Feeling Overwhelmed: Suspension Upgrades at a $1500 Budget?

[native_end]

First off, I am not a car guy. I know basics, but I definitely do not possess the tools / skills needed to do much on my 4R.

I want to upgrade the suspension on my 2011 Limited 4R. This is my daily driver that I take into the CO mountains year round. We live for the weekend and spend as much time in the mountains as possible. I am looking for a suspension upgrade that would give me a few more inches of clearance while allowing for a slightly bigger tire.

So far, I am leaning towards the Toytec Boss Suspension that would provide about 3" of lift.

What are some other options that I have in this budget? What would you recommend that I do?

 

[HORHAY]

First off, I am not a car guy. I know basics, but I definitely do not possess the tools / skills needed to do much on my 4R.

I want to upgrade the suspension on my 2011 Limited 4R. This is my daily driver that I take into the CO mountains year round. We live for the weekend and spend as much time in the mountains as possible. I am looking for a suspension upgrade that would give me a few more inches of clearance while allowing for a slightly bigger tire.

So far, I am leaning towards the Toytec Boss Suspension that would provide about 3" of lift.

What are some other options that I have in this budget? What would you recommend that I do?

I did the full Old Man Emu kit (shocks and springs for 2.5" of lift) for $1,400 installed including alignment. Very trail capable and well behaved in day to day driving. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

I went with the ToyTec Ultimate kit. The back had a little squat with the front adjusted to 3" of lift so I added a 3/4" Cornfed spacer back there to level it out which was a big improvement. The ride is firm but not harsh up front, rear is a little harsh for my liking. With some weight in the back, it's much smoother so I believe the cause is the Bilstein shocks which i'll likely upgrade at some point. Overall though I think the ToyTec kit is worth while.

 

[nglayton]

I had a similar need, 2011 TE, daily driver, wanted a small lift, nothing ridiculously crazy, I wanted a bit bigger tires and just a bit more clearance. I spend many a weekend hiking, camping and running around in the mountains. I did not want to spend a lot, NO UCA's, no adjustable shocks, none of that what I would call "excess crap"

I went to the dealership to chat with them about it because they always have lifted rig of some kind in the lobby trying to sell it. I initially figured I would just find out what shop they used to get the work done at, but discovered they do it all themselves. As it turned out the gave me a hell of deal and a nice simple lift.

Revtek 432 lift installed for $685! There are a few more details, pics, measurements, etc. in my mod thread here.

It's a lot stiffer ride than before but So far it's been perfect for my needs.

 

[Louisiana Overland]

I was in your shoes a few months ago. I wanted to get rid of the nose dive while braking and fit larger tires on a new 2017 offroad. I also wanted it to be as maintainance and trouble free as a stock suspension. I was overwhelmed by the different routes and price range of differing lift alternatives. I found good and bad on just about everything I researched. I was easily tempted to go for a high cost set up with reservoir type shocks, but even found negative aspects on some of those that I looked into. In the end I purchased an Old Man Emu kit through toytec. It gave me about 3" more clearance to allow for the larger tires. The handling is much better than stock. All but minimal nose dive remains and theres much less body roll during cornering. The OME kit was between $900 and $1000. It came with transfer case drop kit and the hardware to correctly fasten the skid plates as well. I added SPC upper control arms to my order so that any alignment issues could be properly corrected. Altogether it was arount $1600 to my door. I found a local guy that would install it for $300 which included an alignment. He also let me into the shop to assist with the installation. I had BF Goodrich KO2 285s installed at the same time. The alignment shop did a great job and though I was prepared to modify fender liners for rubbing, there has been zero rubbing issues. I understand that theres so much to consider. Everything from soacer lifts to all out baja racing suspensions. Tough decisions. Good luck to you.

What I like about OME....
-the system is tried and true(jeep owners love them)
-multiple spring offerings(i installed their lightest springs but can purchase heavier as i built my truck and add weight)
-non rebuildable shocks (its like an oem shock...maintainance free)
-reputable manufacturer among off road/overlanding community

As a side note, the folks at toytec were very helpful and were readily available to answer a couple questions i had during the install...during business hours.

 

[mrblah]

whatever choice you do, leave some rake in your suspension, otherwise if you have passengers or cargo in the rear, your rear end is going to squat, and look like its broken. You can fix it later, by adding airbags, but its probably easier to plan for the rake since you haven't even bought anything yet.

 

[honda250xtitan]

Please don't spend 700$ on a 50$ spacer kit.

 

[Kenstaroni]

Are the tires factory size or larger? If you go 3" you really should get UCA's. I know it sucks, it not something exciting to have to buy, but worth every penny in the long run. I'd get some SPA's, they are the most affordable option and should serve your purpose well. You want the truck to drive like it's supossed to, especially if you're investing in it to use alot.

I had a Toytec kit on my FJ, it did everything I needed it to and was well mannered on the road.

Have you checked out Dobinsons? They have coils and shocks that are budget friendly.

 

[sntryplt]

If your Limited has XREAS (which it should), you might want to consider the route I took. I have just over 100,000 miles, and had a leaking right front shock. Had the XREAS system pulled out, and installed Bilstein 5100 on all four corners. Left the rear OE springs in, and leveled the front. I'm running 275/55R20 on the 20" wheels. Truck handles well, and don't have any clearance issues. Just a thought.

 

[83Mule]

Do 5100's at 2.5 up front and Daystars 1.5 in the rear. Sits nice and run 275's for about 500.00 if you do it yourself.

 

[packystanza]

Do 5100's at 2.5 up front and Daystars 1.5 in the rear. Sits nice and run 275's for about 500.00 if you do it yourself.

That's exactly what I just did. 5100's were about $360 shipped. You can save quite a bit on the Daystar spacers if you purchase them from Amazon as a FJ Cruiser spacer. They are different part numbers but work fine. I paid ~$35 for mine.

 

[cutty01]

I installed the Bilstein 6112/5160s which is almost identical to the stock suspension on the TRD Pro. I paired it with 1.5" SAW coils to give a very slight rake. That way it would be level when loaded with camping gear and passengers in the 3rd row. I got the Bisteins because I wanted something reliable and didn't want to have to rebuild shocks every $15~25k with the higher end shocks. There have been some leaking issues with the 5160s but I haven't had any problems. Next round I may just go with Old Man Emu suspension.

PS - As posted above, if you do 3" of lift and staying with the stock UCAs you may or may not have problems staying with specs on your alignment. Some have got lucky staying within spec, but results vary. Thats why I did 2/1.5. I may do 2.5 if I add weight to the front.

 

[jk24runner]

i also have the 6112/5160 combo and was out of 4wheelparts for $1020. mind you i did the install myself, but i love the ride. kept it low for now as to fly under the radar of the bookkeeper, but will adjust up when she will let me buy new tires. rides great too.

 

[MossJenks]

I have a Dobinsons setup (see their thread for your options). Shocks and spring ended up being about $850. $850 + install + alignment ends up being ~=$1500.

 

[yardsale]

If I was going to spend $1500 on suspension I would go straight to Dobinsons. I would get red coil springs front and rear and mount the coils on 5100s. Be a TRD Pro wannabe. Probably what I'm going to do.

 

[JabzSA]

.

+1 for OME.

I learnt the hard way...did the spacer route first...by all accounts there was nothing wrong with it, but i just didnt like the feel of it...so decided to spend 2k on complete OME setup, new suspension / chassis bushings, new UCA etc...and i dont regret it. You can skip the UCA, bushings and 1.5k will be enough.

Contact the folks at Wheelersoffroad and they will help you.

Note - i did the standard setup (not heavy load), and there is a significant difference in ride quality and handling...but it is also a bit harsher ride when unloaded.

 

[12Bravo4R]

Are the tires factory size or larger? If you go 3" you really should get UCA's. I know it sucks, it not something exciting to have to buy, but worth every penny in the long run.

This X2

3" Toytech Ultimate here and hated the way the vehicle handled with OE UCAs.

3 months later I had sop put on ICON UCAs re-align and vehicle handles so much better now, zero complaints with this set up.

No sag front or rear, sits level, no rubbing with 280/70/17s. Pics in my garage.

 

[MeefZah]

In your budget and then some, and a quality setup, look at Wheeler's:

*Eibach coils model T1 and T13, giving 2.5" front and 1.5" rear lift
*Bilstein 5100s all four corners, front set at 0
*Optionally install 1/4" spacers on the driver's side to help with the Toyota lean
*UCAs not needed

This setup with spacers and with the front coil-overs already assembled is $802.00 (call and ask for a forum discount to get that price). This is a very nice setup for the money and will rival the other Bilstein-based setups like the Toytec BOSS et. al. You'd have anywhere from about 90 minutes to 3 hours in install time plus an alignment.

See this thread for details on the Wheeler's setup:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/233598-wheelers-t-12-new-t-13-rear-lift-coils.html

 

[billnourse]

I have the Toytec Ultimate and like it. Little firmer ride, but not harsh. Have it set at 2 1/2". I have the 650 front springs, and with the SSO bumper and Smittybilt winch it has just a hint of rake, which I like.

This handles well, did not need UCA's and was 1,700 installed with alignment.

Bill

 

[e60ral]

what is the least expensive linear/progressive setup?