$500.00 Suggestions? BL or struts/shocks? SoCal

[43242code1]

2005 4x2 4Runner currently 100% stock. Daily driver.

I live in Central/Southern California and would like, primarily, ground clearance. Not a heavy off-roader but I do want the t4r to be more capable on trails.

What I have researched so far is that a body lift kit or wheel spacers will give me some extra clearance but may cause extra stress on some of the other components. A BL kit and wheel spacers are more affordable than a suspension lift but a suspension lift will provide better "driveability".

Currently the Cornfed 3/2 kit from Burtman Industries is ~290.00 and I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on that one.

However, I am willing to spend $500.00 on a suspension lift.

If I am not doing heavy off roading, would spending the extra few hundred dollars on a suspension lift be worth it?

Any recommendations, suggestions, experiences, opinions or pics would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in Advance!

 

[chaz]

look at the second row, first three. those would be the cheapest & still be under the 500 mark, next would be the OME for 739. then toytec , then icon. 4Runner 03-2010 - 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

 

[chaz]

personally, id skip the spacer lift your looking at for 290, & get either the spring s(first in 2nd row for 399) or get the bilstein adj with rear lift for 379. you can only use a 1 & 1/2 BL at best , & that will do nothing for offroad or onroad handling so skip that.

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

We really do have some great options for under $500.
and all our gear comes with a life time warranty.

Usually upgrading the spring allows for a more confortable ride.

Hit me back if you have any questions.

 

[43242code1]

I began discussing this lift with my boss and after talking out loud about it I realized the spacer would not address things like body roll or bouncing.

At 300-500 I would love to do struts and coils. It seems they would have a more noticeable difference in ride quality as well as on/off road function.

I have done 80% of all my car maintenance since I've been driving, and supported in those endeavors by my father. We don't have a spring compressor or a reliable torque wrench (something from harbor freight we bought a couple of years ago when I had my Lincoln). Would this change how difficult the install could be? And if so by what degree?

Ideally this would be done by the end of February as we are going to big bear in march for a snowboarding trip.

Thanks again you guys! I am reconsidering the CF 3/2 in favor of a suspension upgrade.

 

[flair runner]

I'd say save up a couple more hundred bucks and go with the ome lift. New springs and struts it'll give you 3 inches and you replace your old beat up ones. I originally was gonna do the spacer lift but now am gonna be ordering the ome.. Should be purchasing within the week.

 

[thetaxguy]

I began discussing this lift with my boss and after talking out loud about it I realized the spacer would not address things like body roll or bouncing.

At 300-500 I would love to do struts and coils. It seems they would have a more noticeable difference in ride quality as well as on/off road function.

I have done 80% of all my car maintenance since I've been driving, and supported in those endeavors by my father. We don't have a spring compressor or a reliable torque wrench (something from harbor freight we bought a couple of years ago when I had my Lincoln). Would this change how difficult the install could be? And if so by what degree?

Ideally this would be done by the end of February as we are going to big bear in march for a snowboarding trip.

Thanks again you guys! I am reconsidering the CF 3/2 in favor of a suspension upgrade.

CF or DS are both economical upgrades. FJ 4x4 springs can be had for a decent price (or free in some cases).

Many auto parts stores will loan you a spring compressor for free.

-Shawn

 

[coach]

I suggest the bisltein adjustable height front shocks and a set of bilstein 5100 rear shocks with an OME spring with 1.5 or 2" lift. The 2" lift spring will level out the top end of the adjustable bilstein front shock I believe and be a nice overall lift.

Brent

 

[43242code1]

I talked to a mechanic today who would be doing the work for me when I make my decision. After discussing what I wanted out of the lift and the different methods to achieve that I have decided to go with spacers. I may be able to get 2.5/1.5 DayStar lift kit through his friend for a decent price.
The money i will be saving vs. an OME lift can be put to a bigger tire/rim combo

however, i'm still curious;

To strictly maximize ground clearance this can be done simply with bigger rims, bigger tires, and a mild lift to allow for space and travel right?
Wheel spacers only come in when you have wider tires that rub, and rubbing comes from the tires hitting the mudflaps, wheel well, or axle? Am understanding this so far?

 

[andino]

You can go to your local Autozone and rent spring compressors for free. All you need is to put a 50 dollar deposit that you get back when you return them. You get them for 36hrs so it's not a bad deal

 

[obxfishn]

Just got off the phone with Toy-Tec and I was told that if you have the XREAS system, getting the spacer into the shock set up is a royal pain the azz. My question is then how do you install the spacer if you cannot break the line connection to the XREAS? I would love to be able to afford the ultimate system that Toy-Tec makes but I would love to settle for the spacer idea until I can save up some money. :wink2:

 

[obxfishn]

I guess my next question would be which company would you go with for the spacer option; Daystar, Toy-Tec or Cornfed?

 

[thetaxguy]

Just got off the phone with Toy-Tec and I was told that if you have the XREAS system, getting the spacer into the shock set up is a royal pain the azz. My question is then how do you install the spacer if you cannot break the line connection to the XREAS? I would love to be able to afford the ultimate system that Toy-Tec makes but I would love to settle for the spacer idea until I can save up some money. :wink2:

Installing the spacer is done by disconnecting the bolt that hold the strut assembly in, and leaving the Xreas systems connected. You will have to work inside of your wheel well, which would be a pain in the a$$ is you are a shop like toy-tech that has all the pretty hyrdo spring compressors and such.

Let me put it this way; If I (a tax accountant) can do it, you can do it!

There are plenty of threads on this forum that have in-process pics (search CJflyr). Look at them, understand them, and then try it out for yourself. Don't let Toy-tec or any other manufacturer try to push their stuff on you. You should buy your upgrades when you are ready, not when someone is ready to make a buck off of you.

Just my $0.02

-Shawn

 

[43242code1]

Ultimately I don't think it matters much between DS and CF, outside of company policies (I.e. Lifetime warranty). I would opt for CF because they are a site sponsor (voting with my dollar ) and also provide just a little more lift. However; if there is, let's say, a 60 dollar difference I would purchase the cheaper spacers. I know the mechanic that will be doing the install and he in turn knows somebody in town who sells/builds suspensions.
I figure spacers now, then tires/rims, then suspension when I justify the cost or need.