It seems like forever since I have updated this thread, and that’s because I haven’t done anything to the 4Runner. I’ve just been collecting parts in anticipation of installing them. The 4Runner has 236,000 miles on it, and because of that I’ve decided to pull a “Hail Mary” and pretty much replace everything that is a maintenance item, or known issue. I wanted to do this in large chunks, focusing on one certain area at a time, instead of replacing one thing here or there as needed.
First in line was the suspension; it was seriously clapped out, and the rear suspension only had an inch before it hit the bump stop cones. Driving through dips, speed bumps, and potholes was a painful experience. I went back and forth on what suspension I wanted to run under it; at first I was going to run all OME, but I was concerned about the ride and lack of adjustability. For just a little more I could step up to other options. I didn’t need a full blown Icon mid-travel set up, I just wanted something that rode nice for the wife.
As most of you know, I’ve had issues with spindle to coil contact on my 4Runner with the front Tundra/Bilstien combo at the 2.5” setting. I installed limit straps to “fix” the problem, but I lost suspension down travel in the process. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of exploring and expedition style travel, and the lack of down travel has been noticeable. I decided to order the Toytec “Boss” kit, install the coilovers on my 4Runner (more on that later), and install the Tundra/Bilstien struts on the wife’s 4Runner at a lower setting. Having the coils at a lower lift height should solve the coil/spindle interference, and in all honesty I doubt she will be wheeling this rig. The main reason for the lift is to refresh the suspension, run a slightly larger tire, and gain some ground clearance when we get large snowstorms.
