4th Gen Suspension Options/FAQ
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
Found out the wheels will clear, but running wider tires will cause a problem if you're not in the 4-4.5" BS area
When you're right you're right lol
Hi, this is my first post. I have a stock 04 4runner Limited 4wd. Looking to get a small lift (2 or 3 inches) with wheels and tires. I had a few questions before making my final decisions.
1. I saw the 3" front and rear coil lift on toytec's website. Any pros/cons or recommendations?
2. Is anyone running atx thug teflon wheels?
3. Have a few tire options. Cooper STT, Kumho Road Venture MT, Maxxis Bighorns. What do yall think of these?
Thanks for your help
1. I saw the 3" front and rear coil lift on toytec's website. Any pros/cons or recommendations?
2. Is anyone running atx thug teflon wheels?
3. Have a few tire options. Cooper STT, Kumho Road Venture MT, Maxxis Bighorns. What do yall think of these?
Thanks for your help
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
1. What is your goal (looks or off road performance)? I don't like the Toytec kit with coils if you are going to run stock shocks.
2. I wasn't aware of anyone, but did a quick search and found these pics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up-5.html#post466557
3. Same question as #1, what is your goal? There are a lot of good options out there, but some are better than others if you are just going for looks and won't actually use them off road (or vice versa).
Well I of course don't want it to look bad, but I do go off road and pull a boat as well. So if I'm going to upgrade one (shocks or coils) then i should also upgrade the other? And what about a spacer lift? They're obviously cheaper, but do they wear down on older suspension?
Sorry if these are dumb questions, I'm just trying to gain as much knowledge as possible.
Sorry if these are dumb questions, I'm just trying to gain as much knowledge as possible.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Some people just want the lift and aggressive tires for looks only, they never leave pavement. That's what I was referring to by "looks", not that it would look bad.
If you were going to do coils, I'd suggest shocks as well. The reason being that with lift coils on the front, you are causing the shock to extend and you loose down travel. Aftermarket shocks for lifted vehicles are longer so they can accommodate the lift. Most spacer lifts are a topout style that go on top of the strut. With these the whole coilover assembly gets pushed down so you still keep the same amount of travel. In the rear, you will loose downtravel either way, there's no avoiding that with stock shocks.
The differences between spacer lifts and coil/shock replacement is detailed in the first post. The spacer lift will give you more clearance but that's it. The shocks/coils will give you more clearance, better ride off road, and more travel.
If you're on a budget, you don't have to replace the coils assuming you are running stock bumpers. A good low cost option is the Bilstein 5100 shocks. The fronts are adjustable to provide up to 2.5" of lift. The rears are extended length and will work well with up to 2" of lift. So, you could set the fronts on 2.5" and buy a 1.5" rear spacer to give you a 2.5"/1.5" lift. The 5100's can be found for $330 or less, and the 1.5" spacer for $40 or less.
Now, you mention towing. IMO going with a stiffer rear coil to support trailer weight is the wrong approach, unless you spend the vast majority of your time towing a loaded trailer. Coils stiff enough to support the added weight of a loaded trailer typically are harsh when you are not loaded. A good alternative is air bags for the rear. These are rather inexpensive (under $100) and work exceptionally well. You get the added support when you need it, but maintain a smooth ride when you don't. Firestone and Airlift make kits to fit our 4runners.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I'd personally run a 255/75/17, 265/70/17, or 275/70/17. If you wanted bigger, the 285/70/17 is the next step up, but I recommend 3" lift and/or a body lift for those. Even still, you will need a good bit of trimming with 285's.
The general opinion I've heard on throttle body spacers is that they are a waste of money.
BigNuge
New member
ARK, I have recently bought all 4 coils from an 08 FJ (actually, the whole stock suspension, only going to use the coils though). I have also already ordered 5100's for all 4 corners & new front shock upper bushings & washers.
My machine: 03 Sport/4WD/4.7 with XREAS.
My intention: Modest lift (2/1 at least) for better off road capability while maintaining a nice ride on road. I am eventually going to move towards a more aggressive off-roading machine, but that is still a couple years away. Most of my off road driving is during the hunting season, which is fast approaching!! Nothing serious, but I don't want to turn around every time I see a tough spot on the back roads in the woods.
My plan: XREAS is coming out. All 4 stock coils coming out. Use the FJ coils front & back. 5100's all 4 corners, fronts set on highest position possible to level it out.
1, What is you opinion on this setup?
2, Do stock FJ coils provide any sort of lift for the rear (can I avoid using a rear spacer kit)?
3, Given the above mentioned plan, what setting would you suggest for the front 5100's? I'm really hoping to get as much lift out of them as possible, but I DO NOT want any bro-lean (sagging rear), and would like to avoid spacers in the rear. If I have to then so be it, but let me know.
4, What size tire will I be able to get under this without major chopping/modification after the lift?
5, Is there anything I may have missed, or anything you would suggest that would help? The last thing I would want is to have this thing gutted of all suspension only to find out I should have picked up a ...........???
Thank you for your input!
My machine: 03 Sport/4WD/4.7 with XREAS.
My intention: Modest lift (2/1 at least) for better off road capability while maintaining a nice ride on road. I am eventually going to move towards a more aggressive off-roading machine, but that is still a couple years away. Most of my off road driving is during the hunting season, which is fast approaching!! Nothing serious, but I don't want to turn around every time I see a tough spot on the back roads in the woods.
My plan: XREAS is coming out. All 4 stock coils coming out. Use the FJ coils front & back. 5100's all 4 corners, fronts set on highest position possible to level it out.
1, What is you opinion on this setup?
2, Do stock FJ coils provide any sort of lift for the rear (can I avoid using a rear spacer kit)?
3, Given the above mentioned plan, what setting would you suggest for the front 5100's? I'm really hoping to get as much lift out of them as possible, but I DO NOT want any bro-lean (sagging rear), and would like to avoid spacers in the rear. If I have to then so be it, but let me know.
4, What size tire will I be able to get under this without major chopping/modification after the lift?
5, Is there anything I may have missed, or anything you would suggest that would help? The last thing I would want is to have this thing gutted of all suspension only to find out I should have picked up a ...........???
Thank you for your input!
Has anybody had any troubles with this 3" lift/level kit such as needing new UCA's, brake lines, etc 3" lift / leveling kit for FJ & 4Runner
Two weeks after installing the 2011 4Runner Trail coils and shocks.
The coils are fine. My2006 V8 sits slightly taller than with the stock springs. They also seem slight stiffer.
The shocks on the other hand suck. They feel worn out or mis-valved. The truck bounces around a good bit. Perhaps they were abused by the PO. One of the members here is sending me his low mileage stockers from a 2013 Trail to try out.
When I pull it apart to replace the shocks (hoping Friday night), I will put a caliper on the coils to compare wire diameter against my stock units.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
1. Love that setup. If you're just into mild off road (such as hunting), I think it's great low budget option.
2. Expect 1/2" front, 1/4" rear lift from the FJ coils
3. I'd use the second setting (.85) if you are not running a spacer in the rear. I think the third (1.75") would end up too high in the front. If you decide to use a rear spacer, Cornfed will make you a spacer any size you want. I would do the third notch with a 3/4" spacer in the rear (should give you ~2.25" front, ~1" rear).
4. Tire size would be 255/75/17, 265/70/17, or 275/70/17. As long as you are running stock wheels and no wheel spacers, these should fit (275 may require a small amount of trimming).
5. No, this sounds like a good plan. All you need are shocks, coils, and any spacers that you plan to use.
As long as you don't go over 3", you should be fine with stock UCA's. As long as you are running stock shocks, you won't need extended brake lines (most aftermarket shocks as well).
Thanks for the follow up, please keep us updated on how this goes. This could be another good bang for the buck mod for our 4runners.
zopperman
Moderator
From the first post :rockthrow:
285/70R17† (32.6 x 11.2)
255/80R17* (33 x 10)
3/2 + 1-1.5" Body Lift
255/85R17† (34 x 10)
285/70R17†
305/65R17† (32.6 x 12)
* requires removal of mud flaps and probably minor trimming
† requires trimming and may require body mount chop (click here for details on body mount chop), upper control arms, and/or increased backspacing.
BigNuge
New member
Actually, I should have mentioned the FJ springs are TT springs. Would you still suggest I use 1" spacers in the rear?
One last question......maybe. What size spacer should I use if I want to set the front 5100's on the highest setting?
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
All 4x4 FJ coils are the same, doesn't matter which trim, so lift height would be the same. For the highest setting, I'd do a 1.5" spacer in the rear (Daystar one runs $40).
BigNuge
New member
Cool, thank you for your input on this!
**UPDATE** Ordered the 1.5 Daystars. Looks like I will be doing the lift next weekend!! I'll be sure to post pictures & measurements as I go.
Last edited:
S p a r k y
New member
From the looks of Pic, go with .85. However to be sure go measure fenders. measure from ground to fender edge in the middle of fender. I use wheel cap for reference. You want roughly a 3/4-1" difference to look good front to rear.
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