Another lift ?

[NoleRunner]

I'm going to preface this post with an I am sorry for posting another lift thread. I've read through so many posts on here and yota tech but I'm confused with so many different answers an contradicting responses. Any way here it goes...

I use my 02 sr5 4x4 as a daily driver and off road a few times a year in the Appalachian mountains of NC and the flatlands of Florida. I mud every now n then but not much. I also have a few boats I tow every now and then...14 ft Jon boat, and 18 ft boston whaler. That being said I'm looking for a mild lift and close to stock ride quality. I just purchased 99 tall coils and Bilstein HD shocks for the front an plan on getting OME 906s for the rear. I just don't know what shocks would go best for the stuff that I do. I've heard bilstein 5100, OME, trek masters, etc.

What would y'all recommend that would fit this front lift I bought and look good with a 265/75/16 tire I'm getting at the same time as I'm doing the lift. I've looked at some pics and found some sweet looking rides with a similar setup, but if you would like to post a pic and explain your similar setup I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Millerad1651]

With the colis you mentioned you are getting, I would get either Bilstein 4600HDs or OEM shocks. OEM will be the most comfortable, stock ride and will work with the amount of lift you will achieve. The Billys have been used a lot by guys, but have been noted to be a little on the stiff side...not too harsh, but def. stiffer than stock.

The first lift I had was TRD Tundras and 906s. Plenty of lift for 265s, looked good, and I did the same driving you mentioned. I used different shocks however, and I wouldn't recommend them...pretty stiff and harsh. I also pulled a 21ft boat and had no sag...towed perfectly. I have some pics in my build thread linked in my sig....on my phone or I'd post up a pic now.

Here is a perfect example of 906s with Billy HDs, with 265s...only difference is the front, but its the same height.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88106-pitbull-rescuers-build-maintenace-thread.html

 

[fourwd1]

If you're getting OME springs, why wouldn't you get OME shocks too??

The OME stuff blows everything else away when you're looking for a mild lift and great ride and handling.

 

[Millerad1651]

I would not get OME shocks! I have the OME 60028 "comfort shock" and they are harsh as hell. Thats why I said in my post not to go with the shocks I have. WIth the little amount of lift he's going to have, I still think either OEM or Billy HDs will be the most comfortable.

 

[NoleRunner]

With the colis you mentioned you are getting, I would get either Bilstein 4600HDs or OEM shocks. OEM will be the most comfortable, stock ride and will work with the amount of lift you will achieve. The Billys have been used a lot by guys, but have been noted to be a little on the stiff side...not too harsh, but def. stiffer than stock.

The first lift I had was TRD Tundras and 906s. Plenty of lift for 265s, looked good, and I did the same driving you mentioned. I used different shocks however, and I wouldn't recommend them...pretty stiff and harsh. I also pulled a 21ft boat and had no sag...towed perfectly. I have some pics in my build thread linked in my sig....on my phone or I'd post up a pic now.

Here is a perfect example of 906s with Billy HDs, with 265s...only difference is the front, but its the same height.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88106-pitbull-rescuers-build-maintenace-thread.html

I like the way that runner looks in that link. I've heard some mixed reviews from folks. Some say you can't run the Billy HD's with the OME 906s and that you had to get the 5100s. I was thinking about the 60028 OME cuz a lot of ppl have run them but many say they switched after a while because it was not a nice ride. I know I'm not getting a ride like a car and understand a truck is stiffer but I still want it to be comfortable.

 

[NoleRunner]

If you're getting OME springs, why wouldn't you get OME shocks too??

The OME stuff blows everything else away when you're looking for a mild lift and great ride and handling.

Fourwd1 are you running the OME shocks? If so how do you like the ride on road, and how do they handle off road?

 

[Millerad1651]

I like the way that runner looks in that link. I've heard some mixed reviews from folks. Some say you can't run the Billy HD's with the OME 906s and that you had to get the 5100s. I was thinking about the 60028 OME cuz a lot of ppl have run them but many say they switched after a while because it was not a nice ride. I know I'm not getting a ride like a car and understand a truck is stiffer but I still want it to be comfortable.

You'll be just fine with the HDs with 906s and the 99 talls. The OME60028 are a tad longer, but man are they harsh. They are one of the next things I'll be swapping out. If you want the most comfortable ride, go with OEM replacements...they'll be fine with the coils. The HDs are more stiff than OEM, but nowhere near as bad as the 60028s.

Here's another member with a similar setup...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/117972-lift-complete.html

 

[NoleRunner]

You'll be just fine with the HDs with 906s and the 99 talls. The OME60028 are a tad longer, but man are they harsh. They are one of the next things I'll be swapping out. If you want the most comfortable ride, go with OEM replacements...they'll be fine with the coils. The HDs are more stiff than OEM, but nowhere near as bad as the 60028s.

Here's another member with a similar setup...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/117972-lift-complete.html

Ok, so I'm leaning away from the OME shocks and more toward the HDs all around. I've heard great things about em and I think you just convinced me. I feel like the HDs might be better, even if they are stiffer, when loading the truck with camping/fishing gear, girl, dog and boat. I have a slight unrest about it being to Cadillac boating feeling and rolling to much on corners. Have you heard anything about that Millread?

Off topic: went through your build thread. Sweet freakin rig man!

 

[NoleRunner]

Hds v 5100

Do you know what the big difference would be between the two with 906 coils? Higher ride? Harsher ride?

 

[Millerad1651]

As for the Cadillac feeling, I don't think you'll have that. The coils and shocks will firm up the ride, and most likely have a more "planted" feeling than the stock setup you have now. It should work out great for loading up and hauling, the 906s take weight really well.
The difference between the HDs ride and 5100s isn't much. The 5100s are used best for taller lifts in the back, so with a smaller lift, the shock will be more compressed in stock position vs the HDs. As close as they are, I'd go with whatever is cheaper. For the front there is no need for the 5100s, you'll just be paying for more than you need.

And thanks for the compliment! It's still a work in progress, just doing what I can hear and there...need to knock out some more before the baby gets here and takes all my free time!

 

[NoleRunner]

As for the Cadillac feeling, I don't think you'll have that. The coils and shocks will firm up the ride, and most likely have a more "planted" feeling than the stock setup you have now. It should work out great for loading up and hauling, the 906s take weight really well.
The difference between the HDs ride and 5100s isn't much. The 5100s are used best for taller lifts in the back, so with a smaller lift, the shock will be more compressed in stock position vs the HDs. As close as they are, I'd go with whatever is cheaper. For the front there is no need for the 5100s, you'll just be paying for more than you need.

And thanks for the compliment! It's still a work in progress, just doing what I can hear and there...need to knock out some more before the baby gets here and takes all my free time!

Sweet. Thanks so much for the input. I think im definitely goin to order the OME 906/ billy HD set up for the rear in about 2 or 3 weeks once I get back from my trip to New York. Hopefully Ill be getting the tax return back around the same time for new tires and lift to be installed. I've been lurking on the boards for over a year getting jealous of everyone's ride. Happy this is starting to come together.

 

[NoleRunner]

Diff drop

From what I've read through research I don't think I shouldnhave to get the diff drop or extended brake lines. I don't think it I'll need anything but the new shocks and and coils, is this a correct assessment?

 

[Millerad1651]

Ya you should be fine without those with that lift. Usually, those items are recommended for 3"+ lift???although I have that much and I never installed them and I'm fine. To each their own.

 

[Ryan_289]

Be sure and post up pics with details about what you did. Im wanting to go up to 265/75/16 tires and will probably get new springs as well.

 

[NoleRunner]

Ya you should be fine without those with that lift. Usually, those items are recommended for 3"+ lift???although I have that much and I never installed them and I'm fine. To each their own.

I hoped it would be ok. I appreciate all the info Millerad. And I will be sure to post up some pics and info of the lift and tires I decide. I'm leaning toward the 265/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs. I'm considering the cooper discoverer ATP but I love how the duratracs look. I've read they perform better off-road than the coopers but still give a good on road performance. I'm looking for a nice equilibrium and they seem to be just what I'm looking for. Only thing is they are a few hundred bucks more than the coopers.

 

[NoleRunner]

How it sits as of now. Not the best pic but just a quick FYI for you guys. Can't wait for all this to come to fruition.