3rd Gen 3" Lift (5100 Clarification)

[Drifter2080]

Hey guys, I know there are a few similar threads but I have read a ton of them and still can't get a clear answer.

My goal is to achieve a 2.5-3" lift on my 01 4Runner.

After reading a lot, the best "Budget" lift would be the 5100, paired with OME coils.

The issue I am having is with the shocks, I can't seem to figure out what shocks I would need for a 3" setup.

Front 5100s:
1. D558 (I have seen mixed reviews saying these are too soft for our chassis)
2. 24-248730 (These are made for our trucks but sites say 0-2.3", this means I would need to run a spacer to achieve 3"? Or is that number for factory coils?)
3. 24-261425 (Made for Tundra weights, not sure how it will ride with stock bumpers)

Rear 5100s:
1. 24-249966 (These are made for our trucks but can only go up to 2.3", so this is off the list)
2. 24-100144 (These seem like the best compression and travel but I have seem multiple posts saying these are too soft and quite bouncy with OME 890s)
3. 33-187174 (These seem to be the answer for the 3", but after reading some more, people are saying the compression is not low enough?)

Can someone please let me know which shock would be the best for my setup?

Or if there is another budget 2.5-3" lift, that would suite me better?

I appreciate the help!

I will be doing light trails and a lot of highway.

 

[phattyduck]

If you currently have a stock '01, a 3" lift from your current height might actually just be a 2" lift. "Stock" height is generally measured as ~20" from the center of the hub to the fender lip. Check where you are at and see how it compares.

A 3" lift is right at the max for performance of stock travel in the front. You won't have much front droop left, and it will hurt performance overall. You will also probably need new upper control arms to get a reasonable alignment in the front (adding cost).

If you really want the best street and light offroad performance and a 3" lift look, consider a 1" body lift and a 2" suspension lift...

-Charlie

 

[Drifter2080]

If you currently have a stock '01, a 3" lift from your current height might actually just be a 2" lift. "Stock" height is generally measured as ~20" from the center of the hub to the fender lip. Check where you are at and see how it compares.

A 3" lift is right at the max for performance of stock travel in the front. You won't have much front droop left, and it will hurt performance overall. You will also probably need new upper control arms to get a reasonable alignment in the front (adding cost).

If you really want the best street and light offroad performance and a 3" lift look, consider a 1" body lift and a 2" suspension lift...

-Charlie

Thanks for your reply! I definitely want to avoid the added cost of UCA's.

I see, I want to run 285/75R16 comfortably, so I was assuming I needed 3". So if I did a 2-2.5" OME 881 front and 890 rear, which 5100 model do you recommend F/R?

 

[Edwin562]

Im running 285/75R16 Dynopro A/T on 2" front lift. No issues.

 

[ArmArak]

You should look into the Tundra/ LC lift. I have it on my 2001 and so far its been great. For the front coilovers get them off a TRD tundra from 2000 - 2005 (I think). For the rear use the struts from a 80s series landcruiser. And use the front coils from a LC 80 as your rear coils. With my configuration I have around 3.25" lift in the front and around 4.75" in the rear.

 

[Devbot]

For what it's worth I've seen plenty people on here - and know one in person - who are running 3in on stock UCAs, with 285s. It's right at the edge though, any higher and you'll probably need new ones. Believe the tires require a spacer too, but haven't gotten a direct answer on that yet.
There are also the "long travel" 5100s, which are supposed to be LC shocks from what I've read (there's also a 4runner specific set of long travels too), though I believe extended bump stops are needed as to not bottom out and damage the shock itself. Sonoran Steel pairs these longer 5100s in rear with Tundras in front, though why they mix the two is beyond me and I'm currently waiting on an email back to help better understand any advantages this might have. That being said, I've still heard great things about their 7.2 "Level kit" all over the web. Have you checked it out? Might be up your alley. Depending on your definition of "budget" it might be on the steeper side but it includes everything you need, and for a good price, really.
Lots pair Tundra coils+LC coils on Tundra shocks and really seem to prefer it, just too much lift/rake for me. But I hear they're fantastic for wheeling and carrying weight without absurd stiffness.

 

[Drifter2080]

Im running 285/75R16 Dynopro A/T on 2" front lift. No issues.

Okay that's good news! Thanks!

You should look into the Tundra/ LC lift. I have it on my 2001 and so far its been great. For the front coilovers get them off a TRD tundra from 2000 - 2005 (I think). For the rear use the struts from a 80s series landcruiser. And use the front coils from a LC 80 as your rear coils. With my configuration I have around 3.25" lift in the front and around 4.75" in the rear.

Thanks for the suggestion! I did look into this as well but I think it is too much lift for me. I want to avoid doing having to do UCA's.

I'm leaning towards the Tundra 5100s F/R with 881/883F and 890/891R now.

Just hoping the rear shock won't be too soft, seeing as they are designed for leaf springs.

I won't be carrying much weight and don't see an aftermarket rear bumper anytime in the future.

 

[Drifter2080]

For what it's worth I've seen plenty people on here - and know one in person - who are running 3in on stock UCAs, with 285s. It's right at the edge though, any higher and you'll probably need new ones. Believe the tires require a spacer too, but haven't gotten a direct answer on that yet.
There are also the "long travel" 5100s, which are supposed to be LC shocks, from what I've read (there's also a 4runner specific set of long travels too), thought I believe extended bump stops are needed as to not bottom out and damage the shock itself. Sonoran Steel pairs these longer 5100s in rear with Tundras in front, though why the mix the two is beyond me and I'm currently waiting on an email back to help better understand any advantages this might have. That being said, I've still heard great things about their 7.2 "Level kit" all over the web. Have you checked it out? Might be up your alley.
Lots pair Tundra coils+LC coils on Tundra shocks and really seem to prefer it, just too much lift/rake for me. But I hear they're fantastic for wheeling and carrying weight without absurd stiffness.

Okay that's more good news! I will most likely run an aftermarket 16x8 wheels so I'll pick my offsets accordingly.

Yeah, I believe those are the 33-187174's, they are mounted with the shock travel at the bottom. They seem to have more travel but a bit less compression. I wonder how they compare to the Tundra 5100's for the rear. Hopefully Sonoran can answer that haha.

I'll definitely look into that 7.2 kit as well, thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah If I end up with the 5100 Tundra shocks I will most likely run a Tundra coil in the front. The LC coils are great and the price is great but it seems the lift is TOO great for me as well lol.

 

[Devbot]

Okay that's more good news! I will most likely run an aftermarket 16x8 wheels so I'll pick my offsets accordingly.

FYI, I believe 16x8 with 4"BS still need 0.5" spacers to not rub 285s, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Again, something I haven't been able to get a straight answer on - seemingly equal amounts saying they did/did not need one. (I too am looking at 16x8 wheels)

 

[ArmArak]

With my setup (3.25 front, 4.75 rear), I am fine using the stock UCA, however I might change them in the future for better performance.

I am using 255/85R16 mud tires with no spacer. They fit great and dont rub unless I am fully flexed off road. I am going to get maybe 1 inch spacers just to obtain a more aggressive stance.

Good luck!

 

[Drifter2080]

Thanks for the help guys.

I finalized my order for the shocks.

Tundra (24-261425) 5100 Front
Tundra (24-100144 ) 5100 Rear

Now to find the appropriate springs haha

 

[Dieselchessy]

Did you buy the Tundra rears or the Wheelers pre-mod version?
If you bought straight Tundra you’ll need the bushings.

 

[Drifter2080]

Did you buy the Tundra rears or the Wheelers pre-mod version?
If you bought straight Tundra you’ll need the bushings.

The regular Tundra ones.

I ordered off a local 4x4 company here in Canada, so I had to order 'Daystar KU08007BK' separately from Amazon. Look's simple enough to swap out, hopefully I don't run into any issues!