Best suspension/lift kit for around $1k? (Yes I've researched)

[Supa LA]

I will be sure to make a few phone calls to Mike @Dobinsons and ToyTec before i make a purchase. It's a good idea.

Also, it'll take me 3 years to reach 40k miles, at which point i'll probably put it back down to stock and let the wife take over because i usually change vehicles every 3 years or so. (besides the point) but im not too worried about having to rebuild/purchase replacements.

 

[DavidR1]

I'm far from mechanically inclined and managed to install my full suspension on my patio in the RV Park I live in. I'd think many people can do it themselves. It's good to learn and understand how it works in the event anything breaks/needs replacing.

Sure, you can install it. But you still should have the truck aligned after installation.

 

[Trixx]

Sure, you can install it. But you still should have the truck aligned after installation.

So then you're at $120 for an alignment vs $400-$600 for install plus alignment.

 

[Supa LA]

For what it's worth, i have an alignment guy. Usually $40 for all four wheels.

 

[b407driver]

...I've been researching and reading up for the last 3 days and my brain has started to scramble...

...This is my first off-road type vehicle and I want to get my feet wet immediately. I've owned the rig for 4 days now...

I personally think that you should re-read what you wrote above, take a breath, and consider how quickly you want to make changes. You have the vehicle, so go get your feet wet offroad, in the places you'll be driving, see what happens. Consider the fact that being on stock tires is probably the biggest limitation your truck has, but your truck will get you far in stock form. Not sure why you think you need 285s or a 3" lift, as both of those 'jumps' start to entail tweaking other things to accommodate them. 275s work well for most people here in CO, and I'm sure would be more than adequate where you are.

Move too fast, and you'll just end up moving twice. Or three times. Or more.

Go enjoy your truck for awhile, time will give some clarity to your self-imposed 'dilemma'.

 

[Throwback]

The stock 4Runner with decent tires is an amazingly capable vehicle. I also really like the OEM non-KDSS suspension. It rides very plush and allows me to travel at good speed over rough forest service roads. Yeah there's the "nose dive" but who cares, it's a "problem" that's not a problem. If anything it's probably a plus to shift that much weight forward and onto the front tires in an emergency braking situation.

Anyway, I don't "overland" but rather do day trips and such up through trails and rough forest service roads. I like a plush, soft ride that soaks up the washboards and ruts running over 25mph. I usually have my wife, dog, normal tools/recovery gear, and a cooler and food. I gather that the whole bumper/rack/fridge "overland" setup makes the vehicle a disaster to drive off road on the stock components.

The OEM suspension works great for my purposes, when coupled with my stock size C-load BFG KO2s, even at street pressure (38psi). I would be unhappy with any suspension setup that is less plush than factory. If I had an unlimited budget I'd just get a full trophy truck setup that's so soft it's like riding in a boat.

Be careful what you end up with. I believe there are a lot of guys who modify their suspension and end up with a vehicle that rides like crap every day ("it rides a whole lot stiffer, but it's not horrible") but they deal with it since they spent the money and read a bunch online and feel they made the right choice for when the Expedition Overland team drafts them for the next video series.

 

[Vinsil]

Dobinsons. Mike has a set of springs and shocks that won't break your budget, give you a good ride and stance you want. Very happy with my setup.

 

[Raymich24]

Check out MTN4RNR. He has at least 10 trip reports on all types of back roads and terrain. He is doing it all on stock suspension. Like others have already said, get out there and see what you can handle. A proper all terrain tire (KO2s) ~$1k or less would be a better initial choice. But do what's right for you.

 

[Simpleman74]

Man people make this harder than it has to be. Buy a lift and install it! Dont go cheap because you will just end up redoing it later. 4runnera are great in stock configuration as mentioned but who wants to be stock? Lift that shit! If you have to set a price limit, wait til you cam afford to do it right. Just cause someone else is running stock UCAs at 2.5" doesnt mean you will be able to. Every truck and alignment tech is different.

 

[Lightenup_bro]

Bilstein 5100s F&R with OME coils F&R for 2.5 inches of lift, I also added JBA off road UCAs. Total was right at about 1k. My DD and it rides great in my opinion. If you can afford to spend more (install budget) then spend more on the parts and install it yourself, like others have said it's simpler than you think.

Alot of my buddies around here are rocking the Dobinsons springs and they love them so another option for similar pricing as the OME.

:worthless

 

[Supa LA]

Thanks to all of those who contributed to the thread so far. I expected some condescending attitudes, so that's fine I suppose, but majority of you have actually answered my initial questions.

I went and looked at some tires today, actually. I may go that route first and just scoop a 275/70 instead of the 285 that I originally wanted. Little to no cutting and they'll still do the job.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[MeefZah]

Is Dobinson's stuff just OME? It comes from Australia and it looks like OME stuff, shares the same specs...?

 

[gundrted+t4r]

Is Dobinson's stuff just OME? It comes from Australia and it looks like OME stuff, shares the same specs...?

No they are a different company.

Yes they are both from Australia, thats about it. From what I have found the specs are not the same. The valving and spring rates are not the same.

The twin-tube shocks are both yellow, but Bilstein also has yellow twin-tube nitrogen shocks. Twin-tube shocks look the same because they are all twin-tube shocks.

 

[Bodie the Dog]

Oops, you FAILED to kiss their ass enough

At $1000 you won't be able to include any shocks that really require maintenance anyways.

Your post just has a bunch of questions, not indicating what you learned from any of your research..

Why don't you list the options in your price range as well as the pro's and con's you found throughout your research? There's a million threads on the topic and I can't really see you learning anything through a new thread that you wouldn't find covered extensively through research already..

How about just giving a straight forward answer instead of lecturing the guy? ****ing car guys.

 

[Supa LA]

How about just giving a straight forward answer instead of lecturing the guy? ****ing car guys.

THANK YOU. :spider:

 

[Throwback]

https://wheelersoffroad.com/product.../fox-2-0-performance-series-rear-shock-set-3/

https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...-2-0-performance-series-front-coilover-set-2/

https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...ad-437502/wheelers-t13-rear-coil-spring-pair/


Total Price: $1,284.00

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2/p/29047

Load Range C KO2s so you don't rattle your fillings out running an F350 tire.

 

[Supa LA]

[MENTION=147450]Throwback[/MENTION] thank you, is that what you run? Do these yield solid results and ride comfort?

 

[sn_85]

How about just giving a straight forward answer instead of lecturing the guy? ****ing car guys.

He's had plenty of good advice in this thread. It's up to him on which direction he wants to go. However this question has been answered about 1000 times. He's also started other threads asking very basic questions which could have easily answered by using the search function. The fact that he's actually had very helpful advice and info is surprising to me.

 

[Supa LA]

He's had plenty of good advice in this thread. It's up to him on which direction he wants to go. However this question has been answered about 1000 times. He's also started other threads asking very basic questions which could have easily answered by using the search function. The fact that he's actually had very helpful advice and info is surprising to me.

I have started two threads, total. The fact that this model has been out since 2010 and the majority of these threads are 50+ pages long, makes it a little diffcult and extremely time consuming to find ONE answer. You have to weed thru lots of BS that others have posted, typically derailing threads etc. I have been on numerous automotive forums and this one has the most crybabies about repeat questions, than i've ever encountered. Is it a repetitive question? Probably so, but it takes just as much time to type up a simple answer as it does to post things like "hey man, do more research" or "this has been answered 1000 times."

It doesn't benefit anyone to be negative and generally unhelpful.


Again, to those who have posted helpful info, i greatly thank you. I have narrowed down what i want to do when the timing is right, thanks to this thread alone. If i could, i would buy you all a beer.

 

[jasxn]

if you order from Wheelers Offroad. make sure to call them and refer either t4r.org or tacoma world. you'll get a discount.

i worked with kelly and he was a great help. i think he's the main guy to talk to. or the only guy who takes the orders haha.

oh and i respect your bravery for starting this thread. lol. i was going to start a similar thread but i knew there were going to be the same answers you were getting.
for me i read everything up and down as well as hit people up on IG to get a faster response.

good luck with your decision!