3" Lift for $600 sound good?

[spoiler900]

I have a 99 Limited 4X4 with 241K...

I came accross this add on craigslist and got a little excited. It says "This kit includes front strut extensions, rear coil springs, and rear 2.0 shocks."

Couple questions, I know pretty much nothing about lifting a car but have always wanted a 3" lift and it says for $600 installed and that sounds like a good deal to me. Wondering if this could make my suspension or anything bad or what negative effects this could give me. I have 241,000 low miles and its time for new shocks for me so wondering if in the add it says "rear 2.0 shocks" so does that also mean i wont need new back shocks or is that irrelevant ill still need a new set.

Last question will this raise my tow hitch with the truck or will it leave a gap between my tow hitch and the rear bumper?

I plan on asking these questions to the shop but wanted to talk to some 4Runner professionals first!

Let me know if this is a good deal if I should do it or its going to f*** up my truck

Link to ad: 96-02 Toyota 4Runner 3" Lift Kit Special

 

[Mike&Ike]

Well simply put it sounds like a top mount spacer which you do not want. It puts unwanted stress on suspension parts. Better off going with some Bilstein 5100 adjustables and rear coils. Mind you these aren't the best but its a cheap solution. 2.0 shocks usually mean a 2 inch diameter shock. They would replace your back shocks. Look on toytecs website for these items I mentioned. Also it will raise you hitch no it wont leave a gap.

 

[spoiler900]

So should I ask them if its a "top mount spacer" and you say thats a bad thing? And when you say to go with the Bilsteins does that mean for the shocks or the lift?

 

[Mike&Ike]

Well bilstein has a shock which has a adjustable spring perch which compresses the spring in return lifting the truck. Kinda like a coilover but it has set positions. This isn't ideal because over time the spring will sag from being compressed. Top mount spacer are not what you want read this to give a alittle understanding why:
MUST READ....... Be CAREFUL With spacer lifts!!!! - TTORA Forum

 

[Mike&Ike]

Front Bilstein Height adjustable 5100 shocks

Rear Gas Charged Shocks (90-02 4Runner)

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Rear-OME-Coils-96-02-4Run_p_218.html

This is what I would recommend on a budget. It's probably alittle more then you want to spend after everything but it would be better. Only change from this and the ad you posted really is the front. This replaces your front shocks while their kit adds to your current shocks. You should try to do an install yourself you can learn alot and I am sure there are guys on here in your area that would love to help.

 

[spoiler900]

Ok your almost speaking a different language then me haha but your saying to use those 3 links and that will fix my need for new shocks and will that lift my truck or is this just for shocks? You say dont use spacers but is that what the ad says they use? thanks for all your help

 

[Mike&Ike]

Ok your almost speaking a different language then me haha but your saying to use those 3 links and that will fix my need for new shocks and will that lift my truck or is this just for shocks? You say dont use spacers but is that what the ad says they use? thanks for all your help

Sorry, Yeah they will lift and replace your shocks. Yeah it sounds like they do use spacers. I would start with the lift sticky at the top of the 3RD gen main page.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

A budget lift can end up costing you more in the long run. Here is my experience.

I always wanted a 3 inch lift too. A local friend/4runner owner was taking his stuff off for a solid axle swap. Long story short I got his 3" lift installed for $200. It was a top plate spacer lift in front. and LC coils in the back.

It was awesome, I was happy. but then 3 inches made my tires look really small. So I needed to buy new ones that were slightly bigger (still not big enough) but factor that into the price of your lift. Bigger tires means spending a lot more $$

Next are the cv's. 98% chance your gonna bust a boot or 2 after you install this lift. Both of mine are busted and I'm awaiting to install my new ones. A diff drop wont help with old cv's. it didn't with mine anyway

For me I had to get longer shocks in the rear to work with my longer coils. This was another $200.

To put it bluntly, there are gonna be all kinds of costs that add up when lifting it. If I were to do it again I might have waited to get some actual adjustable coilovers up front. I've about paid for a full legitimate quality lift kit with the money I've spent to fix stuff the way I want it. But then again it's just sweet bliss to have a lifted 4runner!

 

[spoiler900]

Ugh so pretty much dont get this lift for $600 it wont do good for my car....was hoping for some good news

 

[TNRunner99]

I will have a slightly used OME kit for sale in a few weeks. Bought from Toytec and has roughly 1,000 miles or so on them. Assembled front coilovers and rear springs and shocks. Will lift 2.5 to 3in on your runner. Selling for $600 plus whatever shipping will be to the buyer. PM if interested.

A new full suspension is the way to go. Avoid spacers like the previous postings said.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

Ugh so pretty much dont get this lift for $600 it wont do good for my car....was hoping for some good news

haha don't worry good opportunities like the above post are always available.

Here's a thought. If you have a les schwab out where you live, go in there and have them quote a lift for you. I went there a while ago and they quoted me around $750 for a full suspension lift installed. it was made by rough country, 3 inches etc. Not a bad deal for a budget lift

 

[spoiler900]

Ok i appreciate the help guys if you all think of anything else let me know!