I just got a free set of factory Bilstein shocks from a 2011 Tacoma. Can I modify the fronts to work on my 97 4Runner?
4th gen struts on 3rd gen 4Runner?
- Thread starter ebutlerfj40
- Start date
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Looking at comparable products and how they fit...
4th gen:
3rd gen:
My answer is probably not. The 4th gen strut looks a lot longer than a 3rd gen strut.
(Thanks wheeler's offroad for letting me borrow your pictures.
)
4th gen:
3rd gen:
My answer is probably not. The 4th gen strut looks a lot longer than a 3rd gen strut.
(Thanks wheeler's offroad for letting me borrow your pictures.
)
- Thread starter
- #3
The difference appears to be the extension between the shock body and the lower bushing eyelet. I was thinking of shortening and rewelding the shaft to give the correct overall height. I was also thinking of leaving a length of the shaft equivalent to the thickness of a 3" lift spacer.
- Thread starter
- #5
I think I'll give it a try! Got nothing to lose! Any one know how thick a spacer is that will yield a 3" lift?
On a 3rd gen, it's usually a 1.5-2 ratio between the spacer and the lift achieved.
BUT...
On some rigs (aka MINE, and a handful of others) a 1" top spacer wouldn't even fit. It caused the knuckle to hit the spring on full droop. So I personally wouldn't go more than 1" longer which would yield 1.5-2" of lift.
- Thread starter
- #7
So.....if I modify the strut to be 2.25" longer on the bottom end (cut & reweld extension on 4th gen strut) I should get a 3" overall lift?
Now for springs. I have 3 sets to choose from.
Stock 97 4cyl with 230,000 miles
Stock 2000 sr5 V6 with approx 60,000 miles
Stock 2011 double cab Tacoma low miles
My rig is a 97 4cyl 5spd rig with front ARB bumper. No winch yet. I am looking for reasonable lift with good road manners and decent trail performance.
Now for springs. I have 3 sets to choose from.
Stock 97 4cyl with 230,000 miles
Stock 2000 sr5 V6 with approx 60,000 miles
Stock 2011 double cab Tacoma low miles
My rig is a 97 4cyl 5spd rig with front ARB bumper. No winch yet. I am looking for reasonable lift with good road manners and decent trail performance.
I personally wouldn't make it any more than 1" longer than the stock 3rd gen strut. I highly doubt the stock a-arms and knuckle can accommodate a 2"+ longer strut assembly. And then once you droop the suspension the CVs will rip out. I seriously think 1" is the max for added length or a top plate spacer.
You can get more lift from a preload spacer that goes between the spring and the top-plate. So a 1" longer assembly (the same as a 1" top-plate spacer) and a 1" preload spacer will net you a bit over 3" of lift.
And with this setup, I'd try the 2000 springs that you have. They are comparable to the 1997 springs IIRC but newer.
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to play around with different combos and post the results.
No problem! I've been playing around with spacers and strut setups so this is all fresh in my head.
Definitely let us know how it goes. I'm curious to see this work.
I'd leave a stump on the shock side so that you can weld to and is as far away from the oil inside of it.
Do some research on the spring rate of the 4th gen, you have to assume it's going to be a bit stiffer as it's a heavier truck. Make sure your welds are perfect as the entire weight of the front of the truck will be resting on the shaft.
Interesting experiment, Bilstein 5100s that cost less than $200 would net you the lift you're looking for and get you a new strut.
I would add a dif drop while you're at it.
Interesting experiment, Bilstein 5100s that cost less than $200 would net you the lift you're looking for and get you a new strut.
I would add a dif drop while you're at it.
Damn good point. Weld a little bit and let it cool so you don't heat it up too much.
Hey Eric, didn't see this, but it has been done just as they are and offers 2-3" of lift. The top plate will have to be rotated some, no biggy. Just put them in first, see where it gets you, then make changes if needed. Spring rates are slightly different, but what you need when you start adding weight.
- Thread starter
- #15
Hey Jason! I installed them yesterday, but with stock 2000 v6 4runner springs. I haven't driven it yet,, but it does appear to have considerable lift. Should I have used the 2011 taco springs? They were slightly taller with larger diameter coils. Now I'm looking for some 80 series front coils to lift the rear of the 'runner.
Pics? They may 'settle' after a few miles.
- Thread starter
- #17
Ok, so I finally drove it last night and I'm not at all pleased. At 50+ mph I can feel a high speed vibration in the front and the bump steer is horrible. I think the lift is too much. I measured 24.5" from wheel center to fender opening. I didn't take a measurement with the old setup so I have no point of reference. I think I'll lower it some and see how it works.
- Thread starter
- #18
Hmm, I wondered, as the ones that have done it had V6s, heavy skids, and bumpers. Plus your coils are probably worn out, but the tacoma ones will make it ride like it's on pogo sticks. Not to rub salt in the wound... but you get what you pay for 
Don't forget, have to get an alignment soon afterwards. At this point you'd be better off running a spacer and waiting for some adjustables. Better yet, just get some adjustables and be done. All the time, money, and time spent jacking with it... you'll thank me later. Let me know if you need help, I'll be around
Don't forget, have to get an alignment soon afterwards. At this point you'd be better off running a spacer and waiting for some adjustables. Better yet, just get some adjustables and be done. All the time, money, and time spent jacking with it... you'll thank me later. Let me know if you need help, I'll be around
Oh, and luckily for you I have replacement boots when your's tear, those CV angles look really bad. Are they the originals?