For those with a lifted 4th Gen!

[White4runner]

I want to lift, but I have to ask, does lifting it void your warranty? Would like to hear what peoples experiences have been. Encountered any problems with stealerships? Should I just wait until mine is up(70K to go)? Thanks.

Bob

 

[Mulepick]

I think they can technically get out of the warranty for anything that either didn't come with the vehicle or they didn't put on.

I can assure you that I have had a modest lif (2-3") on mine, with the XREAS shocks, and have had no problems. Then again, I have had no problems that I've needed a warranty for. I've got 33k on now and don't see anything coming down the line in the next 3k.

If you're really concerned, some of the larger 4x4 places will sell you their warranty that kicks in if your dealer balks, as long as they installed whatever it is.

Bob

 

[mikestang]

I think they can technically get out of the warranty for anything that either didn't come with the vehicle or they didn't put on.

Absolutely not true. I advise you to do some research regarding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. A dealer cannot reject warranty claims simply because an aftermarket part is installed. A warranty denial in such circumstances is justified only if an aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed.

Regarding your lift, there's nothing stopping you from replacing your springs and shock - you're not modifying the car, you're replacing parts, it's maintenance. EDIT: you have an 06, so I think you have xreas, right? So your only option if you want to keep it is a spacer lift, so you're not even replacing anything in that case.

 

[White4runner]

There's some question regarding the extra wear and tear on the powertrain. My fear would be Toyota denying a claim, because the "wear and tear" caused the failure.

 

[Thai]

I would think that the suspension components would NOT be covered if you lift your 4runner. Sure, there is the M&M Act to argue with your dealer about, but i doubt that you will be successful unless you have a really cool dealership. For example, if your CV boots burst and you have a lift, then you are up the creek without a paddle 99% of the time. If your engine/tranny fails, then the dealership probably can't pin that on you and you would be safe.

Whatever you modify on your 4runner will void the warranty in that area unless it is connected to another area.

 

[xUSNavy]

I would think that the suspension components would NOT be covered if you lift your 4runner. Sure, there is the M&M Act to argue with your dealer about, but i doubt that you will be successful unless you have a really cool dealership. For example, if your CV boots burst and you have a lift, then you are up the creek without a paddle 99% of the time. If your engine/tranny fails, then the dealership probably can't pin that on you and you would be safe.

Whatever you modify on your 4runner will void the warranty in that area unless it is connected to another area.

:iagree:

 

[Koz]

If the Stealer could prove the lift caused a failure they could void the warranty for only that failure. They can not void the warranty just because you installed a lift.

Koz

 

[boston_kevin]

Here is another thread about this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12299&highlight=lift+warranty

There are laws to protect you, but basically anything associated with the lift or the extra weight of the larger tires/wheels can be used by the dealer as a reason not to honor the warranty. The burden of proof, however, is on them to show conclusively that the added equipment actually caused the failure in question. If you are doing a modest lift and not adding extremely heavy tires/wheels, I doubt you would ever have a problem.

 

[Thai]

Thanks Kevin for doing the search.

These are probably the best info on the topic:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11539&highlight=warranty

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3149

 

[RL Lemke]

I have been to two different dealers for maintenance and the warranty transfer case repair and experienced only positive comments about the quality and effect of my 3" lift. I spent some time driving over rough roads & a very rough RR crossing with the head service guy where his comment was that the Donahoe/Total Chaos lift made the 4Runner a MUCH better vehicle for rough surfaces. He was amazed at how the shock of the holes & crossings never affected the ride of the 4Runner, nor transmitted any sort of jolt into the passenger cabin.

So, my warranty claim for the transfer case is certainly a drive train claim against the Toyota Extended Warranty. Because of the extreme cost of this repair Gulf States Toyota sent a representative to look at the 4Runner before approving the claim. The claim was approved and paid, including a rental car. The lift had no impact on my claim.

 

[Bluto]

It will depend on what breaks, and your service advisor. The lift has to cause the problem.



I've done all my own service. I need to have some rotation/balance/alignments done at the dealer. Maybe get my tires from them. Make some friends.