Suspension and Lift Upgrade for Toyota FJ Cruiser. Bilstein vs OME

June 13, 2026

If you own an FJ Cruiser and are thinking about a lift, the first question worth asking is what you actually need it for. A proper off-road build has different requirements than just wanting a more aggressive stance on the street. That answer determines what you should buy.

There are three ways to get more height out of an FJ Cruiser.

Body lift raises only the body above the frame using spacers. It costs less and lets you fit larger tires, but the frame clearance stays the same and you end up with visible gaps around the bumpers. Most FJ owners on the forums are not enthusiastic about body lifts as a standalone solution.

Suspension lift replaces the springs and shocks to raise the entire vehicle. This improves actual ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and overall trail capability. It is the option most experienced FJ owners recommend.

Larger tires add some height and meaningfully improve your ability to roll over obstacles. A lot of owners combine bigger tires with a moderate suspension lift for the best result.

Stock FJ Cruiser suspension handles daily driving fine, but it was not designed for loaded overlanding or serious trail use. Owners running a roof rack, steel bumpers and a winch especially notice the front end sitting low under all that added weight. A proper suspension kit fixes that and brings the geometry back where it should be.

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#1. Bilstein 5100 Series – 0-2.5″ Universal Lift Kit for Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Bilstein 5100 is probably the most discussed suspension option on FJ Cruiser forums, and for good reason. It shows up as a top recommendation on r/FJCruiser and fjcruiserforums.com consistently, mostly because it gives you flexibility without committing to a fixed lift height.

The key feature is the adjustable lower spring cup on the front struts. You get four positions with the stock springs: 0″, 0.85″, 1.75″ and 2.5″. To change the height you need to disassemble the strut and move the spring perch ring to a different position. It takes some work but most owners do it themselves in a driveway with basic tools.

A few things worth knowing from real owner experience. Running the 5100s at 2.5″ on stock springs is possible but a lot of owners find the ride gets harsh at that setting. The more common setup people run is 1.75″ up front paired with new aftermarket springs, which gives a better ride quality and keeps the geometry in a reasonable range. At 2.5″ you will also want an alignment done right after installation.

The 5100s are monotube gas charged, which means they handle heat better than twin tube shocks during repeated off-road use. Owners on fjcruiserforums consistently report the 5100 as a direct bolt-on for the FJ with no compatibility issues.

#2. Old Man Emu by ARB Suspension – 3″ Full Lift Kit for Toyota FJ Cruiser

Old Man Emu (ARB) has been around in the 4×4 world for decades and their FJ Cruiser kit is one of the more complete options you can buy. Unlike the Bilstein 5100 which is shocks only, the OME kit includes both shocks and springs, so you get a predictable 3″ lift right out of the box without sourcing additional parts.

The biggest decision when ordering is spring rate. OME offers Light Load and Heavy Duty versions. Light Load works well for a stock or lightly modified FJ. If you are running a steel front bumper, winch, roof rack, or regularly carry gear and passengers, Heavy Duty is the right call. A common complaint on the forums from people who ordered Light Load on a heavily built FJ is that the front sits lower than expected because the springs are not rated for the extra weight.

What owners consistently mention about the OME kit is how it transforms the ride on rough dirt roads and washboard. The suspension soaks up the chatter instead of transmitting it through the cabin, which makes a real difference on longer trail drives. It also handles deep snow noticeably better than stock according to owners in northern climates.

One honest note: some long term owners report the OME springs softening over time after heavy use. It does not happen quickly but it is worth knowing if you plan to run the kit for many years on demanding terrain.

#3. Bilstein B6 4600 Series – Suspension Kit for Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Bilstein 4600 is the option for FJ owners who want better shocks without changing the ride height. It is a direct OEM replacement, meaning installation is straightforward and you are not dealing with alignment changes or geometry adjustments afterward.

The reason people buy the 4600 over cheaper replacement shocks comes down to the monotube design. Most stock and budget replacement shocks are twin tube, which can fade under repeated hard use as the oil heats up and aerates. The 4600 monotube keeps damping consistent whether you are doing one bump or a hundred. For an FJ that sees regular trail use this actually matters.

On fjcruiserforums the 4600 comes up often as the recommendation for owners who are not ready to commit to a lift but want noticeably better off-road performance than stock. It is also a popular choice for owners who want to keep their FJ closer to stock height for daily driving while still having capable shocks underneath.

One thing worth noting is that the 4600 is not designed to work with lifted springs. If you later decide to add a lift, you would be looking at the 5100 series instead. The 4600 is built to work at stock ride height and that is where it performs best.

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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Lift Kit for Your FJ Cruiser

Suspension lift vs body lift

A suspension lift replaces the springs and shocks to raise the entire vehicle including the frame. Ground clearance under the axles improves, approach and departure angles get better, and the FJ becomes more capable on actual trail.

A body lift uses spacers between the body and frame to raise the cabin only. The frame, axles, and drivetrain stay at exactly the same height. It costs less and creates more space in the wheel arches for larger tires, but does nothing for actual trail clearance. You also get visible gaps around the bumpers, and the steering shaft may need an extension. The one scenario where body lift makes sense is deep water fording, where the higher body position genuinely helps.

On fjcruiserforums the consensus is clear: if you actually wheel your FJ, go suspension lift. Body lift makes sense only when the sole goal is fitting larger tires on a tight budget.

What option should you choose?

It depends on how you use the FJ and what you have bolted to it. If you run a mostly stock FJ and want better trail performance without a big budget, the Bilstein 4600 at stock height or the 5100 at 1.75″ is a solid starting point. If you are building a more serious rig with a steel bumper, winch and roof rack, the OME Heavy Duty kit makes more sense because it is designed to handle the extra weight up front.

The most common setup on built FJ Cruisers is a 2″ to 3″ suspension lift paired with 285/75R16 or 285/70R17 tires. Stock size is 265/70R17. That combination gives real capability without pushing the geometry into problematic territory or requiring extensive modifications. For most FJ Cruiser owners a suspension lift is the better long term investment.

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FAQs

What do I need to lift my Toyota FJ Cruiser?

There are various options available for lifting your FJ Toyota as there are components like coilovers, struts, spacers, and springs for the adjustment and lifting of your vehicle.
But, if you want to attain your suspension for a longer time, do not lift it only with shock absorbers. It is a short-term option because it can misbalance the angle of the suspension, frame, and vehicle.

What is the difference between A Lift Kit and A Leveling Kit?

The main and basic difference between a lift kit and the leveling kit is that a Lift Kit is for the front side it helps to maintain the front and back of the vehicle by providing much strength and power. Meanwhile, a Leveling Kit is for raising your car to a much higher level of height but it requires more power and energy for the lifting.

Can I remove my lift kit and go back to stock?

It can happen but it relies on the suspension you attain. It is comfortable to remove the leveling kit as compared to the lift kit because it depends on the variety of kits one purchases. The better and more durable the kit is, the more it gives the result and makes it unnecessary to move towards the stock.

How high can you lift a Toyota FJ Cruiser?

The different types of kits are available on the market but the highest one is OME, you can lift to 3’’

Will a lift kit affect gas mileage?

Yes, it can affect gas mileage in several ways. Like, the first factor is weight, if the vehicle weight is added after installing the kit then it affects the mileage. It also depends on the resistance of wind, the more will be resistance, the more will be loss of mileage.

Do I need new brakes with a lift kit?

You don’t need to buy new brakes, you must just check the condition and strength of your brakes and whether they can stop the lifted car or not.

Do lift kit need to be maintained or not?

Yes, they need proper maintenance for proper work. If the lift kits are not handled properly then you will ultimately face several problems and they will lose their durability and strength as soon as possible.

How do I know if I have shocks or struts?

Shocks and struts are both types of suspension components that are used to absorb and dampen the movement of a vehicle’s wheels as it moves.

Differences between shocks and struts:

• Shocks are typically located at the rear of the vehicle, while struts are located at the front. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should list the types of suspension (struts or shocks) components that are used on your vehicle.
• Shocks are usually separate components that are mounted to the frame or chassis of the vehicle, while struts are integrated with springs into the suspension system.

Do I need an alignment after installing a lift kit?

Yes, always. Any change in ride height affects caster, camber and toe settings. Skipping the alignment after a lift is one of the most common mistakes owners make and leads to uneven tire wear and handling issues.

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Video: How To Install FJ Cruiser 3″ Lift Kit

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