3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's
- Thread starter steezemcqueen
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Rockdawg84
New member
front should be fine but depending on the rear springs you chose you may need an extended rear brake line.
I have kings and 8 wraps and needed an extended rear line.
eurasiaoverland
Member
Hi guys
I'm based in Europe where we don't have 3rd gens. I have a 1996 JDM Hilux Surf and I'm looking to replace the suspension. I'd like a slight lift (2") but I am finding it hard to get any info.
I'm planning on using the truck for travelling, so at times it would have some load in the back. I'm prepared to deal with a bumpy ride when empty
As far as I can see, a good choice would be OME springs front and rear with Bilstein shocks. But I only see these things for sale in the US, even though the companies are Australian / German respectively.
So I was wondering if anyone can give me manufacturers' part numbers for OME springs for the 3rd gen 4Runner, and likewise for Bilstein 4600 and 5100 shocks?
If I can't find the OME springs here, then I can go with '99 talls, but at over $200 a piece, they seem quite expensive...
Also, with a 2" lift, is a diff drop preferable? Can anyone share a link to a good diff drop kit??
Thanks a lot!
I'm based in Europe where we don't have 3rd gens. I have a 1996 JDM Hilux Surf and I'm looking to replace the suspension. I'd like a slight lift (2") but I am finding it hard to get any info.
I'm planning on using the truck for travelling, so at times it would have some load in the back. I'm prepared to deal with a bumpy ride when empty
As far as I can see, a good choice would be OME springs front and rear with Bilstein shocks. But I only see these things for sale in the US, even though the companies are Australian / German respectively.
So I was wondering if anyone can give me manufacturers' part numbers for OME springs for the 3rd gen 4Runner, and likewise for Bilstein 4600 and 5100 shocks?
If I can't find the OME springs here, then I can go with '99 talls, but at over $200 a piece, they seem quite expensive...
Also, with a 2" lift, is a diff drop preferable? Can anyone share a link to a good diff drop kit??
Thanks a lot!
mtbtim
Elite Member
Just to add to the research on this thread, the 99 Highlander rear springs aren't necessarily a 1" lift for people owning other 3rd Gen Years.
The original owners of my 2000 SR5 4x4 bought the truck with 16" wheels. When I looked up the spring part number for my truck with the 16" wheels, it's the same part number as the 1999 with 16" wheels. Part #48231-35210.
I bought them anyway because I know I'm sagging and I'd like to bring it back up to stock height.
So, if your truck originally came with 15" wheels, going to the spring for 16" wheels will get you a 1" lift. If you originally came with 16" wheels, you will only be returning to stock height.
It think it would be good to add this disclaimer to this 99 Highlander Lift Option.
The original owners of my 2000 SR5 4x4 bought the truck with 16" wheels. When I looked up the spring part number for my truck with the 16" wheels, it's the same part number as the 1999 with 16" wheels. Part #48231-35210.
I bought them anyway because I know I'm sagging and I'd like to bring it back up to stock height.
So, if your truck originally came with 15" wheels, going to the spring for 16" wheels will get you a 1" lift. If you originally came with 16" wheels, you will only be returning to stock height.
It think it would be good to add this disclaimer to this 99 Highlander Lift Option.
mtbtim
Elite Member
I think I stand corrected on this. I replaced the springs today and when I compared my old ones to the new ones, the color coding was different on my old ones. My old ones were Blue/Yellow, and the new ones (48231-35210) were Red/Yellow. When I matched them up on my work bench, there was more than an inch difference in height but that's probably because the old springs were slightly compressed. I took a measurement from the top of the tire to the edge of the fender flare before and after the replacement. The difference was around 1 5/16" at first, but after driving the truck a few miles, the difference is 1 1/8". So, I was wrong in my thinking that since my truck came with 16" wheels, I would have already had the taller springs installed.
The information in this thread was correct and I did gain a 1" lift putting these springs on my truck.
SmokeTiresNotDrugs
New member
What would be the pros and cons of switching to leaf suspension for the sole purpose to handle additional weight. My Toytecs sag like a mofo and plan on doing SAS sometime in the future. I would like to know, is leaf or spring suspension better?
genmarks
New member
I might be getting an extra pair of 8 wraps next week, most likely be selling because I already have a pair
Rockdawg84
New member
better is a very subjective term. What are you going to be doing with the Runner? What style of wheeling do you do? and Do you mean better compared to IFS or compared to SAS with 3 link? The Simple answer is yes and no. it all depends. If your sole purpose is to handle more weight then no leafs wouldn't be better. Better would be to get a set of springs matched to the weight you carry.
AZBub
New member
Nope. There is a blue pill and a red pill. One is the enlightenment and empowerment of research. The other is you sell your 4Runner and never return.
Luciendar21
New member
Spacer Choice for 2000 Limited
The previous owner of my 2000 Limited had installed a custom 2"-3" lift. This included welding custom shock brackets to the bottom of the frame in the rear and struts from who-knows-where on the front. It came with 285/75R16 ProComp MTs on it on MT Classic III wheels with wheel spacers.
The first thing I did was sell those wheels and tires. I wanted better on-road performance in the rain and snow so I opted for thinner 265/75R16 General Grabber AT2s on the factory rims without spacers.
The second thing I did was replace the struts and shocks on all four corners. I went with Rancho RS5000s. We cut the welded shock mounts off the rear and used stock height components. Before we did this there was a loud bang from the back end every time we went over a bump, after, no bang unless the back had 500lbs+ in it (120lb sand over the rear tires for winter plus two 200lb guys in the rear seats).
Now I've noticed that something has gone very wrong with the alignment of the front wheels. The inner corner of both front tires is worn to the wear bars while the outer corners are at nearly full tread. This is all within 5000 miles of these new tires. After my mechanic swore up and down that he aligned the front end, I've accepted that I need to re-align and probably find something broken. At the same time I want to re-lift the front end to match the rear, because it is now much lower (factory height sounds about right).
I don't want to complicate things, I just want to match the rear with a normal leveling kit. I've been deciding between Daystar 2.5" spacers and Big Brawns 2" spacers. The Daystars are poly and the Big Brawns are billet aluminum. I've been told to avoid billet with steel studs due to the corrosion between metal types.
What are your opinions?
(Also, this no-new-threads until x number of posts limit is crap. I get you're trying to discourage spam but there has got to be a better way.)
The previous owner of my 2000 Limited had installed a custom 2"-3" lift. This included welding custom shock brackets to the bottom of the frame in the rear and struts from who-knows-where on the front. It came with 285/75R16 ProComp MTs on it on MT Classic III wheels with wheel spacers.
The first thing I did was sell those wheels and tires. I wanted better on-road performance in the rain and snow so I opted for thinner 265/75R16 General Grabber AT2s on the factory rims without spacers.
The second thing I did was replace the struts and shocks on all four corners. I went with Rancho RS5000s. We cut the welded shock mounts off the rear and used stock height components. Before we did this there was a loud bang from the back end every time we went over a bump, after, no bang unless the back had 500lbs+ in it (120lb sand over the rear tires for winter plus two 200lb guys in the rear seats).
Now I've noticed that something has gone very wrong with the alignment of the front wheels. The inner corner of both front tires is worn to the wear bars while the outer corners are at nearly full tread. This is all within 5000 miles of these new tires. After my mechanic swore up and down that he aligned the front end, I've accepted that I need to re-align and probably find something broken. At the same time I want to re-lift the front end to match the rear, because it is now much lower (factory height sounds about right).
I don't want to complicate things, I just want to match the rear with a normal leveling kit. I've been deciding between Daystar 2.5" spacers and Big Brawns 2" spacers. The Daystars are poly and the Big Brawns are billet aluminum. I've been told to avoid billet with steel studs due to the corrosion between metal types.
What are your opinions?
(Also, this no-new-threads until x number of posts limit is crap. I get you're trying to discourage spam but there has got to be a better way.)
endgame56
New member
Quick question on shock choice for the OME 883s:
I currently have a tired pair of Nitrochargers and I'm probably going to go be swapping them out for some Bilsteins in the near future. I know Toytec sells their assembled CO kit with the Tundra shocks, and their disassembled kit with the Tacoma shocks so it seems like either would work.
I don't do any crazy high speed desert bombing, and have no added weight up front so would the Tacoma Bilsteins be able to keep up with the 590lb/in spring while being slightly softer, or should I just go for the Tundra Bilsteins?
I currently have a tired pair of Nitrochargers and I'm probably going to go be swapping them out for some Bilsteins in the near future. I know Toytec sells their assembled CO kit with the Tundra shocks, and their disassembled kit with the Tacoma shocks so it seems like either would work.
I don't do any crazy high speed desert bombing, and have no added weight up front so would the Tacoma Bilsteins be able to keep up with the 590lb/in spring while being slightly softer, or should I just go for the Tundra Bilsteins?
I recently purchased a 98 limited 4x4 and the suspension is shot.
I know there are a lot of post about this but I can't find a defined answer. I want to replace the shocks struts and springs however, I'm not sure which ones to buy.
I'm not looking for a lift but standard ride height. Can y'all provide some advice.
I primary plan on using the vehicle for fishing, driving on the beach, and transporting two kayaks on the roof.
Thanks for any input.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
I know there are a lot of post about this but I can't find a defined answer. I want to replace the shocks struts and springs however, I'm not sure which ones to buy.
I'm not looking for a lift but standard ride height. Can y'all provide some advice.
I primary plan on using the vehicle for fishing, driving on the beach, and transporting two kayaks on the roof.
Thanks for any input.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
2001poorboy4runner
New member
If I go with OME 882/906 what shocks should i replace the old ones with? and would it be possible to add a spacer in the front with 882 and a different shock? Sorry if its been asked Ive been searching and searching but i need to get the answer so i can order it asap
TXLX1
New member
You can lift it to where it's level, which would probably be like you say.... Lifting a bit more in the front since stock truck like vehicles usually have some rake.
My 4r is lifted a bit more in the rear than the front, which makes it drive decent with some rake, and also the rear won't be lower than the front when I load it up for trips. If I lifted to level, I definitely would consider installing some airbags in the rear to help with loading weight or gear in the vehicle.
Thank you. I'm just trying to help my buddy that just got a 3rd gen. He keeps asking me questions but I have an 04 sr5. It's clearly stated for the 4th gens that they need to be an inch higher up front for a leveling kit. But when i look up the 3rd gen it's not as clear. He wants a 2.5 sus lift so he can keep good down travel and he'll probly use a 1 or 2 inch body lift for tire clearance. Any words of wisdom? We really appreciate it.
TXLX1
New member
I personally don't like body lifts, but I'd try to keep it 1" or less. 285/75/16 (almost 33's) will fit with a 2.5" lift, light trimming at most.
I'd go check out Sonoran Steel website, several articles over there that touch on topics beyond just spring lifting a vehicle. I think Sonoran Steel and Toytec put together the best lift packages... check out the parts they use and will give you a good idea of quality stuff. Also, bunch of good info here if you google 3rd gen 4runner lift.
BainTrain
New member
I need help/advice with creating a hybrid lift for my 01 limited 4x4 that no one might have tried yet. I just acquired a NIB 3in Rough Country lift for very cheap. Now I know many people are not a fan of these because of the poor qualityand front spacers but I plan to only use the rear coils and shocks from this kit. For the front I will get some sort of toytec/OME/SS coil over setup(probably Toytec/Eibach coils with 5100s).
My question is has anyone done a hybrid lift using the rear springs and shocks from the RC 3in lift combined with a coil over lift up front and if so what did you use and how did it perform? I'm expecting the rear RC lift to not ride as smooth or maybe not even flex as well as other setups but I can upgrade the shocks or coils later if need be.
I do plan on panhard drop bracket and front diff drop.
My suspension is shot at 185k miles and I want to lift if I have to replace everything. I ride pretty easy trails now but plan to get into more difficult stuff. Also, I have an ARB and winch that will be installed soon.
Any tips or pics of rigs with rear RC lift and other front lift would be appreciated. Thanks!
My question is has anyone done a hybrid lift using the rear springs and shocks from the RC 3in lift combined with a coil over lift up front and if so what did you use and how did it perform? I'm expecting the rear RC lift to not ride as smooth or maybe not even flex as well as other setups but I can upgrade the shocks or coils later if need be.
I do plan on panhard drop bracket and front diff drop.
My suspension is shot at 185k miles and I want to lift if I have to replace everything. I ride pretty easy trails now but plan to get into more difficult stuff. Also, I have an ARB and winch that will be installed soon.
Any tips or pics of rigs with rear RC lift and other front lift would be appreciated. Thanks!
