2008 V6 build ideas and questions

[drive4fun]

Hey everyone,

Relatively new to the 4 runner build scene. Mostly into sports cars and used this 4 runner as my daily since 2010.

Been through a ton: 1m coupe, 981 GTS, 987.2 cs, e46 m3s list goes on. Currently in a 2021 A91 Supra.


My 4runner needs some love and ive been recently loving going and doing some light offroading here in norcal.

Car right now is 100% stock. Looking to refresh the car and do a bit of a resto mod on it.

Plans so far include things like refreshing the infotainment and buidling it with some front and rear cameras etc. Refrshing the seats. I can do some searching on that.

What I need some help on is the suspension/bushing/tires. There is so much information out there that searching really doesn't help.

Wanted some actual pointed advice given my use cases.

1) This car is a daily. So not looking for something that is too harsh/noisy/expensive to maintain. This car has been super durable and worry free and I'd love to keep it that way.
2) It does go to Tahoe often...especially in the snow. I want some good winter tires on it.
3) I want to do light offroading. Nothing crazy, no rock climbing etc. But I think a small lift and slightly larger tires would help. I was bottoming out on some easy trails at Hollister with my stock 4 runner.

Things I wanted to consider
A) didn't want something too crazy lift wise - keep hearing about the CV axles and boots being broken often with a crazy lift.
B) I only have the V6 so I assume going crazy with large tires would suck going up hills etc.

Anyways, would love to hear thoughts on suspension/bushing ideas. Thinking a 1-2inch lift would be reliable for the CV axles and let me run like 5th gen tire sizes from the TRD pro?

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[mysticz]

There are so many suspension options on the market, it all depends on your budget.

From what you listed you probably don't need a coil over setup, probably a Bilstein 5100 setup budget est. $450-550 will work for your needs and with some trimming you can run 33 inch tires.

Next option would be a OME suspension budget est. $650-800 and if you want a full coilover setup budget est. $2500-3500 I recommend Kings, Radflo, Fox and Dobinsons.

Another option is to search for a used set of a TRD suspension setup from a 5th gen who just did a swap, you can usually find a full setup for under $1000. vilmontmarket• Instagram

Tires I would recommend a good AT for daily driving, snow and off road stuff, I personally run Good Year Duratracs a more aggressive AT and currently on my 4th set.

Other popular AT's I have researched and considered are the Falken Wildpeak AT/3, Nitto Ridgegrapplers and the BFG K02 AT.

Also you can find more info and stuff for sale in the Bay Area at this facebook group. Bay Area Toyotas

Happy Modding and welcome to T4R.org.

 

[drive4fun]

Thanks for the ideas. As far as lifting with the coilovers etc..how high can you go without impacting the reliablity of the CV axles (boots etc)?

ALso for the coilovers, do you find that the ride quality stiffens/gets better ?

 

[mysticz]

Thanks for the ideas. As far as lifting with the coilovers etc..how high can you go without impacting the reliablity of the CV axles (boots etc)?

ALso for the coilovers, do you find that the ride quality stiffens/gets better ?

Right now I am at 3 inches coilover lift with no affect to my CV angles, probably can go 3.5 max.

Coilovers range in ride stiffness depending on what you get, setups from Fox & Dobinsons offer two zone (slow & fast) adjustment on compression and rest I listed have just one standard compression adjustment.

I have ran Radflo coilovers for 10+ years now and they handle a little stiffer on road but not too bad and my setup does not have a compression adjuster. My buddies who run setups with compression adjuster say they can dial in smoother rides on road for DD.