1.5" lift Suspension Help/recommendations

[Sauce839]

I have a couple suspension questions, and the more I read on this forum, the more confused I get.

I currently have a 2012 4runner SR5 that I put the 5100 struts on to balance it out along with the Konig 6shooters with BFG KO2 275's. I liked the look, but always wished I installed something a little more aggressive.

Skip to today.... I have a 2017 4runner TEP (or trail edition) on order, and it should be here by the end of the month. It does come with the KDSS, and from what I've read, its a couple extra steps and some headaches to work around when doing the lift. The dealer won't do it for me, so I'm left to my own devices again.

I'm not planning on doing any serious offloading, just the odd trail etc. My final look that I'm going for is something similar to Veet Skeet's build. I'm not planning on installing aftermarket bumpers, maybe a hidden winch at some point. Only other mod I have on my list right now is a Gobi rack with I ordered a month ago, and possibly some bud built sliders.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/170715-veet-skeets-14-mgm-trail-edition-build.html

I'm planning on using the similar wheels (0 to -12 offset) and running the BFG KO2 285s. I also want to increase the ride height by ~1.5". The only think I can find for doing this in the rear is the SAW rear springs ($250). I'm hoping that I can have a fairly level stance when all said and done, which if my searching on this forum is correct, the stock 4runner Trails (AKA TRD off road) there is a 2 1/4' to 2 1/2" rake. So a 1 1/2" lift in the back means I need to bring the front up nearly 3.5 to 4".

I was hoping to get away with the Bilstein 6112's up front and the 5160's (rear). Struts =$1650CDN (which is a sizeable jump over the 5100's (all corners) at $600). But base on the what I've read, I need to change the UCAs, so add in another $700CDN (icon tubular UCA's).

Now, If I raise the front 3 1/2-4" do I need to do the diff drop? My gut says yes, but I'm reading that its causing troubles with the 4x4 systems, and not doing it is causing premature wear and tear on the joints. So which is it?

Also, if I raise the rear, Icon recommends replacing the trailing arm? Is this necessary for a 1 1/2" lift? It seems excessive, but thats right from Icon's website.

My concern is that this lift goes from $1650CDN for just the 6112 suspension upgrade, to nearly $3000CDN if I follow all the internet recommendations for a 1.5" lift and level. At that point, I may just go back the Bilstein 5100's, or just by a toytec 2.0 lift (which seams to have rust issues if you believe the internet), or the OME BP-51. Are there any other suggestions or recommendations? Icon's systems look super nice, but the price point is excessive for what I would call a cosmetic lift.

Thanks guys.

S

 

[Crikeymike]

I have a 2014 Trail with KDSS, 3" front lift and 2" rear lift, all Dobinsons. I'm running a diff drop, but a lot of people aren't.

I can get you a list to the border for under $1000. I just quoted one up to Canada earlier this week actually, so I can quote it all the way too if you want.

If you lift the rear just 2", you don't need to change out all that other gear. And you're also limited by the KDSS, so long travel isn't really an option back there.

I have details in my post about how to deal with the KDSS, as well as a lot of other people. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-4runner-suspension-options-lots-choices.html

 

[hawaiianryan]

Here's some rear coils that might work well for you...Wheeler's Offroad T13 Rear Coils.

 

[Big Wormz]

285's on only 1.5" seems like that will rub quite a bit.

 

[SoCal_Trail]

Here's some rear coils that might work well for you...Wheeler's Offroad T13 Rear Coils.

I have Icon shocks all around and the 1.5" T13 rear coil in the rear. I did not replace the UCAs or anything else. I kept the rear about 1/2" higher than the front for when I carry a load in the cargo area it sits level. No one can notice the slight forward rake unless I point it out. 4Runner rides better than stock and handles the trails with ease.

 

[Big Wormz]

I have Icon shocks all around and the 1.5" T13 rear coil in the rear. I did not replace the UCAs or anything else. I kept the rear about 1/2" higher than the front for when I carry a load in the cargo area it sits level. No one can notice the slight forward rake unless I point it out. 4Runner rides better than stock and handles the trails with ease.

Which Icons are your running?

 

[SoCal_Trail]

Which Icons are your running?

I purchased the same shocks that come with Icon's stage 1 kit.

Front - Icon 58646
Rear- Icon 56505

 

[spizike9]

I lifted my back 1.5" and front 3"

 

[Shred_Head]

I'm at 2.5" front and 1.5" rear with Bilstein 5100s (front at 0)

 

[GearJunkie88]

I just received the Wheeler's T13 1.5" rear coil. I'm pairing it with 5100s. For the front, my plan is to do about 2" with 5100s plus Toytec Ultimate adjustable coils.

Two things I'm debating and would love feedback from others with similar setup (e.g., socal_trail):

1. How much front lift will still give .5" or so of rake?

2. 265s or 275s (I'm leaning towards BFG KO2s)?

 

[Bonzi]

I just received the Wheeler's T13 1.5" rear coil. I'm pairing it with 5100s. For the front, my plan is to do about 2" with 5100s plus Toytec Ultimate adjustable coils.

Two things I'm debating and would love feedback from others with similar setup (e.g., socal_trail):

1. How much front lift will still give .5" or so of rake?

2. 265s or 275s (I'm leaning towards BFG KO2s)?

I am still working on theory only as my lift was just ordered, but I am planning on a 2.5 inch lift up front with the Wheelers T13 coil springs. I am also hoping to retain a 1/2 inch rake.

 

[GearJunkie88]

I am still working on theory only as my lift was just ordered, but I am planning on a 2.5 inch lift up front with the Wheelers T13 coil springs. I am also hoping to retain a 1/2 inch rake.

Thank you. Those are close to my theoretical numbers. I was planning to use 2.2" for the front. But am afraid the T13 might give more than 1.5" - like all the reports of the SAW 1.5" coil actually being closer to 2". If that happens, I'd have way more than .5" rake.
[MENTION=137623]SoCal_Trail[/MENTION] - do you have any photos of your rig after the T13 install?

 

[GearJunkie88]

I'm planning on using the similar wheels (0 to -12 offset) and running the BFG KO2 285s. I also want to increase the ride height by ~1.5". The only think I can find for doing this in the rear is the SAW rear springs ($250). I'm hoping that I can have a fairly level stance when all said and done, which if my searching on this forum is correct, the stock 4runner Trails (AKA TRD off road) there is a 2 1/4' to 2 1/2" rake. So a 1 1/2" lift in the back means I need to bring the front up nearly 3.5 to 4".

I was hoping to get away with the Bilstein 6112's up front and the 5160's (rear). Struts =$1650CDN (which is a sizeable jump over the 5100's (all corners) at $600). But base on the what I've read, I need to change the UCAs, so add in another $700CDN (icon tubular UCA's).

Now, If I raise the front 3 1/2-4" do I need to do the diff drop? My gut says yes, but I'm reading that its causing troubles with the 4x4 systems, and not doing it is causing premature wear and tear on the joints. So which is it?

Also, if I raise the rear, Icon recommends replacing the trailing arm? Is this necessary for a 1 1/2" lift? It seems excessive, but thats right from Icon's website.

My concern is that this lift goes from $1650CDN for just the 6112 suspension upgrade, to nearly $3000CDN if I follow all the internet recommendations for a 1.5" lift and level. At that point, I may just go back the Bilstein 5100's, or just by a toytec 2.0 lift (which seams to have rust issues if you believe the internet), or the OME BP-51. Are there any other suggestions or recommendations? Icon's systems look super nice, but the price point is excessive for what I would call a cosmetic lift.

Some thoughts... most folks achieve a "level" look by installing 5100s on the front stock coils and setting them to .85". The rear shocks and coils can stay stock, or you can replace the shocks with 5100s (leave stock coils) and get a better ride, and maintain level look. Anything higher than .85" front will not actually be level.

To get a little lift, many have installed 5100s all around, left stock coils, and put 1" spacers in the rear (e.g., cornfed spacers). To get the truck level, set the front to 1.75". Daystar sells 1.5" rear spacers and if you go that route you'd set front 5100s to 2.25". I know that the math says you'll need to lift like 4", in reality it doesn't seem to work like that. This lift will cost $350 for the 5100s (in US$ and doing some shopping around for a sale - 4 wheel parts currently has a sale going) plus $90 for the Cornfed spacers. That price is much more palatable for a cosmetic lift.

If you want 1.75 to 2.25" front and 1 to 1.5" rear lift you won't need new upper control arms, rear trailing arms, differential drop, new coils, etc. 5100s and spacers will get you there. Now - some will argue that this isn't the best setup for off-roading and others will argue that it rides a bit rough on the road. That's why many folks spend lots more money to get the lift from springs instead of spacers and "pre-loaded 5100s".

 

[GearJunkie88]

I'm at 2.5" front and 1.5" rear with Bilstein 5100s (front at 0)

View attachment 248046

View attachment 248047

Your rig is awesome and exactly how I want my lift to look. Do you think you got 1.5" from the SAW coil (instead of more according to many others who have installed it) because of the extra weight of your roof rack, RTT/awning, sliders, etc? Same for the OME 884s - everything I've read says you get like 3" from those coils.

 

[JSparky]

I'm throwing this out there cause of the tire size you mentioned, that is assuming "285" means 285/70R17 which is a relatively standard size for Toyota people to run without a lot of modifications.

First off, may I ask what your reasoning is for a 1.5" rear lift? I get the level stance thing, but do you not want to lift the front too much due to driveline angles or something else? You do not need a diff drop for anything under 3" of front lift on these rigs. Some people have issues with the CV bushing needle bearings causing driveline vibes after lifting, but this is an issue with both Tacoma's and 4Runners, and East Coast Gear makes a great upgrade product to solve that issue. Anyways, just curious to hear the reasoning which I'm sure everyone here will support.

That said, this is my old 13' TE with KDSS. Fox 2.5" shock body front coilovers, its the same coilover they sell for tacoma and FJ Cruisers, set at the factory preload. Rear is Radflo's 2" coil. These are also BudBuilt sliders and I had also installed a Gobi stealth rack shortly after. This setup was beautiful, excellent both on and off-road. I miss this truck terribly at times but I sold it to my pops and it's serving him well so it's all good. Unloaded the rear drove just slightly firmer than stock but in a good way. The rear was slightly higher than the front but I preferred that, 100 pounds of gravel/soil in the back during weekend nursery visits had it sitting perfectly level but still well controlled. I ran this with fox 2.0 performance series IFP shocks. This is with FN Konig Countersteer-Type X wheels and 285/70/r17 Cooper ST Maxx tires.

We all have our own preferences for looks, but to me this was really sweet.

Final note, I did have to do a body mount chop with this 4Runner, as well as my current one which is a 2016 with the same tires but sitting at 2.5-3" of front lift. I had rubbing at full wheel lock over bumps. Best of luck to you!

 

[SoCal_Trail]

1.5" lift Suspension Help/recommendations

Thank you. Those are close to my theoretical numbers. I was planning to use 2.2" for the front. But am afraid the T13 might give more than 1.5" - like all the reports of the SAW 1.5" coil actually being closer to 2". If that happens, I'd have way more than .5" rake.


[MENTION=137623]SoCal_Trail[/MENTION] - do you have any photos of your rig after the T13 install?

A few pics I took after the install.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tyler James Inc]

1.5" lift Suspension Help/recommendations

I just installed the T13 coils on a friend's '14 SR5 yesterday, and I can't say I'm 100% happy with them.
While they do ride excellent with the 5100s, they only gave me 1" of lift. It's not horrible, but 1.5" is what I wanted, and it would have been PERFECT.
Rear went from 21 3/4" to 22 3/4"
I used the stock coils on 5100 set to 2.5" on the front. The tape measure tells me I got about 2 1/4" lift from that setting.

Don't get me wrong- I think it sits great. But I HATE a saggy rear, so I want to make sure it never looks saggy(i.e. With passengers, IKEA furniture, Nordstrom bags from the mall, parked facing up on a hill(at the mall), etc)

FWIW, tires are 285/70.

 

[GearJunkie88]

I just installed the T13 coils on a friend's '14 SR5 yesterday, and I can't say I'm 100% happy with them.
While they do ride excellent with the 5100s, they only gave me 1" of lift. It's not horrible, but 1.5" is what I wanted, and it would have been PERFECT.
Rear went from 21 3/4" to 22 3/4"
I used the stock coils on 5100 set to 2.5" on the front. The tape measure tells me I got about 2 1/4" lift from that setting.

Don't get me wrong- I think it sits great. But I HATE a saggy rear, so I want to make sure it never looks saggy(i.e. With passengers, IKEA furniture, Nordstrom bags from the mall, parked facing up on a hill(at the mall), etc)

FWIW, tires are 285/70.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Now I'm a bit worried about the T13 coils. I've seen reports ranging from 1" to 1.75" now.

I guess I'll have the shop that's doing the install put on the rear coils first and figure out the actual amount of rear lift before setting the front lift. Not even sure if that's possible.

After the whole install is complete I guess I'll be able to decide on wheels (265 vs 275) depending on the actual lift.

 

[hawaiianryan]

Does your friend have a third row?

I just installed the T13 coils on a friend's '14 SR5 yesterday, and I can't say I'm 100% happy with them.
While they do ride excellent with the 5100s, they only gave me 1" of lift. It's not horrible, but 1.5" is what I wanted, and it would have been PERFECT.
Rear went from 21 3/4" to 22 3/4"
I used the stock coils on 5100 set to 2.5" on the front. The tape measure tells me I got about 2 1/4" lift from that setting.

Don't get me wrong- I think it sits great. But I HATE a saggy rear, so I want to make sure it never looks saggy(i.e. With passengers, IKEA furniture, Nordstrom bags from the mall, parked facing up on a hill(at the mall), etc)

FWIW, tires are 285/70.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

1.5" lift Suspension Help/recommendations

I guess I'll have the shop that's doing the install put on the rear coils first and figure out the actual amount of rear lift before setting the front lift. Not even sure if that's possible.

I think that's a great idea, and that shouldn't be a problem at all. The rear is super easy, and only took 30 minutes to swap springs and shocks [emoji1360] You'll clear the 265 or 275 tires no problem at all. I am assuming you don't have aftermarket wheels with a low offset.

Does your friend have a third row?

No third row. No added weight. I seem to remember fuel was around 1/2 tank.