Front Springs For Stock Ride Height

[mstrsltr]

Looking for advice on which light/regular duty springs to put up front to maintain both stock ride height and AS MUCH of the stock ride quality that I can. They’ll be wrapped around Bilstein 4600s.

OEM is not in the budget.

I’ve googled a ton and can’t find anything that doesn’t lift, or that isn’t too heavy duty.

Don’t have anything on the front of the truck, and don’t plan on adding anything.

So whichever springs most closely match OEM would be the play.

Thank you!

 

[mstrsltr]

Upon further investigation, it appears that no one makes a stock ride height front coil spring for the GX470.

I’ve googled the hell out of the internet, off-road forums, parts stores, etc etc.

The only verifiable OEM equivalent I’ve found is just that: the OEM coil spring for $235 a piece. That’s too much and I’m not paying it.

This is curious because Bilstein 4600s (which is what I’m putting on the vehicle) are made specifically to maintain stock ride height. So… how can NO ONE make an aftermarket stock height front coil spring?!

Before I give up and buy something that lifts the vehicle, can anyone provide me the exact specs on an OEM Lexus front coil spring for the GX470?

Thanks, again!

 

[Rednexus]

A pair of Moogs for a V8 4Runner are <$160 on RockAuto:

More Information for MOOG 81088

Moog springs are NOT OEM quality but will be fine if you are looking to save some $$$. I expect they'll sag in a few years but they will be better than 15+ year old OEM springs.

You could also look for stock take-off springs/struts from a 5th gen 4Runner. I think the lower shock mount is slightly wider. The rear shocks have a slightly larger diameter stud on the top that you can fit but drilling out the frame in your 470. If you are looking for a budget suspension I'd try to find a take-off from a TRD Off Road or TRD Pro, which should be better than the 4600s and potentially less expensive.

 

[mstrsltr]

A pair of Moogs for a V8 4Runner are <$160 on RockAuto:

More Information for MOOG 81088

Moog springs are NOT OEM quality but will be fine if you are looking to save some $$$. I expect they'll sag in a few years but they will be better than 15+ year old OEM springs.

You could also look for stock take-off springs/struts from a 5th gen 4Runner. I think the lower shock mount is slightly wider. The rear shocks have a slightly larger diameter stud on the top that you can fit but drilling out the frame in your 470. If you are looking for a budget suspension I'd try to find a take-off from a TRD Off Road or TRD Pro, which should be better than the 4600s and potentially less expensive.

Thank you SO much for your response.

I presume the spring rate on the Moogs you linked to is similar to that found with the OEM GX springs? cuz they’re both V8s, similar front end weight I assume?

I’ve already got the Billy 4600s in hand, but I appreciate the tip with the TRD take-off. Wish I’d thought of that myself, sooner.

Desptie the lift, how much better are OME or Dobinson springs? Will they last a year or two longer?

If those, or other springs are far superior in longevity, I’m not completely opposed to 1” max lift, as I’ve also heard it said that the springs will settle almost immediarely to .5”? Do you think this is actually the case? I assume that also depends on spring rate. I’d rather suck it up with minimal lift than have to change the springs again in a few years.

The truck does see the occasional overland & offroad excursion, but it’s mostly city and mountain road miles.

If so, I’d greatly appreciate a specific part # recommendation from one of those brands, again, as long as the lift is minimal and they aren’t too crazy stiff.

I just know that I love how this truck drives on the streets and highway in its stock configuration. And honestly, it’s far more capable in its stock form than most anybody needs. In my amatuer opinion.

Thanks again for the info and link!

 

[Rednexus]

Yes, V8 4Runners and GXs are almost identical. Moog parts are lower tier - most everything I have from them is below OEM quality (except perhaps lower control arms which have been fine). I cannot comment on how much lower tier they are than OEM or the Dobs/OME springs, but I wouldn't expect to get 10 years out of them before they sag like a set of OEM springs. If you have a budget build and want to save some $$ they are probably fine, especially if you have the shocks on-hand.

If you want something better quality and complete, you could also get a complete kit, something like an Eibach Pro-Truck, which is <$1K and comes with better quality springs and shocks (front and rear). If you go off road at all you'll like a lift and in my experience it makes the rig handle better on-road (usually due to the better quality shocks). A stock GX has pretty weak ground clearance (less than a Subaru) and I drug mine all of the time before putting a lift on it. I will also say that suspension is the best place to spend money on your rig - you'll literally feel the difference in a good-quality suspension setup. Mine puts a smile on my face every time I drive. Get the best you can afford.

 

[Red470]

Yes, V8 4Runners and GXs are almost identical. Moog parts are lower tier - most everything I have from them is below OEM quality (except perhaps lower control arms which have been fine). I cannot comment on how much lower tier they are than OEM or the Dobs/OME springs, but I wouldn't expect to get 10 years out of them before they sag like a set of OEM springs. If you have a budget build and want to save some $$ they are probably fine, especially if you have the shocks on-hand.

If you want something better quality and complete, you could also get a complete kit, something like an Eibach Pro-Truck, which is <$1K and comes with better quality springs and shocks (front and rear). If you go off road at all you'll like a lift and in my experience it makes the rig handle better on-road (usually due to the better quality shocks). A stock GX has pretty weak ground clearance (less than a Subaru) and I drug mine all of the time before putting a lift on it. I will also say that suspension is the best place to spend money on your rig - you'll literally feel the difference in a good-quality suspension setup. Mine puts a smile on my face every time I drive. Get the best you can afford.

HI, going through similar at the moment, the Eibach pr truck kit, am I understanding that it is better than Moog? but compared to OEM is it better than OEM?

 

[Rednexus]

HI, going through similar at the moment, the Eibach pr truck kit, am I understanding that it is better than Moog? but compared to OEM is it better than OEM?

Just about anything is going to be better than 15 year old OEM shocks and springs.

 

[Red470]

Just about anything is going to be better than 15 year old OEM shocks and springs.

Thank you Red. I should have been more specific. What about compared to a new OEM? I’m currently researching OEM compatibilities like the 5gen 4runner springs, maybe 460 spring, I’m trying not to lift right now and restore close to stock as possible. Looking for the softer ride.

 

[Rednexus]

The best bang for your buck would be a low-mileage takeoff suspension from a 5th gen T4R or GX460 (someone who just lifted their rig). If you aren't able to find one of those, I'd go aftermarket, as most aftermarket shocks will ride better than the OEM Toyota shocks.

Here are a few on eBay. They are very inexpensive and would be preferable to low-cost aftermarket stuff like Moog. You might be able to find a set on Craigslist as well. If it were my rig I'd shoot for a TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road takeoff from a 4Runner. Per my previous posts they will require some minor mods to fit on a 470 (these mods are well-documented on the web - I think they include drilling out the rear upper shock mount in the frame and grinding down the front lower shock bushing to fit in the 470 LCA - but please confirm).

Pardon Our Interruption...

2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen OEM TRD Off Road Suspension | eBay

<p>2020 4Runner TRD Off Road Suspension take off. </p><br /><p>Parts have around 15k miles on it.</p><br /><p>Includes everything in the picture</p><br /><p>Please make sure to look the pictures well and feel free to ask any question.</p><br /><p>It will work on 4Runner from...

www.ebay.com

 

[Red470]

The best bang for your buck would be a low-mileage takeoff suspension from a 5th gen T4R or GX460 (someone who just lifted their rig). If you aren't able to find one of those, I'd go aftermarket, as most aftermarket shocks will ride better than the OEM Toyota shocks.

Here are a few on eBay. They are very inexpensive and would be preferable to low-cost aftermarket stuff like Moog. You might be able to find a set on Craigslist as well. If it were my rig I'd shoot for a TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road takeoff from a 4Runner. Per my previous posts they will require some minor mods to fit on a 470 (these mods are well-documented on the web - I think they include drilling out the rear upper shock mount in the frame and grinding down the front lower shock bushing to fit in the 470 LCA - but please confirm).

Pardon Our Interruption...

2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen OEM TRD Off Road Suspension | eBay

<p>2020 4Runner TRD Off Road Suspension take off. </p><br /><p>Parts have around 15k miles on it.</p><br /><p>Includes everything in the picture</p><br /><p>Please make sure to look the pictures well and feel free to ask any question.</p><br /><p>It will work on 4Runner from...

www.ebay.com

Thanks for the info. Going to look into them. How would you describe the trd pro setup ride characteristics as opposed to the gx470 stock. How much stiffer would the ride be. Not really looking to off road this one.

 

[Red470]

Thanks for the info. Going to look into them. How would you describe the trd pro setup ride characteristics as opposed to the gx470 stock. How much stiffer would the ride be. Not really looking to off road this one.

 

[Rednexus]

Thanks for the info. Going to look into them. How would you describe the trd pro setup ride characteristics as opposed to the gx470 stock. How much stiffer would the ride be. Not really looking to off road this one.

I am not sure, honestly, my stock experience is limited to a worn-out OEM suspension with 145K on it. I am sure it will be better than that.

 

[Red470]

The best bang for your buck would be a low-mileage takeoff suspension from a 5th gen T4R or GX460 (someone who just lifted their rig). If you aren't able to find one of those, I'd go aftermarket, as most aftermarket shocks will ride better than the OEM Toyota shocks.

Here are a few on eBay. They are very inexpensive and would be preferable to low-cost aftermarket stuff like Moog. You might be able to find a set on Craigslist as well. If it were my rig I'd shoot for a TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road takeoff from a 4Runner. Per my previous posts they will require some minor mods to fit on a 470 (these mods are well-documented on the web - I think they include drilling out the rear upper shock mount in the frame and grinding down the front lower shock bushing to fit in the 470 LCA - but please confirm).

Pardon Our Interruption...

2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen OEM TRD Off Road Suspension | eBay

<p>2020 4Runner TRD Off Road Suspension take off. </p><br /><p>Parts have around 15k miles on it.</p><br /><p>Includes everything in the picture</p><br /><p>Please make sure to look the pictures well and feel free to ask any question.</p><br /><p>It will work on 4Runner from...

www.ebay.com

Just about anything is going to be better than 15 year old OEM shocks and springs.

I just picked up a 500 mile front coil over and rear shocks from a trd. I know I have seen the write up before but can’t find it. Not successful in many searches to find it either.

 

[Red470]

I am not sure, honestly, my stock experience is limited to a worn-out OEM suspension with 145K on it. I am sure it will be better than that.

Hi Red a quick question of you don’t mind, i just got contacted by a seller a day late because I bought a set of 500 mile front coil overs and rear shocks, the other seller has additional trd rear springs and looks like uca’s as well for a decent price. I wasn’t going to change the air suspension yet but is the rear trd spring something I would want and what about the trd uca’s?? Ty red

 

[Rednexus]

I think the UCAs from a 5th gen 4Runner will work on a GX470 but I am not 100% sure. Your original UCAs are probably worn, so if you can grab them I would. I'd suggest looking on Rock Auto and seeing if the UCAs are the same between multiple vehicles. My Ironman aftermarket UCAs are the same for a 470 and 460/5th gen 4Runner but I don't have direct experience with OEM UCAs from the 5th gen.

 

[Red470]

I think the UCAs from a 5th gen 4Runner will work on a GX470 but I am not 100% sure. Your original UCAs are probably worn, so if you can grab them I would. I'd suggest looking on Rock Auto and seeing if the UCAs are the same between multiple vehicles. My Ironman aftermarket UCAs are the same for a 470 and 460/5th gen 4Runner but I don't have direct experience with OEM UCAs from the 5th gen.

good idea

 

[Red470]

good idea

according to rock auto ther are the same. nice