5th Gen 4Runner Lift Buyers Guide

[Jhalko]

So Zach, you’re saying that set-up will tighten up the handeling? Great, that’s what I hoped! Thanks for that reply.
Another thing I need to take into account for the front suspension is most of my beach driving and some of my light trail driving will include a front hitch mounted 100 qt cooler/surf rod rackthat will at times top-out at 200 lbs.
JD

The bilstein shocks will be superior to stock and improve the ride, but since you are keeping factory springs the overall ride should still be good. If you get new springs you can see a big change in ride making it too stiff depending on setup, but it depends on what you get. Not sure there is a good way to compensate for occasionally carrying the extra weight up from...

 

[3wbdriver]

So Zach, you’re saying that set-up will tighten up the handeling? Great, that’s what I hoped!

If you're hoping to convert it into an X-5 for handling you are barking up the wrong tree. It's a Body on Frame SUV. It will always have body roll and some nosedive short of radically altering the spring rate, and at that point you won't appreciate the highway ride. I'm running pretty close to that setup, and while it is an improvement it has not made mine into a sports car. It still leans under hard cornering and it still dives under moderate to hard braking. It is the nature of the beast. Just an FYI.

 

[jjdbike]

The bilstein shocks will be superior to stock...Not sure there is a good way to compensate for occasionally carrying the extra weight up from...

Thanks J.
Good to know about the Blisteins.:clap2:
Yes I know that the front rack is a real out-lyer. I’m not willing to stiffen the front so much that it’s uncomfortable when I don’t have the rack on.

I was wondering if there was a front shock that is similar to the Bilstein that might be just slightly stiffer to accomidate the weight of the rack w/ out making it uncomfortable or jittery when the rack’s not there (which is the majority of the time).:juggle:
JD

 

[jjdbike]

If you're hoping to convert it into an X-5 for handling you are barking up the wrong tree....I'm running pretty close to that setup, and while it is an improvement it has not made mine into a sports car. ...Just an FYI.

Hey 3WB. I apprecaite the reality check. Heck I didn’t even know what an X-5 was until I just looked it up. Nah I don’t think I have unrealsitic expectations, especially on my budget.
I bought the 4Runner because it is a body-on-frame truck for it’s rugged off-road capaity & old-school reliability and longevity.
On the otherhand, I’m just looking to make well a informed decision.
I know the you folks are by far the best source of info and experience.
Thanks again everyone.
JD

 

[Zach_F]

So Zach, you’re saying that set-up will tighten up the handeling? Great, that’s what I hoped! Thanks for that reply.
Another thing I need to take into account for the front suspension is most of my beach driving and some of my light trail driving will include a front hitch mounted 100 qt cooler/surf rod rackthat will at times top-out at 200 lbs.
JD

I did this exact lift two days ago and it firmed everything up by a noticeable amount. Not harsh, by any means. 200 pounds on the front will have an effect, though.

 

[TRDPRO4LIFE]

So I just got the 16' 4Runner TRD PRO.. Looking to lift it a little more than the stock lift that it already has.. I was thinking about doing a 3" lift all around. If you got advice then let me know! New to the 4Runner world and need any of the advice that I can get.

 

[Jdavera]

So I just got the 16' 4Runner TRD PRO.. Looking to lift it a little more than the stock lift that it already has.. I was thinking about doing a 3" lift all around. If you got advice then let me know! New to the 4Runner world and need any of the advice that I can get.

Check this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=208900

 

[jjdbike]

I did this exact lift two days ago and it firmed everything up by a noticeable amount. Not harsh, by any means. 200 pounds on the front will have an effect, though.

Thanks Zach. Also looking at the same tires you mention on your signature. I hear nothing but great stuff about them.
JD

 

[jjdbike]

Level & post install adjust?

Hey everyone.
If like to level vehicle a little and firm the ride (i.e limit body roll & break dive) for more precise control. Not sure if I want to lift yet & if I do it'll only be a little, no higher than 2 1/2 max.
I was going to go w/ 4 Bilstein 5100's.
I have 2 questions. 1st How much front lift is required to level an '11 SR5? 2nd, how much work is it for a shop to raise 5100's after initial installation?
Thanks!
JD

 

[Zach_F]

.85 to level, based on frame rather than wheel wells. Adjusting the 5100s requires a complete removal and reinstall on the front.

 

[jamescb77]

Does anyone have any opinions on the fox stuff for the t4r?

 

[jjdbike]

.85 to level, based on frame rather than wheel wells. Adjusting the 5100s requires a complete removal and reinstall on the front.

Thanks Zach.
The fact that it’s a good amount of work/time, pus re-alignment required at $100 an hour, I'll need to be sure what I want first!
I spoke w/ ToyTec & Scott said the rear on the ’11’s was a full 2” higher, but said that they all differ a little. He also said based upon the overall body geometry it’s difficut to tell. He gave me a lot of info and suggested new longer slightly stiffer springs as well as shocks as he said simply adding longer shocks would make the ride harsh. I posted tht in another thread on the main 5th gen forum.
So much to know my head is kind of spinning. I don’t know why I thought this would be simple. It’s gone from fun to stressfull.
Thanks for your help everyone.
JD

 

[jwkilgore]

.85 to level, based on frame rather than wheel wells. Adjusting the 5100s requires a complete removal and reinstall on the front.

Important bit in bold. The top of the wheel well arches and bottom of frame aren't parallel. If you level the frame there will still be a higher wheel well gap above the rear wheels. If you level the wheel wells the frame will have a reverse rake and your truck will look squatty if you load up the rear. It's a truck, not a car.

If you're sticking with stock size wheels and worried about expense, far and away the most common formula is just going with the 5100's all around with the front set to 0.85 and with stock springs. Tons of people are happy with it. It will be about $348 for a full set (from Total Automotive Performance, free shipping) plus install.

If you want a full lift the next step is setting the fronts higher and adding a rear spacer. This will provide a total vehicle lift at very little extra cost over just the shocks. Around $400-$450 + install, cheaper if you buy spacers from the Classified section from someone who wants to upgrade.

Next would be 5100's + rear springs. At a total price of about $600 plus install, this about maxes out the benefit/cost ratio. You can obviously go with more and better improvements, but the costs start to go up significantly for smaller gains.

If I could go back and get a do-over I would definitely do one of these options instead of the front/rear spacer lift I did get.

 

[jjdbike]

Some important stuff here!.
Thanks a lot for all of that info.
Valuable for a lot of us.
Thanks again!
JD

 

[Jhalko]

Does anyone have any opinions on the fox stuff for the t4r?

Some say it's excellent quality but there have been big install issues with the remote resi's. Check the thread by [MENTION=75328]DannyLlama[/MENTION] for that. Depends on what you are looking at though I guess.

 

[DannyLlama]

Some say it's excellent quality but there have been big install issues with the remote resi's. Check the thread by [MENTION=75328]DannyLlama[/MENTION] for that. Depends on what you are looking at though I guess.

The remote resi issue is with kdds models.. LE and SR5 models have a very tight fit with the sway bar. I have actually escalated the issue to their engineers

 

[96706RROMJP]

Need help

Need some advice ..i want a mild lift 2.5 front and 1.5 rears. I been told bilsteins 5100s fronts and should i go spacers in the rear or springs? If i do go with the springs in the rear what size springs do i get? Also do i have to reinforce anything such as bumpstops..differential drop?

 

[Jhalko]

Need some advice ..i want a mild lift 2.5 front and 1.5 rears. I been told bilsteins 5100s fronts and should i go spacers in the rear or springs? If i do go with the springs in the rear what size springs do i get? Also do i have to reinforce anything such as bumpstops..differential drop?

Not much option for rear springs at 1.5", the Sway Away I have aren't available now apparently. can you comment on your usage?

 

[96706RROMJP]

Not much option for rear springs at 1.5", the Sway Away I have aren't available now apparently. can you comment on your usage?

98% is highway use and the only rough terrain is either gravel or dirt roads.

 

[jjdbike]

Not much option for rear springs at 1.5", the Sway Away I have aren't available now apparently. can you comment on your usage?

The 1 1/2” SAW rear lift springs are one the Toytech web site & it allowed me to add them to my cart?
Has anyone here looked into ARB / OME? They seem to have some smaller lift-kit options (e.g., .50mm which is just short of 2").
I’m going to contact them today. I’ll report back w/ what I find.
JD