I just want a little lift - what would be the best setup?

[PracticalFJ]

Title says it all. Have an 10 Trail w/kdss and running BFG AllTerrains 275 70 17's and would love to put on a little lift. Probably not going to add a front bumper anytime soon. What is the difference between the Toytec spacers, bilstein 5100's or is there another option that would be better?

Looking for the best option considering I drive 30k per year....oh, and I know there are allot of threads on particular lifts but didn't find a simple comparison. Thanks

 

[joneseyyy]

Title says it all. Have an 10 Trail w/kdss and running BFG AllTerrains 275 70 17's and would love to put on a little lift. Probably not going to add a front bumper anytime soon. What is the difference between the Toytec spacers, bilstein 5100's or is there another option that would be better?

Looking for the best option considering I drive 30k per year....oh, and I know there are allot of threads on particular lifts but didn't find a simple comparison. Thanks

Most guys that run the 5100's swear by them. If you are going to drop any amount of $ on suspension, I am of the opinion you should at least get some superior handling dynamics out of it.

 

[1000MPH]

I'm in the same boat. Frankly, I would be happy with the 9.6" ground clearance promised on the Toyota spec sheet, but I barely have 8.5".

 

[Edubsam]

I'd say it depends on what you're going to do with it. Are you going to wheel at all, or just drive around on the pavement? Would you spend the money to get a better ride and handling?

 

[jakehere]

I have Bilstein 5100's all around, front set at .85" of lift. I love it. Noticeable improvement handling, feels more balanced, brake dive is gone.

 

[philsey]

I have Bilstein 5100's all around, front set at .85" of lift. I love it. Noticeable improvement handling, feels more balanced, brake dive is gone.

ditto.

 

[Laubage]

I think I'm going to try the Bilsteins (set at 1.75") all around with stock front coils and Sway A Way 1.5" coils in the back. I saw a couple of pictures of 4shorerunner's setup that way and it seems like a good setup as far as lift goes. As far as ride? I'm not sure...

Another popular setup is the OME 884's in the front and OME 895E's in the back... either with stock shocks or Bilsteins or OME shocks.

 

[4RunnerTrail]

ditto.

can we see your setup!

 

[453030]

Title says it all. Have an 10 Trail w/kdss and running BFG AllTerrains 275 70 17's and would love to put on a little lift. Probably not going to add a front bumper anytime soon. What is the difference between the Toytec spacers, bilstein 5100's or is there another option that would be better?

Looking for the best option considering I drive 30k per year....oh, and I know there are allot of threads on particular lifts but didn't find a simple comparison. Thanks

Depending upon your budget, you might consider Overland Warehouse's special 2.0 kit. It includes adjustable front coilovers and matching rear shocks. I came very close to ordering this setup and sticking with my stock rear coils. The front COs can be made with a 600LB coil as opposed to the standard 650LB provided with the full 2.0 kit. Your front lift is fully adjustable. The back ride will be well matched, but you won't gain any lift. You could easily add a spacer of your choice and readjust the front as you like. I think of it as a much more premium option than just doing 5100s, as the components are fully tuned for the 4Runner.

I had no desire to lift the back of my truck, but having gone on several rough trails this year loaded with the family and cargo, I need a little more load capacity and have the full 2.0 kit on order. And the front skid on stock KDSS Trails does sit rather low, and it will be nice to gain some extra clearance there.

 

[Tedstryker]

I will chime in on this...I do mostly highway traveling, with occasional mild off-roading in the VA mountains for kayaking/fishing....and beach cruising in the fall for fishing. I read all of the threads about getting Bilsteins...OME...etc...and researched them all. Some of the manufacturers haven't even made specific parts for 2010/2011...but the older/FJ models do work...which worried me just a tad, but all setups on this forum seem to be doing great and look awesome. That being said, I went with the Toytec 2 inch spacer in the front...1.5 in the back. This way, I get to see if I like this amount of lift for a VERY cheap price...and the handling feels great. I never really notice the nosedive issue. I also added the spidertrax which did wonders for handling. AFTER this thing is paid off (or when the stock shocks go - whatever comes first)...I will be spending the big bucks on an Icon Stage 2 or 3 lift...which is $3000+...but is basically a suspension overhaul! That is when I will get more in the the 4wheelin'! And yes...dont yell at me guys - I know many say if you are going to lift it...do it right/spend the money the first time...and don't get me wrong, your rigs look awesome! Just my 2 cents. I am very happy...and only spent a total of $350 for the spacer kit and wheel adapters. Any small shop can install for a good low price since it is an easy job for them...or you could try doing it yourself...some good write-ups on this forum.

 

[philsey]

can we see your setup!

Not much to see, really. I wanted to eliminate the fore-aft brake dive and acceleration squat, which was my motivation, and which the 5100's do. Side benefits were leveling, and a firmer, more controlled ride.

Fronts set at .85 + an alignment.

 

[KCcarguy]

A lot of us on here are looking for a subtle lift. Unfortunately there's no perfect answer. I've thought about doing the SAW 1.5's rear with toytec ultimate up front set at 1.5" or 2" (I like a bit of factory rake). Also thought about the Cornfed spacers (2" front with 1" rear). Even thought about 5100's @ .85 front with FJ springs in back (not even sure what FJ springs lift would be...maybe 0.5"?).

I personally would prefer a functional lift that would improve handling/ nose-dive rather than spacers. The problem is I think 265's-275's look small with too much of a lift. I think a 1" spring lift all-around with 5100's would be perfect. BUT that doesn't exist! There are quite a few guys on here looking for a subtle lift.....I wish one of the vendors would listen and give us some 1" lift coils!

There's a place called Coil Spring Specialties that makes custom springs, but I'm not sure what the cost would be, or if they would require OEM springs for specs.....

Coil Spring Specialties

 

[4Funnr]

I'm in the same boat.

How high can you go before you need to upgrade the front upper control arms?

I'm not exactly looking to go huge, but I'm considering the OW full 2.0 kit.

I'm just wondering if my alignment will always be destroyed and if I will need new UCAs.

I'm coming from a lowered sports car and I HATED having to buy new tires every 18 months because the camber was ALWAYS off, even with an adjustable camber kit!

 

[Intruder]

I'm not exactly looking to go huge, but I'm considering the OW full 2.0 kit.

If you're looking at going with the Overland Warehouse kit, email them with your questions and concerns. I had the 2.0 kit installed in July and one of the reasons I chose OW was that Andries and Mark really know their stuff and I never once felt like they were trying to sell me anything I didn't need. I've done a couple of trail runs since getting the kit and I've been extremely happy with it.

 

[azn-sensation]

If you're looking at going with the Overland Warehouse kit, email them with your questions and concerns. I had the 2.0 kit installed in July and one of the reasons I chose OW was that Andries and Mark really know their stuff and I never once felt like they were trying to sell me anything I didn't need. I've done a couple of trail runs since getting the kit and I've been extremely happy with it.

Do you have any pics of your setup? I too plan on going with this setup. Most of the searches Ive done come up with the 2.5 kit. Also what size tires are you running?

 

[Intruder]

Do you have any pics of your setup? I too plan on going with this setup. Most of the searches Ive done come up with the 2.5 kit. Also what size tires are you running?

I think the only difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 is the diameter of the shock bodies. I'm running 285/70/17 Duratracs.

 

[PracticalFJ]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Let me tailor the question a little more.

Are there any Trail owners w/KDSS that have upgraded to the Bilstein 5100's? If so, how does this setup compare to stock?

For those of you that have run spacers, do you need front and rear or just front? Does your 4runner handle much differently with spacers or is it just 1 or 2 inches higher and pretty much handle the same? I do understand the higher you raise the vehicle, the higher your center of gravity.

I like the idea of a simple cost effective spacer lift although I will spend whatever I have to do it safely, effectively, and correctly the first time.

I too, only want it an inch higher...anymore will give me parking issues etc as I drive for work and am in the city allot and need to deal with parking garages, etc.

 

[4RunnerTrail]

I think the only difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 is the diameter of the shock bodies. I'm running 285/70/17 Duratracs.

looks badass. what kind of Mpg are you getting with lift and 285s?

 

[453030]

I think the only difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 is the diameter of the shock bodies. I'm running 285/70/17 Duratracs.

That is killer Marc. Looking forward to installing the 2.0 on my Trail :guitar3:

 

[Intruder]

I too, only want it an inch higher...anymore will give me parking issues etc as I drive for work and am in the city allot and need to deal with parking garages, etc.

If it helps you any my lift was set at 2.5" when installed. With the 285 Duratracs it measures about 78" to the top of the side rails. I have parking issues too, but I'm able to fit in most places.

looks badass. what kind of Mpg are you getting with lift and 285s?

Thanks! Not sure what it is exactly since the bigger tires throw off the odometer by something like 3% and I'm too lazy to try calculating it all manually. Right now the computer shows 12.7L/100km, but that's mostly highway.

That is killer Marc. Looking forward to installing the 2.0 on my Trail :guitar3:

Thanks! You won't regret your choice.