Interested in lifting my new 4 Gen 4runner...thoughts?

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chiahead52

New member
I just bought a 2004 4Runner recently and I am looking to get it lifted. Nothing major as I dont plan to do much off roading. I just want it to have better clearance and look better. What are my option for easier lifts that dont cost too much and improve handling?


Thanks for the help in advance.
 
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chiahead52 said:
I just bought a 2004 4Runner recently and I am looking to get it lifted. Nothing major as I dont plan to do much off roading. I just want it to have better clearance and look better. What are my option for easier lifts that dont cost too much and improve handling?


Thanks for the help in advance.
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Everyone pretty much goes with bilstien 5100 shocks and fj cruiser springs for cheap. Do yourself a favor, read the suspension faq sticky, and use the search button. Tons of info out there but YOU have to LOOK for it.
 
birdmann said:
Everyone pretty much goes with bilstien 5100 shocks and fj cruiser springs for cheap. Do yourself a favor, read the suspension faq sticky, and use the search button. Tons of info out there but YOU have to LOOK for it.
Click to expand...

thanks for the quick reply. I have been reading for a few days now off and on. I am unclear how to find the coils for the FJ or Tacoma. Looks like I would need to find them used.

On a side note. Is it dumb for me to invest in lifting the 4Runner even though its not 4 x 4 or a V8? Like I said I dont plan to go rock crawling or anything. I just want more clearance. Thanks
 
chiahead52 said:
thanks for the quick reply. I have been reading for a few days now off and on. I am unclear how to find the coils for the FJ or Tacoma. Looks like I would need to find them used.

On a side note. Is it dumb for me to invest in lifting the 4Runner even though its not 4 x 4 or a V8? Like I said I dont plan to go rock crawling or anything. I just want more clearance. Thanks
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what????? so you are just doing a lift as a mall crawler. if so at least get a 4wd badge and pose.

j/k. nothing wrong with lifting a 2wd. its whatever you like. IMO. it felt like I was driving a minivan without the slight lift I have and tires. it still kind of feels like it to a certain extent with the dress. eventually I'll get bielstiens. if you want it just for looks. just add a simple 2.5 front and 1.5 dystar spacerlift. cheapest with good clearance. you may want to add larger tires to complete the look.
.
 
bpowa said:
what????? so you are just doing a lift as a mall crawler. if so at least get a 4wd badge and pose.

j/k. nothing wrong with lifting a 2wd. its whatever you like. IMO. it felt like I was driving a minivan without the slight lift I have and tires. it still kind of feels like it to a certain extent with the dress. eventually I'll get bielstiens. if you want it just for looks. just add a simple 2.5 front and 1.5 dystar spacerlift. cheapest with good clearance. you may want to add larger tires to complete the look.
.
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haha my other vehicle is an Odyssey so ya thats where I am coming from. Trying to get some of my man card back..I do go camping often and I bought the 4Runner specifically for that and towing our camping trailer. I did it all in our minivan before and thats been super hard since I cannot go anywhere. The 4Runner is easily more than twice the clearance I am used to but I would like a little bit more. I like the cost of the spacers but reading they are not the best choice. I plan to get the bilstein shocks at least and possibly upgrade the coils. Still trying to see whats a good choice. Looking for a 2-2.5 lift in front and 1-1.5 lift in rear I am thinking
 
In your situation, I would consider doing a spacer lift and calling it a day. You did not disclose whether or not your Runner is a Sport Edition (which has XREAS hydraulically connected suspension) or how many miles are on the clock. Both of these items will have an influence on which direction that you should go. Anyway, a spacer lift will give you about an extra 2.5 inches up front and 1.5 inches in back without altering the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Now, that being said, it's time for you to do YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up.html

Get busy!
 
Your post says your looking for a simple life. Now your talking bilsteins and such. Thats considered a full suspension. If thats the case just look at the stickies up above. Maybe you already saw the stickies and was just so excited to post. I would be to if i drove a minivan. Welcome :)
 
preacher35 said:
In your situation, I would consider doing a spacer lift and calling it a day. You did not disclose whether or not your Runner is a Sport Edition (which has XREAS hydraulically connected suspension) or how many miles are on the clock. Both of these items will have an influence on which direction that you should go. Anyway, a spacer lift will give you about an extra 2.5 inches up front and 1.5 inches in back without altering the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Now, that being said, it's time for you to do YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up.html

Get busy!
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thank you for the links. I have been reading thru those and a few others for the past few days. I have an SR5 V6 2WD model. 172,000 miles on it. I dont think it has Xtreas as I dont see any hoses on the front shocks. So, I think this one is just a stock model. I will more than likely just go with the spacers but I am the kind of person that just likes to learn new things. Are there any recommendations for the spacers? A friend is saying the aluminum ones are better and will last longer. While other posts on here say they are all about the same. What do you think?
 
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birdmann said:
Everyone pretty much goes with bilstien 5100 shocks and fj cruiser springs for cheap. Do yourself a favor, read the suspension faq sticky, and use the search button. Tons of info out there but YOU have to LOOK for it.
Click to expand...

i want to do this, but fj springs are hard to find :-(
 
flighht2k5 said:
i want to do this, but fj springs are hard to find :-(
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I am having trouble finding FJ springs or Tacoma springs as well.


From what I am reading the poly spacers go above the coil top plate and actually lower the whole strut lower while the aluminum one goes inside the strut between the top coil plate and the coil itself. Is that correct? I am still reading but trying to see the benefits of one over the other. Also, most say even with spacers that the ride gets rougher and an upgrade at shocks is preferred.
 
chiahead52 said:
I am having trouble finding FJ springs or Tacoma springs as well.


From what I am reading the poly spacers go above the coil top plate and actually lower the whole strut lower while the aluminum one goes inside the strut between the top coil plate and the coil itself. Is that correct? I am still reading but trying to see the benefits of one over the other. Also, most say even with spacers that the ride gets rougher and an upgrade at shocks is preferred.
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theres either top plate spacers, which is the majority of spacer lifts, or there are preload spacers, which are not very often used. preload goes inside the assembly, not on top
 
chiahead52 said:
I am having trouble finding FJ springs or Tacoma springs as well.


From what I am reading the poly spacers go above the coil top plate and actually lower the whole strut lower while the aluminum one goes inside the strut between the top coil plate and the coil itself. Is that correct? I am still reading but trying to see the benefits of one over the other. Also, most say even with spacers that the ride gets rougher and an upgrade at shocks is preferred.
Click to expand...

You can always look on rockauto.com or carparts.com for new FJ coils... they're pretty inexpensive. I've seen a few guys use the Moog brand.

Pretty easy to find! :hatsoff:
 
Doozi said:
You can always look on rockauto.com or carparts.com for new FJ coils... they're pretty inexpensive. I've seen a few guys use the Moog brand.

Pretty easy to find! :hatsoff:
Click to expand...

I must be dumb or something because I cannot find any OEM coils. Maybe they are dealer only. I see all the aftermarket ones. I guess Moog is a common OEM replacement.
 
chiahead52 said:
I must be dumb or something because I cannot find any OEM coils. Maybe they are dealer only. I see all the aftermarket ones. I guess Moog is a common OEM replacement.
Click to expand...

I just got Moog FJ coils from Rockauto for the rear and got 2" lift. Also using bilsteins.
 
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