Meet 4Runner, phase 2

"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful) 06/29/2019 at 20:10 • Filed to: None

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Ok, so phase 1 was just a stock 4Runner. Phase 2 sees a couple of small changes.

The list of changes, you say? Ok. I installed Bilstein 6112 front shocks/springs. The front Bilsteins are adjustable, but only by a positionable circlip, meaning they required at least partial disassembly is you want to adjust the height. I was feeling lazy about assembling the shocks, so I had them preassembled at a 2” ride height.

The install was fairly straightforward. Remove the three nuts at the top of the shock, the bottom mount bolt, and a couple more bolts on the lower control arm ...and voila, front disassembled, according to the internet. I fought with getting them out a bit, so decided to remove the sway bar. After that, they came right out. Getting the new ones in was easy, although with only a 9 year old helper, a couple of steps have left me a bit sore. Pushing down on the lower control arm while snaking the shock assembly in place AND slide the lower bolt in was a bit of a challenge. All in all, including jacking up, removing wheels, etc, etc, the fronts took about 2.5 hours. That doesn’t include tightening one of the sway bar endlinks that I only had finger tight, which caused a noticeable clunk during my after test drive.

The rears are easy, I bought the Bilstein billet reservoir mounts to save the pain for trying to mount the reservoir on the frame. The shocks are Bilstein 5160, and the springs are Wheelers Offroad T13, which provide 1.5” of lift. The stock rear springs basically fell out after I removed the shocks and disconnected the pesky sway bar. I’m sure I could’ve left it connected, but after struggling with the front, I figured I’d just spend the 5 minutes removing the 4 bolts. The rear install took maybe just over an hour, hour and ten minutes or so. Mind you, I was in no hurry, and I was explaining tools to me son, who took an interest in helping. Overall install took about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The numbers... height, as measured from ground to fender. Before: Driver front: 34.5. Passenger front: 35”. Driver rear: 36.25”. Passenger rear: 37”.

After: DF: 36.75. PF: 37”. DR: 38.25”. PR: 38.25”. Bilstein advises which slot to install the circlip in to adjust for lean, something pretty much all 4Runners have. I also wanted to maintain stock-ish rake. I’m not a fan of level, as soon as you tow or toss something in the cargo area, you have negative rake. Yuck.

Driving impressions. I love it. It feels great and very similar to stock. It’s not harsh, it’s not loud, it doesn’t click or clunk. I read many, many, many reviews of suspensions and the reviews of this setup were also positive.

Appearance, I’m a big fan...love the wheels, the tires, the lift. It’s pretty much exactly how I wanted it to turn it, which is rare for me. I’m usually pretty picky about things, and I can’t find anything to complain about.

Before:

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 20:24

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The side profile looks great, I still can’t deal with the styling of the front bumper. Better get an ARB bumper soon.

ToyotaFamily > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 20:24

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That looks great. Crazy what wheels and a lift can do.

Seeing yours Makes me regret selling my 4Runner.

Nothing > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/29/2019 at 20:41

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I’ve gotten used to it. I’d like to add a Pro grill, I like how they look. All aftermarket bumpers require hacking the stock one in half. I’m not sure I’m ready for that permanent mod.

Nothing > ToyotaFamily 06/29/2019 at 20:41

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Thanks, it’s nice when something turns out exactly as you wanted. I’m quite pleased.

Under_Score > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 20:49

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I think I’m the only one that likes the old look better. For a car with notably ugly wheels, like the pre-2017 CR-V LX, new wheels completely make sense. However, the regular SR5 look nice.  Without the additional accessories and badging, the TRD Off Road wheels look out of place, no offense.

Nothing > Under_Score 06/29/2019 at 20:54

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They’re the Pro wheels, but hey, looks are subjective. I can appreciate that. I will be off-roading, though, so the tires and lift should come in handy. The badging I removed because I hate waxing/washing around it on the pillar. Even Pro badges I would’ve taken off and then reapplied if I ever would’ve sold it. SR5 badges are tucked away for the same reason. I’ll put em back on if I even get rid of it.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 20:59

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Looks amazing 

CB > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 21:11

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I dig it. Looks great!

Nothing > CB 06/29/2019 at 21:32

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Thanks!

Nothing > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 06/29/2019 at 21:33

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Thanks. I’m a tired, but happy, camper.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 22:11

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The new wheels look great! Proper!

Nothing > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 06/29/2019 at 22:37

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Thanks! I would’ve loved to initially get a TRD Pro, but needed the third row. It’s annoying Toyota doesn’t offer the third row in either the Off Road or Pro. I guess real off roaders  need room for gear, not people.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 22:41

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Huh. Didn't know trd pro didnt have 3rd row makes sense I guess. Are you planning any more mods?

Nothing > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 06/29/2019 at 22:49

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That will take care of this year. I may add to the roof rack, or replace it. I’d like to pick up a canoe and take that around. I grew up on a river in NY, and that’s one activity I really miss here in CO. I do want to add the pro grill, and if I start venturing into any tricky trails, some armor.

Mainly, I want to explore more this summer, but the high snowpack in the mountains is leaving a lot of trails closed. 

shop-teacher > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 22:56

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Looks good! Nice job getting the kid involved!

wafflesnfalafel > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 23:14

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that turned out really nice

Nothing > shop-teacher 06/29/2019 at 23:26

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Thanks! He had fun, he’d help for a bit, go inside to cool off, then come back out and ask what he could be next. He get to torque the wheels, use the jack, etc. Then, he and his friend played in it and used it as a “heavy duty police truck” for a half hour or so.

Nothing > wafflesnfalafel 06/29/2019 at 23:27

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Thanks! I’m very happy. Looking forward to get out on some trails.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 23:39

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the gunmetal is a great combo with the navy, 11/10

shop-teacher > Nothing 06/29/2019 at 23:47

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Very good :)

M.T. Blake > Nothing 06/30/2019 at 00:36

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I like it. Genuine Pro wheels? Good deal on the parts?

I’ve got a 2011 that I’ve been wanting to do the same with for some time. This fall might be the right time.  

Nothing > M.T. Blake 06/30/2019 at 00:58

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Yes, genuine wheels. I got them during the TRD sale back in April...they came out to just over $500. Good deal one the Bilstein stuff, too, I bought parts from different places to get the best deal overall. 4wheelparts has good prices, but they don’t reflect current stock on the website, I had to cancel an order through them because they wouldn’t have the parts until August.  Tires were 15% off too!

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Nothing 06/30/2019 at 05:13

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Built not bought...nice outcome. 

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Nothing 06/30/2019 at 09:17

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Thats one chunky boi. Noice.

Nothing > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 06/30/2019 at 09:52

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Thank you. I’m looking forward to a little drive today!

Nothing > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 06/30/2019 at 09:53

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It’s definitely quite the break. I expect fully terrible gas mileage now.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Nothing 06/30/2019 at 09:57

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Worth it? Do you plan to take it offroad?

Nothing > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 06/30/2019 at 10:53

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Yes on both counts. I don’t have a work commute, nor a school commute, so it’s pretty much a pleasure vehicle. With no project car, it’s good to have something to wrench on a little bit just for fun.

superdave847 > Nothing 06/30/2019 at 22:20

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Looks like a beast. I love it.

Nothing > superdave847 06/30/2019 at 22:31

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Thanks! Me too!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing 07/01/2019 at 09:15

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Looks great! 

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/01/2019 at 16:32

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Thank you, kind sir. Now I need to give it a bath. I also need to wash to old wheels so I can post em for sale.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing 07/01/2019 at 16:43

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My truck got a quick bath this morning. Had a bunch of bugs from a long drive last night - feels so much better to get them off!

Wonder if you could find some vinyl that perfecting matches your wheels and wrap your roof rails...