3" Lift, non-suspension question

[Jimbo]

Great forum.

I've searched the lift threads, but couldn't find an answer to my question:

I understand that the shock travel remains the same on the NE lift with the relocs, so there's no over-extension issues there, but what about other components?

For example, will a lift stress the steering connections or driveshafts/transfer case? What about the brake lines?

I'm a new owner (not new to suspension lifts) thinking of going with a 3"/2.5" lift, and haven't read about any of these issues coming up. Does that mean they don't exist?

The components listed above seem to have been the limiting factors in other lifts I've had.

 

[Good Times]

Great forum.

I've searched the lift threads, but couldn't find an answer to my question:

I understand that the shock travel remains the same on the NE lift with the relocs, so there's no over-extension issues there, but what about other components?

For example, will a lift stress the steering connections or driveshafts/transfer case? What about the brake lines?

I'm a new owner (not new to suspension lifts) thinking of going with a 3"/2.5" lift, and haven't read about any of these issues coming up. Does that mean they don't exist?

The components listed above seem to have been the limiting factors in other lifts I've had.

Welcome to T4R.org!

Since you have the SR5 grade, your best bet is to get better quality suspension parts than what NE has to offer. You don't have XREAS so this gives you many more options in terms of lifting your 4runner.

What you ultimately want when you lift any vehicle is to gain more travel and more height, not just height alone. That said, since you don't have XREAS on your 4runner, you have the ability to change out your complete suspension unlike those with XREAS.

Here are some options:

Entry Level Suspension: $
Daystar Spacers - Utilizes stock coil and shock for both front and rear
Revtek Spacers - Utilizes stock shock for both front and rear, stock front shock and longer aftermarket rear shock

Mid Level Suspension: $$
Downey Offroad Coilover - Utilizes complete swap of front suspension (coil and shock), same for the rear as you get new shock and coil. Also includes rear brake extension

Extreme Level Suspension: $$$
Donahoe Racing Coilover - Utilizes complete swap of front suspension (will have to get some kind of rear lift still by another vendor)
Sway A Way Coilover - Utilizes complete swap of front suspension (will have to get some kind of rear lift still by another vendor)

Ultimately, you'll be problem free. The only thing I recommend is extend the rear brake line as this is more of a safety concern than anything else. The front you won't have to worry about as the lift itself is mild enough not to warranty any concerns.

If you plan to keep your stock shocks and just add spacers, do not go beyond 3" as the stock droop is at around 4" (approx) and running at max droop is just crazy. If you swap your front suspension out then your limitations are endless (just have to wait for vendors to get the products out actually)

GOod luck!

 

[Jimbo]

Re: Re: 3" Lift, non-suspension question

Ultimately, you'll be problem free. The only thing I recommend is extend the rear brake line as this is more of a safety concern than anything else. The front you won't have to worry about as the lift itself is mild enough not to warranty any concerns.

Thanks for all the great info. I appreciate the help.

I'm not quite ready to replace the suspension front and rear, so I think I'll go the revtek route, plus rear brake line extensions. Maybe I'll move up to one of the more involved solutions a few years down the road, when it's time to think about replacing shocks.

Thanks again.

 

[hre814]

goodtimes, do the rear brake lines have to be extended with the 3/2.5" revtek spacers? I know some have extended them when going higher.

herman

 

[schneidermj]

hre814/Jimbo-

Revtek kit utilizes the stock front shocks and comes with new longer/beefier rear shocks, and brake line extension. Some say the brake line extension isn't needed, but I would highly recommend it. 5 minute job and piece of mind...

I did the lift myself and love how t4r rides with the lift-a little stiffer and more responsive.

 

[Jimbo]

hre814/Jimbo-

Revtek kit utilizes the stock front shocks and comes with new longer/beefier rear shocks, and brake line extension. Some say the brake line extension isn't needed, but I would highly recommend it. 5 minute job and piece of mind...

I did the lift myself and love how t4r rides with the lift-a little stiffer and more responsive.

GT,

Thanks for all the info. I've found the kits at websites listed in another thread (best price or something) but none of the parts lists seem to include the brake line extensions, and the PDF installation guide doesn't talk about installing them.

I haven't been able to find the extensions online. Any ideas?

Jim

 

[schneidermj]

Call wheelers offroad, they'll confirm what is included in the kit. Very helpful.

 

[Jimbo]

Call wheelers offroad, they'll confirm what is included in the kit. Very helpful.

FYI

I spoke with Wheelers. Regarding rear brake line extensions, what's included in the kit are brackets to relocate the existing brake lines to account for the lift.

I had it in my head that the "extensions" were actual brake line extensions, as in tubing. I was not looking forward to bleeding the brake system as part of the lift installation.

Thanks for your help.

 

[hre814]

schneidermj, just to clarify the above point, is tubing extension and hence bleeding necessary or are you merely moving the line my moving the bracket?

 

[Good Times]

goodtimes, do the rear brake lines have to be extended with the 3/2.5" revtek spacers? I know some have extended them when going higher.

herman

Adding the rear brake line bracket that comes with some of the lift kits is recommended. It's pretty easy to modify even if they don't have one as all you really need to do is make a 1" x 3" plate and just retab it and attach. Just move the brake line up 3" so it doesn't get caught when you're flexin like a mad man when you wheel

Good luck!

 

[G3 Trout Runner]

Lance,

What are your thoughts on using the longer shocks in the back (Revtek) versus NOT like with the Daystar kit.

What problems can occur immediately and in the future for someone who does street and moderate trail rides?

Thanks,

G3

 

[Good Times]

Basically nothing. But a good rule of thumb is that if you lift (via spacers or coils) then you should get longer shocks. Daystar's lift is very mild that it's not necessary.

The only concern would be if you overextend your shock and blow it out. It can happen if you do it suddenly but when you offroad you're not going 500 mph so the likelihood is slim. None the less I would always get longer shocks just for the peace of mind. The other option would be to get limit straps so you don't overextend the shocks.

That said, both Daystar and Revtek take measurements and built their kits accordingly so I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[schneidermj]

schneidermj, just to clarify the above point, is tubing extension and hence bleeding necessary or are you merely moving the line my moving the bracket?

The brake line extension is simply a bracket extension. Take out the screw holding the bracket to the body and insert the longer screw that came with the kit and re-attach. No bleeding necessary...

Unless you know what you're looking at, you may want to take it to Toyota for the 5 minute install. I wasn't sure and did just that. After I watched the install I was kicking myself. Some folks say it isn't needed, but when you see how it affects the brake lines you'll be glad you did.

 

[Good Times]

Some folks say it isn't needed, but when you see how it affects the brake lines you'll be glad you did.

EXACTLY!

remember everyone, safety first!

 

[schneidermj]

Lance,

What are your thoughts on using the longer shocks in the back (Revtek) versus NOT like with the Daystar kit.

What problems can occur immediately and in the future for someone who does street and moderate trail rides?

Thanks,

G3

Revtek did one hell of a job researching/testing their kit. You're buying the kit, not this or that. Revtek includes the brake line extension-PUT IT ON, longer shocks to account for the additional lift-PUT THEM ON, etc. If you by the Revtek kit don't question if you should do this or that, bottom line is "just do it". All pieces work together to form one solid mod for your 4Runner. If you don't do the longer shocks or brake line extension you're asking for trouble. I did the brake line extension, put on the new shocks (bigger diameter and much better than OEM) and put on the spacers as directed. It's the best money I've ever spent on a vehicle.

Revtek kit is the best spacer kit available for offroading (based on Revteks research and countless hours of my own). It's a complete kit and the best bang for your buck!

Daystar will work, but you can expect your upper control arms to come in contact with your coils due to the front spacer configuration (in extreme situations). Also, it doesn't come with the brake line extension or longer rear shocks.

Between Revtek and Daystar we're talking only a 1/2 inch difference in lift. I wanted the piece of mind having the brake line extension and longer shocks. Enough said...

 

[bulldog-yota]

The brake line extension is simply a bracket extension. Take out the screw holding the bracket to the body and insert the longer screw that came with the kit and re-attach. No bleeding necessary...

Unless you know what you're looking at, you may want to take it to Toyota for the 5 minute install. I wasn't sure and did just that. After I watched the install I was kicking myself. Some folks say it isn't needed, but when you see how it affects the brake lines you'll be glad you did.

Can you post pics of the brake line extension?

 

[Good Times]

it's a bracket Andries.

1x3 thin plate.

 

[bulldog-yota]

I think I know, but a pic is always better


PS: Besides I dont know why I should do it. NE does like 7" lifts without any brake line extension, oops I forgot no flex :rolleye2:

 

[schneidermj]

I think I know, but a pic is always better


PS: Besides I dont know why I should do it. NE does like 7" lifts without any brake line extension, oops I forgot no flex :rolleye2:

That's NE...need I say more! Ahhh...the sound of brake lines stretching in the morning.

I'll try to get a picture of the brake line extension bracket in the next week or so. We've been getting a lot of snow here in CO lately.

 

[bulldog-yota]

I should have put my sarcasm on before the statement :

Thanx a pic would help me a lot, it is one of my many slow days today.