[kstarmack]

Hey all,
I'm new to the Forum, I just bought a 07 Fj with 117k miles about a week ago. I'm coming from a 05 4runner and so far I love the Fj. It is completely stock expect for 31 bfgs with about 50% of tred left. I need to replace one of the shocks and figured id upgrade them, I was thinking the old man emu 2.5 lift. I intend on putting a tent and a front bumper on, but I wasnt sure if I should replace the leaf springs as well. Has anyone done this lift or can anyone advise me on this behalf or enlighten me with fun facts about the Fj that I might not know.
Best Reagrds,
Kstarmack

 

[Little_Joe1]

You need to accurately calculate weight you intend to add as well as find your weight now.
This info will be used to find “best OME “ setup for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[olongapo2]

kstarmack,
Welcome to the forum and congrats on purchasing your Cruiser.

I'm not going to recommend any brands but give you some general info to get you started. Unlike the 4runner, the FJ has coil springs at all 4 corners. There are 2 types of lift terminologies. (1) A Leveling Kit, which lifts just the front of the vehicle roughly 1.5 inches removing the Rake, making the vehicle sit completely level. (2) A Full Suspension Lift, replacing all 4 springs and shocks to achieve a taller overall stance. You can achieve 3 inches of total lift without any major modification. There are 5 inch lifts on the market but they require cutting out and replacing the frame crossmember. Radical, and I do not recommend them.

There is an entire section in this forum dedicated to lifting the FJ. You should also search Youtube for information. Once you've gained some knowledge, determine how much lift you desire and how much weight you intend to add to the vehicle. Factor in how you plan to use your FJ, then search brands to determine what springs and shocks will meet your needs. Also do research on aftermarket Upper Control Arms.

I will recommend the following: Don't be in a hurry to mod your Cruiser. Do your homework. Purchasing the correct components the first time will save you money in the long run.

 

[Firemedic831]

Fun Fact. you do not have leaf springs

 

[FJQue]

I just found some take off springs & struts from a 2020 TRD Tacoma for $25 locally. They lifted the front of my FJ 1.5". I did this to level it for cheap while I decide what suspension I want.
I've had my FJ almost 1 year & I am still trying to figure out what setup I want, read up & probably best to add your heavy accessories 1st, GL!

 

[Eighteen11R]

Tacoma and FJ are inter-changeable? That sounds like a very smart move @FJQue How did you find the take-off suspension?
Cheers mate,
G

 

[FJQue]

Tacoma and FJ are inter-changeable? That sounds like a very smart move @FJQue How did you find the take-off suspension?
Cheers mate,
G

The fronts are of course. The rear of a Taco is leaf sprung.
I believe from 05-20 models coilovers will fit but the 16-20 model 4x4 Tacomas lifted 1" higher than the previous years so the newer spring strut combos would be the ones to go with.
The 16-20 fit directly into my 2010 FJ TT. There was a small space on the lower strut mount that I think I could have gotten away with but I went to the hardware store and got this 5/16 washer anyway to close the gap, that was all, literally plug n play aside from that & not really sure it was absolutely necessary. I netted a solid 1 1/2" lift & got new springs & struts for $25 off a 2020 Off-road Tacoma.

 

[FJQue]

Ironman off-road 25mm rear spacer gave me about 1/2" rake higher in back than front, pretty much perfect, grand total under $100.
I eventually want a super nice setup but not quite sure which one yet so this allowed me to lift cheap, get tires I like and get a real nice setup down the road.