Contemplating the Install of the 1" Daystar Front Level kit

LA4RUNNERGUY · Aug 16, 2020

Hello All,

Purchased a white 2008, SR5, 2wd, V6 a few weeks ago. I like how it drives but I knew the one change I'd like to do, is to level the front with the rear, and be able to change the stock 16" wheels to a 17" or 18", wheel setup. For me, this is for appearance only.

I have never done a change like this to any of the trucks or suv I have owned, so this is a first for me. After reading through a lot of pages of the suspension/tire sticky, I am still uncertain if I should install the 1" Daystar to get the look I'd like to have for my 4Runner. I included a photo from another owner, with much more of a suspension upgrade than a simple 1" front level, but it's the look of his 4runner and wheel/tire setup I'd like for mine.

I am not worried about loading the back of 4Runner and then having a sag. I have a truck that I can use for hauling the heavy loads. The 4runner will be a DD only and used for occasional road trips, maybe some dirt roads.

Appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Marc

ads2539 · Aug 17, 2020

The 4R in the pic looks taller than just a Daystar lift/level. I have the Daystar 2.5”F/1.5”R spacer kit on my 4WD 2004 4R, and I have been very happy with it. It’s 1.5” taller than the lift/level kit front and rear. There’s also room for 32” tires with just a little work. It’s also not too expensive at less than $150 and, if your 4R isn’t too rusty, relatively easy to install.

If you want the look of the 4R in the pic, you’ll want to lift the front and the rear.

Syr4RinNC · Aug 17, 2020

It sounds like youve done some reading and are thoughtful about your approach and what your goals are - ie for looks, no plan on towing/ weight down back end

I think then the other question is what size tires do want (30.5, 31, 32, bigger etc)

I would guess the picture has 32s - 255 75 17 or 275 70 17s (though they may be 18s so 255 70 18, 275 65 18)

I think you could do a 1 inch front lift and 265 70 17s (31.5) and be happy and fairly cost conscious.

ieatfish · Aug 17, 2020

ads2539 said:
The 4R in the pic looks taller than just a Daystar lift/level. I have the Daystar 2.5”F/1.5”R spacer kit on my 4WD 2004 4R, and I have been very happy with it. It’s 1.5” taller than the lift/level kit front and rear. There’s also room for 32” tires with just a little work. It’s also not too expensive at less than $150 and, if your 4R isn’t too rusty, relatively easy to install.

If you want the look of the 4R in the pic, you’ll want to lift the front and the rear.

Just to confirm, is this the kit? 2.5" Lift Front and Rear Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 | Daystar

Even though it says 2.5" lift, that means 2.5" lift in the front and 1.5' in the back?

LA4RUNNERGUY · Aug 17, 2020

Syr4RinNC, thanks for the input. You're correct, appearance is my only goal.

I decided on the 1" DS front spacer and then read that I could also do the Bilstein 5100 shocks in front only with my stock suspension and produce the same result, which lead me to my post. The service history shows the PO replaced the front shocks and some suspension components at a dealer in November 2019, so I am certain the front shocks are in good condition. I do need to replace a rear leaking shock and purchased some KYB's to replace both.

265 70 17s (31.5), is the tire size I am looking to get as well with some oem wheels or aftermarket. Still not sure on the wheels yet.

Thanks again,

ads2539 · Aug 17, 2020

ieatfish said:
Just to confirm, is this the kit? 2.5" Lift Front and Rear Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 | Daystar

Even though it says 2.5" lift, that means 2.5" lift in the front and 1.5' in the back?

I believe so. It’s the kit that I bought in 2017, and it got rid of the rake on my 2004 4WD 4R. I can’t say it was exactly 2.5”/1.5”, but it definitely lifted the front more than the rear. I didn’t take before/after measurements. Even the manufacturers say the numbers are estimates, or what they expect on a “typical” 4R.

Many people on this forum refer to it as the 2.5/1.5 kit. User “Rover+Runner” installed the same kit back in 2009, and he called it the 2.5/1.5 lift kit. You can also do a “4th gen daystar” search on this forum to read more about it.

If you contact Daystar, they would hopefully give you a more definitive answer.

gaber6 · Aug 22, 2020

This is a 2 year old Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift with kyb complete struts in front and cheap shocks in rear, to be replaced by heavier duty cheap shocks soon.

Tires are 265/70/17.

I like the look of the lift and the soft ride when the shocks were new, but you will see more suspension wear even with this little lift.

I'm taking it out and going back to stock height only to get a firmer ride on the highway and less stress on front parts. This is a highway car mostly for me.

Contemplating the Install of the 1" Daystar Front Level kit

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