I did a lot of searching because I know these threads get super redundant, but I am getting information overload. I am looking for a 1.5-2 inch lift for my 2000 that I just picked up, 2wd 4 cylinder, so zero off-roading will be done. I am mostly looking for something with good ride quality that is not a spacer lift. I know there are the 5100s but there seems to be a million different coil spring options. Any recs on something easy on the budget but that gives a good ride? Thanks in advance.
Don't kill me, but looking for small lift options
- Thread starter mymalade
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I liked my setup with 906 springs in the back, and a small spacer in the front. That gave me around 2" lift.
phattyduck
Elite Member
5100's to lift the front with OEM springs (2WD is much lighter than the 4WD up front, so spring options are different for you). 906's in the rear if you want to tow/etc. or 4th/5th/FJ rear springs for a smaller rear lift.
-Charlie
-Charlie
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
If it's simplicity you are after, the 99 4Runner coils are about as straightforward as it gets. You'll gain lost spring height by changing the springs as well as 1" more of height with the taller coils. I bet you'd be very close to your 1.5" target with those. You could then pick whatever shocks struts you want that fit a stock height 4Runner.
Old Man Emu coils are known to give a harsher, more secure ride feel. For some, it can be too much. If you want a comfortable ride I would highly recommend getting new Tokico shocks and coils from Toyota as you don't need the firmer ride for offroading. Stiffer coils and firmer shocks are best for hauling large loads or off-roading.
Old Man Emu coils are known to give a harsher, more secure ride feel. For some, it can be too much. If you want a comfortable ride I would highly recommend getting new Tokico shocks and coils from Toyota as you don't need the firmer ride for offroading. Stiffer coils and firmer shocks are best for hauling large loads or off-roading.
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cl4Rk
Member
I'm happy with Bilstein 5100s with OME 880/906s. Check my build thread to see photos and ride height measurements: Ol' Ruby build thread
phattyduck
Elite Member
4WD V6 will give very different results in the front than a 2WD 4-cylinder...
No need to change the front springs if you use 5100's!
-Charlie
Thanks. And dumb question, but the 99 coils are longer or something? I saw a set for sale and the seller mentioned they are hard to find. So the 99s had an inch taller ride? I was thinking of Bilsteins, just not sure what kind yet.
I see, so with the 5100 I should be fine keeping the original coil? I was unsure if you meant OME or OEM in your first reply. I have heard lots of things about using Tundra or FJ coils too, which just adds to my confusion.
cl4Rk
Member
Great point. I didn't catch that. Thanks Charlie!
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Kanoe
New member
OP, be a little aware that your 4runner is a very different beast from what 99% of people have. The general advice, which is always excellent, is not really directed to your 4cyl 2wd. Particularly with the front suspension. The options that people like in their V6 limited 4wd MAY seem pretty harsh in your lighter truck.
I've gone the bilstein route 8 years ago and while they are great in the back of the runner, they are super harsh in the front. IMO, I'd look at something like the toyota OEM 99 tall shocks in front and maybe a small top plate spacer if you need a bit more height. I'm slowly moving mine back to this. They are much more compliant than even the Billy 4600s. The 5100s are stiffer still.
Just my opinion, can't hurt to be a little forewarned.
I've gone the bilstein route 8 years ago and while they are great in the back of the runner, they are super harsh in the front. IMO, I'd look at something like the toyota OEM 99 tall shocks in front and maybe a small top plate spacer if you need a bit more height. I'm slowly moving mine back to this. They are much more compliant than even the Billy 4600s. The 5100s are stiffer still.
Just my opinion, can't hurt to be a little forewarned.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Yes, for some weird reason Toyota made the 99 model year to have 1" taller springs than most years. 98's have 0.5" taller springs than most years. This only applies to Toyota parts, if you go to Autozone and buy springs for a 99 4Runner they will not be taller.
Bilsteins are solid, they are a factory option for the brand new 4Runners and Tacomas. I have not driven with those personally but I have heard they are similar to stock wile also performing well off-road. Once again, you don't off-road so I don't know if there's much benefit over just going with Toyota OEM Tokico shocks and struts.
Thank you. This guy is selling the "tall" springs and brand new Bilstein 4600 shocks I believe. Maybe I will just go with that set up. I'm thinking since I have the baby 4runner (2wd 4cyl.) I may get a some extra height from the springs.
phattyduck
Elite Member
If they are 'old' '99 tall springs, the rear may have sagged and the front will lift your 4Runner ~1.5" It may work well for you, it may not. You also have to think about if you want slightly stiffer rear springs that don't sag when you put groceries in the back.
I put 4600's on my 4Runner with stock springs years ago when it was still my Dad's - no complaints from him. They are a bit stiffer than stock.
To answer your earlier question:
OME = Old Man Emu, an Australian brand name that makes springs for trucks/SUVs (usually designated with a 3 or 4 digit number, 880, 881, 906, etc)
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer, Toyota in this case.
-Charlie
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I agree with the above comment, I would not buy used rear coils. The front coils should be ok as they don't sag as bad the the rear can and will.
Thank you. He says they are "new" but who knows what that means?
Also, I was aware of the difference between OEM and OME, but like and idiot thought maybe it was a tyo or something, but thank you for clarifying.
so read this 3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
then some will go to rock auto and look up 99 4runner and get the Moog springs and match up the part numbers from the 99 talls listed in the info thread listed above to the #'s on rock auto and then get the 99 talls from rock auto, then match with shocks of your choice from what ever supplier.
However, some reports that these are not a quality spring and have short life. They do not have a left and right side like toyota and many other quality aftermarket, thus causing taco lean.
I personally have no experience with these Moogs, its just an option I have read about.
I have done the toyota talls with KYB's and was happy enough. I have done the SS 1.2 kit with billies, did a 3 inch lift, liked the ride ok
current one is a highlander, so factory "talls" on it. They are tired. so will replace but im only gonna go with just talls or maybe just a touch taller, but not 3 inch for me.
then some will go to rock auto and look up 99 4runner and get the Moog springs and match up the part numbers from the 99 talls listed in the info thread listed above to the #'s on rock auto and then get the 99 talls from rock auto, then match with shocks of your choice from what ever supplier.
However, some reports that these are not a quality spring and have short life. They do not have a left and right side like toyota and many other quality aftermarket, thus causing taco lean.
I personally have no experience with these Moogs, its just an option I have read about.
I have done the toyota talls with KYB's and was happy enough. I have done the SS 1.2 kit with billies, did a 3 inch lift, liked the ride ok
current one is a highlander, so factory "talls" on it. They are tired. so will replace but im only gonna go with just talls or maybe just a touch taller, but not 3 inch for me.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
That's a good thread, read the first post
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