final questions for a lift - please give your input

[tineman06]

Hey all,
I’ve been looking at all of the recent lift threads and questions and decided it’s time to make my own decision on what lift to get for my 2000 Limited. Like most everyone else, I’m looking for a 3-4in. lift and am planning on throwing on some 255/85 Bighorns and 1.5in Spidertrax – I welcome comments/opinions on the use of 255/85’s and Bighorns. The truck is my daily driver (I don’t drive that much) and is also used for trips (camping/climbing/skiing) where bad dirt roads are common and occasionally a specific off-roading trip. I most likely have a budget of a little under $1000. I can’t justify dropping 1.5k on an SS 1.2 given my uses.
Here’s the setup I had in mind, based largely on Duhockey’s very helpful post:

only way LC coils cost 100$ is if you are in Canada, 50$ a pair here in Denver, right around 80$ shipped anywhere in the US thru my friend Katy ROCKI TOP AUTO

no brake lines needed... the bilsteins are your best option for the rear but not your only.. I have procomps, and they work.

Pro Comp Suspension Systems 927553 - Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks - Overview - SummitRacing.com 40$ a piece for 80$ for the set... also make sure you get the lifted application ones.. same part #

these are only 600$
ToyTec coilover kit with Bilstein 5100 shocks *Backorder* - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

and top plates are like 25$ at O'reilly/checker

diff drop is 30

So, I figure

80 coils
80 shocks
600 coilovers
25 new top plates
30 diff drop

thats 815$ give or take a few bucks for tax here and there.

and thats the exact setup I have... if you spring more for bilstein, you are still just above budget

For the front, I was thinking either
Toytec coilovers ToyTec coilover kit with Bilstein 5100 shocks *Backorder* - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
SS “econo” coilovers Econo-Adjustable Front Coil-Over : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts
From what I can tell, the main difference is the price and shock type (Bilstein 5100 vs 5125). My question here is what is the difference between the two shocks and are they both the same in terms of adjustability?
I would need new top plate spacers, but I’ve heard you can get these easily at most local auto stores for pretty cheap. I would also add a toytec diff drop.
For the rear, I will use LC80 coils, but I don’t know what shocks I should purchase? I was thinking OME’s or Bilsteins, but I don’t know what models are the correct length etc. Also, I’ve seen quite a bit of contradicting information from various threads in terms of the different coil wraps ad how much lift they will result in. From what I can tell, 7-wrap from a 2wd give about 3-3.5in, 9-wraps from a 4wd sport give about 5-5.5, and the 8-wraps are somewhere in between (all after settling). Can anyone verify this? Also, any suggestions on places to purchase these besides looking at my local parts yard? Will I need brake line extensions with this setup?
I would love to hear people’s opinions on this setup as well as any suggestions you may have to improve it. Thanks!

 

[jsmithjr732]

Brian2Sun can give you his thoughts on the tires--I believe he has those exact ones on his rig right now.

 

[pbcolt]

haha you essentially copied my exact thread but added a tire question :lol:

in the post you quoted, duhockey said no brake lines needed, and he runs ProComp shocks. And you can order LC springs from the link to Katy (will run 130 shipped I just called yesterday)

As far as 5100 vs 5125, I have read that 5125's are softer, so it might just be a person preference. The thing that I'm still confused on like you is length. Here's the link to all the 5125's they make Bilstein Now how the heck am I supposed to know which ones to get? Sonoran Steel coilovers to my understanding are not adjustable "on the fly" like the Toytec ones are (I'm going Toytec). I'm also going to wait for my first paycheck and buy them assembled, as you will not only need top plates but new hardware unless you want to reuse your stock hardware. It has also been recommended by others to buy struts assembled, well worth the $100 in others opinions. As far as lift, we have a thread on LC color codes, and the more that buy and post in there, we will be able to narrow down the exact lifts you will get. Right now the general guideline in the Lift Information and FAQ thread is your best bet. If i missed anything or am incorrect in my information, someone correct me.

 

[pbcolt]

so i found this on ORW Off Road Warehouse - Shocks Bilstein Shocks Toyota Bilstein Shocks Bilstein Shock - Rear Lifted 4 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER (4WD/2WD) 60-82 Bilstein Part# BS-F4-BE5-6548-H5 But I cant find that listed anywhere as a Bilstein PN

 

[brian2sun]

I highly recommend those tires. Hit driffter33 up too, he just got some 255/85/16 Summit Mud Dawgs that look exactly like the Bighorns (I think Maxxis even makes them and just puts a different name on them) and he saved about $100 compared to what I paid for my Bighorns. I still got a good deal on mine though - set of 4 for $672 shipped on ebay.

 

[Duhockey]

ok, heres the dealio,

I know Katy was looking all over for some LC coils for the usual 80$ but this last week, she couldnt find anything for less than 130$ shipped,

that will prob change,

but for now, Im thinking about making a run over to Irbis here in Aurora and buying a few sets for guys that are gonna want LC coils, I got to call and confirm but Steeze bought his a few months ago from him for 50$ for the pair?? right?

I dont have any money for upfront purchases yet, but will in a few weeks. If you want me to look for a set for you, let me know by PM and let me know what color code/wraps you want

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66753-lc-coil-spring-color-codes.html

and I will do my best...

 

[tineman06]

Hey Duhockey,
that sounds great. Thanks for the input as well.
Question: what length/colorcode lc coils are you running? I like how your rig sits.

 

[Duhockey]

Hey Duhockey,
that sounds great. Thanks for the input as well.
Question: what length/colorcode lc coils are you running? I like how your rig sits.

answer is here, its the first post on the LC color code thread, I only post it here so everyone else can also see what other color codes members here have.

Ok so far, these are the members that have reported the color codes and some with the vehicle that the LC coils came off,

Duhockey- 19.5" Purple Green White 8 wrap- driverside
19' Double Purple light blue White 7.5 wrap- pass side

both off 93 LC fj80

FoneRunner- 19" Double Purple Light blue white 7.5 wrap - driverside
18 7/8 orange orange white 7.75 wrap - pass side

no vehicle specified

Rusm- 19.5" double Purple Green White 8 wrap -
19" Doupble Purple Light blue White 7.75 wrap

no vehicle specified

99Yota4- 21" Blue Pink White 9.25 wrap
21" Greg orange White 9.25 wrap

of a 91 LC (fj80 or fjz80?? )

GonzT4r- 21" Blue Pink White 9.25 wrap
21" Greg orange White 9.25 wrap

91 LC (fj80 or fzj80 not specified)

Elton H - 19.25 Double Purple Dark Blue White 8wrap

no vehicle specified

SteezeMcqueen- 19.5" double Purple Green White 8 wrap - drivers side
18 7/8 orange orange white 7.75 wrap - pass side

no vehicle specified

Sn0wrunner- painted his all red, no help there!! :lmao:

LINY4runner- Too lazy to wash his truck and tell us!

 

[tineman06]

Ok, so many of my questions were answered by you guys- thanks! I have a few more however:
I have decided to go with SS’s TRD coilovers – there are two options; one is an “econo” version 4Runner (1996 to 2002) - $499.99 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts and the other is this one (2)-Fully Adjustable Front Coil-Overs - $656.50 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts. I talked to someone over there and the difference between the two are that the later one is more expensive ($650 vs. $500), come pre-assembled, comes with new bushings and fittings, and comes with new top-plates. So, my question is, should I spend the extra money or can I do it significantly cheaper by myself? I don’t have some of the tools needed, but may be able to find some people willing to help me in the seattle area. Any thoughts?
Also, I know there has been quite a bit of confusion about what rear shocks to pair with LC coils. I am currently planning on ordering some bilstein 5100’s from toytec LINK. These are eye to stud. Does anyone have experience with these specific ones or know the part number? I just want to make sure they’ll fit ok paired with shorter (7or8 wrap) LC coils? If you don’t think these will work what are some other options? I’ve seen a few guys running skyjackers…
Thanks again.

 

[brian2sun]

I personally would get the more expensive package that comes assembled with top plates. I have taken the struts apart before and it was scary, especially with spring compressors from Harbor Freight. If you do it yourself, buy or rent good quality compressors because you could literally kill yourself or a buddy if one was to break.

Another option is get the cheaper package and have a shop assemble them which I've heard is anywhere between ~$40-80 for the pair (and you can reuse your stock top plates and bushings). This will save you a little $$.

AFAIK, Tokico Trekkmasters and some procomps (don't know which ones) will work for the rear shocks. The Skyjackers will too I think, I personally don't like that brand though because they don't last long IMO.

 

[kregg]

no brake lines needed.......Now how the heck am I supposed to know which ones to get.......Sonoran Steel coilovers to my understanding are not adjustable "on the fly" like the Toytec ones are

Why skimp on parts? Cheap insurance to not have to tow your rig home brakeless... IMO

On the Bils- Sonoran has his custom valved for his system. You can buy the shock body (Part number) but the guts are all set up for him, you can't get them on a shelf.

They are adjustable. Toytec's aren't "on the fly" adjustable either... If you crank on them you're going to need an alignment. I don't know if you have to remove them from the truck or not. Either way it's 4 bolts.

I have decided to go with SS’s TRD coilovers – So, my question is, should I spend the extra money or can I do it significantly cheaper by myself? QUOTE]

Great choice! Get them preassembled. Steve does this everyday. I'd trust him to do it right, the first time.

I love my Sonoran 1.2 kit...

 

[Spish]

I just went through the same problem, finally just went with the Toytec Ultimate kit. I figure it is enough that if I DO decide to do more off road it will be capable but at the same time is great for daily driving. The only problem is that they are on backorder til August. I also will be adding the SS adjustable panhard bar, extended brake line, and ebrake extension. I'd say just spend the money if the beginning and you won't have to upgrade later. Good luck and let us know what you decide.