EDIT: title should read V8 vs. V6

Since the front end of the V8 is heavier than the V6, does it come with stiffer springs? I wonder if I can put V8 front springs on my V6 to help carry the added weight of a bumper and armour without having to go OME and change stock height. Any thoughts?

 

I studied this a bit before electing to use FJCruiser front springs.

What I learned:
1) There's about 160-200lbs difference in engine setups depending on where you read.
2) The V8 springs are 345mm long vs the V6's 340mm. Both spings use the same spring rate, 580lb/in.
3) FWIW- I don't know the spring rate of the FJC springs. I do know they are a thicker barstock and have one full extra coil. I also know they measure about 350mm. That means they're about a 1/4" taller which would yield a net lift of approx 1/2". The reason I got more (about .75") is because in addition to the extra length the springs are stiffer.

This is a quote from my post (at another 4Runner forum) when I installed the springs:
"I finally installed my FJC front springs in my T4R. My initial impressions are

It leveled the T4R somewhat, it now rides better (if that’s possible). It feels better during cornering & braking and overall I love it!

To remind everyone: My goal was to get rid of the nose down look without doing an overall lift. I was seeking a minor front-end leveling. I found the springs on Ebay, $55 to the door, that included the rear springs which I have chosen not to use.

Measuring from the top of the tire to the wheel opening increased by 3/4” plus or minus. Doesn’t sound like much but it’s exactly the look and ride I was seeking.

Mission accomplished (cheaply)!"



Since then I did install the rear springs and would highly recommend that too. (When I added the rear springs I added some 3/4" front spacers too. If I had to name my lift I'd call it a 1.5/.4. Keep in mind I have no extra heavy bumper or equipment.)

Maybe FJC springs are for you. It sounds to me like they might be a good fit for your goals. If I open my hood and sit my 210lb butt on my radiator support my front-end comes down 1/2" or so leaving mine just a tick higher than stock. Maybe a 'take-off' set of complete FJC front struts would be even better for you. As I understand it, the valving in the FJC struts is a bit stiffer which would help you retain stock ride quality in spite of the bumpers' extra weight.

Another similar but often overlooked spring is the OME883. With the weight of the armour and bumper that might be the best answer if you're trying to avoid lifting too much. It's about 375mm spring with a 590lb/in rate. The 883's give 1.1"-1.2" of lift (vs. stock) on an unladen V6 4Runner. Most 4Runners need a little front end lift to get rid of the nose down look. An 883 would be more adventuresome than the FJC setup but still not 'radical' by any standard.

What I have no clue about is whether 883s would fit/work with the stock struts. I would expect that's not recommended but it would work. I've read that the 884 is 'for sure' too tall for the stock strut.

Good luck!

EDIT: Here ya go... http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...-8500-x50.html

 

Thanks for all that info Chris. It is interesting to see the V8 springs have the same rate as the V6 ones. This indicates to me that the V6 set up should be able to handle more weight and still function (absorb shock and dampen). The extra 1/5 inch on the V8 spring makes up for any sag. The FJ set up is tempting, and I will look into that further.

For what it is worth, I spoke to the guys at ARB and they told me my stock suspension should be able to accomodate their 90 lbs bull bar as long as I don't add a winch.

It seems are OME front springs (883, 884 and 885) all have the same rate (stiffness), the only difference being in length. People on this forum are using the OME springs with stock shocks, but OME recomend against it.