Thoughts on coilover shocks

Alright, gentlemen (and ladies, of course), I own a 2016 4Runner Trail w/out KDSS and have currently installed Bilstein 5100 height adjustable front struts set at the highest level with 1.5 inch rear spacers over the stock OEM shocks. I am running 285/70/17 tires on the stock rims, and this setup provides a generally good stance and nice ride quality for the street at +/- 3 inches of lift. However, I have always intended to eventually add a full 3 inch suspension lift for a superior ride, increased wheel travel and better off road capability. The question is what I need versus what I don't, and that is why I am now soliciting your assistance and advice.

I have been lurking on this and many other forums trying to get a handle on what suspension to purchase as a good all-around value versus those suspensions that might be somewhat overkill for my demands. When I turn to the local 4 wheel drive specialty shops, I get one (predictable) response. That is, (1) buy the best you can afford and, as a component to that argument, (2) you would rather have "too much" suspension than not enough...

So let's talk about my off road demands and what I am looking at. First and foremost, this is a city daily driver roughly 90% of the time. However, I frequently drive through large ranch properties with no or wholly unimproved roads where mud and deep sand is more the rule than the exception (albeit not rocks). Clearance and dampening for comfort is the key in these situations. However, my family and I take driving trips several times each year to the mountain west where four wheeling in rough country, often for several days at a time, is the objective. This is why it is important for me to pursue a suspension lift versus the space/5100 "lift" I present have - it is all about clearance and wheel travel, while maintaining a suspension that can take a greater beating than your average Joe deals his 4Runner.

I am looking at these suspension kits:

(1) Boss Suspension System offered by Toytec, featuring a Boss 2.0 coilover shock, standard Toytec 2'' lift springs, a front diff drop kit and either Boss or Bilstein 5100 series rear shocks for $1,359.00.

(2) Bilstein 5100 coilover front shocks, diff drop, Toytec Superflex 2" rear coils and Bilstein 5100 rear shocks for $909.00.

Now, the 4 wheel shop suggested I purchase this Old Man Emu suspension for the low low price of only $2,789.00:

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...For-10-FJ-Cruiser-4Runner-W-BP-51_p_1424.html

The difference? Seriously heavy duty, fully adjustable bypass coilovers and internal bypass shocks. There is no question this set-up would make my rig 4Runner like a Cadillac and would handle any beating I would throw its' way...

But is it worth the extra $1,500.00? That is my question for you! I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination, but I hate to settle for garbage.

 

i'm no where near experienced enough to direct you, but at 3", i do believe that you will end up having to replace upper control arms (UCAs), as well, and that should be factored into the cost.

 

That is correct and it's quite a big cost to factor in.

 

Don't deal with 4-Wheel Shops! I would go with choice #2...If you are only going 2" Lift Front & Back. I started with the Toy Tec 3" Lift kit...Spacer's in Front and Taller Springs in back with the "Original" Struts and Shocks on a 2005 runner. I also went up a size on the tires...from P265/65R16's to P265/70R17's (with new rims). So I got 4" Lift out of the deal. And it rides great...except now, I have to replace the Struts & Shock's. So I am going with Bilstein's Adjustable Struts up front and Shock's in back. I didn't have to replace the Upper Control Arm with the 3" Lift but mine is a 2005. I think my max Lift is 4" without a new UCA as long as it will "Align" properly. My Toy Tec Lift kit was like $330 including the Diff Drop Hardware...basically Spacers & Springs. This setup let me do all the Off Roading I wanted without getting too crazy because I mostly drive highway.

 

I am leaning toward the Boss 2.5 inch tube coilovers with extended length 5100 Bilsteins on the rear. Toytec offers their kit package with SPC Light Racing upper control arms for an additional $399.00. Sounds like that may keep the alignment in spec longer.

Thank you for the input and keep it coming... I am hoping someone saves me from the roughly $2,000 I am about to drop into a suspension upgrade.

 

That's why God invented Credit Cards! LOL

 

MT rear springs, 220ish, Icon 2.0 rear extended travel remote reservoir, 160ish, front Icon 2.0 extended travel 1-1.1kish, Camburg BallJoint UCAs, 500ish.

2k(ish). done. you're welcome. That's going to get you extended travel, a 3/2 lift, and a pretty plush ride. You might not even need the UCAs if you stay under 3" in the front. Shop around and you're likely to get some better deals than what I looked up on the Metal Tech site. I know Total Automotive always has Icon deals running.

 

I have reached a solution to my quandary and will post with pictures soon...

I have ordered Bilstein 6110 front coilover struts for the front with the 3 inch top mount. I am likewise installing a diff drop kit and SPC Light Racing upper control arms. For the rear, I have ordered Toytec standard 2 inch coils paired with Fox 2 inch shocks. This set-up (without factoring in labor for the install) cost me just shy of $1,900.00.

I called Scott at Toytec and the guy not only helped me design a suspension that would work perfectly for both my needs and budget but also explained the "whys" and "hows" in a way this non-gear head could understand fully. Great people.

 

That OME kit he linked to was the BP-51 kit which is pretty much brand new to the market, not just the nitrocharger shocks with 885s that most people run.

That OME kit is definitely an upgrade over the any of the Toytec branded stuff, but it honestly depends on what you plan to do with the vehicle for if the kit is worth the money or not.

Edit: I'm late to the game, ignore me

 

Jake, I looked very hard at the BP-51 kit and liked what I saw very much. However, I simply could not justify the extra $800.00 bucks for what I will be using the vehicle for, which is frequent but much milder off-road applications. Plus, I can now apply those funds to my roof rack.

I certainly had my reservations about the Boss coilovers, but that is another story. In the end, I simply like the ride quality of the Bilstein product and the 6110 is built well. Hard to beat Fox products and I figure I can get by without external reservoirs considering I have been driving off road vehicles for well over 20 years and have never had them previously.