How to fix my lift?

[ParaMiller]

Hey all,

I recently bought a 2000 4runner with a lift that was installed back in 2015. Not positive how many inches. I'm guessing 3? It's not in the paperwork.

Lift details: Front coils are from a 2004 Tundra TRD. Front and back shocks are the Bilstein 5100s. The rear coils are from a 1995 FZJ-80 Land Cruiser.

My issue is the front is noticeably lower than the back with the front drivers side an inch lower than the passenger side. The drivers side tire is rubbing a ton when you turn left. The front coils don't look broken but the front shocks look like they're leaking.

What do you guys recommend? I would love a 3 inch lift to fit my 33s. Do I buy new 5100s and rebuild the front assembly using the 2004 Tundra coils? Also, there is a steel bumper with winch on the front adding additional weight.

Thanks!

Pictures of ride height:

 

[ninethings]

The drivers side lean is normal. Most weight is on the drivers side; the driver, gas tank, etc. You can get trim packers and install them on the drivers side to even out the side to side lean.

As for front to back, I'm assuming your front coils arent rated high enough to handle the added weight from the bumper/winch etc up front. Cant really speak to whether or not they're leaking without seeing the struts themselves but I'd wager the unevenness is due to added weight being too much for the rating on the coils

 

[ninethings]

Though I will add, as for front to back level, that if you're unloaded now (rear cargo empty) the ride will likely even out once you have weight in the back, which is kind of ideal although I can see not wanting quite that a dramatic rake driving around every day. Just food for thought

 

[phattyduck]

Stock ride height is 20" from the center of the hub to the fender lip (varies a bit by year/trim, but that's the basis for most 'lift' calculations). Check yours to know where you are at. Make sure you subtract any body lift height.

3" is the MAX you should go in the front due to geometry challenges - the front just doesn't have much droop travel left with a 3" lift.

33" tires should fit with a bit of clearancing on the front (hammer time!) as long as you have the right offset wheels (looks like you have some poke, so it will be harder for you). Just suspension lift won't eliminate rubbing though, since the upper bump stops don't move with a simple spring lift.

Budget and goals dictate solutions here... you'll need to figure those out.

-Charlie