2002tii

Hate to bump an older thread to the top, but...

Has anyone done JUST 5100s up front and then tricking the rear airbags? I'm looking for about 1-1.5" over stock and, from what I'm gathering, this might be a reasonably cost effective way to do this. My rear air suspension appears to be working just fine and I'm not noticing any sag up front (like most GXs, mine was a pavement pounder before I bought it).

Hill60

So after waiting several months of waiting for back ordered Bilstein 5100s I finally got them installed on all for corners. Went with the lowest .85" lift on front. Used the FJ coil springs and Metal tech conversion kit on rear which I think is supposed to settle to 1.5" lift. I paid $480 for 4 Bilsteins, $250 for kit I believe and like another $100+ for the FJ springs plus $700 install. This is all Canadian and I'm sure can be done elsewhere cheaper. I've only driven a few times but like the look especially with the running boards off. Ride definitely more composed, secure and responsive (although that's compared to OEM shocks with 160,000kms). Haven't tested off road capability yet. So far, so good. Will report when I take it off road.

GXallday

Any pictures? Would like to see how it looks

Hill60

Some pics from work

Hill60

Havin trouble posting all pics

Hill60

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2002tii

Looks great. About how much higher does it actually sit front/rear than stock? Or is the .85" and 1.5" accurate?

I'm thinking I will do just the 5100s up front and trick the rear airbags.

Thanks!

Hill60

Thanks, like the look much better. Not quite sure of stock height but it is currently 35.5" from ground to fender on front wheel well and 37" at the rear. A cursory measurement of the lowest part of the undercarriage to the ground is approx 10".

On another note, the FJ springs are a little softer than I'd like. Good around town but not tough/strong enough off pavement for me. However with height restrictions in the parking garages, I think Old Man Emu rear springs would've lifted it too high. Hopefully in time I can find something shorter/tougher.

2002tii

Thanks for the measurements. My GX with 255/75 BFG MTs sits at about 35" even up front, so the Bilsteins look like they'll add a minimum of half an inch for me. Perfect. I just ordered a pair!

RCsGX

FYI, it's best to measure from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender flare due to different tire sizes and new / worn tires.

erictabor

Did you use stock FJ springs on the front and the rear?

470SNC

For cheaper lifts go 5100, OME, or toytec coilovers, if otherwise go big with Icon, Camburg, Kings, or Radflos, I will be swapping over my Icon extended travel lift with reservoirs from my old FJ.

Hill60

This parts list should help those looking to do something similar. Cheers.

-Metal tech gx470 rear coil spring conversion kit w toyota spring isolators
-OME895-5 coil spring shorter height version. Item code OME-2895E
(For an FJ, '07)
- Bilstein 5100 0-2.5 adj height. Part # 24-186711
- bilstein toyota rear 5100 part #. 33-187174

bhesse

Just replaced front shocks with 5100's, using the lower control arm removal method, worked like a charm. Used the second from bottom ring (.875 lift) and really like the way they feel and look.
Getting aligned tomorrow just in case there is any need due to small lift in spring rate
(Old shocks were shot and would not compress much)

stiles_s

Can you comment on how it rides and handles compared to previous? And, how many miles you had on your OE shocks?