About to pull the trigger on my lift kit... final thoughts?

[jeredcollins]

After about 6 months of continous research I've decided on the Toytec/Eibach 3" lift TTHA-9602 - ToyTec/Eibach 3" lift kit - 96-02 4Runner.

I have a subwoofer box that weights about 60-80lbs. so I'm hoping that extra weight will help some. Has anyone had any issues with UCA's with this lift?

Thanks.

 

[thecole1098]

After about 6 months of continous research I've decided on the Toytec/Eibach 3" lift TTHA-9602 - ToyTec/Eibach 3" lift kit - 96-02 4Runner.

I have a subwoofer box that weights about 60-80lbs. so I'm hoping that extra weight will help some. Has anyone had any issues with UCA's with this lift?

Thanks.

That's the lift I have on mine and I love it. It's holding me over until I do my SAS. I have the superflex coils in the back and this thing flexes like crazy on the rocks. I did have to buy SPC uppers as even after maxing out the eccentrics, I only had like a degree of caster.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You could build your own OEM Toyota Tundra + LC setup for that price, probably [not for] less. If you need the phone support them continue as planned.

 

[jeredcollins]

That's the lift I have on mine and I love it. It's holding me over until I do my SAS. I have the superflex coils in the back and this thing flexes like crazy on the rocks. I did have to buy SPC uppers as even after maxing out the eccentrics, I only had like a degree of caster.

Ughh... was hoping not hear that about the caster. Seems like 3" is right on the cusp of getting the vehicles geometry out of whack.

 

[jeredcollins]

You could build your own OEM Toyota Tundra + LC setup for that price, probably less. If you need the phone support them continue as planned.

What's the advantage of running the LC setup as opposed to running the Toytec/Eibach setup. I'm a little intimated piecing everything together. Also, seems like there is a lot of variations to what people are running and I feel like I won't know what to buy or where to buy it at.

 

[Vansnxtweek]

I have often felt the same way, which is why I have pretty much decided to just go with the Boss lift. I want the best ride quality as possible.

I've heard the ride of the Tundra/LC coils is great too though.

BTW..just noticed you're in Williamsburg! I'm right across the river from you unless its a Wburg in a different state.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I can’t fairly comment on the Toytech ride vs Tundra+LC. I have never driven it.

 

[jeredcollins]

I have often felt the same way, which is why I have pretty much decided to just go with the Boss lift. I want the best ride quality as possible.

I've heard the ride of the Tundra/LC coils is great too though.

BTW..just noticed you're in Williamsburg! I'm right across the river from you unless its a Wburg in a different state.

Actually we just moved to Huntsville, Al but we loved living in Williamsburg

 

[BrianSD_42]

The setup below is about 50% more cost than what you are considering. But alas life is full of options.

Also, seems like there is a lot of variations to what people are running and I feel like I won't know what to buy or where to buy it at.

Actually there is little variation on what is recommended by Steve at Sonoran Steel for the 1.2 lift kit using OEM Toyota Tundra Coils front and LC coils and shocks rear. He is VERY SPECIFIC that only certain years and exact models will work and won't ride like crap. This setup is hardly cheap but it is certainly a GREAT quality setup and ride for your well earned cash. I am still running the rear setup, going on near 10 years now. And for the front well I upgraded to King but not really out of necessity, more out of a tax return that was a bit flush.


I'll continue to suggest the OEM/Toyota Tundra+LC setup. See Sonoran Steel’s website Build It Yourself section, they have the part #s posted. I’ve run this and it has worked out great for years and years on trails all over the West. The parts need to be exactly these, not any other close part #s. Per Steve, substitutes likely will render poorer results.

Link --> 1996-2002 - System 1.2 You Build It/Piece It Together ​

FRONT - These EXACT PARTS:
* Front TRD Coils: 48131-AF090 & 48131-AF100 (1 of each specific part #) [$191 each]
* Front Bilstein 5100: 24-261425 (Qnty 2) [$120 each at AutoAnything] --> https://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/77A5660A6319055.aspx

REAR - These EXACT PARTS:
Rear Land Cruiser Coils: 48131-6A570 (2)
Rear Toyota Tokico: 48531-69417 (2)

So $700 + $240 = $940 (no tax and free shipping!). Plus $500 to Sonoran Steel if you want the quick setup kit linked and that equals ~ $1,440 out the door for a proper correct real Toyota parts LC+Tundra badass lift kit. You would still need to assemble the front strut and coil together but you aren't experienced you can pay a local shop 1 hours labor, lets say $100 to assemble it for you. That brings you up to $1,540.

BTW, Steve's $500 DIY kit includes:

Kit Includes:

1 of 1” Tapered Diff Drop Kit

2 of Custom Polyurethane Top Plate Seats, Mold Number: M20190

2 of Rear shock mounting kits for long travel Bilstein 5100 or Tokico Land Cruiser shocks

1 of Adjustable Trac/PanHard Bar, corrects alignment and more rear articulation over a bracket

2 of Custom rear bump stops/adapters to adjust to either brand long travel rear shocks

2 of Rear sway bar brackets, gives the rear axle more articulation with sway bar connected

1 of 6mm Allen Zerk Plug, prevents damage to rear drive shaft and gas tank skid plate, under long travel conditions.

1 of 3.5” longer rear brake line, Braided/Stainless, for long travel shocks (2001-2002 add $35.00 for second line)

1 of Parking Brake Bracket for long travel shocks

:bat:

 

[thezentree]

I had that kit for about 3 months, and then sold the front shocks because they ride like crap on an otherwise stock 4Runner. 620lbs is way too stiff. I replaced the front shocks with Toytec BOSS coilovers with 550lb springs and it rides SO much better.

Toytec has great customer service though. Very happy with my experience with them.

 

[octanejunkie]

First of all, GREAT post [MENTION=65101]BrianSD_42[/MENTION], you did all the work

I had that kit for about 3 months, and then sold the front shocks because they ride like crap on an otherwise stock 4Runner. 620lbs is way too stiff.

If you are not weighted down with bumpers, armor, winch etc then 620 pound springs will probably be too stiff, but they will lift the vehicle. The LC rears are fine for 3"+ lift. I am running 8-wraps but 7-wrap would be better if you don't want your rear in the air or you haul a lot of weight in the back. Remember, if you lift the truck with springs, you are 99% going to need longer shocks too. Lifts over 2" start affecting suspension geometry to the point that alignment becomes less easy for big box stores; many will claim it's not possible. Lifts of 3" and more need new UCAs

If your 4runner is going to remain stock weight, the best mid-lift combo I've seen is the 881/890 springs with bilstein shocks for a 2" lift. You will want to extend your rear brake hose if taking it offroad with this combo, otherwise the ride quality will be good and close to stock, but lifted. I ran 890 rears for 100K miles with no issue. At this point you want to level out your panhard bar with a correction kit. See Keith here for his PCK. You might also want to consider a diff drop, but I cannot comment on that.

The best advise I can give you is figure out what you want from your vehicle and how you will use it, then build with that performance spec in mind. There is something out there for every budget, almost.

Good luck!

 

[thezentree]

If you are not weighted down with bumpers, armor, winch etc then 620 pound springs will probably be too stiff, but they will lift the vehicle.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at. I got almost 4" of lift out of it, but without a winch or bumper I might as well have just welded some square tube between the frame and control arms hah.

 

[Scramble]

What's the advantage of running the LC setup as opposed to running the Toytec/Eibach setup. I'm a little intimated piecing everything together. Also, seems like there is a lot of variations to what people are running and I feel like I won't know what to buy or where to buy it at.

You can buy the whole kit from Sonoran Steel.

Toyota Lift Kits: Lift Kits, toyota, 4 Runner, 4 Runner Lift Kits

 

[Vansnxtweek]

Okay, so can someone let me know why people don't go for the Toytec Boss lift? It seems like a good middle ground between the lesser priced kits and a full on 2k+ lift. Is this kit more of a walmart setup just with fancy springs and stickers? I feel like most of the pro level dudes on this site go for the LC/Tundra kit. Just can't decipher if its because its mostly OEM parts or if it's because there is joy in piecing it together or what.

Thanks.

 

[octanejunkie]

What's the advantage of running the LC setup as opposed to running the Toytec/Eibach setup. I'm a little intimated piecing everything together. Also, seems like there is a lot of variations to what people are running and I feel like I won't know what to buy or where to buy it at.

You can buy the whole kit from Sonoran Steel.

∆∆∆
If after researching and reading this forum you don't feel comfortable piecing together your own lift then this might be your best route.

Honestly though, there are many options and more than one way to accomplish similar results. What might behoove you best would be to outline for yourself what your end goal for the vehicle is, performance, ride quality, etc, and work backwards into that.

 

[thezentree]

Okay, so can someone let me know why people don't go for the Toytec Boss lift? It seems like a good middle ground between the lesser priced kits and a full on 2k+ lift. Is this kit more of a walmart setup just with fancy springs and stickers? I feel like most of the pro level dudes on this site go for the LC/Tundra kit. Just can't decipher if its because its mostly OEM parts or if it's because there is joy in piecing it together or what.

Thanks.

I have BOSS coilovers on mine and really like them. They're not Kings, but they're also not $2k.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I feel like most of the pro level dudes on this site go for the LC/Tundra kit. Just can't decipher if its because its mostly OEM parts or if it's because there is joy in piecing it together or what.

I can only speak for myself. In 2007 I bought the SS 1.2 kit, same parts as mentioned above for like $1,400 from Steve at Sonoran Steel.

I liked his website and several other guys were running this setup. Back then there weren't as many commercial options, way less in fact. Of all of the options it seemed at the time the most specific for our exact year of 4Runner. Steve had specially tested it for the 3rd Gen and when I spoke with him he was clearly an expert on 3rd Gen 4Runner suspensions. I also liked the fact that it was all Toyota parts. I liked that a lot. I happen to think Toyota is very good quality. At the time most of the other kits used Old Man Emu (OME) springs. The SS 1.2 was actually the priciest of kits I came across.

Now again, that was in 2007. A lot has changed and there are a lot more kits for sale now.

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

After about 6 months of continous research I've decided on the Toytec/Eibach 3" lift TTHA-9602 - ToyTec/Eibach 3" lift kit - 96-02 4Runner.

I have a subwoofer box that weights about 60-80lbs. so I'm hoping that extra weight will help some. Has anyone had any issues with UCA's with this lift?

Thanks.

Give us a call if you'd like to chat with one of us. 303.255.4959 (SUPPORT)

No issues with upper control arms if they are in good shape. A lot of 3rd gen 4Runner's have some worn parts due to age.

 

[cccolin]

Give us a call if you'd like to chat with one of us. 303.255.4959 (SUPPORT)

No issues with upper control arms if they are in good shape. A lot of 3rd gen 4Runner's have some worn parts due to age.

the guys at RSG pretty strenuously suggest that you also get SPC UCA's when you get the Toytec Boss kit. was told that without them, the CV's will break. You're saying this isn't necessary?

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

the guys at RSG pretty strenuously suggest that you also get SPC UCA's when you get the Toytec Boss kit. was told that without them, the CV's will break. You're saying this isn't necessary?

It's a great idea to add them if it's in the budget. They will help you achieve factory alignment specs after a 3" lift. They will also help the vehicle track in a straight line rather than wander on the road.

Your 4Runner will work with factory UCAs and a ToyTec BOSS lift. Keep in mind they are 16+ years old.
CV axles boots are prone to breaking and spitting grease in the wheel well - I have never heard of or seen a CV axle break due to a 3" lift.
We also carry a 1" diff drop to help keep CV axles more flat.