Old man emu 895e springs on gx470

[mracer]

I've known I was going to have to deal with the air bags eventually and that time finally came. My gx has about 133,000 miles and the air suspension started acting up a couple of months ago. Didn't want to waste the time and money on trouble shooting and replacing the air suspension. After a LOT of research I decided to try the 895e springs that are listed for the fj cruiser. They are the same spring rate as the 895 but shorter.

Installed them today (with stock shocks for now) and I am very happy with the results. I already had 265/70/17 tires and my rear measurement to the fender was 36". After installing the 895e springs I am at 37" and it may settle some. Front is still stock for now but will be installing bilstein 5100 in the next week or so.

I'll post pics ASAP.

 

[Memphisacc]

interested to see what your out come is...Currently int he market for a new SUV for my wife. She loved my old 80 and we are torn between the potential air bag issue on the GX's and just getting a 4runner...

 

[mracer]

Wanted to post an update. I installed Bilstein 5100 shocks on the front for an fj cruiser. The old man emu springs have settled just a little over the last few weeks and are currently at 36 3/4 inches. However this is with about 125 pounds of extra weight in the back. I only used the 2nd notch on the 5100s because I wanted to keep some rake to it. Right now front is at 35 1/2. I am really liking it so far. No bottoming out at all and soaks up the bumps really well. Wish it was a little but more firm riding but I really cant't complain. I took a before and after photo and will post later.

 

[mracer]

sorry for the crappy cell phone pics but here it is. First shot is after the OME springs were installed but front is still stock height. Second is after the 5100's were installed in the front on the 2nd notch. Front measurement before lift was 34.5 inches and now is 35.5 inches.

 

[RCsGX]

Wanted to post an update. I installed Bilstein 5100 shocks on the front for an fj cruiser. The old man emu springs have settled just a little over the last few weeks and are currently at 36 3/4 inches. However this is with about 125 pounds of extra weight in the back. I only used the 2nd notch on the 5100s because I wanted to keep some rake to it. Right now front is at 35 1/2. I am really liking it so far. No bottoming out at all and soaks up the bumps really well. Wish it was a little but more firm riding but I really cant't complain. I took a before and after photo and will post later.

Just lifting the front an 1" makes a noticeable difference to me. I like it, nice job!

Are you using a spring hold down bracket for your rear springs?

You said you wish it was a little more firm, do you mean the overall ride or specifically the front or rear? How would you compare this setup to the factory ride on the highest sport setting?


EDIT: And also from the pics I've been able to find there are only 4 notches on 4Runner / FJ 5100s. You said you had it on the 2nd notch...2nd from the top or bottom? I'm assuming top.

5100 Top
4th notch: 2.5"
3rd notch: 1.75"
2nd notch: 0.85"
1st notch: stock
5100 bottom

 

[RCsGX]

I don't want to mess around w/ the spring compressors more than once trying out which perch to use. Did you use 2nd from the top of bottom? I'm pretty sure since the GX weights more than the FJ / 4Runner; same Bilstein part numbers, that you used the 2nd from the top (1.75" notch) but I want to be 100% sure. You're the only guy to do this so I have nobody else to ask.

Appreciate some help from a fellow GX owner.



5100 Top
4th notch: 2.5"
3rd notch: 1.75"
2nd notch: 0.85"
1st notch: stock
5100 bottom

 

[mracer]

Sorry for the slow response. I haven't been on here in a couple of days. I actually used the 2nd from the bottom. It is listed as .85 but I got 1". I was afraid to do the 3rd notch as I wanted to keep some rake to it because I pull my boat with the gx. The front hasn't settled any and I don't think it will. Hope that helps.

 

[RCsGX]

WOW I'm glad I did ask you.

If you have time this weekend would you mind measuring from the center of your front hub to the bottom of the fender flare. I'm trying to see how much lift you got. I'm running larger 18" tires so it's hard to compare to your numbers from the ground up.

Thank you mracer!!

 

[mracer]

I'll try do do that tonight.

 

[RCsGX]

I'll try do do that tonight.

That would be great but if not no rush.

 

[mracer]

Ok. It looks like 21" on the front and 22 1/4" rear. I hope that helps. My tires are 265/70/17 tires which are 1" larger than stock.

 

[RCsGX]

Ok. It looks like 21" on the front and 22 1/4" rear. I hope that helps. My tires are 265/70/17 tires which are 1" larger than stock.

Thanks! If it lifts my GX 2" or less I'll be ok. I only have 3" to work with or else my GX won't fit into my garage.

 

[luanta]

Mracer, did you pull the 50amp relay and the two 10amp fuses from the fuse box in the hood area? Do you have a blinking "OFF" light? I do and I want to get rid of it. Thank you.

 

[mracer]

I didn't pull them. Even pulling my boat it stays above the original stock ride height so the compressor doesn't come on.

 

[luanta]

I didn't pull them. Even pulling my boat it stays above the original stock ride height so the compressor doesn't come on.

So you're saying that if I reinstall my fuses, the compressor will be off as long as the height is stock? Hmmm I will try that. Thank you.

 

[bhesse]

What part # did you use for the FJ 5100's I am trying to find out if FJ OEM# 48510-AD06 would work in the front