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Old 02-12-2022, 10:36 PM #1
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Pros/Cons of Leveling Kits

Thinking about a leveling kit for my 2021 TRD ORP. Wanted to get some first hand observations from those who have had them installed.

Pros? Cons?

Other than appearance, does a leveling kit provide any benefit? Any negatives? Decreased gas mileage? Handling problems on road?
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Old 02-12-2022, 11:49 PM #2
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I have the Rough Country leveling kit. 2.5" front, 1" rear. The main benefit is greater ground clearance.

This is a spacer kit that fits between the top of front strut and the body mount; and on top of the rear springs. With this installation, there is no change in the length of the strut, nor the actuation length of the shock. Thus the ride is the same. Space kits that go between the spring and the spring mount do "preload" the spring and change the shock actuation length, but that is not the Rough Country set up.

Because the changed angles of the UCA and LCA, an alignment is mandatory. I have not noticed any change in handling. The front drive axles are at more of an angle, thus the life of the CV joints may be shortened. For larger front lifts, people will do a front differential lowering kit, but seldom is it needed with only a 2.5" lift

The rear shock does actuate lower on it's range, but it is possible to get extended length shocks. Because the spring is the same, and operates over the same range, there is no change to the rear ride.

Because the 4Runner has a live rear axle, a lift kit does not raise the axle, thus the lowest point becomes the rear differential. If you are concerned about that, then you need a skid plate for the rear diff. The only way to raise the rear diff on a live axle vehicle is with bigger tires.
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Old 02-13-2022, 09:04 AM #3
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Before you do anything I would watch this Youtube video: "4 Common Myths About IFS Lifts".
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Old 02-13-2022, 09:04 AM #4
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Before you do anything I would watch this Youtube video: "4 Common Myths About IFS Lifts".
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Old 02-14-2022, 07:36 AM #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey_VB View Post
Thinking about a leveling kit for my 2021 TRD ORP. Wanted to get some first hand observations from those who have had them installed.

Pros? Cons?

Other than appearance, does a leveling kit provide any benefit? Any negatives? Decreased gas mileage? Handling problems on road?
Pros
Looks better
Better clearance (front side)

Cons
Worse handling if alignment/ geometry is too far off or not done properly
Rear sag when loaded can throw off front headlights (better align them after lift)
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Old 02-14-2022, 07:57 AM #6
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Pros:
Aesthetics
Maybe approach angle?

Cons:
You wont be level when loaded with gear, bikes, or towing, you will be squatted

IMO, spend money on performance or mods that suit what you want to do in the truck, to me leveling is just aesthetics, but also it's your truck and you should do what you want. I'd get some recovery gear, sliders, skids, etc..
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Old 02-14-2022, 12:03 PM #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rdruss View Post
Before you do anything I would watch this Youtube video: "4 Common Myths About IFS Lifts".
solid videos by that dude.
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Old 02-14-2022, 02:26 PM #8
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I just put Cornfed 1” spacers in the front. Chosen specifically because it’s top mounted and you aren’t compressing the shocks to do it. Plus didn’t want to screw up geometry too much.

Looks 100% better. Feels better driving and sitting in it as it doesn’t feel like you are falling forward all the time and diving when braking.

But if you are wanting an aggressive change obviously that won’t do it.
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Old 02-14-2022, 08:10 PM #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by honda250xtitan View Post
solid videos by that dude.
Agreed, he gets pretty deep into suspension dynamics in an easy to understand way.

Net net: Spacer bros and folks cranking down their coilovers over 2.5" are reducing their suspension performance to worse than stock. Fine for mall crawlers but not for people actually looking to improve offroad performance.
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Old 02-14-2022, 08:35 PM #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by honda250xtitan View Post
solid videos by that dude.
Agreed, he gets pretty deep into suspension dynamics in an easy to understand way.

Net net: Spacer bros and folks cranking down their coilovers over 2.5" are reducing their suspension performance to worse than stock. Fine for mall crawlers but not for people actually looking to improve offroad performance.
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Old 02-14-2022, 08:44 PM #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xtremluck View Post
Agreed, he gets pretty deep into suspension dynamics in an easy to understand way.

Net net: Spacer bros and folks cranking down their coilovers over 2.5" are reducing their suspension performance to worse than stock. Fine for mall crawlers but not for people actually looking to improve offroad performance.
people forget using OEM pivots only give you x amount of travel regardless of how fancy the stickers are. ride height changes ride quality immensely if you actually use it for off-roading.
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Old 08-04-2022, 12:38 PM #12
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additional components

Hello,
I just got my 2022 TRD Pro and looking at leveling kits. I had a 2018 TRD premium with a 3" lift without all the proper components so it ended up starting to cost me. I would like to avoid this with the new truck and do it right this time. I just want to level the front end of my Pro. I have read mixed reviews about if I need to add upper control arms.

Do I need new upper control arms if I add spacers or spacers plus new springs? Any other components that are recommended to be replaced if I level the front end?

Thank you
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Old 08-04-2022, 01:26 PM #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dri02121 View Post
Hello,
I just got my 2022 TRD Pro and looking at leveling kits. I had a 2018 TRD premium with a 3" lift without all the proper components so it ended up starting to cost me. I would like to avoid this with the new truck and do it right this time. I just want to level the front end of my Pro. I have read mixed reviews about if I need to add upper control arms.

Do I need new upper control arms if I add spacers or spacers plus new springs? Any other components that are recommended to be replaced if I level the front end?

Thank you
get the Eibach TRD pro lift springs made specifically for the fox setup. 4 springs. UCAs...optional.....may be needed to get better alignment, especially if going with bigger tires.
That is my setup with Dirt King UCAs.
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Old 08-04-2022, 02:58 PM #14
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Like said, figure out your primary use/goals and set it up for that. I removed all my car-like springs on my excursion to properly tow my travel trailer and replaced with F250 springs. Loaded and near 10k it sits level and all the weights are balanced. When it's not hooked up it sits like every F250/350 you see empty. It's all about trade-offs.
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