3" toytec lift.. yay or nay?

[savannah_4]

Hey there I'm new here and am needing some help! I have an 05 sr5 4runner and am wanting to go offroading this summer. Nothing super hardcore, mostly just for fun and cruising easy trails (I really can't kill this car.) but I really want to lift it.

I've been looking at this lift kit: BEST SELLER! 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

But thinking maybe 3" is to much cause then I'll need bigger tires (currently have 265/70/r16) , and other stuff.

I'd like to go with toytec but am not completely against other brands.

If I do go with the toytec 3" lift kit, are there any other things that I would have to get within the next 6 months to keep my truck running well?

I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing and still learning so much about everything so any help/ suggestions is muchly appreciated! Thanks-

 

[savannah_4]

My other option could be is buy an older cheaper 4x4 4runnerand just do whatever I want with it and not worry about maintaining like my new 4runner. thanks

 

[wadle5]

I have the toytec ultimate 3 inch kit on 265/70 and it looks solid. Not too small of tires and you can go bigger if ya want but with that more components will need to be trimmed modified. I got my lift and tires for my trip to colorado coming up. Im pretty psyched

 

[nghiS4]

Yay. Assuming your shocks are still good. You can always add bigger rubber later if you decide to.

 

[YotaDan]

Hey there I'm new here and am needing some help! I have an 05 sr5 4runner and am wanting to go offroading this summer. Nothing super hardcore, mostly just for fun and cruising easy trails (I really can't kill this car.) but I really want to lift it.

I've been looking at this lift kit: BEST SELLER! 3" FJ Lift Kit w/spacers and rear ToyTec coils - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

But thinking maybe 3" is to much cause then I'll need bigger tires (currently have 265/70/r16) , and other stuff.

I'd like to go with toytec but am not completely against other brands.

If I do go with the toytec 3" lift kit, are there any other things that I would have to get within the next 6 months to keep my truck running well?

I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing and still learning so much about everything so any help/ suggestions is muchly appreciated! Thanks-

To improve off-road ride, I would suggest going with a Shock and Coil combo vs spacers. I would also suggest about 2.5" max if you are not going with a larger tire. 2.5" will also help keep the ride smoother compared to the full 3"

 

[joeyz]

Lift it!!!

Hey- I did some research on 3" lift kits and I went with Toytec. That's what everyone including shops recommended. I just got the spacers and springs for $320. Not about to pay $1,000 when I'm not hardcore about offroading.For me, I go camping in Colorado A LOT and want to be able to go down dirt trails that can be high in the center and I don't want to be "crunching" stuff underneath my 4runner and damaged expensive parts. I have the dark blue 2005 SR5 as well. I think it's one of the sharper looking 4runners out there. I will be posting Before and After pics later tonight. Be sure to check it out. I also heard Daystarr makes a good lift kit, but not to go with Rough Country (not so good reviews). Funny thing is..I get my lift kit delivered and it comes with a book with all this accessory stuff and theyare actually recommending.."NOT installing the Spacer lift kit???" This is coming from Toytec?I think they are just trying to market more expensive stuff that does the same thing. It just kinda took me by surprise. But then again..that's marketing! Tons of people have installed the 3" lift kit and are very pleased with it and have money in their pockets for other things. Not GOLD plated shocks! For the money I would recommend Toytec. So don't over think it. And bye the way I changed over from 16" tires to 17". The 16" will look a little small but that's just looks. You can make it down most dirt trails. And I do have my old set of 17" stock alloy wheels with firestone 265/65R17 mounted on them for sale on Craigs List (Denver-FC-Loveland, Co.)if you are interested.Take Care...

 

[cparkerc]

I just had the Toytec ultimate lift installed on my 2006 Sport. Put Duratec 285/70/17's with Spidertrax spacers on it. Rides well and looks good too. Went offroading over the weekend for the first time and had rubbing on the back rear driver's side tire. It was rubbing on the mudflaps when stuffed. They will be coming off and hopefully I will not have that problem again. If not, I will probably go with a 1" body lift. Other than that, no rubbing whatsoever.

I had thought about spacers, but I knew I would probably want to upgrade eventually (like I read a lot about on this board) so bit the bullet and just got it done right the first time.

I am happy with the lift, go for it!

CparkerC
Fort Collins, CO

 

[chaz]

this may have some info you might find interesting. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

 

[savannah_4]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the input! I called my local 4x4/lifting place for some help as well. They said they can do the 3" lift and level it out and replace the struts for around $650 including labor. So now I'm debating whether I should by the toytec lift and have them install it (it will not come with a warranty) or just have them do the whole thing which will come with a warranty. Any opinions? Thanks so much!

 

[Mytoy4]

To improve off-road ride, I would suggest going with a Shock and Coil combo vs spacers. I would also suggest about 2.5" max if you are not going with a larger tire. 2.5" will also help keep the ride smoother compared to the full 3"

Agreed. If you go up too far, your tires are going to look "anemic" as some may describe it.
If you're going to lift it, go all the way and get some bigger shoes!

 

[Greydog]

If your shocks are good and you want to limit spending, go with that spacer kit. The Toytec Ultimate or just the Eiback springs and 5100s make good kit too on the front, and only 2.5" lift.

Lots of options...

 

[savannah_4]

Hey- I did some research on 3" lift kits and I went with Toytec. That's what everyone including shops recommended. I just got the spacers and springs for $320. Not about to pay $1,000 when I'm not hardcore about offroading.For me, I go camping in Colorado A LOT and want to be able to go down dirt trails that can be high in the center and I don't want to be "crunching" stuff underneath my 4runner and damaged expensive parts. I have the dark blue 2005 SR5 as well. I think it's one of the sharper looking 4runners out there. I will be posting Before and After pics later tonight. Be sure to check it out. I also heard Daystarr makes a good lift kit, but not to go with Rough Country (not so good reviews). Funny thing is..I get my lift kit delivered and it comes with a book with all this accessory stuff and theyare actually recommending.."NOT installing the Spacer lift kit???" This is coming from Toytec?I think they are just trying to market more expensive stuff that does the same thing. It just kinda took me by surprise. But then again..that's marketing! Tons of people have installed the 3" lift kit and are very pleased with it and have money in their pockets for other things. Not GOLD plated shocks! For the money I would recommend Toytec. So don't over think it. And bye the way I changed over from 16" tires to 17". The 16" will look a little small but that's just looks. You can make it down most dirt trails. And I do have my old set of 17" stock alloy wheels with firestone 265/65R17 mounted on them for sale on Craigs List (Denver-FC-Loveland, Co.)if you are interested.Take Care...

Mines that same color, I went and looked at your pictures and now I can't wait for mine to look like that!! You should take the running boards off yours, I took mine off last week and it already looks 10x better. I'd be interested in those tires if I was a little closer. haha

 

[trailrazer]

I spent less than $500.00 on my lift, including 5100's all the way around. Check out the lift thread on FJ coils in the sticky. I installed FJ coils, Day Star 2.5/1.5 and new 5100's. It's a great set up for the daily driver and mild off road. I was on a budget and am very happy.

I bought my spacers and 5100's from Wheeler's Off Road. They are great to work with and shipping was quick. The FJ Cruiser Forum was where I picked up the FJ coils for pretty cheap. The ride is better than stock and it's close to a 3" lift. If you're going to do a lift on that older of a 4Runner, you might as well consider shocks while you're at it.

 

[natevans65]

Very pleased with the 3" Toytech setup......upgraded the rubber with spydertax and it looks and rides very well. Tech support from those guys was great to when it came time to pull the trigger with some additional questions. Thumbs up!

 

[savannah_4]

Hey ya'll well I ended up going with what the mechanic suggested, mostly since I"m new to all this and wanted to get it done right the first time. I ended up with 5100 adjustable struts in the front so it's lifted about 2.5" and looks great. I had to wait to get new shocks in the back because I ran out of money.

tried twice to get the pic to upload it won't, sorry.

 

[sonerick]

I spent less than $500.00 on my lift, including 5100's all the way around. Check out the lift thread on FJ coils in the sticky. I installed FJ coils, Day Star 2.5/1.5 and new 5100's. It's a great set up for the daily driver and mild off road. I was on a budget and am very happy.

I bought my spacers and 5100's from Wheeler's Off Road. They are great to work with and shipping was quick. The FJ Cruiser Forum was where I picked up the FJ coils for pretty cheap. The ride is better than stock and it's close to a 3" lift. If you're going to do a lift on that older of a 4Runner, you might as well consider shocks while you're at it.

FYI, if you install Bilstein 5100s, you do not need to put a spacer in up front. The spring perches on the front shocks are adjustable for lift.

Edit: Looks like I'm a little late to the party. OP, enjoy your 5100's!

 

[Desert Fox]

We put the Toytec Ultimate kit and Light Racing UCA on our FJ and it is great.
The ride is still good, not stiff like I have on my 4Runner with the King suspension.

Keep in mind that is an adjustable kit. you dont have to go all the way to 3". Also, if you do go to 3" expect some leaking from the axels, it is common.

Going with after market UCA will help with alignment.

I had the Daystar spacer kit on my 2003 4Runner and it worked fine for what it was but I had always planned to replace it when the XREAS system failed. Totaled the 4Runner before the XREAS failed though.

Check out posts from Ark Swamp Rider
He has more 4th gen suspension info than Toyota does.

 

[kayukos]

Originally Posted by trailrazer View Post
I spent less than $500.00 on my lift, including 5100's all the way around. Check out the lift thread on FJ coils in the sticky. I installed FJ coils, Day Star 2.5/1.5 and new 5100's. It's a great set up for the daily driver and mild off road. I was on a budget and am very happy.

I bought my spacers and 5100's from Wheeler's Off Road. They are great to work with and shipping was quick. The FJ Cruiser Forum was where I picked up the FJ coils for pretty cheap. The ride is better than stock and it's close to a 3" lift. If you're going to do a lift on that older of a 4Runner, you might as well consider shocks while you're at it.

FYI, if you install Bilstein 5100s, you do not need to put a spacer in up front. The spring perches on the front shocks are adjustable for lift.

Edit: Looks like I'm a little late to the party. OP, enjoy your 5100's!

NOOB HERE....

i just picked up a 2004 SR5 and was thinking about a 3" but i too am not a hardcore offroader one bit. this is my daily commuter car, so i want the driveability but i also don't want to hold back from taking the car camping, maybe some trails and the beach.

Are these the Bilstein 5100's you talked about? Would this be all I would need? Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

After the 3", what is the biggest tire that will fit with no rubbing issues? also, whats the biggest we can put in the spare area?

Thanks in advance everyone and sorry for bringing this thread back from the DEAD!

:fishing:

 

[PatCee]

I have the same problem

i have a 2004 toyota 4runner with super low mileage.

I am new to this lifting talk, but i want to know what the best bet is for me.

Should i just do a 2 to 3 inch spacer all around or get an actual lift? if so, whats recommended.

The most offroading i do is when it snows here in new york, and when i go upstate to get through my property. Nothing heavy just mud.

I really just want bigger tires.

Help!

 

[Inv4drZm]

i have a 2004 toyota 4runner with super low mileage.

I am new to this lifting talk, but i want to know what the best bet is for me.

Should i just do a 2 to 3 inch spacer all around or get an actual lift? if so, whats recommended.

The most offroading i do is when it snows here in new york, and when i go upstate to get through my property. Nothing heavy just mud.

I really just want bigger tires.

Help!

If 5100s (<$400) are in your budget, they would suite you well. Tons of people run them and they will actually increase your ride quality. And you can adjust the front lift to level your vehicle.