I am trying to figure out what spring kit to get since I don't exactly know what stock height is. I have the front raised a little via holstein 5100s and the rear air back "trick" but I don't know what I need to get the exact height that I have now and want. I need a rear center of wheel to fender measure measurement of 21.5-22" or a ground to fender measurement of 35.5-36" roughly. Can you guys please help? Do I go with Arnott or Suncore and then do a spacer on the bottom like this: https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com...onversion-kit/

Or, do I do a FJ cruiser spring? I really want as comfortable as possible. Thanks,

 

To add to what I PM'd you, the SSO kit will allow for some fine tuning of ride height via the optional 1/4" spacers they ship, you can use these to address suspension lean, or raise the entire rear up to 1/2" by using all 4 spacers. Also, you'll want people to post only hub center to fender measurements, as ground to fender will vary depending on the tires they use.

 

Thanks Ian, excellent points. Yes, I was thinking of the SSO kit so that I could fine tune the level and was thinking of going with the Arnott kit to since they designed it specifically for the GX. Hopefully that will keep the comfort at the best possible given that I already have 5100s installed and that I need a slight lift. Thanks again. and Yes, I'm hoping for center of wheel to fender measurements if possible.

 

My stock 2004 has 20" for front and 21.75" for the rear, measuring from the center of the wheel hub to the fender lip.

Chip H.

 

Thanks Chip, that's helpful. That's also weird/concerning to me as my bilsteins are set at 1.75" lift up front with moog 4runner springs. I'm only .5" above you at this set up. Anyway, so the Arnott's will put me close to your height, then with the SSO kit, I can add a tad more lift just to get to exactly my current height with the airbag trick. Thanks again. You have the airbags installed still?

 

I've got 19.75" center of hub to fender on the front (stock, 250k kms), 21.75" on the rears (FJC springs, SSO kit w/ no spacers, OEM upper isolator, stock shocks).

 

Thanks Ian, I believe that the FJ springs would technically add about an 1" and according to the SSO, the kit without the addition spacers add 3/4". So, would it stand to reason that stock would be about 20" in the rear?

 

oh, and is a special tool needed to disconnect the air lines to the compressor? I've seen videos where you have to removed some type of plastic retainer in there?

 

If you're converting to coil springs, wire cutters work great.

 

Due to the potential variances in the airbags themsleves and rear height sensor calibration, it's likely that stock rear height won't be exactly the same between trucks. Most who are measuring prior to converting have experienced issues with their rear air system so their "before" height might not be what it should be. Factor in that some may have the 3rd row seats in, others might have them out, you're going to see a range rather than a solid "this is the stock rear height" number.

I'd concentrate on the "after" and what parts were used to achieve it.

 

Thanks again Ian, great points. I am game for the wire cutters but wanted to do it "correctly" if possible, if not.....then snip snip. Also, I am having a hard time with the measurement stuff because the height I have right now is exactly perfect for me and I don't want to do double work on the installation if possible by putting in the initial spacer that does the 3/4" height on the SSO and then finding out after install that I need to take it apart again and add another 1/4" spacer, or vice versa. But, this is where I obsess and have anxiety, so I guess I'll just get as close as I can and adjust from there. One last question, do you know/remember if the sway bar end links had to be disconnected? I have KDSS and would rather not go through the hassle again like I had to with the front if possible.

 

Yes, swaybar endlinks will need to be disconnected to allow the axle to swing down on one end to get the spring in/out. Mine doesn't have it, so I can't lend any helpful tips there, but living where they use a lot of salt on the roads you generally have a set of new endlinks on hand and you anti-seize everything when you put it together, for the benefit of future you!

If going with the FJ Cruiser springs, I'd install the kit without any spacers at first, I'm betting that's where you'll want it if you want it to sit at the height mine is, which is right in the middle of the range you were shooting for. If you do have to pull it apart again to add a spacer, it goes a lot quicker the 2nd time, lol.

 

Thanks Ian, you have been extremely helpful.