Leveling kits

[sgsymon]

I am not an owner yet, but hopefully will be soon and had a question. I am interested in this leveling kit from Toytec:

3" lift / leveling kit for FJ and 03 up 4Runner - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

Do these leveling kits improve off-road performance by themselves or are they just for looks and/or adding larger tires (which I know will improve off-road performance).

I really like the leveled look and am wanting something reasonably priced. I don't want anything too expensive and I would like to keep the stock size tires.

Is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks!

 

[BrianLSU]

That's actually a lift kit. I know they call it a leveling kit but it lifts both the front and rear. A true leveling kit has spacers for just the front, they have that too.

First, what are you getting?

SR5 - Toytec leveling and lift kits, like the one you highlighted, will work. Look also at ReadyLift, they have both types also.

Trail - I was told the lift kit type, from both companies, will not work due to the Trail's KDSS system. Front spacers might still work though.

Limited - The XREAS system might cause issues with the lift kits, rear mostly. I'm doing more research on this. The spacers for the front can be installed easily.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

AS far as leveling, raising just the front I would check out these Bilstein Adjustable shocks. I had them on my 2008 Tacoma for a while and it helped the ride a lot. You use your stock coil springs, and just choose to keep the height stock, raise it .75", 1.75" or 2.5." According to Toytec, they are on back-order, check out WheelersOffroad, they appear to be cheaper and they should have some in stock. That's where I bought mine a while back.

 

[sgsymon]

thanks guys. I'm planning on getting an SR5, just waiting on some money to come through.

sorry for my ignorance, but i'm not familiar with lifts.

so whats the difference between lifts that include shocks and/or coils and those that don't?

would approx. 2" of lift affect gas mileage much?

thanks again!

 

[MaylonTRD]

thanks guys. I'm planning on getting an SR5, just waiting on some money to come through.

sorry for my ignorance, but i'm not familiar with lifts.

so whats the difference between lifts that include shocks and/or coils and those that don't?

would approx. 2" of lift affect gas mileage much?

thanks again!

It's not really the lift that changes you fuel milage, however, if you put larger heavier tires on it will lower your mpg.

 

[sgsymon]

so what would be a good ratio to achieve a small lift and level the front?

2" in front and 1" in back?

I'd like to keep the stock tire size, so will this lift/level offer any improved off road ability or would it mostly achieve the leveled look?

thanks again.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I took my stock height 4runner off road twice and it did just fine. All that ends up happening Is the undercarraige gets beat up with it being that low. Mine was approximately 1.5-2" higher in the rear so if you went with a 2" front and 1" rear, you might not be level yet, might still be higher in back but that inch of height will drop if you load the vehicle with cargo. Then it would prob sit level.

 

[Chopsticks]

That's actually a lift kit. I know they call it a leveling kit but it lifts both the front and rear. A true leveling kit has spacers for just the front, they have that too.

First, what are you getting?

SR5 - Toytec leveling and lift kits, like the one you highlighted, will work. Look also at ReadyLift, they have both types also.

Trail - I was told the lift kit type, from both companies, will not work due to the Trail's KDSS system. Front spacers might still work though.

Limited - The XREAS system might cause issues with the lift kits, rear mostly. I'm doing more research on this. The spacers for the front can be installed easily.

Im considering a leveling kit when I purchase as well.

BrianLSU, your truck looks great! What are running?