3" Lift Kit, Best bang for my buck

JohnBill53

JohnBill53

New member
I have a 01 4runner with 185k on what im almost positive original suspension. I've wanted a lift for a long time purely for looks and the opportunity to have a little bit of fun in the few parts of dallas where theres not concrete. as of right now I'm thinking of buying the toytec 3" lift kit with front spacers, giving milage etc. will my back end ride significantly higher than the front? and how big can i go with my tires on that lift? Please post back with answers!
 
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JPB said:
I have a 01 4runner with 185k on what im almost positive original suspension. I've wanted a lift for a long time purely for looks and the opportunity to have a little bit of fun in the few parts of dallas where theres not concrete. as of right now I'm thinking of buying the toytec 3" lift kit with front spacers, giving milage etc. will my back end ride significantly higher than the front? and how big can i go with my tires on that lift? Please post back with answers!
Click to expand...

The 3'' kit with spacers should make the truck sit about level after the suspension settles. A lot of people who do the 3'' lift run 33's after but not sure if you could go bigger without a body lift/grinding in addition.
 
I agree with Deceptiwave. I did the same lift the 1st time, and ended up buying something else after not even a year!

My suggestion, go on E-bay. Try to find a set of slightly used TRD Tundra Strut assemblies from a 2002 Access Cab Tundra. Then talk to Duhockey, try to get a set of 8 Wrap LC Coils, if not the 8 wraps, he's currently doing a survey to see how many people would be interested in the 9 wrap LC Coils.
Here's the link to his thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/81171-9-wrap-lc-coils.html

Just another interesting piece of info:

You would spend just as much on my setup as you would for the budget lift from Toytec. The only thing I would bother to buy from Toytec, would be Diff Drop kit, and top plate spacers with the extended nuts. Use the top plate spacers on the top of your Tundra Assemblies, and the LC Coils! Longer shocks would be a good idea for the rear. You can get a set of those for about $115.00 a pair.

Here's some shots of my rig. 1st one is of the Toytec 3" budget lift:

P1110309.jpg~original


This one is the Tundra/LC coils:

P1110313.jpg~original


By the way, the Tundra/LC coils, give a much better ride! For me, this is the best "budget" setup, and gives an amazing ride quality over stock!
 
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What Fightman80 said. Here was my cost.
1.) Tundra TRD springs and shocks. $100 at a junk yard (lucky).
2.) Toytec 3/4" Top Plate spacer. $60.00
3.) Toytec Diff drop $30.00
4.) Rancho RS5000 shocks $120.00 (I had previously replaced these so they were on the truck when I did the lift)
5.) OME 890 springs. $170
Total: $480.00 not bad at all.
 
ya with 180k on original suspension, spacers are just going to make the ride worse. Like they said, spend a little extra coin and buy new struts, coils and shocks and itll feel like a new truck. Lc coils are cheap, ride great and flex better then any aftermarket coil ive seen and paired up with stock lc shocks that are $35 a piece they work awesome.

If you want to stay on a budget the trd struts/coils are supposed to be a good option but i havent ridden on them.

Honestly id save for a few more weeks/months or whatever until you can afford some good coilovers for the front, its well worth the extra money imo.

This is my setup:
1. SAW coilovers $624
2. 8 Wrap LC coils $80
3. LC Shocks $75
Total: $779
 
Okay, I'm pretty new to the 4runner world as far as modifications. I'm Only 18 and driving for two years my knowlage of cars is limmited. Can you explain these, LC coils etc?
 
Yeah Toytec is the way to go. Check out my build thread for pics of mine. If I could do it over, Id get the stiffer springs all the way around. I drive aggressive and would prefer stiff travel over mush travel.. Be warned: 285's will rub, BUY SPACERS if your going to run stock rims.
 
I would say going the Tundra/LC route is the cheapest for a good ride. The setup that is sitting in my garage cost me $450.

Tundra Coils/shocks- $155 Car-parts.com
1/2 Toytec Spacer- $40 T4R member
7.5 Wrap LC Coils- $65 Yotatech Member
LC Shocks (haven't bought yet) ~ $70 Dealership
Diff Drop- $30 Toytec
Toytec 1" Body Lift- $100 T4R member

If you want all new go with Toytec Ultimate or Sonoran Steel 1.2
 
LC coils 50 bucks
LC shocks 100 bucks
OME 882's off TTORA 100 bucks
OME 90004's from toytec 270 bucks
topouts + extended studs 60 bucks
diff drop 30 bucks

= $610
 
LC coils are the front coils off of an 80 series landcruiser that you can use on a 3rd gen to lift the rear end up.
 
They are top plate spacers for the front Tundra coils. They add an extra 1/2-1 inch depending on what size you get. It helps bring the front up more and level with the rear.
 
runnyrunnerton said:
Yeah Toytec is the way to go. Check out my build thread for pics of mine. If I could do it over, Id get the stiffer springs all the way around. I drive aggressive and would prefer stiff travel over mush travel.. Be warned: 285's will rub, BUY SPACERS if your going to run stock rims.
Click to expand...

If you're asking about the spacers mentioned in this post, wheel spacers. It'll keep your tires from rubbing the upper control arms after you lift.
 
Oh yeah, my cost:

Tundra Strut Assemblies: $347.00 (parts were cheap, $80.00/side, but shipping to Canada killed me)

LC 8 wrap Coils: FREE (should be able to get some used for around $100.00 pair)

Rear shocks: $110.00 pair (Skyjacker 2.5" lift shocks)

Diff Drop: hard to tell, got it with my previous lift, but Diff drop kit from Toytec retails for $29.99

Toytec 3/4" Top Plate spacer. $60.00

All in all, my cost: $546.99 (including shipping to Canada)

Should cost you: $460.99 (plus shipping)
 
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New

Ok so my mother has a 1996 toyota four runner and i see yall doing 450 dollar lift kits that are very cost effective im just wondering if the tundra struts just bolt right on to the fourrunners strut towers or what also does the tundra have a higher suspension because im looking to give my mothers truck a tough look but she doesnt want to spend alot right now please help
 
Fourrunnerson said:
Ok so my mother has a 1996 toyota four runner and i see yall doing 450 dollar lift kits that are very cost effective im just wondering if the tundra struts just bolt right on to the fourrunners strut towers or what also does the tundra have a higher suspension because im looking to give my mothers truck a tough look but she doesnt want to spend alot right now please help
Click to expand...

Should bolt right up if I'm not mistaken, you might have to move the shock collar down a perch if you buy them assembled ( I'm not sure), I think the 4runner billies have 2 perches and the taco ones have 3 If you're buying new might aswell just go with the shocks made for the 4runner they're the same price new. pretty sure the taco struts will bolt right up though hopefully someone can confirm...

jeeze this thread makes me and my truck feel old, I wish I could go back to being 18 with 185k on the 4runner
 
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