Martinjmpr
New member
So I'm cautiously approaching the idea of modifying my 4runner (I've never actually owned a modified 4x4 before, all my previous vehicles have been completely stock.)
I really want a new bumper both for looks and function (plastic fading badly on mine + like the improved approach angle) but ARB is too $$ (don't even get me started on Shrockworks or Armorology) and I don't want something that heavy/bulky. Thinking more along the lines of the stuff from Addicted up in Fort Collins.
Right now my '99 sits pretty high, especially on 265/75/16's. It sags a tiny bit in back (not visible from all angles, though) but otherwise the suspension seems OK.
Question is: Should I do the suspension first? Honestly I'd be happy to level the whole thing out and get more robust components, even if it ultimately resulted in no actual 'lift' (my truck is plenty high right now.) If I go with a lift it will be a very mild one - probably a simple OME spring/shock swap.
My concern is that if I do the lift first, and then do the bumper, I might find out I need heavier springs up front once I get the bumper (and possibly a winch although that would be a long way off...) OTOH, I'm concerned that putting a new bumper onto my non-lifted front end might tax the stock front suspension components and lead to an early failure of front end parts.
Which brings me to my third question: What other suspension/steering upgrades do I need to be thinking about? I noticed when I was under the truck last week that there appears to be some moisture (darker spots) around the upper ball joints. Figuring that these have probably never been replaced (truck has 130k on it) is that something I need to think about replacing and/or upgrading? What is a good, recommended upgrade? I don't mind replacing parts on a vehicle this old, but my thought is, if I'm going to replace it, I want to replace it with something stronger than the original, especially if the cost is the same or just about the same.
Thanks in advance.
PS: Ultimate goal for the truck would be: Mild lift (no more than 2", preferably much less, 0" with superior components would be preferred), front and rear tube bumpers, basic sliders, and possibly a winch, probably just a real basic 8,000# model. I'm a trail rider, not a rock crawler so I see no need to go beyond about a 32" tire.
I really want a new bumper both for looks and function (plastic fading badly on mine + like the improved approach angle) but ARB is too $$ (don't even get me started on Shrockworks or Armorology) and I don't want something that heavy/bulky. Thinking more along the lines of the stuff from Addicted up in Fort Collins.
Right now my '99 sits pretty high, especially on 265/75/16's. It sags a tiny bit in back (not visible from all angles, though) but otherwise the suspension seems OK.
Question is: Should I do the suspension first? Honestly I'd be happy to level the whole thing out and get more robust components, even if it ultimately resulted in no actual 'lift' (my truck is plenty high right now.) If I go with a lift it will be a very mild one - probably a simple OME spring/shock swap.
My concern is that if I do the lift first, and then do the bumper, I might find out I need heavier springs up front once I get the bumper (and possibly a winch although that would be a long way off...) OTOH, I'm concerned that putting a new bumper onto my non-lifted front end might tax the stock front suspension components and lead to an early failure of front end parts.
Which brings me to my third question: What other suspension/steering upgrades do I need to be thinking about? I noticed when I was under the truck last week that there appears to be some moisture (darker spots) around the upper ball joints. Figuring that these have probably never been replaced (truck has 130k on it) is that something I need to think about replacing and/or upgrading? What is a good, recommended upgrade? I don't mind replacing parts on a vehicle this old, but my thought is, if I'm going to replace it, I want to replace it with something stronger than the original, especially if the cost is the same or just about the same.
Thanks in advance.
PS: Ultimate goal for the truck would be: Mild lift (no more than 2", preferably much less, 0" with superior components would be preferred), front and rear tube bumpers, basic sliders, and possibly a winch, probably just a real basic 8,000# model. I'm a trail rider, not a rock crawler so I see no need to go beyond about a 32" tire.
