The Elka suspension thread

So I decided to give Elka a try since I don't see many folks have the kit on their rigs.
Plus, these are made of aluminum to battle against harsh chemicals in winter and I live in Canada where winter is 8 months in my area. I also realized that parts would be easier for me to get if I rebuild/maintain them since they are made in Canada.

I have a 2017 Limited and my goal is to level it and have better performance than the Fox setup on the 2019 trd pro while off-roading. This may sound weird but I always wanted to have a trd pro but then I realized it is all marketing and my limited has things that are more useful than what a trd pro can provide such as full-time 4wd and dual climate control,so I decided to turn my limited into an unlimited.

I didn't get dual compression adjuster since I realized that I would be too lazy to play with them down the road (hopefully I won't regret not getting them in the future). I will keep updating once I put them on as I am still waiting for FN six shooters to come so I can install the tires and suspension all at once. For the tires, I went with Falken Wildpeak AT3 P265/70/17.

 

Elka is top of the line for sure. Maybe one day, Ill spring the big money for a set up like yours.

 

Haven't heard of Elka before.

Let us know how it rides!

 

Elka has been doing atv suspension for many years.

 

They dipped their toes int MTB suspension for a bit too...

 

elkaaaaaaaaa what a baller! This is probably the best setup for sure

 

I have the Elka's on my 4Runner and so far I'm loving them, we are actually a premier stocking distributor of Elka. We will be at the San G Tacoma World family reunion this weekend and I will putting the Elka's to the test. FYI we have an Elka Group buy going on right now until the end of the month, if interested in joining let me know. We are still working on getting our Elka product pages added, so don't hesitate to contact us for specifics.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/elka-suspension-group-buy.10723/

 

Nice! What's your spring rate and did you reduce the preload to 0?

 

daaaamn..!

 

As you probably know Elka has a 0-2 and a 2-3 lift range selection, the 0-2 coilover comes with 13" length coils (currently only available in 700 spring rate), and the 2-3 with your choice of 650 or 700 spring rate coils. They will be offering a 13" 650 soon and are working on this now. With my 4Runner I chose the 14" 650 coils or the 2-3 lift range. We actually didn't back the collar off and instead added about 1.5 rotation to the passenger side and of course more with the drivers side to accommodate for the lean.

Elka stopped by our shop so we learned a lot about the product and the testing that went into everything so if anyone is interested in more info please don't hesitate to ask. So far we couldn't be happier working with them and with the Elka product.

 

SUBSCRIBED

 

Thank you for your reply. Can you post some pics of your 4Runner? How do you like the ride of your Elka paired with 14"650lbs spring? I didn't know they had 650lbs when I bought mine. Mine has 700 spring rate coils which are the default option I believe, I gained 3.5" of lift initially after I installed the kit that Elka had preset, so I reduced the preload in order to achieve 1.5' of lift.

 

I personally think the ride is great. I have tested a Bilstein kit, FOX, ADS and now Elka and honestly I have no complaints with the Elka's. The handling is stable, in the rocks they dampen well, and on the fast paced trails they smooth the ride out nicely. Now of course we sell Elka along with other brands and I really don't want to sound like I'm pushing the Elka's, but I've just been really happy with them so far. As far as the 650 coils go, they support the weight just fine and Robert (owner/husband) decided these would be the best. Now the 700s would also work and are in fact the default coils, Elka valves them specifically so really you could obtain a good ride from either. I have mine set to provide 3" of lift over the factory height.

I don't have any glamor shots since the Elka's have been on, but here's some photos.

 

Just wondering how the Elka’s are holding up? I’ve been considering them for my OR Premium with KDSS.I’d like about 1 1/2” of lift and then level. Especially level, with absolutely no bro lean. I’m pretty sensitive about maintaining the extremely high degree of drivability my 4 Runner has stock with its KDSS. On big highways at speeds around 120-130 km/hour it is extremely predictable and manageable, like a high end European sedan. I’d hate to lose that. I too live in Canada, where the road conditions for 1/2 the year challenge the durability of chassis components and underbodies. Where are Elka’s made? Is there a Canadian supplier who can advise me how to set them up?

 

It’s been holding up very well and I’m very satisfied. They are made in Quebec and they put a lot of efforts in the materials they use and the finish. What province are you in? You can order them through Baja north in BC,Kraveautomotive in Calgary or directly from Elka.

 

Thanks, I live in Ontario. Did you install them yourself and how do the manufacturers account for the lean?

 

Yes,I did it with a buddy of mine. You can tell Elka about your concern and they will guide you,their customer service is excellent. Also,I think you are better off ordering the kit from Elka since you are close to them and shipping will be faster.

 

Hi there, I just read your thread and I was curious where did you get your Elka suspension kit, I live in ottawa but I couldn't find a distributor in my area. I have a 2018 TRD OR. Thanks

 

You can order directly from Elka’s web site. Good decision. You’ll love them. My 4 Runner is a 2018 OR as well.

 

I just read all the threads on your post and yes I will be ordering them for sure..

Thank you sir for your professional advice, well done..

 

I do have one more question, will I need to change the UCA? when installing the new suspension.

 

My 4x4 shop recommended to have UCA. Since my work was done at a shop I don't know 100% what all parts used but for sure I know I needed Elka Suspension Performance Dual Adjustable Front and Rear Shock Kit (2-3 lift) + Rear springs + UCA + Diff Drop Kit

Walk around video after it was installed -
https://youtu.be/WCyzwYRZqwc

 

I installed a JBA UCA on mine, but it wasn’t essential.

 

I will assume the JBA UCA + Diff Drop Kit was purchased at the shop you had your system installed or from Elka directly? Please advise, thanks...

 

The JBA’s were purchased from the shop, who happened to have them in stock, otherwise I would have ordered them from JBA. I didn’t use a diff drop kit as I only lifted the 4 Runner 1 1/2”.

 

Perfect, thank you for the info..

 

I have been informed that having the kdss system you shouldn't lift your TRD OR no more than 2" anyway...

 

That’s one of the nice things about ELKA - their systems are designed specifically for KDSS. Make sure you order the right one!

 

I am looking at getting the 2.0 OR 2.5 IFP FRONT & REAR SHOCKS KIT for TOYOTA 4RUNNER, 2010 to 2020 (with KDSS) (0 in. to 2 in. lift). Not sure yet, only because I don't know what the difference is between the both of them other than the size.