s, I understand that limits me on height. So, I am trying to find the best trade-off.

All input is welcome, thank you.

 

Nimby,
Is this the kit you're talking about?

Wheeler's 2010-Present Toyota 4Runner Suspension Lift Kit
BILSTEIN 5100 Series shocks feature Bilstein's superior single tube high gas pressure design for the upmost in consistent fade-free performance and long life. 5100 Ride Height Adjustable front shock absorbers open up a variety of lift height options for your 4Runner. When used with a factory coil spring, the vehicle's ride height can be lifted in increments of approximately 0, .85", 1.75" and 2.5" depending on the snap ring location selected. But what if your truck is loaded with some extra weight from off-road accessories? There is a better option than that old factory coil spring.

Rather than reusing your existing spring, install a set of Wheeler's Off-Road T1 front coil springs and a matching set of T13 rear springs with 5100 shocks. T1 front lift coils are longer than stock and can support the additional weight of off-road bumpers. These springs must be installed on the 5100's lowest clip setting which will result in 2.5" lift. Rear T13 springs provide 1.5" lift. This well balanced suspension kit will give you a mild lift to clear larger tires and maintain an excellent ride quality.

 

I wasn't talking about any specific kit.......I was providing more general information.

That kit from wheelers is a very popular one and could serve your needs well provided you drill down into the details of the kit (like spring rate) and determine that it fits your needs.

There are other companies that make lift springs to pair with your Bilstein 5100's as well. Old Man Emu, Dobinson, and Eibach come to mind. There are more too. All these companies have various spring heights and rates if you're looking for something specific. A word of warning though.....the advertised lift height and the actual lift height from the coils seem to vary a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. Read some reviews before you buy if you're picky on the lift height.

 

A lot of thanks to all for the good advice and help, I truly appreciate your time.

I made my decision, I purchased Dobinsons C59-302 Front Lifted Coil Springs 2.5" and for the rear Dobinsons C59-505 Rear Coils springs 1.5".

If there is anything else I should know or need to complete this project, please, dont hesitate to enlighten me.

Mike from Dobinsons told me I have to wait a couple of weeks because the front springs are in back-order (Nice guy, super helpful). When all done, I will post some pictures.

I support small businesses; the US was built on it.

Thank you again,
Roland

 

Congrats! Let us know how it turns out.

 

Sounds good Roland. Good luck! Please come post pics once you're finished. Cheers

 

Hello again,
Regarding the BF Goodrich KO-2 - 285/70/17 - C1 (not the heavy E) would they fit without body work? My 4runner came from the dealership with Nitto Terra Grappler P265/70/ all-terrain tires on 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels same as the TRD Pro.

 

This is assuming you have 2.5" lift in the front.........

Without UCA's, you'll probably have to trim or re-mold your mudflap and you might have to do a body mount chop.

With UCA's, you might be able to get away with just doing some minor trimming at the front of the wheel, provided you align your truck using some specific caster specs (+4 degrees) that you can only achieve with aftermarket UCAs at your lift height.

 

Thank you Jake,

let's see what we can do with the 285/70/17 - Would a 0 offset work?

I got some good news from Mike (Dobinsons) he has the red color in stock front & rear as well the teal color (just came in today). So, I changed from the black and went for the red, will receive them next week.

 

You'd be in a similar situation with a 0 offset.

Good news about the coils!

 

I see that you ride on 285/70/R17 with a 1.6" - How did you accomplish that, If I may ask?

 

I still have the stock UCA's combined with a lower lift.

From this, I can get the caster up higher than someone with stock arms and a higher lift.

My caster is maxed out with my current set-up at +3.6 degrees. This gets me away from the mudflap and body mount.

I did have to do the fender liner mod (trim some plastic and move the wheel well liner forward a little) at the front of the wheel well.

Another important component is that I have the Off-road wheels with a +15 offset. That keeps the tires tucked in the wheel well and less likely to rub the plastics when turning. I have added different sized wheel spacers and noticed when I got north of a -12 offset, I started rubbing on both the front fender liner and mudflap. Of course this dynamic would change if your caster was set higher or lower.

 

How does that affect your wheel travel? Is it better than stock? I'm asking because this is an interesting approach.

 

Your wheel travel is usually limited by the length of your shocks first and then by the lower and upper control arm length. The alignment numbers we've been talking about won't affect that.

If you wanted to increase travel (by anything meaningful) you'd have to buy extended shocks as well as extended upper and lower control arms.

 

Very nice setup. Your truck looks awesome.