Davidadav
Junior Member
Hi all,
Late last year, I purchased a ‘95 to be my “fun” 4Runner, and a garage companion with my ‘97 daily driver. There’s a bit of expected exterior body fun, but I was pleased to find a manual V6 4x4 at a decent price that had no rust and was in great running shape…just needed the amount of love you’d expect from a “car of this age.”
I’ve been building out my list of work - it needs a bit - and plan to document as I go. I’m doing my best to plan out and tackle each area as thoroughly as possible, so that I’m not coming back and pulling something apart that I’ve already handled. With this in mind, I started with the rear end, pulling the axles and installing new bearings, seals, etc (yes, all OEM), and redoing the brakes. I plan on re-gearing while I’m back here, and installing a Spartan locker.
However, this brings me to my first question, around lift. Believe me, I’ve hit every forum post I can, across multiple sites…but I’d like a sanity check.
I’d like the ability to run larger tires, such as a wide set of 33s up to 35s (max) for increased off road fun. I understand ball joint spacers would be a good idea for _some_ increased lift, but generally for increased travel. I also understand a body lift (1.5” to 2”) would make sense for some additional room, and that if I do both of these, I should also do a diff drop and all that comes with it. It also sounds like stronger leaf springs would be helpful for the bumper(s) I plan to add.
If all that is correct so far, my next question is around the bouncy bits. I see there’s an OME kit, but I worry that the spacers, body lift, and larger leaf springs will result in the OME kit being at the max range of travel. Is this correct?
Any suggestions, from experience, on the best approach? I’d like to do this one and do it right, but within reason…I’m not planning a solid axle swap or anything crazy, but would like a good bit of strong offroad capability while still preserving the ability to drive to the store (haha). While I use the ‘97 for that…it’s an auto, and I’m a sucker for the manual, and know I’ll default to this puppy on a frequent basis.
Thanks!
Late last year, I purchased a ‘95 to be my “fun” 4Runner, and a garage companion with my ‘97 daily driver. There’s a bit of expected exterior body fun, but I was pleased to find a manual V6 4x4 at a decent price that had no rust and was in great running shape…just needed the amount of love you’d expect from a “car of this age.”
I’ve been building out my list of work - it needs a bit - and plan to document as I go. I’m doing my best to plan out and tackle each area as thoroughly as possible, so that I’m not coming back and pulling something apart that I’ve already handled. With this in mind, I started with the rear end, pulling the axles and installing new bearings, seals, etc (yes, all OEM), and redoing the brakes. I plan on re-gearing while I’m back here, and installing a Spartan locker.
However, this brings me to my first question, around lift. Believe me, I’ve hit every forum post I can, across multiple sites…but I’d like a sanity check.
I’d like the ability to run larger tires, such as a wide set of 33s up to 35s (max) for increased off road fun. I understand ball joint spacers would be a good idea for _some_ increased lift, but generally for increased travel. I also understand a body lift (1.5” to 2”) would make sense for some additional room, and that if I do both of these, I should also do a diff drop and all that comes with it. It also sounds like stronger leaf springs would be helpful for the bumper(s) I plan to add.
If all that is correct so far, my next question is around the bouncy bits. I see there’s an OME kit, but I worry that the spacers, body lift, and larger leaf springs will result in the OME kit being at the max range of travel. Is this correct?
Any suggestions, from experience, on the best approach? I’d like to do this one and do it right, but within reason…I’m not planning a solid axle swap or anything crazy, but would like a good bit of strong offroad capability while still preserving the ability to drive to the store (haha). While I use the ‘97 for that…it’s an auto, and I’m a sucker for the manual, and know I’ll default to this puppy on a frequent basis.
Thanks!
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