A 17 year old's 99 4runner

C

Connerliam

New member
A couple months ago I blew the Tranny on my parents 1998 Camry, and was without a car for months. My dad had just bought an FJ cruiser though and loved it other than the small amount of passenger space and blind spots. The thing was a beast and I fell in love with offroading. Soon though, my madre started complaining about not having a 3rd row to haul around my brother's friends and him. Without even getting to do a single mod other than running boards to the fj, we (in my opinion) upgraded to a 2011 4runner. So far, it isn't keeping up with the fj due to balder tires and 20 inch rims. So when it came time to get my new vehicle, I snagged myself a 1999 SR5 4runner 4x4. The windshield was cracked, oil needed a change, and tires were mismatched and bald.

Long story short - My dad got a 2011 4Runner, driving it every now and then, I loved it and got myself a 99 4Runner.

Mods
Audio
10in Polk Audio Sub
300 Watt RF amp
Custom 4th Order Bandpass box
Kenwood Door Speakers
Pioneer DH-4400HD Head Unit
Wheels
31in BFG All Terrains
Enkei Rims from previous owner
Removed fender flares and running boards
Performance
Drop in K&N air filter

I have officially dubbed my 4Runner "TINY"​

I am thinking of doing a 2.5 body lift for now, as I am only 17 with no job. Any thoughts? Can I keep my body lift even after obtaining a suspension lift?
This is the one I'd like.

Pics soon to come​
 
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Welcome to the forum!

And yes, you can combine suspension and body lifts. You can even combine spacer lifts with coils and new shocks. But not everything is interchangeable when it comes to spacers, coils and shocks being used together. Just have to do your homework.

The Daystar leveling kit and a 2.5" BL is totally doable. I basically had that setup until I changed out all of my suspension components. Although, do more research on body lifts, as bumpers and sliders will become hard to shop for. You will also get a frame and body gap unless you get gap guards. I have a 3" BL so I'm not bashing them, but just keep all of that in mind.
 
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What are some other cheaper, yet useful mods to do also? I'm consider the tundra brake upgrade. And yea I know what you mean with the body lift, but new bumpers are far in the future for me. :(
 
Welcome to the forum. Just to let you know, that link you posted is not for a body lift. It is a spacer lift kit for your suspension. They are two completely different things.
 
Bandit Runner said:
Welcome to the forum. Just to let you know, that link you posted is not for a body lift. It is a spacer lift kit for your suspension. They are two completely different things.
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Is it? Sorry, new to all of this. What is the difference and pros/cons to each over the other?
 
save your money for a suspension lift. If you actually wheel, that body lift will be the last thing you want, especially on stock suspension.
 
Connerliam said:
I plan on getting one down the road, right now, I think any lift is better than what I have now.
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I priced together my 3" lift for about $75 more dollars than a body lift will cost you. Suspension lift is the way to go. TRD tundra front struts and springs, land cruiser 90-97 front springs on your rear and land cruise stock rear shocks. Get the front diff drop and rock and roll.
 
At that age i didn't even have a car. I had to save and get a loan for my first car at 18. You want a lift with no job. How is that going to work out?

I say get a job first or ask your dad for help to maintain it and for gas money.

Tell him you would like to build it with him. Like a father and son thing. I'm sure he will eat it up. Lol.

If you want a cheap lift.under 2" get a spacer lift and new shocks you will be fine.

Congrats on the truck.
 
bpowa said:
At that age i didn't even have a car. I had to save and get a loan for my first car at 18. You want a lift with no job. How is that going to work out?

I say get a job first or ask your dad for help to maintain it and for gas money.

Tell him you would like to build it with him. Like a father and son thing. I'm sure he will eat it up. Lol.

If you want a cheap lift.under 2" get a spacer lift and new shocks you will be fine.

Congrats on the truck.
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Already have dad helping with it, it's part of the reason his 2011 is untouched at the moment lol. And I find out today whether or not I get my job. I had training yesterday and they're getting back to me today. :bravo:

Ok, so I was looking at the Tundra and Land Cruiser lift option and am confused. Can someone help me piece together all that I'd need to make that work?
 
Hey fellow new owner! Same boat as you pretty much have you thought about just a 1.5" in lift for now and then going suspension which ever way your gonna do it the spacers are pretty much essential i believe im gonna get either a 1.5" or 2" soon lemme know what you get!
 
Connerliam said:
Already have dad helping with it, it's part of the reason his 2011 is untouched at the moment lol. And I find out today whether or not I get my job. I had training yesterday and they're getting back to me today. :bravo:

Ok, so I was looking at the Tundra and Land Cruiser lift option and am confused. Can someone help me piece together all that I'd need to make that work?
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Sounds good... If you started training you may already have the job. At least here in CA unless you sign a waiver you cant start training for free, unless its a mom and pops shop.

You have a long ways to go, in life... Enjoy what you have.
 
bpowa said:
Sounds good... If you started training you may already have the job. At least here in CA unless you sign a waiver you cant start training for free, unless its a mom and pops shop.

You have a long ways to go, in life... Enjoy what you have.
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It is a mom and pop shop. I officially am now hired and am super excited to deliver pizza in my 4runner haha. They also payed me for the day of training too. My friend got me the job and was told to train me but have me work as if it were my first day.

:focus:

I did think of doing the 2 inch also. I don't know exactly what I'll do yet but I'd also like a hitch to start towing my sea-doo and stand up jetski when I do get it. (Have the sea-doo, need the stand up.)
 
Welcome aboard.

The LC/TRD lift is popular. Check out the 3rd Gen Lift FAQ thread, it will enlighten you to all the options.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

I recommend making sure your truck is up to date on maintenance before you go for lift, big tires, etc. I've been wanting to lift my truck since the day I got the keys (and that was July '13), but it is more important that it is running and reliable!

Things to check would be:
Timing Belt, Water Pump
Differential Fluids
Trans Fluid
Brake System
Spark Plugs, Wires (Tune Up)
Suspension Inspection: Just check and make sure your Tie Rods look good, CV boots are in good shape, Ball Joints are good (especially if you're running a lift!) and sway bar links and bushings.


Not trying to lecture, but I was 16 once. It wasn't that long ago, but I learned quick not to make the same mistakes I made with my Rodeo.


Anyways, welcome and enjoy your new Yota!
 
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I read the FAQ on lifts, and now am even more confused about the fj80 springs. If I'd like about a 3 inch lift all around, can someone help me compile the components I'd need to do it using the Tundra/FJ80 method? :ybrick:
 
Lol. I use to deliver chinese food. But I had a crx that got 30plus miles a gallon. I hope they pay you right since gas and maintenance can get expensive. I you read the FAQ. U may realise it can cause vibes due to driveshaft angle. I say stick to 2" and add a 1" body lift. The ride quality would be better. Especially if your on a budget.
 
Haha, yea we do dude, being 17 with such a tough little truck has it's perks! Btw my name is also Conner. :rofl:

And if I did a 2inch suspension, 1 inch body, what combo would be my best bet?
 
Connerliam said:
Haha, yea we do dude, being 17 with such a tough little truck has it's perks! Btw my name is also Conner. :rofl:

And if I did a 2inch suspension, 1 inch body, what combo would be my best bet?
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I try to stay away from body lifts. When off-roading, your goal is to keep the center of gravity low, while still clearing massive tires, lots of suspension flex, and lots of ground clearance. A body lift only helps to clear massive tires, and even then you don't really NEED one.

I'd go 3inch suspension lift, no body lift.
 
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