I finally own a 4-Runner

[HNTMUP]

In 2001 Iwas getting out of a 92 Explorer (167k miles) and was torn between a new 4-Runner and an Audi A6 Quattro. Our other car was an OUtback so I opted for the Audi. I never regretted the decision (except when I wanted to head north with my gear and bird dogs and my wife had the Outback). Anyway, last week I bought a black 2002 SR5 with 71k miles. The cool thing is that it is pretty much EXACTLY as I would have ordered it. Other than a few chips in the paing (and a little rust on the rear bumper) the truck is pretty nice.

The only things I would have different is the tires 15" rims, not 16" and there are no fog lights in the bumper. So.... What to do first?

I plan to use my 4-Runner for trips north with the family and to hunt and fish in northerm MI and the UP. No great off-roading plans requiring super technical gear. I do want to add fog lights (in the bumper where originals would go), replace the tires (which still have good tread left) and maybe lift the body 2".

Suggestions for:

in-bumber fogs?
new tires?
and, how much would 2" of lift cost me; what advantages would I get; and, how would that effect the stability while on the highway?

Thanks for any advice and direction. Gotta tell you that I am REALLY stoked to have this truck. I have spent this week driving around northern MI with the sun-roof open, the windows down (I love being able to drop that rear window) and just enjoying the drive.

Thanks,

HNTMUP

 

[p nut]

First of all, why are you wanting to do a body lift? If you're wanting more ground clearance, do a suspension lift (+ body, if needed).

Also, are you saying you have 15" or 16" rims on there? As far as tires, for your application, I'd go with Michelin LTX A/T's. They are a bit harder compound, so they will last longer, and give you good off-roading capabilities. You will need to get 265/75/16's, which is a size up from stock. You can fit them in there, but your MPG will suffer a little bit (usually 1-2MPG). It will give your 4Runner a taller stance, though. For stock size, I really like REVO's.

For fogs, unless you're doing it just for aesthetic reasons, I'd recommend that you NOT get the factory fog lights. They do not work that great, and will crack if/when hit by little pebbles on the freeway (mine have all cracked). If you need more light output, get an aftermarket unit. Are you wanting more light for when you're in the back country? Some IPF lights will be 1000x better than the fog lights.

 

[benormous]

Congrats on the new runner. I got mine in june and love it. My SR5 didn't come with fog lights, so I added some Hella Micro DE's which fit in the fog light holes. There is a nice kit you can buy, it can be found here:
http://www.yellowandbluelighting.co...410/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/763/Default.aspx

The exact same kit can be found on ebay for a little less. Look at this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39558

It has some good info from when I did mine.

I would tell you to search for this info, but i searched for it myself and it didn't come up. My point being, I'm not sure how reliable the search is, it might be useful to go back a few pages in the forum to get some good info on a lot of topics.

 

[HNTMUP]

First of all, why are you wanting to do a body lift? If you're wanting more ground clearance, do a suspension lift (+ body, if needed).

Also, are you saying you have 15" or 16" rims on there? As far as tires, for your application, I'd go with Michelin LTX A/T's. They are a bit harder compound, so they will last longer, and give you good off-roading capabilities. You will need to get 265/75/16's, which is a size up from stock. You can fit them in there, but your MPG will suffer a little bit (usually 1-2MPG). It will give your 4Runner a taller stance, though. For stock size, I really like REVO's.

For fogs, unless you're doing it just for aesthetic reasons, I'd recommend that you NOT get the factory fog lights. They do not work that great, and will crack if/when hit by little pebbles on the freeway (mine have all cracked). If you need more light output, get an aftermarket unit. Are you wanting more light for when you're in the back country? Some IPF lights will be 1000x better than the fog lights.

P-nut,

My 4-Runner has the 15" rims - I am looking for a higher stance - something that looks more aggressive.

I would not install stock fogs at this point. I would like more light - especially off road. At some point I'll consider adding a bull bar with some serious lights, but for now I just want to get some light and plug the holes.

Thanks

 

[p nut]

P-nut,

My 4-Runner has the 15" rims - I am looking for a higher stance - something that looks more aggressive.

I would not install stock fogs at this point. I would like more light - especially off road. At some point I'll consider adding a bull bar with some serious lights, but for now I just want to get some light and plug the holes.

Thanks

Oh, ok. Well, you can find stock 16" rims on craigslist fairly easy. Then put on some 265/75/16 and call it good. I don't think a body or suspension lift will be of any benefit to you right now.

Also, you can install off-road lights on the stock bumper. Like this guy. LINK

It would serve you far better for your off-roading needs. Like I said, those tiny stock fogs hardly put out any light. I think my mini-Mag LED puts out more light.

 

[HNTMUP]

I'll start looking around for a set of 16" rims then get tires to fit. If anyone knows where I can find 4-rims please PM me.

Thanks

 

[p nut]

Hey, you can still get 30-31" tires for your 15" rims and it will perform just fine. They might actually be even cheaper than 16" rims.

 

[The Dude]

Welcome to the forum HNTMUP.

You don't need to get new rims. Just put that money towards your new set of tires. My 4runner came with the smaller tires on 15's and one of the first things I did was to get bigger tires.

31x10.5r15 is the size you want to go with. The bigger tires will even give you a 1 or 2" lift.

Here's a picture of what they look like to give you an idea.

 

[greyghost4x4]

Welcome to the site.

Evan

 

[HNTMUP]

Dude,

Good suggestion. Any problem with tire rub with the 31's?

 

[mano]

cc

 

[The Dude]

Dude,

Good suggestion. Any problem with tire rub with the 31's?

nope....no rubbing at all. but like pnut said, you'll lose 1-2 mpg.

Another minor thing is that you're going to feel a little loss in power with the bigger tires.

 

[HNTMUP]

What do you guys think about the Michelin LTX A/T 2's? (Size 31X10.5R15, correct?)

 

[The Dude]

The Michelin LTX A/T's are great tires. Very good quality and they last a long time. I had them in size 235/75r15 when I originally bought my 4runner used.

My current set of tires are BF Goodrich All-terrain T/A KO. (31x10.5r15). I chose them because I've always liked the way they looked with the aggressive tread pattern. I've also heard nothing but great reviews on them....and they have a long tread life as well. Bought my set a couple years ago, and they're still running strong with plenty of tread left.

It's all personal preference. Depends on what type of driving conditions you're going to be driving your truck in, and the kind of a look you want. Some will swear by Michelins, others like BF Goodrich and some others prefer the Nitto Terra Grapplers. They're all great tires.

From what I know...
Michelin LTX A/T are smoother, quieter and more comfortable.
Nitto terra grapplers are better in rain and snow.
BF Goodrich's are like a leather jacket for a greaser. Makes your truck look tougher.

 

[MikesToy]

welcome

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Off road is where the separation of the Michelins and the BFG/Nittos begins. The Michelins are a better all around tire but as a dedicated weekend warrior the Nittos/BFGs are better suited for abuse.

The LTX are a more of a street tire with decnt off road intentions.

 

[HNTMUP]

Unfortunately 90% of my mileage will be on paved roads but under a complete range of weather conditions.

 

[HNTMUP]

Epilogue: today I had Michelin LTX A/T 2's installed replacing the original Dunlops. I went up one size to the max I could put on the truck w/out rubbing. Well, this afternoon I put 250 highway miles on them and all I can say is WOW! Smooth ride, quiet and they lifted me by at least an inch - exactly what I wanted. And my rig looks great!

Thanks for the advice, guys. I certainly appreciate it.

 

[bigtuna]

fogs

Just wanted to say, I have the factory fogs and after reading about on this site I found an adjustment screw. After properly adjusting the factory fogs, they do the job.

However I would like to add driving lights to be able to see further down the highway, and the look is killer with the big lights mounted on the bumper.

I am thinking about buying a bull bar to mount them on.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

The Michelin LTX are definitely my favorite truck/SUV tire. I had them on three different prior vehicles and they are excellent tires.

Keep them rotated and watch your pressure and they will also last forever. If you drive in a fairly sane manner you'll get at least 50K out of them and my tire dealer said it's not uncommon for them to see 60K + on them. Thats a good tire.

I noticed you are in Detroit (read cold and icy occasionally like here) - did you consider having them siped?

I did on my last set and I've put extensive miles on the LTX both siped and unsiped and the difference the siping makes on ice is definitely noticeable. As an added bonus siped tires are supposed to run cooler and thus last longer.