3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's

Well I've been going round and round about which lift to do myself. I just went from 15" wheels to 17" wheels, and just feel like it looked a little crowded. I don't exactly have off road tires on it, and really like how quiet it drives.

I decided to get all 4 tall (1") springs with Bilstein HD shocks. Along with those, I'm installing a 1" body lift, front and rear sway arm bushings, and steering rack bushings.

The wheels and tires alone raised the truck 1 1/2". With the springs and body lift I'll be 3 1/2" higher than I was stock. Hope it looks/drives ok, or I'll be shopping again. :boink:
 
Does anyone know the length of the '99 tall rear coils? I received the ones I bought from another forum member and the are coded blue/yellow. (same as my stock 2000 runner) I don't want to pull mine out just to compare.
Thanks
 
Has anyone run into issues with getting an alignment after lifting? Crappy tire wouldn't do it because it's a lifted vehicle (they gave me a bs reason, saying their tools don't fit on lifted vehicles).
I then took it to the stealership today and what a nightmare. They quoted me $100 for the alignment, I drop it off, and then get a call saying there will be an additional $40 charge because the underside of the vehicle is dirty. I later get a call and they tell me that all of the adjustment bolts involved in the alignment are seized and that it's going to be $311 plus labour because of the parts that need to be replaced and that they wouldn't be able to complete it today because of this. I told them to hold off as I need the vehicle the next day. I get there, and they nail me with a $120 charge for the mechanics time (It was now around 6:00 and i had brought the vehicle in at 2:00 for its scheduled appointment.) As far as I'm concerned, that's unacceptable. The incompetent mechanic took almost 4 hours to figure out that a couple bolts are seized and I'm getting charged for the full price of an alignment.

Sorry for the rant, but you can imagine how frustrating it is. Needless to say, I'll be talking with the manager tomorrow.

Any recommendations on where to get an alignment and have others run into similar issues? Are any special hardware/parts required to get a proper alignment with 2.5-3" of lift? (tundra coilover with 3/4" top plate spacer)
 
Has anyone run into issues with getting an alignment after lifting? Crappy tire wouldn't do it because it's a lifted vehicle (they gave me a bs reason, saying their tools don't fit on lifted vehicles).
I then took it to the stealership today and what a nightmare. They quoted me $100 for the alignment, I drop it off, and then get a call saying there will be an additional $40 charge because the underside of the vehicle is dirty. I later get a call and they tell me that all of the adjustment bolts involved in the alignment are seized and that it's going to be $311 plus labour because of the parts that need to be replaced and that they wouldn't be able to complete it today because of this. I told them to hold off as I need the vehicle the next day. I get there, and they nail me with a $120 charge for the mechanics time (It was now around 6:00 and i had brought the vehicle in at 2:00 for its scheduled appointment.) As far as I'm concerned, that's unacceptable. The incompetent mechanic took almost 4 hours to figure out that a couple bolts are seized and I'm getting charged for the full price of an alignment.

Sorry for the rant, but you can imagine how frustrating it is. Needless to say, I'll be talking with the manager tomorrow.

Any recommendations on where to get an alignment and have others run into similar issues? Are any special hardware/parts required to get a proper alignment with 2.5-3" of lift? (tundra coilover with 3/4" top plate spacer)

Ive had mine aligned 3 times since lift. The only issue was with this last time... Belle tire, the same place that did the previous 2, said he did not have the tool to reset the VSC system and the system needs to be reset after an alignment. Sears did not have any issues and did not reset any VSC system.

The lift does not alter the ability to attach the alignment equipment. The shops not wanting to touch it is due to liability. When you do get a shop to do it, they will more than likely not be able to get the caster back to spec. Other than that, there is ample room in the adjustments for camber and toe.
 
become un adjustable? THanks

Did not say it was unadjustable, I said they may not be able to bring it back into spec. Because the upper arm does not move on the same plane the lower arm does, as the upper arm drops it brings the caster closer to 0. i.e. moves the top of the knuckle towards the front of the vehicle. Normally the caster is adjusted via the cam bolts on the lower arm. There may not be enough adjustment in those bolts to compensate for the new resting position of the upper arm. The degree of lift may or may not contribute to this.

The adjustable arms I put in, with the ball joint set in the 0 position (which is a +2 degrees of caster) brought mine back into spec with 3"+ in the front.
 
Hey guys, just wanted some input on a suspension option I've been looking into.

So I have a 2001 SR5, and recently I've been looking at different options of lifting her up. I was thinking of going with '99 tall springs for the front and the toytec "3 inch lift with spacers and rear OME coils."

BEST SELLER! 3" Lift w/spacers & rear OME 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

Is this a good enough set up to fit some 275's? Also, will this set up cause any rake or will it be pretty level? Thanks for any input.!
 
2011 Tacoma TRD rear Shocks

I have heard rumors but still haven't gotten a definitive answer,

I can buy a set of used ProComp rear shocks designed for a 2011 TRD Tacoma will these fit my 4runner with 7-wrap fj80 rear springs?
Are ProComp shocks any good?
If I buy other shocks, such as Tokico Treckmasters or Bilsteins what vehicle should I get them for when ordering online?
Should I buy ones for a 4runner, tundra, tacoma, fj80? (confused)

Thanks for the input! I almost have my lift all pieced out I am hoping to get it installed in the coming weeks!
:surfer:
 
Im putting on 265/75r16 BFG AT KO's soon on my '02 Sport Edition. It's 2wd, so wondering if I should do that front daystar spacer lift of 1" or the 2" (cant remember exact heights). also my question is if anyone's done this, did you disconnect the upper control arm to get the shock/coils out?
 
you probably could fit them with stock height. i have 2.5" spacers in the front of my 96 runner which when i bought it had 225/75/15s on it and it sat about as high as a mini van. after installing the spacers i put a set of 31" goodyear's on with plenty! of additional room in the wheel-well. so id try fitting them stock if you can first and see how they fit. for your other question you don't need too remove anything but the strut assembly and sway-bar link. if you do it make sure you have a good coil compressor too.
 
Questions for those with the 861's. I've had the 891 springs with 1.5" spacers for about 2yrs now and with my 300+lb storage/tool box, the rear has sagged to be 1/2 an inch lower than the front. I want my rake back! I want it setup so that it will settle and still be at least an inch higher in the back with a 300lb load. Also be nice to not use the spacers.

According to this Cruiser Outfitters

Free Height

891- 16.5"
861- 18.9"
850- 19.5"
850J-20.7"

So my current setup being 18" total, I'll need 19.5" to accomplish my 1" rake. But I also intend on tossing more weight on with a rear bumper with tire carrier and fuel cans. So should I just go with the 850J springs? I know it seems like a lot but we know it's going to settle.

And while I'm back there I might as well swap out the Pro Comp 9000 shocks for something with more length right? Sooooooo......

Thanks for the help.
 
i'm not sure what shock SS uses but the ones that ToyTec sells are the 6252 shock. Bilstein doesn't really make the shocks specifically for a certain vehicle with the 5125. they just have a list of different shocks that are different length/travel and valving. here is the part list. Bilstein

we made a eye to stud adapter for the shock so it would work on the 4runner and it also gives it another flex joint at the top of the shock. I have those 5125's on my 4runner with the 8.5 wrap LC and i love them. they ride great and have a ton of flex

:thumb3:

hey steeze, what shock is the 5125 your are running ment for or slated for? im looking to order my shocks and am getting tundra 5100 for the front, and want to get something for the rear, im using 8wraps for now, and have some armor and carry some weight so i want to stay with a quality shock.
does anyone know if the tundra 5100 rear shock will work with my set up? . i know the FJ80 shocks are the ideal but the place im going to order from does not carry the 5100 series for the FJ80.
 
Toyota 4Runner Forum - poleclimber63's Album: 1998 SR5 V6 (auto unfortunately) Start of a Project... - Picture

I'm blown away by the choices and what you guys are doing with your 4runners!! Unfortunately, my sights are somewhat lower, in that I definitely take my runner into the bush, but not mountain climbing! My main goal is to tow my sportboat down to the lake, as you can see in the pic above, but you'll also notice the HUGE sag with the boat hooked up! I'm not considering a all-around lift now ($$) but require a firmer rear suspension to handle the occasional trip to the lake. I estimate a tongue load of 350lbs., one of the forum members suggested Firestone load bags. Does anyone have any other suggestions--- I put "load levelers"(firmer shocks with an extra coil all in one) on my old Chev which did the job, but this was a bigger truck.
I appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!
 
Questions for those with the 861's. I've had the 891 springs with 1.5" spacers for about 2yrs now and with my 300+lb storage/tool box, the rear has sagged to be 1/2 an inch lower than the front. I want my rake back! I want it setup so that it will settle and still be at least an inch higher in the back with a 300lb load. Also be nice to not use the spacers.

According to this Cruiser Outfitters

Free Height

891- 16.5"
861- 18.9"
850- 19.5"
850J-20.7"

So my current setup being 18" total, I'll need 19.5" to accomplish my 1" rake. But I also intend on tossing more weight on with a rear bumper with tire carrier and fuel cans. So should I just go with the 850J springs? I know it seems like a lot but we know it's going to settle.

And while I'm back there I might as well swap out the Pro Comp 9000 shocks for something with more length right? Sooooooo......

Thanks for the help.

Go with the 861's I got about 5.5 inches of lift with around 100lbs additional weight. I know someone with about the same about of weight you have and has 5 inches of lift from them. The 850J's will be WAAAAAAY to tall. You could also go with the 851's if you want a stiffer coil. They will be about 6 inches with not much additional weight.

hey steeze, what shock is the 5125 your are running ment for or slated for? im looking to order my shocks and am getting tundra 5100 for the front, and want to get something for the rear, im using 8wraps for now, and have some armor and carry some weight so i want to stay with a quality shock.
does anyone know if the tundra 5100 rear shock will work with my set up? . i know the FJ80 shocks are the ideal but the place im going to order from does not carry the 5100 series for the FJ80.

5125's are not meant for anything. They are custom shocks that have certain lengths and valving. The Bilsteins that ToyTec sells will work well with the 8 wraps. I ran that exact setup in the rear and it rode great and flexed really well.

Toyota 4Runner Forum - poleclimber63's Album: 1998 SR5 V6 (auto unfortunately) Start of a Project... - Picture

I'm blown away by the choices and what you guys are doing with your 4runners!! Unfortunately, my sights are somewhat lower, in that I definitely take my runner into the bush, but not mountain climbing! My main goal is to tow my sportboat down to the lake, as you can see in the pic above, but you'll also notice the HUGE sag with the boat hooked up! I'm not considering a all-around lift now ($$) but require a firmer rear suspension to handle the occasional trip to the lake. I estimate a tongue load of 350lbs., one of the forum members suggested Firestone load bags. Does anyone have any other suggestions--- I put "load levelers"(firmer shocks with an extra coil all in one) on my old Chev which did the job, but this was a bigger truck.
I appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

If you are just looking for some increased weight carrying capacity, the air bags would probably be your best bet. If you want lift, the rear springs section in the 1st post of this thread will help you.
 

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