brian2sun
Elite Member
So after thinking about it for a couple months, I finally pulled the trigger on a 1" body lift. I think the 4Runner is going to look really good an inch higher, but I also bought it for functional reasons. First, I plan on adding some weight. Right now I have a 3" OME suspension lift that I'm very happy with, but I want to get some rock sliders, armor skid plates, a winch, and a rear tire carrier bumper in the not-so-distant future (I'll start with the sliders in the next week or two). I know all that extra weight is going to make me sit a little lower, but I'm already at the lowest I want to go right now (to avoid rubbing).
I thought about doing 10mm trim packers (spacers) to lift the truck a little more, but I decided I'm as high as I want to go suspension-wise. My CVs are at an acceptable angle now, but I don't want them any steeper. I also don't want to mess with the ride quality because it's perfect for me the way it is right now - sticking spacers in there can change the ride, particularly in the front. I'd also have to realign it afterwards and screw all that, so a body lift or nothing was my choice.
I also have some 305/70 Mastercraft M/Ts that I was running for about a year and took them off because they were rubbing in the back. I got these seriously kick ass 285/75 Dunlop severe winter M/Ts and I'm thinking I want to put the 305s back on in the spring because I want to save the Dunlops for next winter. I think with the new body lift, I'll be able to get the last 10 or 15K out of the 305s without rubbing issues. Even if they do rub a little, it'll be a lot better than before.
I decided to go with a 4crawler lift because for the same price as some other brands' 1" body lifts alone, I got the lift and a steering shaft extension from 4crawler. I've also read good things about their products. I don't know if I'll actually need the steering extension (mine is an early '97 which may or may not have the shorter '96 style steering shaft, but I figured why not be safe). I read a few threads that said a radiator drop isn't necessary for a 1" lift and thanks to Proudrunner for confirming that for me.
So that's it, I'll update with some b&a shots when I put it on, feel free to give any tips or suggestions on installation or anything else!
I thought about doing 10mm trim packers (spacers) to lift the truck a little more, but I decided I'm as high as I want to go suspension-wise. My CVs are at an acceptable angle now, but I don't want them any steeper. I also don't want to mess with the ride quality because it's perfect for me the way it is right now - sticking spacers in there can change the ride, particularly in the front. I'd also have to realign it afterwards and screw all that, so a body lift or nothing was my choice.
I also have some 305/70 Mastercraft M/Ts that I was running for about a year and took them off because they were rubbing in the back. I got these seriously kick ass 285/75 Dunlop severe winter M/Ts and I'm thinking I want to put the 305s back on in the spring because I want to save the Dunlops for next winter. I think with the new body lift, I'll be able to get the last 10 or 15K out of the 305s without rubbing issues. Even if they do rub a little, it'll be a lot better than before.
I decided to go with a 4crawler lift because for the same price as some other brands' 1" body lifts alone, I got the lift and a steering shaft extension from 4crawler. I've also read good things about their products. I don't know if I'll actually need the steering extension (mine is an early '97 which may or may not have the shorter '96 style steering shaft, but I figured why not be safe). I read a few threads that said a radiator drop isn't necessary for a 1" lift and thanks to Proudrunner for confirming that for me.
So that's it, I'll update with some b&a shots when I put it on, feel free to give any tips or suggestions on installation or anything else!
