Eibach: On-Road Comfort Meets Off-Road Capability

Eibach’s Full Suspension Swap: Pro-Truck Coilover Stage 2

Story and Photos by Ryan Gibbons

In our Yota Winter 2020 article about Eibach’s Load-Leveling System, we explored the product’s technical specs, full installation steps, and ride impressions. That story also emphasized the importance of having a well-laid-out plan when beginning a build. While no one seems to have a perfect formula for creating the ideal overland rig, having a clear roadmap and a realistic timeline helps prevent costly mistakes and future rework.

That brings us to this follow-up—and our need for yet another suspension upgrade.

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Rethinking Expectations

Before installing the Load-Leveling System, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect from Eibach. When we thought “Eibach,” motorsports like NASCAR and Formula 1 came to mind—not off-road performance.

As it turns out, Eibach has been building suspension components since the 1950s and is widely regarded as a global leader. They manufacture springs and parts for well-known brands like ICON, Bilstein, Radflo, Fox, and King. Their R&D team is constantly releasing new solutions for the Jeep, Toyota, Lexus, Chevy, and Ford communities.

After six months running the Load-Leveling System with roughly 400 lbs. of added gear, it proved to be the ideal solution for our 4Runner’s sagging rear end.

Two Kits, One Philosophy

Now officially Eibach fanboys, we knew it was time to upgrade the rest of the 4Runner’s aftermarket suspension—and we didn’t hesitate. Eibach offers two primary lift options: the Pro-Truck Lift System (Stage 1) and the Pro-Truck Coilover System (Stage 2). So, what’s the real difference?

Eibach Springs — The Eibach Stage 2 setup partnered well with ICON Delta Joint UCA’s.

New rear shocks eibach — New rear shocks will better support the Load-Leveling System.

Stage 1: Pro-Truck Lift System

Stage 1 isn’t a “lesser” kit—it just requires a bit more effort during installation. The shocks feature clip-style spring perch grooves, allowing ride height adjustments from stock up to 3.0 inches. However, changes must be made off the vehicle, and the components don’t come pre-assembled. That means you’ll either reuse OEM springs and mounts or purchase new ones separately.

eibach spring install — The calm before the storm, getting ready for the install.

eibach spring installing — After removing the old system, it was time to start the install.

Stage 2: Pro-Truck Coilover System

Stage 2, on the other hand, includes pre-assembled shocks and springs. The threaded shock body lets you adjust ride height from stock up to 3.5 inches (application-dependent) using the included spanner wrench—even while installed. This makes it a true plug-and-play system and a time-saver for anyone installing in a home garage.

Upgrading to Handle More Weight

With a long list of future mods on the horizon, ease of installation was critical. We chose the Stage 2 Pro-Truck Coilover System for the front and Sport Shocks in the rear to replace our worn Dobinsons setup.

Over the years, we’ve added serious weight: a winch, low-profile front bumper, heavy-duty radiator, roof rack, rock sliders, drawer system, and a steel dual-swing rear bumper with full-size spare. Our original 2.5-inch lift eventually dropped to under 2 inches. Spacers helped temporarily, but the Dobinsons components weren’t rated for the payload. Time for a real upgrade.

eibach spring upgrade — Work began in earnest as both sides away the upgrade.

Installation Notes

As with any suspension project, make sure you have the right tools—or leave it to a qualified shop. A vehicle lift speeds up the process and reduces strain, but this job is doable in a driveway with a jack, stands, and basic mechanical know-how.

Ride Height Adjustments

If you’ve installed the Stage 2 coilovers, you may want to tweak ride height to compensate for front-end weight (winch, bumper, armor) or to match the rear. One of the biggest benefits is that these adjustments can be made while the coilovers are still mounted. Stage 1 can be adjusted too, but only off the vehicle after spring compression.

“This rig is a daily driver, so it was important that the new suspension stands up to being both a commuter and a weekend warrior.”

Getting the old rear shocks out took longer than expected with a seized bolt.

Understanding Motion Ratio

Short of pressing a button to lift your rig, ride height adjustments require knowing your vehicle’s motion ratio—how much the wheel compresses the spring for every inch of shock travel. This ratio determines how effective your lift adjustments will be. While sometimes listed in the owner’s manual, it’s often easier to research online or consult a Toyota-specific forum.

With the UCA out of the way, the stage 2 coilovers slid right in.

Having a vehicle lift makes the work much easier on your back.

While Eibach includes a standard spanner wrench, they’re also developing a socket extension wrench that connects to a ½-inch ratchet for easier adjustments—something we’re looking forward to.

Fully Assembled Kit

For us, the biggest advantage of the Stage 2 system was the pre-assembled components. Building the strut assembly isn’t hard, but it adds time and complexity. Knowing everything was properly torqued and tuned by Eibach gave us peace of mind—and made the installation quicker than ever.

Eibach install — A little bit of anti-seize will make disassembly easier down the road.

Clean Finish with Durable Components

Your new suspension might look shiny now—but give it a few trail runs and it’ll be caked in mud. Depending on terrain, that mud can harden like concrete and be a pain to remove.

Fortunately, Eibach coats their ERO off-road race springs in Stardust Silver II powdercoat for corrosion resistance, while the 6061-T6 billet aluminum mounts are anodized black. And yes—Eibach backs it all with a limited lifetime warranty.

With the coilovers installed, there was nothing left but to button up the control arms and the rest of the suspension.

The rear end received its shocks by a quick swap out with the old ones.

Ride Impressions

As expected, switching from Dobinsons to a full Eibach setup completely transformed the ride. Since this 4Runner is a daily driver, we needed a system that could handle both commuter duty and trail runs. Many aftermarket kits feel overly stiff on pavement. Not this one.

After adding all our gear and lifting the vehicle again, the ride quality feels just like stock—and that’s exactly what we were aiming for.

rear springs — Tightening the boots on the shocks will ensure dust and mud won’t foul up the mechanism.

On-Trail Performance

From snowy tracks and sand dunes to boulder-filled passes, this setup impressed. The suspension handled rough terrain without harsh impacts or “springiness,” and wheel travel improved significantly.

Even with a rooftop tent and added weight, the center of gravity remained stable. Handling felt planted, and clearance issues became a thing of the past. Honestly, we’re left wondering why more off-road rigs haven’t switched to Eibach. Maybe we’re hanging out with the wrong crew.

Final Thoughts

Whether on-road or off, the Eibach Pro-Truck Coilover System Stage 2 delivered everything we wanted: ease of installation, improved ride quality, and better performance under load.

With new fitments constantly being released, we hope to see more overland and off-road builds running this kit. And keep an eye out for the rumored Stage 2R, featuring reservoir shocks for the rear.