Lift for '09

[ktmracer124]

Ok, I have spent hours and hours of searching on this site. I have said, "oh, that is what I want to do to my 4runner" about 100 times. My mind is so scrambled it is absolutely crazy. I plan on doing a good bit of off roading with the family. I race dirtbikes professionally, but I want something I can do with the whole family (wife, 9 month old, and dog) and is a little safer. I think I have thrown out the idea of the DS 2.5/1.5. I am considering the OME 3, but I would like to do some sort of combination. For Example: Bilstein Adj. 5100 + FJ Springs and ToyTec superflex rears. I just want to keep the good ride of the 4 runner, but still have more off road capability. I also want to keep it pretty level. I am going to keep my stock tires on my stock rims, and put offroad tires on some FJ painted wheels. That way when we travel to go offroading I can bring my offroad tires with me. From all of my research and looking at everyones builds (including gaterose's about 15 times) I think I want to stay with 265/70R17 instead of 275/70R17.

Thanks in advance,
Chase Peeler

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Longer shocks are key for off road use, definitely go with new shocks instead of a spacer lift like the Daystar. Do you have any plans for added weight such as metal bumpers? That will affect your coil choice. Also, do you use the 4runner to tire your bike(s)? If so, you may consider a set of the Firestone air bags for the rear to help support the weight and keep the rear from sagging.

 

[ktmracer124]

Longer shocks are key for off road use, definitely go with new shocks instead of a spacer lift like the Daystar. Do you have any plans for added weight such as metal bumpers? That will affect your coil choice. Also, do you use the 4runner to tire your bike(s)? If so, you may consider a set of the Firestone air bags for the rear to help support the weight and keep the rear from sagging.

I do not plan on a bumper in the near future. I will probably need bags in the rear though. After the lift, rims, and tires, I think I am going to put a bull bar, roof rack, and rocker guards. My wife is not real happy with me spending all this money on it, but I think she will enjoy the final result (whether she admits it or not). It is a 2009 SR5 4WD with 60K. I bought it new in 2009.

 

[cruisermansd]

I do not plan on a bumper in the near future. I will probably need bags in the rear though. After the lift, rims, and tires, I think I am going to put a bull bar, roof rack, and rocker guards. My wife is not real happy with me spending all this money on it, but I think she will enjoy the final result (whether she admits it or not). It is a 2009 SR5 4WD with 60K. I bought it new in 2009.

I would also check out Icon, I love mine, yes they are more $$ but well worth it. Dont do what i did. I did spacers (hated it) then OME (hated it) and went with Icon front 2.5s with TC upper and metal techs rear long travel system with Icon 2.5s.

I got everything from Metal tech because they are just awesome and give us members really great prices. I have an ARB on the front and the Icons ride like a catty.

good luck with what ever you choose.

 

[jbmccul]

I got the OME 884's with Superflex rear coils. The ride is only 5% stiffer than stock and I absolutely love it!

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Since you plan on off-roading a lot then you may want to consider bypassing spacers and doing a full suspension upgrade. Lots of different choices out there. I've only had oem and Icon so my opinion is based on my direct experience with that brand. I highly recommend Icon if you choose to go that route. Day and night different after switching over. Excellent product and customer service.

 

[Jeff S.]

Many will recommend what they have.

I have an OME setup, and I like it. It's a lot stiffer than stock. After a couple thousand miles the ride has gotten much better (probably a combination of the new suspension breaking-in and my getting accustomed to the new ride feel). My alignment is merely ok now, but the offroad ability, break-dive, height, and aesthetics have all improved dramatically. Also, when I'm fully loaded with people or gear, the ride is butter smooth, but when empty the suspension is a tad bumpy (like a typical truck).

If you don't mind a bit of a pick-up truck sort of feel, then an OME set-up will serve you very well. If you want offroad ability along with a plush ride, then take a look at coil-overs.

My two cents

 

[jdkilroy]

If you are going to have a separate set of off-road wheels/tires then I would consider going with a little more sidewall height.

This will provide a better off-road ride, and better air-down capacity especially if you get a E-rated tire.

As far as size that won't give you rubbing problems; 255/75 or 85/16. I suggest the 255 width because the more I wheel, research and learn, the more I realized that skinny is usually better when it comes to traction and off road is usually all about traction.

Wider tires create more issues with fittment (rubbing), and are only an advantage in limited circumstances. (snow/mud deeper than your rear diff height or sand) They always look better but we're talkin' off road so its performance that counts now, right?

Best of luck

edit: Chase, if you are going to do any sort of a build, you need to add it to the "master build thread" as you will be the first (and only) 2009 4Runner on the list !

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If you are going to have a separate set of off-road wheels/tires then I would consider going with a little more sidewall height.

This will provide a better off-road ride, and better air-down capacity especially if you get a E-rated tire.

As far as size that won't give you rubbing problems; 255/75/16. I suggest the 255 width because the more I wheel, research and learn, the more I realized that skinny is usually better when it comes to traction and off road is usually all about traction.

Wider tires create more issues with fittment (rubbing), and are only an advantage in limited circumstances. (snow/mud deeper than your rear diff height or sand) They always look better but we're talkin' off road so its performance that counts now, right?

Best of luck

edit: Chase, if you are going to do any sort of a build, you need to add it to the "master build thread" as you will be the first (and only) 2009 4Runner on the list !

I agree on more sidewall, especially with a dedicated set of off road tires/wheels. Also, here's a good read on wide vs skinny.
Expeditions West: Tire Selection for Expedition Travel

 

[ktmracer124]

I am already in love with this forum, that is what my wife says anyway. Thank all of you for the advice. I will keep everyone updated on my build. I plan on starting the build at the first of the year.

 

[duncaterro]

the Firestone air bags for the rear to help support the weight and keep the rear from sagging.