5th Gen 4Runner Lift Buyers Guide

[Jhalko]

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

The bilsteins will be nice, you will see comments from people that carried loads/towed that the spacers didn't cut it, but they all said it was fine otherwise. I did skip the spacer and get springs and shocks, but I knew I would be off-roading and potentially more changes later so I only wanted to buy once ideally.

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

I'd call them to make sure, someone commented elsewhere that Wheelers site no longer has them and they weren't available, toytec may not have updated the site yet. Or I may be wrong... Look at the setup [MENTION=105481]3wbdriver[/MENTION] has on his truck, looks outstanding. He has a post above which probably has it in his sig. Some comment that the OME springs don't ride quite as well as others, but they have quite a few options so selection could be key.

 

[jjdbike]

The bilsteins will be nice,
I'd call them to make sure, someone commented elsewhere that Wheelers site no longer has them and they weren't available, toytec may not have updated the site yet. Or I may be wrong... Look at the setup [MENTION=105481]3wbdriver[/MENTION] has on his truck, looks outstanding. He has a post above which probably has it in his sig. Some comment that the OME springs don't ride quite as well as others, but they have quite a few options so selection could be key.

Thanks again J. I pm'd 3wb as its not on he sig.
Also, you're correct about the SAW 1 1/2" springs. Not available until at least the end of this month, perhaps longer.
Take care.
JD

 

[96706RROMJP]

The bilsteins will be nice, you will see comments from people that carried loads/towed that the spacers didn't cut it, but they all said it was fine otherwise. I did skip the spacer and get springs and shocks, but I knew I would be off-roading and potentially more changes later so I only wanted to buy once ideally.



I'd call them to make sure, someone commented elsewhere that Wheelers site no longer has them and they weren't available, toytec may not have updated the site yet. Or I may be wrong... Look at the setup [MENTION=105481]3wbdriver[/MENTION] has on his truck, looks outstanding. He has a post above which probably has it in his sig. Some comment that the OME springs don't ride quite as well as others, but they have quite a few options so selection could be key.

So for my driving habits not much offroading, daystar 2.5 front 1.5 spacers rear, should be fine without any problems?

 

[jjdbike]

Hey everyone.
I called ARB/OME USA today. The guy I spoke w/ told me that the only OME lift systems that fits the 2011 4Runner are 3”. He went on to say that "they’re not 3” for ground clearance but for a plush ride & so they didn’t constantly hit the bump-stops which they tend to do a lot”. He then reffered me to Wheeler’s Off-Road in Grand Pass OR & said that they will have more info.

I called Wheeler's and the guy I spoke w/ at Wheeler’s didn’t agree w/ the guy I spoke w/ at ARB about the 3” & the bump-stops. He was also suprised at how I said my 11’ SR5 handeled and suggested that I may have suspensions parts that are worn.
He suggested two packages for me.

1st he suggested an econo set-up. 4 Bilstiens w/ the front raised to 1.85, a 1” spacer in the rear and keeping the OEM (not to be confused w/ OME) springs. He siad it would be okay as long as my OEM springs aren't worn (which he thought they may be). He did say the the spacer and the preload of rasing the front shocks would make the ride more harsh, jumpy and limted. the parts cost would be 403.95 plus shipping

2nd he suggested: Front 5100’s & 2.5” Toytech/Eibach lift springs. They will assembled them (as a coil-over) set w/ all new parts so they only need to be bolted on. This will save at least an hour of labor and lower the risk of assembly error. Rear Superflex 2” lift springs. This would be a smoother but heavier duty set-up. Parts cost $900 and change plus shipping.
If I can swing it I think this would be the better choice.

Now to shop installers.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jhalko]

So for my driving habits not much offroading, daystar 2.5 front 1.5 spacers rear, should be fine without any problems?

I've not even ridden in a vehicle with spacers in over 10 years so I can't offer Advice there for you. if it was me I'd just get the bilsteins and put the spacers in the rear, sooner or later you'll need new shocks anyway.

 

[96706RROMJP]

I've not even ridden in a vehicle with spacers in over 10 years so I can't offer Advice there for you. if it was me I'd just get the bilsteins and put the spacers in the rear, sooner or later you'll need new shocks anyway.

Thanks, ill probally go with bilsteins 5100 in the front and 1.5 spacers in the rears.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

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

Are you looking at the 2.0 or 2.5?

 

[jamescb77]

Are you looking at the 2.0 or 2.5?

Most likely 2.0 its hard to find much info about them on the forums. I was really happy with them on my jeep but I don't want to sacrifice reliability and all that.

 

[jjdbike]

How difficult is lifting?

Hi folks.
My next step is to choose someone to actually do the work. Unfortunatly I totally mechanicly challanged, no tools, garage etc...
My options range from (most expensive to least expensive) Toytoa dealer, Off-road custom shop, local privetly owned shop, auto-tech training institute (school).
Just springs and shocks (possibley pre assembeled/ preadjusted front struts/coilovers) lifting from 2 to 2 1/2" max.
How trickey is it & how much skill & experience is requierd to do it right?
Should I go w/ Toyota dealer because it’s under warrentee, off-road custom shop cause that’s what they do, local shop cause they’re convienet
or the local auto-tech training institute cause they’re about $35 an hour?
If money was an object, short of doing it yourself, which would you choose?
Thanks!
JD

 

[jwkilgore]

The only difficult part in installing springs and shocks is assembling the coilovers. If I didn't have the tools/space I'd investigate the tech school first. Money is an object with me too.

But keep in mind that one of the hidden costs of a lift is that it will need an alignment afterwards, and I believe a 2.5" lift is near the max that your stock upper control arms can handle. I don't remember reading of any issues on this forum with alignments after lifting with Bilsteins, but this could throw a student off. If they do the work make sure you request a printout of the final alignment numbers.

If you're thinking about getting the tech school to install the lift and someone else do the alignment make sure you get prices both ways. I'm sure the tech school is a straight hourly rate, and the Toyota dealership won't cut a break on anything, but the local shops may cut a deal... something like pay for the lift install and get the alignment at a discount.

 

[Engineer]

Hi folks.
My next step is to choose someone to actually do the work. Unfortunatly I totally mechanicly challanged, no tools, garage etc...
My options range from (most expensive to least expensive) Toytoa dealer, Off-road custom shop, local privetly owned shop, auto-tech training institute (school).
Just springs and shocks (possibley pre assembeled/ preadjusted front struts/coilovers) lifting from 2 to 2 1/2" max.
How trickey is it & how much skill & experience is requierd to do it right?
Should I go w/ Toyota dealer because it’s under warrentee, off-road custom shop cause that’s what they do, local shop cause they’re convienet
or the local auto-tech training institute cause they’re about $35 an hour?
If money was an object, short of doing it yourself, which would you choose?
Thanks!
JD

I would have to see each place to truly decide but would likely quickly rule out the dealership, they are $$$ and from my experience do not appreciate anyone looking over there shoulders (trying to learn). If the Tech school seems like a good environment (geared towards learning not profit) I would be inclined to go there as its a reasonable price, the students are not going to be burned out, likely would enjoy a change of pace by installing a lift vs. brake job. The instructions are easy to follow/not a complicated job and best of all you may be able to watch/learn while they do it.

 

[3wbdriver]

Hi folks.
My next step is to choose someone to actually do the work. Unfortunatly I totally mechanicly challanged, no tools, garage etc...
My options range from (most expensive to least expensive) Toytoa dealer, Off-road custom shop, local privetly owned shop, auto-tech training institute (school).
Just springs and shocks (possibley pre assembeled/ preadjusted front struts/coilovers) lifting from 2 to 2 1/2" max.
How trickey is it & how much skill & experience is requierd to do it right?
Should I go w/ Toyota dealer because it’s under warrentee, off-road custom shop cause that’s what they do, local shop cause they’re convienet
or the local auto-tech training institute cause they’re about $35 an hour?
If money was an object, short of doing it yourself, which would you choose?
Thanks!
JD

I had Toyota install the initial lift for just shy of $500 including an alignment. I had a local speed shop install the OME springs later and they broke one of the ABS sensor wires (they replaced it for free), which is a concern especially on the front. Personally, in this case I'd have the dealer do the work so they are on the hook for any possible follow ups. Or verify that any local shop understands what needs to be done. A tech school would be my last choice simply for the concern about the ABS system. Not due to concern on whether the students could do the work. Just based on their lack of experience.

 

[-dustin]

since this is a resource thread for newbies, i'm going to ask a newbie question.

it seems like there are zero options for a true 1 - 1.5" rear spring. Swayaways being being MIA, and generally being more lift than advertised.

with that, I'm thinking of slapping 2 OME spacers per side in back to match the 5100/ Eibach 620lb springs up front. searches here show it has been done. my question, though:

does adding 2 of the OME spacers preload the springs?

 

[96706RROMJP]

Mild lift help

Does anyone know if i installed bilstein 5100s fronts set at 1.75 and replace rear shocks to bilsteins, will this set leveled and if it does when i have passenger's in the back or some etc. In the cargo, how bad will the rear sag? Or should i add a 1" rear spacer ?

 

[3wbdriver]

Does anyone know if i installed bilstein 5100s fronts set at 1.75 and replace rear shocks to bilsteins, will this set leveled and if it does when i have passenger's in the back or some etc. In the cargo, how bad will the rear sag? Or should i add a 1" rear spacer ?

You're looking at body leveled with a couple hundred pounds in the back. No "noticeable" sag with 960 lb load on a trip in Oct 14, but the ride was definitely softer and more sedan like. Top pic is the day of the Bilstein installation, Bottom is loaded for that trip.

 

[whalen4R]

First post to the site. Previously owned a fj cruser I had built up fairly well. I had a OME installed in that, wasn't too bad to do but I noticed when it was cold out it rode like crap. Overally it was a decent kit but I bot own a 2015 trail and I'm looking at the Fox 2.5 coil over and some fox rear shocks. I know if I go over 2.5 inches I need UCA to be safe and a T case drop but does anyone on here run these shocks? Anything to say about them??

 

[jjdbike]

I had Toyota install the initial lift for just shy of $500 including an alignment. I had a local speed shop install the OME springs later and they broke one of the ABS sensor wires (they replaced it for free), which is a concern especially on the front. Personally, in this case I'd have the dealer do the work so they are on the hook for any possible follow ups. Or verify that any local shop understands what needs to be done. A tech school would be my last choice simply for the concern about the ABS system. Not due to concern on whether the students could do the work. Just based on their lack of experience.

Yes good point. I need to get an estimate from the local yota dealer. I don’t like that they will def be the most expensive, but I do like that they will be ressponsible for any damage.
Another option just became available to me. A colleague’s husband is a mechanic. Used to have his own custom 4x4 shop. He sold it cause of a back injury, but his best friend is an off-road head & weekend warrior w/ a full garage, lift etc.. I’m gonna talk w/ him. I would really like to be next to him and assist on this to learn from it. He may also be a good resource for other possible mods!
JD

 

[oneten]

Does anyone know if i installed bilstein 5100s fronts set at 1.75 and replace rear shocks to bilsteins, will this set leveled and if it does when i have passenger's in the back or some etc. In the cargo, how bad will the rear sag? Or should i add a 1" rear spacer ?

It will be very close to level. Any weight in back and probably will sag. I did 1.75" 5100s up front with 1" cornfed in back and it has decent rake.

 

[96706RROMJP]

It will be very close to level. Any weight in back and probably will sag. I did 1.75" 5100s up front with 1" cornfed in back and it has decent rake.

You got a pic of your rig?

 

[Xtremluck]

You're looking at body leveled with a couple hundred pounds in the back. No "noticeable" sag with 960 lb load on a trip in Oct 14, but the ride was definitely softer and more sedan like. Top pic is the day of the Bilstein installation, Bottom is loaded for that trip.

I dont know if its my eye playing tricks but to me it looks like you have reverse rake in both pics.