2 days into 2014 TE with this kdss thing, CAN/Should I LIFT OR NOT?

J

jtex

New member
I am a former FJ owner, been to the summit, had a blast, loved the FJ almost bought another one few days ago, then drove the TE 4 runner because it had locking rear diff. Had never heard of kdss until after buying. The ride is incredible on dirt road to my house, it is amazing actually, however, the plan was to go to ouray with my kid in the 4 runner so I assumed I would be lifting 2 or 3 inches and some sliders. Is it worth it with the kdss system? Will I have to chop the frame to fit 285's? I am trying to remember what trails in Ouray I actually needed a lift for, also, I did dent my sliders with lifted fj at one point on one of the trails but cant remember if it was a clearance issue or if I was maneuvering around a small boulder or what.

Anyway, is it worth it or should I go stock for the Ouray trails? Opinions appreciated.

P.S. Does anyone know what the actual clearance on the stock TE's are? 8.3 or 9.6?

Much Gras
 
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If you like the improved on road handling of the KDSS then it's worth it. Of course you can lift it. I have a 3" lift with 35s on mine
 
Yes you can lift it and yes you should lift it if you plan on wheeling it much. Approach and departure are not as good as the FJ out of the box, so the lift helps.

KDSS has nothing to do with improving clearance. It improves articulation offroad (over a non kdss truck with static swaybars) by letting the sway bars loosen up via a hydraulic valve.

Might want to double check and see if you have KDSS. If it is new, dealers don't sell KDSS equipped TEs in Texas.
 
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HOLY!!! Well thank you for the suggestion to double check. OK, I DO NOT HAVE KDSS! So what does that mean for lifts, increased travel, etc? This 4runner was delivered and went into service in the NE US, has 10K miles on it.
 
What lift did you go with, did you have to chop the frame behind the front tires to fit the 35's?
 
jtex said:
Had never heard of kdss until after buying.
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Research, research, research. Test drive, research, then buy only AFTER you're confident that you know as much/more than a salesman. It's amazing that people just walk into a dealership with a wad of cash in this age of having a nearly limitless pool of info at our fingertips.

Lifting is a similar process. Research what is available and what might suit your needs. The stickied build threads are a good starting point. Read through some builds and decide what things you want to copy. PM the owners with specific questions, and you will quickly be able to decide what's best for you.
 
Going with 2 inch lift, slightly taller tires, will avoid frame modification that way. Love the 4runner visibility and the kid should have a great view "OUT" when in the mountains.
 
jtex said:
HOLY!!! Well thank you for the suggestion to double check. OK, I DO NOT HAVE KDSS! So what does that mean for lifts, increased travel, etc? This 4runner was delivered and went into service in the NE US, has 10K miles on it.
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You will need to research, but let me give you the high level run down.

Not having KDSS will allow you to run more travel in the rear (Long travel). Most packaged lifts do not include long travel. You would need to buy individual components. Check out MetalTech for long travel rear kits designed for the 5th gen. These also require extended brake lines... If you are going to mess with that, consider removing the swaybars, or at least using extended links...

As far as tires go. 285s (33s) will work fine without a body mount chop. BTW, body mount is not cutting the frame (just the wings on the body mount).

For lift, 3" is the general rule of thumb and all you will really find in your search. You will want to budget for aftermarket UCAs to go with it. This is almost required to get the alignment set up correctly after the change in ride height.
 
wfo9 said:
You will need to research, but let me give you the high level run down.

Not having KDSS will allow you to run more travel in the rear (Long travel). Most packaged lifts do not include long travel. You would need to buy individual components. Check out MetalTech for long travel rear kits designed for the 5th gen. These also require extended brake lines... If you are going to mess with that, consider removing the swaybars, or at least using extended links...

As far as tires go. 285s (33s) will work fine without a body mount chop. BTW, body mount is not cutting the frame (just the wings on the body mount).

For lift, 3" is the general rule of thumb and all you will really find in your search. You will want to budget for aftermarket UCAs to go with it. This is almost required to get the alignment set up correctly after the change in ride height.
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How did you get your rig to take 285's without the body mount chop? Or is it still rubbing a bit somewhere?
 
Look, I buy a tire, put it on the wheel and go driving, the wheels all have same bolt pattern and are 17" for the tires, what does a backspaced wheel do?

Nevermind, I see it. Ok so what is a preferable backspacing?
 
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This is a perfect example why the "old guys" always get frustrated and will tell you to search rather than explaining and spoon-feeding concepts ad nauseum. This link is literally provided right at the top of [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] 's fitment guide that you have already looked at.

Wheel Backspace & Offset - Truck Wheel Sizes - Truckin' Magazine

edit: I see that you've edited your post in the time that it took me to post this rant - I apologize for my hasty reply, haha.
 
comtn4x4 said:
How did you get your rig to take 285's without the body mount chop? Or is it still rubbing a bit somewhere?
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285s should be easy. Just get the wheels pushed as far forward as possible (you want this anyway to get more positive caster). This is done with the LCA cam bolts and is part of the alignment process. Pushing the front fender liner forward is usually required. This is a very easy process. Just relocate the holes holding the pastic.

This assumes you have a wheel size that will work. Ideal is 17x8 0 offset. 4.5 backspacing. Stock wheels should also work. Spacers 9" wide rims or goofy offsets will have more issues.
 
I am budget minded so new wheels are out, new tires are a must, modest lift a must, I'm thinking 285/70/17 with toytec Boss suspension system that apparently gives a modest travel increase. Thats the extent of mods for me. Do have a question though, how are you all attaching the long bajarack, I dont see attachment points in the front of the roof channels. Wait, just wait, I need to go look this information up. Ha! already did and was unable to find out the simple question, does the 4runner have attachment points at the front of roofline channels? Thanks for the info. people its appreciated believe me.
 
jtex said:
I am budget minded so new wheels are out, new tires are a must, modest lift a must, I'm thinking 285/70/17 with toytec Boss suspension system that apparently gives a modest travel increase. Thats the extent of mods for me. Do have a question though, how are you all attaching the long bajarack, I dont see attachment points in the front of the roof channels. Wait, just wait, I need to go look this information up. Ha! already did and was unable to find out the simple question, does the 4runner have attachment points at the front of roofline channels? Thanks for the info. people its appreciated believe me.
Click to expand...

285/70s on stock wheels are fine, no rubbing, even if you just use a cheap spacer lift and no UCAs. Not the best setup, but if you're just after a basic lift to fit tires for modest wheeling, you'll be just fine.

The Bajarack long rack uses the stock attachment points for the 4 mounting feet on the rear, and the 2 front mounting feet just sit on top of the roof without fasteners.
 
Man, this forum is dangerous, for pocketbooks that is. Now seeing a plethora of nifty little things to add, buy, try out. Not going to give in like I did with the FJ. Really, I mean it, not going to give in. However the led light bars and of course the lovely off road bumpers that they are attached to and of course the rear bumper with the gas can racks and spare tire carrier, those are always lovely and functional too. The nifty little switches with the zombie radiation little light thing, that was especially fun looking. Wonder where I could find those?
 
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