Basic lift advice for a 100% commuter 4R

B

Benjamin Choi

Banned
I want to think about lifting my very stock 4Runner. It's an '03 V8 Limited 4x4.

I'm currently running on the optional 18" factory wheels that came on the latest 4Runners (Limited models only?). I'm not exactly sure what year, but I'm thinking '07 and newer?

PIC-0006.jpg~original


As you can tell by the height and rake, the suspension is completely stock.

I want to go with adjustable aftermarket coilovers and not resort to spacers and such. I may run slightly bigger tires, but given my car is a commuter truck, I am 100% hwy/city driving.

What's a good setup per my needs above (specific brand/model would help). I only want a very slight lift. I'd like to adjust firmness toward the more sporting side than stock. I'd like to get rid of the rake by leveling out the front to rear.

Thank you for your time and attention! :)
 
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In my humble opinion I think adjustable coilovers are a bit overkill for a truck thats never going to see the dirt. But hey, thats just my opinion. We're all on different budgets and nothin wrong with wanting the best for your truck. I would also look into the bilstein adjustable height shock, seems like a good option - more advanced than a spacer and less of an investment than whole new coilovers. Thos will firm up your ride as well since it is a preload lift, and you can pick the exact amount of lift you want.

With ANY lift you will lose a little bit of handling/cornering simply bc you are raising the center of gravity up front. However, I recommend you read into the bushings mod that a lot of people have done. From what I hear its quick, easy, and cheap, and gives a much sportier feel. Sounds like something you might be interested in regardless of how/if you lift it. The only downside I think is that your suspension doesnt flex as much as easily so you wont be doin any hardcore rock crawlin, which doesnt seem to be an issue for you.
 
I'll check in to tout my mods once again, I'm a whore like that sometimes:D

:iagree: that coilovers are a bit of an overkill and I would add they aren't compatable with XREAS. I think Limiteds have XREAS:confused: If I am wrong on that then I would second the 5100 suggestion... You have an '03 with time and miles on it. If it's an XREAS rig I'd consider taking my savings from the coilovers, buy 5100's, new rear shocks and FJC springs. The XREAS may end up costing real money soon.

I am still giddy/thrilled with my sway bar bushings and my FJC springs. I have links in my signature and other members have added lots of comments and feedback beyond mine. FJC springs and bushings would be compatable with 5100's or XREAS.

The following is a copy/paste from a PM I sent to another V8 owner about the bushings: "Ride comfort: Straight line highway bumps are about the same. The only time the ride is worse is below 15-20mph hitting a quick dip or pothole with one side of the vehicle. Overall the increased control far outweighs the slight degradation of ride quality. The control is so much better you'll feel as though it rides better because the body gets 'tossed' less as you turn or hit a high speed dip with one side.

I would recommend ordering the bushings from Jeg's or one of the suppliers listed in the post. Take them to you tech and ask them to install for you. I'd recommend the greasables. If they start to squeak a little you can request a couple of shots of grease when you gat an oil change.

Because you have the V8 your rear swaybar should be 21mm and the front 30mm.

The following links will take you to exactly what you need:"
http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/19-1164-BL/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/19-1186-BL/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Energy+Suspen...-8105G/10002/-1

I'm by no means slamming coilovers I am just suggesting that they may be overkill in terms of $$$ for your described usage. Coilovers are the best.:)


:cheers:
 
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Different strokes for different folks, but I've been very happy with my SAW coilovers on road. They combined with my OME set-up in rear are far better than the stock ride.

As always suspension is very personal, but I wouldn't write-off coilovers.

YMMV
 
X3 on the Bilstein 5100 adjustable...

I put them on my '04 v-8 4x4...about $180 and ride better than the ICON's I had on my last truck.

Just Sayin
 
CJ3Flyr said:
I'll check in to tout my mods once again, I'm a whore like that sometimes:D

:iagree: that coilovers are a bit of an overkill and I would add they aren't compatable with XREAS. I think Limiteds have XREAS:confused: If I am wrong on that then I would second the 5100 suggestion... You have an '03 with time and miles on it. If it's an XREAS rig I'd consider taking my savings from the coilovers, buy 5100's, new rear shocks and FJC springs. The XREAS may end up costing real money soon.

I am still giddy/thrilled with my sway bar bushings and my FJC springs. I have links in my signature and other members have added lots of comments and feedback beyond mine. FJC springs and bushings would be compatable with 5100's or XREAS.

The following is a copy/paste from a PM I sent to another V8 owner about the bushings: "Ride comfort: Straight line highway bumps are about the same. The only time the ride is worse is below 15-20mph hitting a quick dip or pothole with one side of the vehicle. Overall the increased control far outweighs the slight degradation of ride quality. The control is so much better you'll feel as though it rides better because the body gets 'tossed' less as you turn or hit a high speed dip with one side.

I would recommend ordering the bushings from Jeg's or one of the suppliers listed in the post. Take them to you tech and ask them to install for you. I'd recommend the greasables. If they start to squeak a little you can request a couple of shots of grease when you gat an oil change.

Because you have the V8 your rear swaybar should be 21mm and the front 30mm.

The following links will take you to exactly what you need:"
http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/19-1164-BL/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/19-1186-BL/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Energy+Suspen...-8105G/10002/-1

I'm by no means slamming coilovers I am just suggesting that they may be overkill in terms of $$$ for your described usage. Coilovers are the best.:)


:cheers:
Click to expand...

:iagree:
 
Even though mine is lifted, if I did not go off road and need the clearance I would leave it stock. Better handling and gas mileage.
Your setup would look good leaving the front stock and lowering the rear slightly.
 
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As a driver of a lifted 4Runner, I have nothing against lifts.... but I have grown to appreciate the nice things about a stock truck.

- better gas mileage (smaller tires, less wind resistance)
- stock ride
- Street tires still look good

Besides if you lift it a little, are you REALLY going to stop there? Many here have had the experience that a lift begets other mods, and then the lift isn't big enough, and then you have to do other mods, and then... :D

Your 4Runner looks great with the monochrome, debadged look. I think lifting it would change the look, but not necesarily in a better way. I'd leave it stock or just drop the rear about an inch. Get some upgraded wheels maybe (love the current wheels, but larger might look better)

Just another opinion, but yours is the only one that counts. Follow your gut.
 
Is it easy to drop the rear 1" or so, or better ($$) to lift the front 1" or so? same, daily driver on highway. Pulling rear springs out??
 
loner said:
As a driver of a lifted 4Runner, I have nothing against lifts.... but I have grown to appreciate the nice things about a stock truck.

- better gas mileage (smaller tires, less wind resistance)
- stock ride
- Street tires still look good

Besides if you lift it a little, are you REALLY going to stop there? Many here have had the experience that a lift begets other mods, and then the lift isn't big enough, and then you have to do other mods, and then... :D

Your 4Runner looks great with the monochrome, debadged look. I think lifting it would change the look, but not necesarily in a better way. I'd leave it stock or just drop the rear about an inch. Get some upgraded wheels maybe (love the current wheels, but larger might look better)

Just another opinion, but yours is the only one that counts. Follow your gut.
Click to expand...

thx for talking some sense into me, guys. i think i'll leave it stock... for now

muhahahahahah
 
Great looking rig you got there! Love the black out look with the gloss black 06-08 limited wheels. I might need to go that route!!
 
chris , What did they sway bar bushing help ? Are they made from a different material ?

They look like an easy bolt , true / false ?
 
if you want to go with lift for the street- I highly recommend the ICON setup. Awesome quality ride. Best $$$ I've spent on the truck so far.
 
Falls said:
chris , What did they sway bar bushing help ? Are they made from a different material ?

They look like an easy bolt , true / false ?
Click to expand...


The bushings help to reduce bodyroll in turns because they are made of a harder nylon like material as opposed to the stock rubber bushings. As the body starts to tip the stock rubber bushings squish and then the swaybar starts to twist to resist the roll. With the bushings the bars load with much less roll helping to limit the total bodyroll for a given corner at a given speed.

And yes, very easy DIY bolt-in mod

:cheers:
 
Hey Chris, emailed Jason B and hoping for the best. Really planning stage until I can get hired again someplace. life.
 
I am going with the Bilstein 5100's also, and not because I get an employee discount. They work! I had them on my 2004 Nissan Titan and my brother's chevy 1500. They are great. Nothing but good words from people that have the 5100's on their T4R's so far.

Brent
 
coach said:
I am going with the Bilstein 5100's also, and not because I get an employee discount. They work! I had them on my 2004 Nissan Titan and my brother's chevy 1500. They are great. Nothing but good words from people that have the 5100's on their T4R's so far.

Brent
Click to expand...

Help me to understand >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I have a V8 LTD with XREAS. If I want to use Bilstein 5100s what needs to be done? Are the 5100s a direct bolt-on for the front? Can they be used in the rear? Do I need to buy new springs for the rear?
 
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