OK, I have a 2012 limited I just bought and never thought about the ride height. Had an 06 SR5 and it was much easier to get in and out of. My question is this. Is there any stat / measurement that list entry / exit height. The limited has the 20" wheels. I am wondering if going to 17" or 18" wheels will lower the entry height or are the tires just bigger or something. Tried Toyota and Tirerack and could not find this information. The wife and I are in our 60 and not as spry as we use to be. Someone tell me if tires and rims would make the difference or if there is a fairly cheap way to lower the vehicle a minimum of and 1 1/2 inches. I have seen guys getting rid of the 20's, is this the reason. Would SR5 or Trail wheels lower it. Would they look stupid. SR5 wheels with low profile tires maybe. What say you!
12 Limited to High to get in and out of 20"
- Thread starter Dunk50
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Jaker
New member
Changing to smaller diameter wheels won't affect the ride height (unless as you suggested, you went with abnormally low profile tires; however, then your speedometer would be off).
If you changed to SR5 or Trail wheels and went with the appropriate stock size tires, the overall diameter difference would only be 0.03 inches.
Did you not test drive before buying? Sometimes people buy over the internet without a test drive so you never know. Anyway, I can help you with lifting the truck but lowering is a totally different story.
If you changed to SR5 or Trail wheels and went with the appropriate stock size tires, the overall diameter difference would only be 0.03 inches.
Did you not test drive before buying? Sometimes people buy over the internet without a test drive so you never know. Anyway, I can help you with lifting the truck but lowering is a totally different story.
Hellamatic
New member
It would look silly with smaller tires and you'd kill your gas mileage too.
Mentioning lowering a 4Runner is sacreligious around here, but it may be your best bet. I can't comment on or recommend any lowering kits, however. Maybe put on a set of running boards? Either that, or you may have to cut your losses and trade your 4Runner in on a Highlander.
Mentioning lowering a 4Runner is sacreligious around here, but it may be your best bet. I can't comment on or recommend any lowering kits, however. Maybe put on a set of running boards? Either that, or you may have to cut your losses and trade your 4Runner in on a Highlander.
Running boards sound like the answer to me... but I really don't know what your needs are other than easier access.
Changing tires/wheels to lower the vehicle will require reducing the tire circumference, which will have other impacts, including gas mileage and speedometer.
I know there are companies that specialize in mobility conversions... usually for vans. maybe someone can come up with a kneeling t4r for you. That might be a first...
I'd see if you can find a rear spring that would bring the rear down (maybe spring from 2009 or prior? I'm unsure). This wouldn't involve messing with XREAS and would make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Just make sure to keep the rear equal to or higher than the front, especially if you tow.
The front - ground to fender probably measures about 34.5 and the rear about 37. If you could get that rear down to 35ish it would ease entry at the driver/passenger doors.
If it comes to it, a custom set of springs could be made for around 200-250 and rear spring install is simple and should take a shop less than an hour.
Another option are side steps. I think those n-fab steps look helpful for entry.
In addition to my above post. If you want to try that ride height out without investing anything yet, load the back of your 4R up with about 600-700 pounds in the back and see if you can get in and out easier. If that height makes it easier then pursue the springs making sure they are not too short at full extension.
.
rebelbowtie
New member
You're over 60 years old? I am also an ass and assumed all new T4R's come factory ordered with running boards because every on at the local dealer has them lol.
philsey
New member
kmiller8821
New member
70 tomorrow.
Happy advanced bday (you know, in case u kick the bucket with all the new years celebrations and all)
To the op: tube steps or running boards.
lilsid112
New member
70 tomorrow.
Happy advanced birthday as well! Its great to see older gentlemen on the forums still modding their vehicles.
rebelbowtie
New member
70 tomorrow.
70 is the new 50?
philsey
New member
1engineer
Moderator
Some of us are not youngsters here, especially in the 5th gen side. You can usually tell who has some miles on them by their posts. If 70 is the new 50 then Philsey must have the same aches and pains I have lol.
philsey
New member
My mama always said "getting old is not for sissies".
Say hello to my leetle frien' .....
Sorry OP, sometimes we stray ....
Attachments
rebelbowtie
New member
I remember the poll I started when I first joined since it seemed majority of the forum was adolescent.
STLDAVE
Member
I think running boards are the answer for you. My girlfriend is 5 feet tall and gets in just fine, though she is a little younger.
The 18" and 20" wheels used on the SR5/TE and Limited, respectively, use tires that have the same external diameter. Changing from the Limited's 20" to the SR5 or TE 18" will result in no change in the ride height and little, if any, change in gas mileage. If anything, they are likely to slightly increase gas mileage, as the 20" wheels likely have a larger moment of inertia than the 18" wheels, and thus likely have more rotational inertia.
rebelbowtie
New member
The OP said smaller diameter wheels and "low profile" tires, that means shorter diameter tire.
Well folks thanks for all the replays. t this point I don't have a problem. I expect to later on. At this point the wife does have the problem. Truck came with running boards, not the automatic ones but the ones that are always out. Getting in is ok as you step up, getting out she says she can't see the running board to know where to step.
For Jaker, nope no test drive. I was driving an 06 SR5, could not find what I wanted around my home area so I drove over to Ohio to pick it up. I did all the negotiations on the phone and internet. Worked out great. I would still be interested in knowing the difference in seat height from the ground for the 4th and 5th ten. Can't seem to find that spec. Really does not matter at this point, just curious. Thanks again guys. :hello:
For Jaker, nope no test drive. I was driving an 06 SR5, could not find what I wanted around my home area so I drove over to Ohio to pick it up. I did all the negotiations on the phone and internet. Worked out great. I would still be interested in knowing the difference in seat height from the ground for the 4th and 5th ten. Can't seem to find that spec. Really does not matter at this point, just curious. Thanks again guys. :hello:
