3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's

[shadow247]

So I'm scratching my head a bit, and I hate to beat a dead horse but I've searched everywhere and can't find a decent answer to my question throughout existing threads. My question is in regards to the Bilstein shocks that are specific to the 3rd gen 4runners.

I installed my lift the other day and I used the following parts:

Bilstein front and rear shocks (4runner specific fronts and the 4th gen rears for extended travel)
Toytec Eibach front springs (112-620)
and some LC 8 Wraps in the rear.

I installed the springs on the second perch (whcich looking into it is about the same height as the second perch on the Tacoma shocks from Bilstein), which I thought would be fine as I have an ARB bar and winch on the front. The thing is I noticed I do not have much travel left in the shock when I let it off the jack. Should I take it down a notch and install a 1/2" spacer on the top instead? or is there normally not a lot of down travel in these setups due to the stiffness of the spring?

When you lift an IFS, you limit downtravel. There is no way around it. Every Inch in Lift in an Inch lost in "downtravel".

This video explains it well - EXPOSED! Are bigger suspension lifts better? Experts show what really happens when you lift your 4WD - YouTube

 

[jamarns]

When you lift an IFS, you limit downtravel. There is no way around it. Every Inch in Lift in an Inch lost in "downtravel".

This video explains it well - EXPOSED! Are bigger suspension lifts better? Experts show what really happens when you lift your 4WD - YouTube

When you lift an IFS, you limit downtravel. There is no way around it. Every Inch in Lift in an Inch lost in "downtravel".

This video explains it well - EXPOSED! Are bigger suspension lifts better? Experts show what really happens when you lift your 4WD - YouTube

Thanks a lot for the response, that video was quite informative. I understand that lifting the vehicle will limit the down travel as you start from a higher initial position.

What I’m more concerned about is that there’s so little down travel that the shock could top out over bumps. I know the eibach springs are quite a bit stiffer than the stock springs and I’m just wondering how much travel I should get when I load the suspension from an unloaded state?

I’m thinking about dropping it down a perch on the shocks and adding a 1/2” top spacer so that I can maintain the lift I have without possibly topping out over bumps (this hasn’t actually happened yet, I’m just concerned that it might). I’m curious to know what others with the same or similar setup to mine have experienced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JUICE222]

Hey jamarns,
I recently installed front eibach coils with 4runner specific 5100 shocks. Set at bottom perch with tube bumper. Im sitting at 23" center of wheel to limited fender. Im hoping to be at 22.5" once I install a winch. I was at 23" prior to installing my tube bumper. I was hoping it would sit lower because of loss of down travel. My understanding is you have an ARB bumper with winch set on the 2nd perch. How much lift are you at with your set up? Thanks.

 

[jamarns]

Hey jamarns,
I recently installed front eibach coils with 4runner specific 5100 shocks. Set at bottom perch with tube bumper. Im sitting at 23" center of wheel to limited fender. Im hoping to be at 22.5" once I install a winch. I was at 23" prior to installing my tube bumper. I was hoping it would sit lower because of loss of down travel. My understanding is you have an ARB bumper with winch set on the 2nd perch. How much lift are you at with your set up? Thanks.

Measured it today and I'm sitting at 23.5, which I quite like. The issue I have now is that I believe my shocks are actually topping out on large bumps. I think I'll drop it down to the bottom notch and throw a 1/2" spacer on top of the coil.

My biggest problem now is that my spring compressors are too thick to get in between the coils after installing on the shock. I had a bit of a hard time getting them off too. Might have to try the on vehicle method to change the perches.

 

[3bears]

Im sure the answer is someplace and I overlooked it.

Just finished a 3" lift. (SS 1.2 kit) TRD springs and billies up front, LC coils and tokico in back, appropriate misc parts like sway bar relocate brackets etc. Went with emmits drop brackets rather than the adjustable bar..

SO question is...I ws told I can stick with my stock length sway bar links, but my sway bar links look short and bushings are worn. I know Ive read what sway bar links people often use for this lift ( stock type, nothing fancy, dont wheel like crazy or need disconnects, just something I can get at NAPA, rock auto, etc)

I thought I read that 2nd gen front used on back....something like that, but I dont think my example is correct from memory and cant find thread related.
( I did use search and read several threads, but dont seem to find a final answer, one used my example above and then came back and said did NOT work right.)

so what sway links ?


thanks

 

[96RedRunner]

Just finished a 3" lift. (SS 1.2 kit) TRD springs and billies up front, LC coils and tokico in back, I thought I read that 2nd gen front used on back....something like that, so what sway links ?...

I went Billies all around had 130k mi when totaled, think you'll be happy with that lift kit. I had 8 wrap LC springs = 4" lift 2nd gen end links worked fine for me. Did poster give any details why.

 

[beklemmung]

I think it's this:

2nd gen 4runner rear sway bar links, on the front of the 3rd gen
3rd gen front sway bar links, installed on the rear

This is from a couple comments in this thread:

Extended sway bar links

Im sure the answer is someplace and I overlooked it.

Just finished a 3" lift. (SS 1.2 kit) TRD springs and billies up front, LC coils and tokico in back, appropriate misc parts like sway bar relocate brackets etc. Went with emmits drop brackets rather than the adjustable bar..

SO question is...I ws told I can stick with my stock length sway bar links, but my sway bar links look short and bushings are worn. I know Ive read what sway bar links people often use for this lift ( stock type, nothing fancy, dont wheel like crazy or need disconnects, just something I can get at NAPA, rock auto, etc)

I thought I read that 2nd gen front used on back....something like that, but I dont think my example is correct from memory and cant find thread related.
( I did use search and read several threads, but dont seem to find a final answer, one used my example above and then came back and said did NOT work right.)

so what sway links ?


thanks

 

[3bears]

I think it's this:

2nd gen 4runner rear sway bar links, on the front of the 3rd gen
3rd gen front sway bar links, installed on the rear

This is from a couple comments in this thread:

Extended sway bar links

thanks

 

[jlevers]

Hey yall! Thanks for all the great information here.

I'm seeing some discrepencies between the information on the first page of this thread, and Toytec's website.

For the front coils: this thread says the 882 coils are for 150+ lbs of extra front weight, and the 883s are for 100lbs extra. On Toytec's website, the 882 isn't mentioned, and it says the 883 is for 200+ lbs extra front weight.

For the rear coils: this thread doesn't mention anything about extra weight for the 890s, and says the 891s are for an unspecified amount of extra weight. Toytec says the 890 is for 330lbs extra GVW, and the 891 is for 660lbs extra GVW.

Anyone know why the numbers are different, and which one is correct? Thanks!

 

[Devbot]

Hey yall! Thanks for all the great information here.

I'm seeing some discrepencies between the information on the first page of this thread, and Toytec's website.

For the front coils: this thread says the 882 coils are for 150+ lbs of extra front weight, and the 883s are for 100lbs extra. On Toytec's website, the 882 isn't mentioned, and it says the 883 is for 200+ lbs extra front weight.

For the rear coils: this thread doesn't mention anything about extra weight for the 890s, and says the 891s are for an unspecified amount of extra weight. Toytec says the 890 is for 330lbs extra GVW, and the 891 is for 660lbs extra GVW.

Anyone know why the numbers are different, and which one is correct? Thanks!

I recommend contacting ARB yourself, they're very helpful. Theres so much damn conflicting information about their coils that everyone claims is correct.

 

[jlevers]

I recommend contacting ARB yourself, they're very helpful. Theres so much damn conflicting information about their coils that everyone claims is correct.

Thanks for the suggestion -- just talked to them.

Now I'm extra confused, because they said their 881 springs are a 1.5" in lift, when I've seen everywhere else that they're 2.5-3". If anyone knows people who've installed these springs themselves, I'd be very interested to hear what the actual height is, since I've seen them recommended for a 3" lift all over the place.

They also said their 883 springs are an international spec spring, but it looks like I can order them on Toytec, which seems to imply that those springs aren't an international spec spring.

Also, in case this is helpful to anyone, they told me that the 890 and 891 rear springs are a 2" lift spring.

 

[beklemmung]

I agree that there seems to be a lot of conflicting info out there. I think it's most helpful to just look at the actual specs for each option and make a decision based on the free height and spring rate (and maybe, to a lesser extent, the bar diameter).

I can't vouch 100% for the accuracy of this table, but it's the best resource I've come across.

Cruiser Outfitters

 

[Devbot]

Thanks for the suggestion -- just talked to them.

Now I'm extra confused, because they said their 881 springs are a 1.5" in lift, when I've seen everywhere else that they're 2.5-3". If anyone knows people who've installed these springs themselves, I'd be very interested to hear what the actual height is, since I've seen them recommended for a 3" lift all over the place.

They also said their 883 springs are an international spec spring, but it looks like I can order them on Toytec, which seems to imply that those springs aren't an international spec spring.

Also, in case this is helpful to anyone, they told me that the 890 and 891 rear springs are a 2" lift spring.

The ride height will also be dependent on what shock you use and how it is assembled. Wouldn't hurt to look at other sites to see what they say, too. I personally can't remember the OME specs that much, I heard of quite a few issues with sagging early on so I looked into a different set up, but I think I did put up some posts about them earlier in this thread.

 

[jlevers]

After reading a number of different sites, as well as the spec sheet that belemmung linked above, I went with:

• 883 front springs
• 90004 front shocks
• 891 rear springs
• 60027 rear shocks

I was able to find them for cheaper on SRQ Fabrications than on Toytec, so I went with that.

Thanks for the help everyone

 

[Devbot]

I feel like it should be noted many people consider what lift they want for months on end. I personally took around 2-3 months to figure out what I wanted, across various different lifts, and browsed maybe a dozen threads and god knows how many websites. Eventually I came to the point of debating/choosing maybe 1 of 4 lifts, and I decided "I can either sit here debating, or I can make a move and grow from there."
Don't feel like it's abnormal to sit and debate the idea, change your desired set up, etc. It's a pretty substantial and expensive move, there's absolutely no shame in making sure you do it right. I went from OME shocks/coils, to OME coils and Bilsteins all around, to OME and Dobinsons, to Tundra TRD in front and Land Cruiser (Dobinson) lift in rear - ironically I was avoiding an LC lift to begin with but ended up going with one.
And even in the end, I made a purchase forgetting to check out a certain set up that could or could not have been better (leaning towards could not, VERY happy with my current build)

 

[jlevers]

I appreciate that perspective! I decided on this faster than I decide on most big purchases, because after doing a lot of reading around the forum, it felt like the number of people I saw satisfied with their OME lifts far outnumbered the people who were satisfied with any other type of lift, and I knew I wanted a large enough lift to clear 33" tires, which from what I can tell meant it had to be at least a 3" lift.

Also, since I was able to get the whole package for well below market value, I think I could switch at relatively low overall cost if need be.

But who knows -- I may end up wishing I spent longer thinking about it!

 

[moses91]

[/QUOTE]

Front options are:

• 880 1" lift coil for stock weight.
• 881 2.5" lift coil for stock weight.
• 883 3" lift coil designed for 100 lbs. additional front weight.
• 882 3" lift coil designed for 150+ lbs additional front weight.
• A top plate spacer can be combined with the 881 coil for a full 3" lift

for the rear you can choose from:

• 906 2" lift coil
• 890 3" lift coil
• 891 3" lift coil designed for additional weight.

Pros: Provides a decent amount of lift, gives a quality ride.
Cons: Not adjustable, more expensive than spacers. can sag over time.

[/QUOTE]

So whats the most reputable source for purchasing the 891 3" lift coils for the rear? I'm looking around online and haven't found a decent source yet. also am considering replacing the rear shocks while I'm doing the springs. Whats a good shock match for the 891 springs? usually have about 100-200lb daily and more for trips.

 

[Iffykid]

Front options are:

• 880 1" lift coil for stock weight.
• 881 2.5" lift coil for stock weight.
• 883 3" lift coil designed for 100 lbs. additional front weight.
• 882 3" lift coil designed for 150+ lbs additional front weight.
• A top plate spacer can be combined with the 881 coil for a full 3" lift

for the rear you can choose from:

• 906 2" lift coil
• 890 3" lift coil
• 891 3" lift coil designed for additional weight.

Pros: Provides a decent amount of lift, gives a quality ride.
Cons: Not adjustable, more expensive than spacers. can sag over time.

[/QUOTE]

So whats the most reputable source for purchasing the 891 3" lift coils for the rear? I'm looking around online and haven't found a decent source yet. also am considering replacing the rear shocks while I'm doing the springs. Whats a good shock match for the 891 springs? usually have about 100-200lb daily and more for trips.[/QUOTE]

1st time ordering a lift so right or wrong I ordered OME890's and 5100's from Wheelers during the there Black Fri sale I have not received yet so have no experience other than what I have read and talking with Wheelers and what I wanted to accomplish. 2.0" lift and 100lbs normal and maybe 300-400lbs on weekends without going over sprung and riding like a truck LOL


I believe the table you provided for the front shocks may have the info for the 882 and 883 reversed if you look at the numerical progression? I order 5100's and 883 for the front with a 200lb winch bumper combo.


OME-964R - Old Man Emu Rear Coils (96-02 4Runner)

Designed for superior performance across all terrain, an Old Man Emu suspension upgrade by ARB will provide noticeable improvements to a vehicle’s performance, including load carrying capacity and control characteristics.

(2) OME Coils, select from dropdown:

906 - Approximately 2" Lift - Medium Load - Stock Weight
890 - Approximately 2-2.5" Lift - Heavy Load (330 lbs -GVW)
891 - Approximately 2-2.5" Lift - Heavy Load (Constant 660 Lbs -GVW)

 

[moses91]

I'm looking for new rear coils for my 3rd gen. I am looking at these two and wonder what the differences are for others? Will either of these require longer shocks? I have toytec shocks, but I'm not sure what my coils are since they were put on by the previous owner and when loaded up on my last trip i had a significant sag in the rear. I want to correct that and I don't mind positive rake either.
Can anyone link to the HD toytec coils? Are these what the 3" lift coils are?
in this case, I'm leaning toward the 3" toytec coils over the OME.

Preferences??

OME 2-2.5″ REAR LIFT HEAVY DUTY COILS FOR 1996-2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ARB 2891


9602RC-P - Toytec Rear 3-Inch Lift Coils (96-02 4Runner)


Thanks y'all!

 

[shadow247]

You will definitely need longer shocks to take full advantage of the flex from the longer springs. I ran 1994 Land Cruiser Rear Shocks on my 99 with 7 Wrap LC Spring and they were perfect. I ran them with a Daystar 1.5 Spacer in the rear because the 7 Wraps were just too tall. They worked well with both rear setups. If you are going over 2 inches, I would advise a Panhard Correction kit as well.

I am now running 5th Gen TRD Pro Springs and KYBs for for a stock 2001 4Runner. They 5th Gen Springs have me sitting right at 23 inches Hub to Fender. I have right at 1.5 inches of rake, which makes the side profile look less like an old lady drives it....