[Areyno]

Thanks for that info. I’ll have to get the ball joints checked soon and see if they need service/replacement. I run SPC UCAs with SPC ball joints and grease liberally at least at each oil change, so maybe what’s being seen is the (extra) grease.

I think the bilstien 5100’s only provide a max of 2.5” of lift, which would give me a bit of a nosedive look, I believe. Preferably looking for something that would give me around a true 3” of lift. Also would prefer they be a 2.5” diameter to avoid this same thing happening again.

Your most cost effective route will likely be Bilstien 5100s set to 3rd notch. Then you can ditch the spacers. They run (I think) about $175 per, plus the alignment you probably need.

Those upper boll joints also look as though they have weeped out all thier grease over time....keep an eye on those, but plan to replace with some lift-appropriate ones as well (JBA, SPC, ect). That might be a much more expensive break.

 

[Areyno]

Definitely don’t want the squat look, but also don’t want a big nosedive, as I’m not a fan of that look.
Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. 👍

2.5” is pretty close to 3” lift, who knows how high the rear sits anyway. This isn’t an exact science, and matching front to rear brand wise doesn’t matter when your stuff is that old. A little nose drop is better for handling, better when you load up the rear for camping/road trips and def better when compared to the Carolina squat!

 

[Areyno]

Thank you for that information/research. I prefer a full 3” (or the adjustable icon that can go to 3.5”) but that is a tough deal/price to pass on. I’ll have to think that over for just a bit. Thanks again very much for the info.

Bilstein 5100 sets of 4 shocks are $370 shipped to my door right now. On sale 15% off at Wheelers offroad currently. No affiliation. Just a good deal and what we have on my wife's FJ. I understand you not wanting to back down from the full 3" of lift but understand that 90% of users pretty much settle on 2.5" lift for better ride quality and longevity of parts. The bilstein is a quality low priced kit.

Since you will probably need a new front spring and don't want new rear shocks you can purchase just the fronts assembled with new springs for $400 shipped.

Bilstein 5100 Height-Adjustable Front Shock Pair for 03-09 4Runner, 07-09 FJ Cruiser and 05-15 Tacoma

<h2>Bilstein 5100 Height-Adjustable Front Shock Pair for 03-09 4Runner, 07-09 FJ Cruiser and 05-15 Tacoma</h2> <p>We have these in two different versions. We have the original BE5-C477-T1 (24-280785) shock that has been around for years (built by Bilstein exclusively for Race Car Dynamics) as...

wheelersoffroad.com

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[Areyno]

Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t do any off-road wheeling, just the occasional dirt road, etc., but I do have SPC adjustable UCAs for alignment purposes, so I’d assume I would be fine with 3-3.5” lift. I’m no expert, so if I’m wrong and it would affect on-road or light off-road (dirt roads with some ditches, etc.) driving, I’m open to hearing/learning.

How much down travel do you think you will have at 3-3.5" of lift?