Best lift options for DD?

[Vrrooom]

FWIW I got very good results with my setup and accomplished pretty much everything you asked for in your original post. I spent about $700 total (did the install myself). My goal was 1/2" rake with about 1.5" to 1.75" of lift in front to avoid UCA's and drivability issues, better ride, no nose dive and better looks for aggressive stock or slightly bigger than stock tires.

I did the adjustable 5100's in front set at 0" with Toytec 112620 springs and a 1/4" top plate spacer on the drivers side. On a 5th gen those springs add about 1.75" of lift and have a higher spring rate than the stockers which helped tremendously with brake dive and also provided slightly less lift than using the bilsteins on 1.75" which are known to actually give about 2".

With just that setup (rear completely stock) the truck was PERFECTLY level measuring from the ground to the top of the wheel wells. The issue was that the driver's side was about 1/2" lower than the passenger side with 1/2 tank of gas. So when I put the non-adjustable 5100's in the rear I added a 1" Cornfed spacer to the DRIVER SIDE ONLY, which actually lifts the passenger side a tiny bit as well, and now I have a very slight rake on both sides and nearly a level truck from side to side. I think it rides VERY well, provided a very nice improvement to the stance, and it fits stock size duratracs with the aggressive offset MK8 rims with no rubbing. I'm sure with stock rims you could easily fit 275's and probably 285's with a tiny bit of adjustment.

Bear in mind, even with this minimal lift the alignment (very reputable shop who does a lot of lifted vehicles) was only able to get about 2.1 and 2.4 degrees of caster, so anything higher I have to think will require UCA's. I think it drives great so I'm good with where it's at.

Here are pics before and then with the front lifted but not the rear 5100's and spacer. Looks the same now with a very tiny bit more height in back - about 1/2" rake.

Your truck looks exactly as I would set mine up... Beautiful!

Do you know if your front spring rate is higher or lower than the Bilstein Kit? As I understand you essentially have 5100s front and rear with just different front springs. How is your ride compare to stock?

 

[Tronner]

Your truck looks exactly as I would set mine up... Beautiful!

Do you know if your front spring rate is higher or lower than the Bilstein Kit? As I understand you essentially have 5100s front and rear with just different front springs. How is your ride compare to stock?

I honestly don't know how the spring rate is compared to the Bilstein kit, but I think my route will be nearly the same amount of lift. I believe the Eibach / Toytec springs are 620lb springs.

And yes, 5100's front and rear, different front springs that provide the lift instead of the 5100's, and a 1/4" spacer drivers side front and a 1" spacer driver side rear.

It rides GREAT compared to stock. No nose dive any more on braking and similar, but slightly firmer feel overall.

 

[wpen]

I honestly don't know how the spring rate is compared to the Bilstein kit, but I think my route will be nearly the same amount of lift. I believe the Eibach / Toytec springs are 620lb springs.

And yes, 5100's front and rear, different front springs that provide the lift instead of the 5100's, and a 1/4" spacer drivers side front and a 1" spacer driver side rear.

It rides GREAT compared to stock. No nose dive any more on braking and similar, but slightly firmer feel overall.

After seeing your setup I just order the Bilsteins and Eiback/Toytec springs for my 2 week old 2015 Trail. Glad to hear that it helped with the nose dive as this absolutely annoying especially in rush hour traffic. A couple questions if you have the time:

1. What size tires are you running in that second picture?
2. How does this strut/shock combo perform offroad? Obviously better than stock.

Thanks again, the height/stance of your 4 Runner is exactly what I am looking for.

 

[Tronner]

After seeing your setup I just order the Bilsteins and Eiback/Toytec springs for my 2 week old 2015 Trail. Glad to hear that it helped with the nose dive as this absolutely annoying especially in rush hour traffic. A couple questions if you have the time:

1. What size tires are you running in that second picture?
2. How does this strut/shock combo perform offroad? Obviously better than stock.

Thanks again, the height/stance of your 4 Runner is exactly what I am looking for.

No problem. Thanks, I am very happy with the look and ride as well!

To answer your questions. Stock size Wrangler Duratracs - 265/70r17. I honestly have not had it off road once yet. I only have about 950 miles on it and just got the lift installed last week. Will certainly post when I have a chance to take it out though!

 

[Vrrooom]

Does anyone know the spring rate on the stock 4R?

 

[1engineer]

Does anyone know the spring rate on the stock 4R?

That question has been asked numerous times in the past but I don't think anyone ever had a real answer. Pretty sure any aftermarket spring you add will be stiffer. How much? I don't know. FWIW the shock's valving and tire side wall flex are extremely important when trying to negate nose dive.

I was watching a video of the new Corvette. When they came to a hard stop there was nose dive. I had to chuckle a bit as pretty much every vehicle has it.

Here is a thread discussing the stock and modified spring rates http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/117158-5th-gen-what-true-fr-rr-spring-rates.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Vrrooom]

That question has been asked numerous times in the past but I don't think anyone ever had a real answer. Pretty sure any aftermarket spring you add will be stiffer. How much? I don't know. FWIW the shock's valving and tire side wall flex are extremely important when trying to negate nose dive.

I was watching a video of the new Corvette. When they came to a hard stop there was nose dive. I had to chuckle a bit as pretty much every vehicle has it.

Here is a thread discussing the stock and modified spring rates http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/117158-5th-gen-what-true-fr-rr-spring-rates.html

Hope this helps.

Thanks! You're always a big help in finding information.

I feel like the puzzle is starting to come together. As I read the various posts and get answers to the gaps, it all seems so much simpler now.

 

[vt_15]

Installed bilsteins all around, 1.75 fronts / 3/4" Cornfed rear spacers on 285 Nitto TG G2s. Came out fairly level with slight rake. Rides great and I've only lost about 1mpg.

 

[alman7]

Suspension set up

I was in the same boat as you. I went with Dobinsons 2" lift. Much improved ride, reduced nose dive and enough for the off road stuff. It also comes already set for KDSS lean. I have a little bit of forward rake for when loaded with gear.
I would suggest looking at Dobinson especially if you are not interested in being able to adjust them.