Intro And Noob Lift Questions

[ClimbOrDie]

Hi all,

First post here, I'm the proud new owner of a 01 4Runner w/ 92K miles (4x4 w/ locker):

This baby was lovingly cared for by it's previous owner (interior totally spotless, maintenance records including timing belt / pump at 80k, new battery, wires, belts, etc..) and I'm looking forward to hopefully having it for a long time.

This is my first Toyota, but I've owned a Jeep in the past. I plan on using it as a daily driver (<15 mi most days), road trips, light wheeling and camping / climbing all seasons in the mountains.

I've already started modding (of course...) with some WeatherTech liners and a B&M 70268 on the way, and I'll be dropping the running boards on friday.

My plan is to lift it here soon (Toytec Ultimate looks pretty good...), but I want to be sure that the truck remains pretty comfortable on the road, as it will admittedly be on pavement most of the time. I also dream of a bumper with lights and winch up front and some rails, but that probably won't be for at least a few months.

So, is a 3+1 inch lift too much for a daily driver / highway truck? If any of you happen to have the Toytec lift kit, how does your truck handle on the road? Do I need to run stiffer springs in the front for when I get the bumper, or will that wreck the ride until that extra weight is put on the front? Should I replace the LBJs at the same time as the lift, even if they aren't worn out?

It's good to be here, and thanks for your help!

 

[cj80cruiser]

So, is a 3+1 inch lift too much for a daily driver / highway truck?
Yes, you have 4wd and anything over 3"s isn't recommended

If any of you happen to have the Toytec lift kit, how does your truck handle on the road?
Can't answer that one

Do I need to run stiffer springs in the front for when I get the bumper, or will that wreck the ride until that extra weight is put on the front?
I'd deal with the harsher ride if I was going to get the front bumper within the next few months

Should I replace the LBJs at the same time as the lift, even if they aren't worn out?
I can only go on what other people say here. If you are in the 150K plus range on the originals then yes, I would think really hard about changing them.


It's good to be here, and thanks for your help!

......answered in red

 

[puppetz007]

If any of you happen to have the Toytec lift kit, how does your truck handle on the road? !

I've got the Toytec Ultimate and I think the ride is fine one the road. Slightly stiffer than the stock suspension, but not enough to bother me. My wife drives it daily and she's never complained about it. You'll have a little more body roll when you turn after the lift though.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I don't have the Toytec kit but it's a popular kit here. How big of tires are you planning on running? When you are off the pavement, how harsh is the terrain going to be? I would at least consider the OME kits too. Maybe OME 881/906 set up.

 

[Clownmeat]

Mine is a daily driver, I did the complete OME kit from toytec, 883, 891, love it.

 

[00_4runner]

I have the toytec ultimate lift kit with 600 lb coilovers. The bilstein combo with the eichbach springs is a little stiff but does not bother me. Imo I'd say that its a better ride than stock. I have the 891s with bilstein 5150s in the rear. The 891s are a higher spring rate so they are stiffer than the 890s but I'm planning on a rear bumper soon and like I said the slightly stiffer ride doesn't bother me. If you buy the ultimate I'd suggest staying with the 600lb coils as they are rated for up to 250 lbs of additional weight, 891s if you tow or carry stuff in the back or plan a rear bumper. Spend the extra 200 on the 5150s you won't be disappointed, they eat up bumps. It's a good kit for the money. Rides good on all roads, its my daily and i drive 1000 miles a month. If you get this kit I'd suggest buying the adjustable panhard from sonoran steel, extended rear brake line, and possibly extended rear bump stops. There are mixed opinions on the extended bumpstops so you have to make a choice.

 

[00_4runner]

Also 3in is a good safe lift height for our type of suv, 4in starts to get too tall and puts a lot of stress on the suspension, unless your talking an additional inch from a body lift. If you wheels do not have play when pulling at 12 and 6 then your ball joints are fine. You shouldn't have to replace them for another 40-50k but it never hurts to be safe if you have the extra cash.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Also 3in is a good safe lift height for our type of suv, 4in starts to get too tall and puts a lot of stress on the suspension, unless your talking an additional inch from a body lift. If you wheels do not have play when pulling at 12 and 6 then your ball joints are fine. You shouldn't have to replace them for another 40-50k but it never hurts to be safe if you have the extra cash.

I see now, that's what he meant by 3+1, Oops! Then to OP, that should be fine but of course your mpg's will suffer.