Another thread about lift kits

[Paddo]

I know there are dozens of lift kit threads already, and I've read most of them (some more than once).

After reading all the great info you guys have compiled, I think I have settled on this kit for my '00 4Runner: TTHA-9602 - ToyTec/Eibach 3" lift kit - 96-02 4Runner

Mostly I just have a couple questions about your experiences, and not so much which kit to go with. I considered this one because it's cheaper: 3" lift ToyTec/Bilstein kit for 96-02 4Runner
But I'm not quite sure I want the full 3" of lift, and as I understand it the first one is adjustable.

Since I've never done a full suspension replacement, I have a couple concerns.

Firstly, will I need any special tools or am I pretty much good to go with a socket set and jack stands? Is it an easy job with two people?

Secondly, as far as ride quality, how much will this affect my center of gravity? Am I going to feel like I'm tipping over when I go around corners or when I'm on a slanted trail? This is important since it's my daily driver (mostly freeway miles). I've never driven a lifted vehicle before...

Lastly, am I looking in the best place to buy it? I looked around a bit and this seems like the cheapest option for this kit.

I think I probably know all the answers already, and I doubt anyone is thrilled to see another thread about this... I'm just nervous about doing it my first time I guess.

 

[theesotericone]

There both "adjustable" but not easily. They both give a minimum of 3" lift. You can go higher but not lower. The only difference between them is the TTHA-9602 uses toytecs shocks for the front while the BK9602 uses Bilstein 5100's. And the TTHA comes pre-assembled. I have the B9602 and have no complaints with how my rig handles. If you want a truly adjustable coilover you need to step it up to threaded shock body styles.

TTBBOSS-9602

As far as handling goes, I have stock tires still and used 1.25" wheel spacers to push the tires out a bit. Not because I was worried about it being top heavy but because I like the wider stance. I rally my rig hard. Not King of Hammers hard but hard. I drive fast on road and off. I've never felt the rig to be out of control. Take your time and do some more research before you jump in.

 

[Paddo]

Thanks for the reply.

I thought I could go under 3" with that one. Hmm. I wonder if it's worth the extra $300 to go with the fully adjustable set you linked? I was thinking I'd probably want more like 2"-2.5" of lift, but that's mostly because I don't know how much it will affect my highway/city handling.

 

[theesotericone]

FInd some local guys that have different lift heights in there rigs. Then supply beer in trade for a test drive. It really is the only way you'll know for sure. Every spring/shock combo is gonna drive different.

I knew I wanted 3" or more. I also know I'd eventually end up with armor and a front bumper. The kit I got has a 625# Eibach spring for the coilover. It drove pretty well on washboards without the extra bumper weight. Once the front bumper was installed the added weight made the front ride perfect. Eventually I'll add a rear bumper with swingout and at that time probably replace the rear springs with something a little beefier. At some point I'll most likely end up throwing some FOX 2.5's on all the way around. Again, something I knew would probably happen but didn't have the money for when I went with the lift I used. Plan it out. Think ahead. Do the research.

 

[Paddo]

Yeah, I would like to replace the bumpers with metal ones some day but that would probably be a few years down the road at least.

 

[Paddo]

Now that I think about it... since the TTHA-9602 kit isn't adjustable below 3", is there a real benefit to going with that one as opposed to the BK9602? Is it higher quality?

 

[baja1]

far as doing it yourself.....I used the sonoran steel 1.2 kit and with the xlnt instructions I was able to do it by myself (an old man with a handful of rusty tools in a dirt field) but I did have the front coils/top plates come already assembled. It did take awhile to get used to the handling being perched 3" up in the air, but you get used to it.

 

[theesotericone]

Now that I think about it... since the TTHA-9602 kit isn't adjustable below 3", is there a real benefit to going with that one as opposed to the BK9602? Is it higher quality?

The TTHA comes with the front spring and strut pre-assembled. It also comes with a toytec strut instead of a Bilstein. You could have them pre-assemble the coilover on the BK and still end up 70 bucks below the TTHA price. The rears are identical. So the question would be are the front struts worth 70 bucks more compared to the Bilsteins? I've never driven a vehicle with the TTHA so I can't comment about that.

 

[hurriedcoyote]

I've had the TTHA-9602 kit for about a month. I like it and it rides great. I'm afraid its a little tall in the front even with the diff drop. Looks like everything is in a little bit of a bind. Had to replace CV joint also after about a week. I'm having a grinding noise in the front also and have come to the conclusion that it may be a front diff bearing. Ohh well! I like the lift though but I do wish I had gone with something adjustable for the front.

 

[Paddo]

How many miles on your truck?

 

[Realkhill]

I have the kit for 00' 4Runner 2" lift based on speedysgarage.net. I have it all. Just haven't had the time to put it on. Thinking about selling the kit though. I don't know when I'll be able to put it on.

 

[eatpasta]

I think I probably know all the answers already, and I doubt anyone is thrilled to see another thread about this... I'm just nervous about doing it my first time I guess.

Just dont do what I did - remember to put the perch on so that the cone goes up into the spring and not the other way around...

:ybrick: