Finally doing the spacer lift/Cooper AP3 thing

jminz

New member
I've had my 4runner for 40k miles. Finally decided it was time to do some upgrading. Just ordered the 2.5/1.5'' DS spacer kit and some 265/70/17 Cooper AT3s. Will face white letters out.

Will post pics as soon as its installed. Anyone with that set up feel free to post in the mean time.
 
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I've had my 4runner for 40k miles. Finally decided it was time to do some upgrading. Just ordered the 2.5/1.5'' DS spacer kit and some 265/70/17 Cooper AT3s. Will face white letters out.

Will post pics as soon as its installed. Anyone with that set up feel free to post in the mean time.

I have the DS spacer kit on, and those are the tires I want next. lemme know how they look.
 
I've had 3 sets of AT3s, and they're great tires for the money. I had them on a 3rd gen, and on a 5th gen... They're a good performing, good looking, and long-lasting tire. Also, it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy that they're made in the USA.

BUT, you do need to balance them well. They like to kick weights, and can be tough for a so/so tire shop to properly set-up.
 
You'll love those at3s. They'll handle damn near anything you can throw at them off road wise and are very quiet on the highway. Great tire for the $$.
 
I'm still new here, but I'm curious what the spacer costs with install. DIY or shop? How did it affect handling? Is there a need for a diff drop?

I'd try to search, but I don't know how.
 
I'm still new here, but I'm curious what the spacer costs with install. DIY or shop? How did it affect handling? Is there a need for a diff drop?

I'd try to search, but I don't know how.

A Daystar type 3/2 spacer kit costs around $150.00 and labor is ball park from $600.00 - $800.00 (which usually includes the alignment). That being said, with a decent set of tools and some rudimentary suspension knowledge, you should be able to knock out the installation yourself, in about 3-5 hours. Handling is not really affected, save the center of gravity is a little higher. Speaking from experience, it is NOT worth it. First of all, you do not get 3" (or even 2.5" for that matter) of lift in the front as most 100k mileage 4Runners' coils are sagging too much. Second, the labor involved in installing a spacer kit, is almost IDENTICAL to doing a full blown suspension lift. My advice is, replace all of your current sway bar bushings, sway bar end links, and start saving your money for a true suspension lift. You will be much happier. I started with a spacer kit and was somewhat disappointed with results. 10 months later, I removed it and replaced with a Toytec Ultimate kit and new UCA's. I could kick myself for not doing this in the first place!
 
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A Daystar type 3/2 spacer kit costs around $150.00 and labor is ball park from $600.00 - $800.00 (which usually includes the alignment). That being said, with a decent set of tools and some rudimentary suspension knowledge, you should be able to knock out the installation yourself, in about 3-5 hours. Handling is not really affected, save the center of gravity is a little higher. Speaking from experience, it is NOT worth it. First of all, you do not get 3" (or even 2.5" for that matter) of lift in the front as most 100k mileage 4Runners' coils are sagging too much. Second, the labor involved in installing a spacer kit, is almost IDENTICAL to doing a full blown suspension lift. My advice is, replace all of your current sway bar bushings, sway bar end links, and start saving your money for a true suspension lift. You will be much happier. I started with a spacer kit and was somewhat disappointed with results. 10 months later, I removed it and replaced with a Toytec Ultimate kit and new UCA's. I could kick myself for not doing this in the first place!

Thanks. Spacer lift will fit my needs just fine. I like the xreas suspension, when it fails I might explore going a different route.
 
I'm still new here, but I'm curious what the spacer costs with install. DIY or shop? How did it affect handling? Is there a need for a diff drop?

I'd try to search, but I don't know how.

Spacer kit was $110 on amazon. Was quoted $300 for install. It's a top mount spacer kit, disassembly of strut assembly is not required, so it's not the same as replacing entire suspension as suggested above.
 
Spacer kit was $110 on amazon. Was quoted $300 for install. It's a top mount spacer kit, disassembly of strut assembly is not required, so it's not the same as replacing entire suspension as suggested above.

If that $300.00 install includes an alignment, than that is a FANTASTIC deal. Oh, and labor-wise, a spacer install vs. full blown suspension install IS almost identical. I've done both. And to the OP: hey, if looks is what you are after than you probably will be happy with just a spacer kit. Good luck to you, regardless.
 
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Tires have arrived
 

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Will post pics after I get spidertrax on weds night, but measurements for after lift with new Cooper Discoverer AT3s, 265/70/17

Front: 36 3/4
Rear: 37 1/2, passenger rear slightly higher.
(measurement taken in line with centercap)

I'm an idiot and forgot to take before measurements.

Anybody have an idea what my stock measurements would have been with stock 265/65/17 tires.
 

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