I was on toyteclifts.com and was checking out the OME suspension lift kit. There's an option for front diff drop and the options were "Yes - Add to kit" and "No (2wd)". I have a 97 4wd limited. Do I need to get the front diff drop for this? Planning on getting the 881 front coils with top plate spacers to get 3" lift.

I have Toytec coliovers cranked up to 3" and do not have a diff drop. Off road regularly with a lot of articulation on rocks and DD. No problems. Personally, I chose not to do this. Based on my research and experience, I do not think it is necessary. You will get strong opinions on both sides.

Have you read this:
3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's

I personally have the Toytec diff drop and only mildly wheel, although wheeling in central Texas is a lot of rock and a lot of articulation. I have torn two boots in two years and would rather be safe than sorry.

I'm not overly vocal either way and ultimately it's up to you. For as cheap as they are and as easy to install as they are, I'd rather have the peace of mind.

you can lift it with out a diff drop, but when you look at your CV angle you will be like oh, I do NEED a diff drop. angles get severe pretty fast. I would say yes you will need/want a diff drop if you want to keep your CVs happy and not binding. also your labor in the long run will be cut down as you wont have to reboot all of the time depending on if you have manual hubs or use your 4x4 alot. Boots rip pretty easy, maybe alittle too imo

Please search as this topic has been covered 1,385 times

It definitely has been covered; he could and should use the search function. but for the same time it took to post that, you could have nicely provided the very simple answer to his question and help a member out!

No need for diff drop, but for $30-40, I guess you can just get it. Super easy to install too.

Thanks all for the helpful info and links. Since it is fairly inexpensive, I'll play it safe and install a diff drop if I do go the OME lift kit.

Found another lift thread where front coils from a Tundra TRD was used with Bilstein adjustable shocks giving just a 2" lift and has a smooth ride. From the link AZTOY sent, it says if it's 2" or less I won't need a diff drop. Maybe I'll go with that one. Arrgh...decisions, decisions. Thanks again for all your input!

I foolishly purchased and installed a differential drop for my 3" OME lift in my 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition. It really bugged me that spacers are required for the front and center skid pans. The front skid pan is removed to access the oil filter. Imagine having to deal with that or convey the existence of those spacers to the shop doing the oil change.

So ... I took a pictures with the diff drop installed and with the diff drop removed to show that there is almost no difference in CV shaft angle.

A diff drop in a Gen 5 is not required for a 3" lift.

With the drop installed



Without the drop installed.



Based on these results the diff drop is in the spare nuts and bolts drawer.

BTW ... the strut is labelled passenger but is installed on the driver side. Can you guess why?

OK....? Did you get lost on the way to the 5th gen section?

There is a clear angle difference between your with / without photos. Every degree counts when it comes to longevity of your CV axles and boots. Are they a MUST have? Not really but I still would recommend them if you plan to keep your ride for a LONG time.

I installed cheap Revtek spacers / RTDD1-KB. Hopefully they worked out the issues with their kits. Think they ran about $30ea. As the diff is lowered to insert a spacer, you can literally watch the CV angle change. It is drastic? Nope. But again, every single degree helps.

Only thing that has to be done on the 3rd gen is to elongate the skid plate holes. Installation is quick and easy.

Install pics can be found starting on post 85 if anyone cares.
My 4gunner restore, refurb and re-work

I did. But I really question the need for the diff drop. I'm sure it depends on the generation of 4Runner (or Tacoma for that matter). The shorter the CV shaft, the greater the angle change for each inch of lift. I lifted a '95 Tacoma and it was obvious the diff drop was needed. But a couple of degrees of change in CV angle I don't think will make or break. I shall see.

Would you be so kind as to post a picture of you rig's driver side CV shaft similar to the perspective as mine? I am very curious. That is a great idea of elongating the skid pan holes.