Wheelers 1.75" Lift Kit - Installed

I decided on the Wheelers 3-leaf HD Progressive AAL on the rear with Bilstein 5100. Wheelers recommended, that based on my need and how I drive, that I would be better keeping the OEM springs on the front with the front Bilsteins set at the second-from-the-top setting.

Here's the before;


Here's the after;


I ended up with 1.5" inch raise at the front and a 2.25" inch raise at the rear (although I suspect the rear will settle a bit) - I get an extremely slight vibration as I start rolling - but it's extremely sublte. I'm hoping it goes away as the rear settles.

Overall, I'm very happy with the end result. It was exactly what I was looking for.

dp

 

Gives the truck a more bold stance.

 

I really like this look, and have been considering a similar setup.
I do have a few questions:
Did you go with Bilstein 5100's on the front with 1.75 lift?
I understand you went with the stock FJ wheel tire combo. I understand the tire is larger than comes on the TRD Off Road package (what I have), but I'm curious if the backspacing is the same on the FJ wheels as the TRD Off Road wheels.
Any rubbing issues?

 

Looks good

 

Looks good!

 

Looks great!

 

The FJ Cruiser wheels are identical to the TRD Off-Road wheels. Same offset, everything. I am running a fairly conservative 265/75-16.

I did bilstein 5100's all around - all four corners.
I used the OEM springs on the front (Sport springs are different than Off Road springs) - I set the front Bilsteins to the second from the top setting.

Before the Wheelers HD rear leaf and Bilsteins I'd get a little bit of rub while turning, and going through big dips. Now, no rubbing.

dp

 

Thanks for the info... I think I'm just going to do the front at the 1.75" setting (I think that's what you did). Objective it to level the truck, so I don't think I need to do the back, but may just to have the matching shocks all around.

a

 

If you only do the front, the back will look really saggy. As mine has settled its much closer to level now.

I feel the best performance upgrade was adding the HD Add-a-leaf on the rear (with the bilsteins on the rear too). Makes the truck a lot more usable for loads and towing.

dp

 

I like the look - did you leave in the overload leaf or did you remove it?

 

I really waffled on that one - but decided to leave it in. Now that the truck has settled it looks about perfect methinks.



dp

 

I agree - looks great.

 

Just purchased. Decided on all four corners. Will consider AAL later if it's nose high and/or I end up needing more rear spring in the future (not much towing/hauling so far).

Appreciate your input!

 

Truck looks good with the lift,

 

looks awesome Dave It will serve you well.

 

Love the look of the fj rims on your truck, your pics have made me decide to go the same way. Since I am having 5100's @ .85 (front of course) installed on all four corners I'll have them change the rims at the same time. Truck looks great with The lift and rims.
Hope there's a market for the old rims and bilsteins, truck has 400 miles on it.

 

Thank you!

I actually plasti-dipped my old wheels black and left the old tires on them and was able to sell them locally for $400.





dp

 

Sub'd for info, This is the look I want for my truck. How is the everyday ride for you? I have flip flopped on getting Eibach's, 884's, or 885's so that the ride would remain close to the same.

 

Well, since I used the OEM springs on the front and the rear 3-leaf HD AAL is progressive, the ride is actually better. It's not harsh or anything like that. The better shocks provide excellent damping, so the truck deals with seams and tracks corners better better than it did new.

The only downside I've noticed is an extremely slight sudder during take-off, but even this has improved to virtually un-noticable as the rear leafs settled a bit.

dp

 

Thanks for the feed back, This is exactly what I was looking for. I was having a hard time pulling the trigger, I wanted to keep the cost down, but didnt want a rough ride. I have an 07 DC SPORT so I feel confident that my OEM springs will be fine. I think I will follow your lead