Finally ordered a lift, What next?

diaz7412

New member
After 9 months of owning my 2000 4runner I finally ordered a lift, after a ton of research and saving I decided to go with the Toytec Boss Lift. As a college student I couldn't rationalize spending more than what I did on a lift, and I felt like it was my best option at this time. // I also ordered an All-Pro Apex front bumper. Both of these should be here within a few weeks and installed before summer ends. I just had a few questions.

Currently running 265/75 16 KO2's and was wondering if it was worth getting 285's. This is my daily but I do not use it to commute. MPG's are not that big of a deal, I'm more concerned about how they might fit the wheel well after the lift. // Should I take this opportunity to replace bushings in suspension, is there any suggestions on which ones to use. Are UCAs worth upgrading at the same time?

If I end up not replacing UCAs or tires, I was thinking about upgrading to some SRQ headlights or Rocky Mountain Racks. Any suggestions are always appreciated. Thank you!
 

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your 4runner looks really good right now.

that lift will be a nice feel, especially if you still have the stock suspension.

tire size is really personnel preference but after the lift, your tires might look a little small. is that lift kit adjustable in the front???

I have 285/75/16 tires now and will be getting 255/85/16 next. (about an inch skinnier, but still 33"-ish in diameter.) for better MPG's more than anything, and I don't need to float over mud/sand very often.

have the Lower Ball Joints been replaced recently? definitely look at those, and only use OEM parts if you replace them.

unless you need to replace upper control arms due to cracking/damage then I would wait that out, would consider that a "nice to have" not a "need to have" item. but inspect the upper ball joints regardless.
 
Where was that picture taken? almost looks like death valley

im not a fan of 33" tires, unless your going to be changing gearing or supercharger. The 3.4 is just to weak as it is.

I have the 235/85/16 pizza cutters with a 2.5" lift and i have no need for anything larger. I still have stock UCA

Def keep up on the LBJ and timing belt/water pump.

I had a gobi rack but sold it. Looks cool but didn't use it enough to justify the money.
 
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I saw your front end shot in r/4runner on Reddit. Your truck looks so awesome. Not over the top w all the overland stuff.
 
285s will rub without pushing them way forward with adjustable front UCAs. Also consider that you may need to adjust your pinion angle to reduce driveshaft vibrations after you lift it, so think about some adjustable rear upper links to correct it.

If you're not going to change your front UCAs right now, when you install the lift you won't be taking too many parts off the front to get the new coilovers in, so you're not that much closer to the LCAs to replace the bushings.
 
Listen to BrianSD, 285's are real heavy I ran them a long time. 285's and factory rims is not a good match, they will rub on UCA. You can run OE UCA's 285's if you have a rim 8" W, 0 offset, 4.5" backspace and get very good alignment, with minimal rubbing when stuffed if you use extended bump stops.
 
285's. Good for the show, bad for the go. Feel it comes down to how and where you use your vehicle.
 
Feel it comes down to how and where you use your vehicle.


Yep. I always get a kick out of theses "what should I do" threads. Everyone uses their rig differently. From the complete stock rig to the SAS's rig and all manner in between. What needs to be addressed isn't tire size or after market UCA. It's how the OP will use his rig.

That piece of the puzzle will let everyone make informed decisions instead of the usual "this is what I run or "you don't need that". There's a lot of knowledge on this forum spread across a wide range of builds. If I had a question about a SAS build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] (no offense man, love your truck). If I had a question about a stock build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=118730]AssBurns[/MENTION] . Figure out your end game and get advise from people with a similar build/style that you are trying to achieve.

So, I'll ask the [MENTION=175988]diaz7412[/MENTION] What's your end game?
 
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Yep. I always get a kick out of theses "what should I do" threads. Everyone uses their rig differently. From the complete stock rig to the SAS's rig and all manner in between. What needs to be addressed isn't tire size or after market UCA. It's how the OP will use his rig.

That piece of the puzzle will let everyone make informed decisions instead of the usual "this is what I run or "you don't need that". There's a lot of knowledge on this forum spread across a wide range of builds. If I had a question about a SAS build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] (no offense man, love your truck). If I had a question about a stock build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=118730]AssBurns[/MENTION] . Figure out your end game and get advise from people with a similar build/style that you are trying to achieve.

So, I'll ask the [MENTION=175988]diaz7412[/MENTION] What's your end game?

Toyally agree. OP Your lift should be picked because of the tire size you WANT to run. Not the other way around.

make sure all of the maintenence is done before anymore mods.
 
your 4runner looks really good right now.

that lift will be a nice feel, especially if you still have the stock suspension.

tire size is really personnel preference but after the lift, your tires might look a little small. is that lift kit adjustable in the front???

I have 285/75/16 tires now and will be getting 255/85/16 next. (about an inch skinnier, but still 33"-ish in diameter.) for better MPG's more than anything, and I don't need to float over mud/sand very often.

have the Lower Ball Joints been replaced recently? definitely look at those, and only use OEM parts if you replace them.

unless you need to replace upper control arms due to cracking/damage then I would wait that out, would consider that a "nice to have" not a "need to have" item. but inspect the upper ball joints regardless.

I'd just like to give a hell yeah for 255/85's! Please post pictures when you've got them!
 
Yep. I always get a kick out of theses "what should I do" threads. Everyone uses their rig differently. From the complete stock rig to the SAS's rig and all manner in between. What needs to be addressed isn't tire size or after market UCA. It's how the OP will use his rig.

That piece of the puzzle will let everyone make informed decisions instead of the usual "this is what I run or "you don't need that". There's a lot of knowledge on this forum spread across a wide range of builds. If I had a question about a SAS build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] (no offense man, love your truck). If I had a question about a stock build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=118730]AssBurns[/MENTION] . Figure out your end game and get advise from people with a similar build/style that you are trying to achieve.

So, I'll ask the [MENTION=175988]diaz7412[/MENTION] What's your end game?

You're right, I have explored other builds and really wanted to see what some people had to say about these options as my next step. I think either one of these would help in my build.
 
Toyally agree. OP Your lift should be picked because of the tire size you WANT to run. Not the other way around.

make sure all of the maintenence is done before anymore mods.

From what I understood this lift along with a spacer lift could fit 285s. I just wanted to check on what others thought of the tire size.
 
Where was that picture taken? almost looks like death valley

im not a fan of 33" tires, unless your going to be changing gearing or supercharger. The 3.4 is just to weak as it is.

I have the 235/85/16 pizza cutters with a 2.5" lift and i have no need for anything larger. I still have stock UCA

Def keep up on the LBJ and timing belt/water pump.

I had a gobi rack but sold it. Looks cool but didn't use it enough to justify the money.

It was taken on my way out of the grand canyon. I've kept up with maintenance since I bought the car but I think LBJs are on my list to do asap. I'll probably end up replacing those soon.
 
You're right, I have explored other builds and really wanted to see what some people had to say about these options as my next step. I think either one of these would help in my build.


Tires and UCA's are a lot different then a headlight upgrade. You've got to figure out where that priority lies. If you do tons of night driving and not much wheeling it's headlights. If you do a lot a wheeling and little night driving it's tires/UCA.

If you do go to a larger tire size I would absolutely recommend SPC UCA's. They allow to easily dial the alignment in as well as help to clear the rear pinch welds. Larger tires also mean your 4.10 gear will seem like a dog on any hill. You won't notice it much on the flats. If your in Sac and ever go to the Sierra you'll notice it in a heartbeat.

My honest advice would be to get your rig lifted. Take it to a good alignment shop and see how close they get you to factory spec. Then drive it for a while like you normally would. Then start to get a better idea of where you want to go with the build. I had 265/75r16 on for almost a year before I went to my current tires(295/70r17). Take your time before you drop the money. It'll be worth it in the long run.
 
If I had a question about a SAS build I wouldn't ask [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] (no offense man, love your truck).

Good thinking! I can't even spell SAS! But heck, we can compare notes about our grinder vs. hand and tailgate vs. nose experiences this past weekend, looks like we both came out on the losing end :D.
 
Dude, I love your rig! Super good lookin 3rd gen [emoji1360]
Opinion time- I think 265/75R16's look too small on a lifted rig. I think stock height rigs- with refreshed suspension- look super good on 265/75R16's. In fact, that's one of my favorite looks for a 3rd gen: fresh OEM '99 tall suspension on 5 stars and 265/75R16's!
Since you've already decided to lift, I would definitely go 285/75R16. Contrary to what guys' here say, I don't feel like the bigger tires rob power at all. I drove my '97 3.4 auto back to back- same day- with 315/70R17 KO2 and 265/70R16 Michelin highway tires, and the power difference was seriously negligible. I know guys here will say they've experienced different, but I think it's all in their head [emoji854] As always, your mileage may vary.
I would get the SPC UCA's if they're in your budget. The more refreshed suspension parts the better. Setting your LCA cams to max caster, and using the camber adjustment in your UCA to pull camber back in up top will give you nice clearance at the firewall.
Of course, if you add wheel spacers, that will increase your scrub radius, and increase your likelihood of rubbing. If your tires rub your UCA, you can get 3/4" spacers from a company called "Bora", I believe. Make sure you get hub-centric wheel spacers if you do decide to use them.
Another thing no one has mentioned yet is how tires sizes vary from one manufacturer to another. Goodyear MT/R's are true to size- if not a hair tall- while BFG's run super small. I'm talking an inch shorter than their website lists, and that's already shorter than what they should be. Example: a 35x12.5x17 BFG KO2 is listed as being "34.4" tall. Reality is, they measure 33.5"! So that's something to consider as well.
 
Opinion time- I think 265/75R16's look too small on a lifted rig. I think stock height rigs- with refreshed suspension- look super good on 265/75R16's. In fact, that's one of my favorite looks for a 3rd gen: fresh OEM '99 tall suspension on 5 stars and 265/75R16's!

I think running 265's on a 3" lift depends largely on tire type and wheel offset. The only time I've ever thought my wheels looked small is when they're next to someone running 285's or something.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54400273@N03/6204598378/in/dateposted-public/" title="DSC_7271"><img src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6028/6204598378_cf9737a774_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="DSC_7271"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
After 9 months of owning my 2000 4runner I finally ordered a lift, after a ton of research and saving I decided to go with the Toytec Boss Lift. As a college student I couldn't rationalize spending more than what I did on a lift, and I felt like it was my best option at this time. // I also ordered an All-Pro Apex front bumper. Both of these should be here within a few weeks and installed before summer ends. I just had a few questions.

Currently running 265/75 16 KO2's and was wondering if it was worth getting 285's. This is my daily but I do not use it to commute. MPG's are not that big of a deal, I'm more concerned about how they might fit the wheel well after the lift. // Should I take this opportunity to replace bushings in suspension, is there any suggestions on which ones to use. Are UCAs worth upgrading at the same time?

If I end up not replacing UCAs or tires, I was thinking about upgrading to some SRQ headlights or Rocky Mountain Racks. Any suggestions are always appreciated. Thank you!

Can you post your thoughts on the Boss suspension assuming you've had it installed..

ETA, sorry I didn't read the dates on post you probably don't have this in yet - still curious.
 
Couple things I noticed after installing a lift on my 4runner.

1. Upper control arms are necessary to get the alignment right. Dont spend big money on tires just to have them wear out on the outer edge quicker than normal.
2. Depending on how old your CVs are, then are going to leak grease and most likely split a boot. You can reboot for pretty cheap, but its still something to look out for.
3. Pretty sure the Boss kit comes with replacement SS break lines, but if not take a look into replacing the factory lines with extended ones.
4. Lower ball-joints are a known weak point with the 3rd gens. Go OEM and replace those badboys.

As for tire size, I can't really recommend anything there. I run a set of Goodyear Territories for trails and Bridgestone Duelers for road so my choice in rubber is obviously flawed.
 

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