~Rant On~
Since this is the thread that gets referred to when newbies ask about lift information, I believe there needs to be information within the first post in regards to what also needs to be done to the vehicle to make it a dependable DD. I can not be the only one that has had to add additional parts to a 3rd gen runner to cure issues brought about because of the lift.
There are a myriad of threads that pop up about a recently lifted runner complaining about wandering or vibrations. With subsequent posts suggesting to check or replace almost every piece in the front end including pulling the steering column apart to either drill and drive in a roll pin, or tack weld the steering shaft. The proper fix is to restore caster to the front end and there is not enough adjustment in the OE cams to do this after lifting. The only options are to either max out the cams and live with it, or aftermarket upper arms. The cost of these arms needs to be factored into the overall cost of a lift. I realize some folks are content to deal with the wandering, some may not. But those looking for information need to be made aware they will loose the ability to bring the caster back into manufacturer spec and not be told they need to start replacing parts that may not be bad. Look at the alignment sheet and see where the caster sits after getting it aligned.
Second is vibrations. Again, a multitude of posts asking about balancing, did they use the proper adaptor on a specific balancing machine, are the tires ok etc. The real issue is the fact that rear pinion angle needs to be rotated up and on the 4runner, the only way to do this is to make the upper or lower arms adjustable. Ideal rear pinion angle on a double cardan shaft is 0-2 degrees. 0 is best but a little can be figured in for axle wrap. Since we have a 4 link set-up, we will get almost no axle wrap. With 890 springs in the rear of my rig, I have about a 6 degree difference between the slope on the shaft and the slope on the rear pinion. And thats with a little bit of weight in the rig, it may be closer to 7. This will cause high speed vibrations and will destroy the rear u joint. Eventually it will eat the pinion bearings and the output bearing in the Tcase.
Total to address these 2 issues can cost between $700 to $1000, depending on which route one goes. I feel this information needs to be made as readily available as which LC springs give what amount of lift.
~Rant Off~
I realize not everyone is as sensitive to issues like this as I am. But these do effect the long term durability of these vehicles. I chased a couple alignments prior to figuring out it was the lack of caster due to the lift that was causing the sloppy steering and wanderin. And now that that I have systematically eliminated all other points of vibration in the rear, it comes down to the pinion angle. Neither of the fixes to these 2 issues is inexpensive.