Experience with Eibach Pro Truck lift kit?

[Grizzly Gamon]

The lift is still great, no complaints. Only thing I would do differently is not use the 10mm trim packer as it wasn't needed, now my rear drivers side sits higher. Apparently the Eibach springs come pre settled.

I got the JBA arms and they are great. They were cheaper than SPC and any alignment shop can adjust them. Any tire under 32.2" will clear the JBA with stock wheels. My tire size is 275/70/16. It's pretty close to a 265/70/17. Just slightly wider and slightly shorter, still a 31" tire. If you plan on going with a larger tire like a 33" in the future go with SPC, they are easier to clear.

If you put on the heavier KO2's and a lift you will definitely take a hit on MPG. I also have a roof basket now and only get about 15 MPG. Maybe a little more when highway cruising.

Thanks for chiming in! My 20+ mpg is because my 60 mile round trip to and from work is all highway. I'd be happy if I can stay around 17-19 mpg highway after the lift.

I thought the only difference between the 270-70-17 and 265-70-17 was the width? After looking at the tire comparison chart I do see the 265 is slightly smaller in diameter, width, and sidewall. Probably not a enough to really make a 'huge' difference in appearance? I got a great deal on the 265-70-17 KO2's and figured they were still a hair bigger than OEM.

I will definitely do away with the trim packer. I plan on installing the kit just as it comes, with the SPC UCA's and calling it a day.

[/IMG]

 

[gimlithepirate]

Ok great, I will get the SPC UCA's!

I just saw your thread as well on this kit. Good read and review. Sounds like my research has pointed me in the right direction with my wants and needs. I don't need a monster lift and all the headaches that come with it. I just want something that looks aggressive with a nice stance. And something I can take to the majority of trail heads here in Colorado which shouldn't be a problem. I'm loving the 20+mpg and do not want to take much of that away going with a lift.

You still running the same kit? From what I can see I should be perfectly fine going to a 265-70-17 KO2. Should look a smidge bigger and fill the wheel well pretty decent. I just don't want the truck to look like it missed out on leg day LOL.

The only real complaint I read about this kit was someone (might have been you) saying the rear springs could be stiffer. More so, so they could handle the weight of loading up the truck for camping gear etc. There will be few times I would have it loaded up so I'm not super concerned. I may mount a hitch carrier on the back for a dirt bike at times but it wouldn't be full time. Also might have two big dogs back there with a car seat in the back seat. So not extremely loaded down - but definitely some weight at times.

So I am still running the kit with a couple of caveats. First of all, when you install it, go ahead and put a drivers side gas tank lean spacer in. The top hats for the struts aren't hard, just a pain in the neck due to lack of clearance and you do not want to have to redo them. Secondly, I did swap my rear coils out for sway away coils. If you ever move up beyond the lowest setting on the Eibach struts up front you will need to replace the rear springs. I put on Sway-Away Coils because there was a good deal on someone selling a lightly used set on this forum, but Toytec's superflex ones would work great too. Thirdly, I did have a shock fail that started leaking from the top a year after I put the lift on. Eibach's customer service was great though, I called and they had a new shock out to me the next day.

At this point, with my bumper and the move up on the struts, my 4Runner drives very differently than it did when I first got the kit. Still handles well despite significant extra weight, but it is not as gushy. Dang good kit though. If I hadn't needed the adjustability, I would have considered going with a Dobinsons kit, as I like their rear setup better. But end of the day this is a solid option, and its probably the best option that is made in the USA.

P.S.: If you want to save a few bucks on the SPCs, get the Mevotech adjustable UCAs here. They are the exact same part in a Mevotech box. Main downside, is that Mevotech requires all warranty stuff be done through the store you buy them from, instead of working directly with SPC.

 

[Silver Stallion]

Thanks for chiming in! My 20+ mpg is because my 60 mile round trip to and from work is all highway. I'd be happy if I can stay around 17-19 mpg highway after the lift.

I thought the only difference between the 270-70-17 and 265-70-17 was the width? After looking at the tire comparison chart I do see the 265 is slightly smaller in diameter, width, and sidewall. Probably not a enough to really make a 'huge' difference in appearance? I got a great deal on the 265-70-17 KO2's and figured they were still a hair bigger than OEM.

I will definitely do away with the trim packer. I plan on installing the kit just as it comes, with the SPC UCA's and calling it a day.

[/IMG]

Sounds like a great set up!

You should be able to get 17-19 MPG on the highway with those tires.

The 265/70/17 is 31.6 tall 10.4 wide 44 lbs "C"
The 275/70/17 is 32.2 tall 10.8 wide 55 lbs "E"

Good luck! Post some picks when you're done.

 

[Grizzly Gamon]

So I am still running the kit with a couple of caveats. First of all, when you install it, go ahead and put a drivers side gas tank lean spacer in. The top hats for the struts aren't hard, just a pain in the neck due to lack of clearance and you do not want to have to redo them. Secondly, I did swap my rear coils out for sway away coils. If you ever move up beyond the lowest setting on the Eibach struts up front you will need to replace the rear springs. I put on Sway-Away Coils because there was a good deal on someone selling a lightly used set on this forum, but Toytec's superflex ones would work great too. Thirdly, I did have a shock fail that started leaking from the top a year after I put the lift on. Eibach's customer service was great though, I called and they had a new shock out to me the next day.

At this point, with my bumper and the move up on the struts, my 4Runner drives very differently than it did when I first got the kit. Still handles well despite significant extra weight, but it is not as gushy. Dang good kit though. If I hadn't needed the adjustability, I would have considered going with a Dobinsons kit, as I like their rear setup better. But end of the day this is a solid option, and its probably the best option that is made in the USA.

P.S.: If you want to save a few bucks on the SPCs, get the Mevotech adjustable UCAs here. They are the exact same part in a Mevotech box. Main downside, is that Mevotech requires all warranty stuff be done through the store you buy them from, instead of working directly with SPC.

Thanks for the input. I did see your post about the one shock failing, but Eibach took care of it it sounds like. Good deal. I will definitely consider the space for the driver side lean I keep hearing about.

I planned on running the front on the lowest notch like they recommend for the v8. I do like the option of going up a notch down the road if I ever did decide to add a bumper. I don't have that in my plans, but as we all know, plans change.

Now you have me looking at the Dobinsons kit. Darn it. I see though that their kit doesn't have any adjustments for up front. I guess that is one of the drawbacks if things were to ever change down the road. Could be a good thing as well, if you don't plan on adding a bumper etc. I do like the thought of at least having that option. Tough choice.

How weak would you say the Eibach rear springs are? I guess that's the only 'sticking' point to that kit right now for me. Like mentioned earlier, I don't intend on having a roof top tent, fully loaded with camping gear etc all the time. There will be some instances where I'm sure it would be loaded with 2 dogs and some hiking gear. But I just don't see myself having it completely loaded the majority of the time. Might put a hitch carrier on the back to haul a dirt bike, that's about it. I just don't want to get into this kit if the rear is going to need addressed right away. You know?

 

[gimlithepirate]

Thanks for the input. I did see your post about the one shock failing, but Eibach took care of it it sounds like. Good deal. I will definitely consider the space for the driver side lean I keep hearing about.

I planned on running the front on the lowest notch like they recommend for the v8. I do like the option of going up a notch down the road if I ever did decide to add a bumper. I don't have that in my plans, but as we all know, plans change.

Now you have me looking at the Dobinsons kit. Darn it. I see though that their kit doesn't have any adjustments for up front. I guess that is one of the drawbacks if things were to ever change down the road. Could be a good thing as well, if you don't plan on adding a bumper etc. I do like the thought of at least having that option. Tough choice.

How weak would you say the Eibach rear springs are? I guess that's the only 'sticking' point to that kit right now for me. Like mentioned earlier, I don't intend on having a roof top tent, fully loaded with camping gear etc all the time. There will be some instances where I'm sure it would be loaded with 2 dogs and some hiking gear. But I just don't see myself having it completely loaded the majority of the time. Might put a hitch carrier on the back to haul a dirt bike, that's about it. I just don't want to get into this kit if the rear is going to need addressed right away. You know?

When I was running the stock Eibach kit, I went on a trip where I had a full load of camp gear for 4 days. Think 10 gallons of water, case of water bottles, couple of cases beer and soda, etc. I also have larger tires, so my spare is about 10 lbs heavier.

With all that, I pulled up next to a mostly stock 4runner at one point and rear bumper was a hair lower. That's when I decided I needed new springs. I believe that the eibach spring is the same spring rate as the stock spring, just an inch longer. My Sway Aways are 2" longer, and 10% stiffer.

If you spend 95% of your time with the rear unloaded, you might consider using airbags in the springs.

 

[Hairris]

OK Guys. I just ordered this kit from Off Road Warehouse. I have a 2003 V8 4WD and I am currently sitting on a worn out Xreas System that has a Cornfed 2/1 leveling kit on it.

From reading these posts I am assuming that when removing both Xreas and the spacer kit, I should almost see the exact same lift I removed(at least what I had before the xreas went tired on me).

My assumption from everyone's numbers look to say that this kit will end up sitting right around a 2-2.5" front lift and a 1" lift in the rear?

Do I understand all of this correctly? To achieve this, I believe everyone says that use the lowest setting on the front shock?

 

[Piggity]

When I was running the stock Eibach kit, I went on a trip where I had a full load of camp gear for 4 days. Think 10 gallons of water, case of water bottles, couple of cases beer and soda, etc. I also have larger tires, so my spare is about 10 lbs heavier.

With all that, I pulled up next to a mostly stock 4runner at one point and rear bumper was a hair lower. That's when I decided I needed new springs. I believe that the eibach spring is the same spring rate as the stock spring, just an inch longer. My Sway Aways are 2" longer, and 10% stiffer.

If you spend 95% of your time with the rear unloaded, you might consider using airbags in the springs.

Of all the threads I've read and the Eibach ppl talking about them, the rear springrate is around 200-205 (depending on who you talk too). Also, the extra inch longer.

 

[Allshownogo]

2003 4Runner 2WD V6 w/ Eibach Pro Truck Lift Kit

I just had my Eibach Pro Truck kit installed today. Also installed Old Man Emu UCAs, and found some TRD wheels and brand new Falken tires on Offerup for a decent deal. Love the ride so far. Feels great all around, but this is coming from stock suspension with 248K miles. This 4runner just won't die, so I decided to have some fun with it.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/members/allshownogo-albums-2003-4runner-picture60277-profile.html

 

[Hairris]

I just had my Eibach Pro Truck kit installed today. Also installed Old Man Emu UCAs, and found some TRD wheels and brand new Falken tires on Offerup for a decent deal. Love the ride so far. Feels great all around, but this is coming from stock suspension with 248K miles. This 4runner just won't die, so I decided to have some fun with it.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/members/allshownogo-albums-2003-4runner-picture60277-profile.html

Looks good! I’m with you on the 4runner not dying! I’m wondering if my 2003 will make it to give to my 6 year old in 10 years!

What size tires do you have and what did your center of wheel hub to fender measurements come out to be?

My set is on order to be delivered and installed next week hopefully!

 

[Allshownogo]

Looks good! I’m with you on the 4runner not dying! I’m wondering if my 2003 will make it to give to my 6 year old in 10 years!

What size tires do you have and what did your center of wheel hub to fender measurements come out to be?

My set is on order to be delivered and installed next week hopefully!

I'm running 265/70/17s. They are plenty big enough for me, and I think they match the lift pretty well. In addition, I really like the ride with this kit. Very good road feel, but responds very well when it gets rough. I think you'll like it!

Measurements below after a few days and a few hundred miles...

Before:
Front - 18-1/2" center of wheel hub to fender
Rear - 20-1/2" center of wheel hub to fender

After:
Front - 21-1/4" center of wheel hub to fender
Rear - 22" center of wheel hub to fender

 

[nwt4runner]

Anyone else think that Eibach Pro-Truck rear coils are a little too short on 4th gen 4runner and replaced them with some taller coils? If you have what did you use?

 

[Hairris]

Ok guys. I’m installing the entire Eibach Kit this week myself and I think I have heard two different stories and wanted some updates——-


Do I install the 10mm drivers side spacer or not?

 

[Hairris]

Installed

Finished the install of the entire Eibach Shocks and springs Pro Truck Sport Kit. All in all the removal of Xreas and install of the Eibach Kit took approx 10 man hours. I took my time (the front comes unassembled, so you need a spring compressor) and also had a lot of trouble with my rear shocks because the nut on the top of both struts were seized and I had to pull out the cut off wheel. I had over 200k on my xreas system, so this kit drives much better! For those who are as curious as I was, I installed the 10mm spacer and it seems to be needed and corrects any lean that might have been there otherwise. Here are the final results of lift(which you can see in my case were nil).

Fender to hub measurements:

Before Eibach-(V8 4WD, stock xreas, cornfed 2/1 leveling kit, sport wheels, BFG AT KO2 265/70-17, half tank of gas)

Front driver/passenger—- 20.5”
Rear driver—22”
Rear passenger- 22.5”(spring wasn’t seared correctly)

Eibach installed—-(nothing else changed except the Kit)

Front driver/passenger—20.5”
Rear driver/passenger—22”

So as you can see, spacer did it’s job and the kit is virtually equivalent to a 2/1 lift kit.

Any questions….fire away. I have no other experience to compare it to except xreas, which sucked so it’s hard to compare.

 

[gimlithepirate]

Anyone else think that Eibach Pro-Truck rear coils are a little too short on 4th gen 4runner and replaced them with some taller coils? If you have what did you use?

They are definitely too short, even loaded with basic camp gear. I replaced mine with Sway Away Coils, mainly because someone on the forum was selling them for a decent price.

 

[Heffernan]

If anyone is unhappy with their rear Eibach springs and swapping them out for something else, shoot me a PM if you're selling.

 

[nwt4runner]

They are definitely too short, even loaded with basic camp gear. I replaced mine with Sway Away Coils, mainly because someone on the forum was selling them for a decent price.

Yeah, that's what happened to me too... Went camping and now thinking of getting some different rear springs.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Ordered the kit today from Wheelers. Optimistic about them but my choice was made mostly because I couldn't find Bilsteins or OME.

Thinking I might add a spacer to the rear because of sag you all are showing. 1" if I can find a pair that size.

I have the 4.7 and a front hitch. Hitch will most often be empty but will sometimes have a cooler and sometimes a winch. Which setting do you think I should use for the front?


I also carry a 300 pound motorcycle on the rear receiver sometimes. I have airbags for that though.

 

[k_marshall]

Anyone else think that Eibach Pro-Truck rear coils are a little too short on 4th gen 4runner and replaced them with some taller coils? If you have what did you use?

I used wheelers T12. This gave me about 2.75 to 3 inches(unloaded) in the rear on my 07 v6 . Just installed my kit (eibach shocks/struts with wheelers T1 and T12 springs). Lol, now i feel the rear is too high. I still haven't loaded my rear to see how much it comes down though.

Have about 100 miles on them in local roads (unloaded weight) for them to settle so i can get the alignment.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

What do you think about using a spacer in the rear with the springs for the kit?

Im waiting on my kit. Im planning on installing with the front on the second setting. I have the 4.7 and a 40 pound receiver up front. Sometimes there will be a winch, sometimes a cooler basket, sometimes nothing

 

[k_marshall]

What do you think about using a spacer in the rear with the springs for the kit?

Im waiting on my kit. Im planning on installing with the front on the second setting. I have the 4.7 and a 40 pound receiver up front. Sometimes there will be a winch, sometimes a cooler basket, sometimes nothing

Since yours being v8 and not v6, your front might settle down at about ~2 inches(21 inches hub center to fender), so with that I feel .75-1 inch rear height should be at level. Yeah plan for your rear spacer after your suspension settles down.

And again, your front driver might need a quarter inch spacer.