Lift Kit Delima????help!

[mysticz]

Since I lifted and changed wheels & tires I felt not much of a ride difference.

The handling of turns is not as crisp as when I was running my 20" wheels.

I went with a Daystar Comfort 2.5 lift and the ride is great, and I use my T4R everyday for work and personal use.

 

[T?@\7]

That's funny.... I guess your 4Runner defies the laws of physics. It handles better with a higher center of gravity.:bash:

No, I think you're funny :bigok: B/c regardless of the lateral G's my 4wd SUV can pull (which I think you are a true fool if that matters to you in your suv) I know that my truck is truly capable in the ways that it was MEANT to be. I guess I wanted a truck and not a minivan.....?
If you want to go fast and turn sharp you need to have a sports car/bike in the stable too. no amount of xreas is gonna stop a 4R from rolling over, and over or make it handle like an x5 or even a modded import car...I drive a lot on the highway and dont turn like a pussy as im trying to kill my stock tires and im still impressed with the handling, ride and gas mileage (consistently 21.5-23)
How much physics have you taken sir?
To each his own and I am glad that you too chose the T4R bc its an amazing truck. I take it your name is Steven, Hi my name is Ray. :

 

[Beanz]

Hey T?@\7, do you have any pictures of your 4Runner? You have the same model as I do. Can you also list the exact model of OME suspension you are running (front & rear). I would really like to see your setup. Are they the medium duty all the way around? Yeh, the DR are sick. I have even considered getting them just because I might add an ARB bumper (winch) somewhere down the road. That way I could adjust the coilovers for the added weight. Just a thought that I have took into consideration. I keep leaning towards the OME's. They will be a nice lift compared to spacers and are not as costly as the DR's.
This is a little off the suspension topic, but has anyone here ever run these tires on their 4Runner, Pro Comp XTerrain's 305/65/17? I'm pretty sure that comes out to be a 32.5"x12" tire. I think it's almost 3/4" wider than the 285/70's that a lot of people on here are running. What diameter are the 285/70/17's? Are those tires an actual 33", let's say on the Discoverer SST's. I think these are a little shorter than the 285/70's. I seen these tires on a new "ARB FJ Crawler Edition". This FJ was pretty sweet for something straight off the showroom floor. It came with OME suspension, ARB bumper. Do you think these tires would be any good on a 4Runner?

 

[T?@\7]

Beanz: At this second I dont have the exact part #'s at hand, but it is just the regular (med)duty setup, typical for those with stock bumpers and no winch etc... but I can pm you the exacto #s tomm. I got that for now but in thefuture I wouldnt mind a shrockworks bumper myself, at which time I would upgrade. I dont have any pics either... I kinda feel like she looks a little silly with the little stock dunlops on there, not so bad from the side but for sure odd looking from front/rear . but anyways, I DO need to get some anyways and my cam is charged up so maybe tomm. after a wash Ill snap a few.

Ill do my best to get that by tommorow afternoon, if its not pooring rain, like it is now :artist:

Ps- I have a goodfriend who has a 05 f150 2wd (hes one of those PRERUNNER dudes ;-)) w/ 35 x 12.5 xterrains (xtreme?), They treat him well and are wearing good. they have been in my opinion pretty quiet too, def not the loudest out there..

 

[Beanz]

Thanks T?@\7. What size tire do you plan on replacing the Dunflops with? I like the look of these 305/65 Pro Comp's here in this picture. They look pretty aggressive. If I got these I would have to make sure the aftermarket wheels I bought had enough offset to clear the UCA's wouldn't I? That or spacers, huh?
What do you guys think of this tire. Any opinions on a 305/65/17's while I'm off the topic here. I know I would I have to do some trimming to get them to fit.
Anybody with an OME 3" lift and 33" tires have any pictures?

 

[T?@\7]

I plan on going with a 33x12 either Cooper Discoverer STT or Toyo MTR....
Yeah I think wheel spacers are pretty much the 'easiest' way to address all probs at once, thats why im going to get them...
I think 305 will require ALOT of trimming, but dont know form experience but I know 285s require cutting.....
I would kind of like to get the 18" BBS wheels like crozhawk

 

[Beanz]

That's funny, I was thinking of doing the same thing. Those TRD's on Crowzhawk's 4Runner look nice. The BBS are the same thing. I see BBS's on a lot of the new Tundra's here where I live. I didn't know about 18's though because of the tire selection and getting enough rubber to offroad. Now Crowzhawk has a decent amount of rubber on his, 33"x12.5"x18". I really like his setup. He has a 1.25" body lift too, which I'm scared to do. Do you think it is necessary to get a body lift in order to have his wheel/tire setup? His looks really proportioned the way it is. I wonder how high it is to the top of his fenders or how much higher is it than stock. You also did a body lift, didn't you? Were you worried at all about taking your body off the frame? Man, that gives me the heebies,

 

[Even Steven]

No, I think you're funny :bigok: B/c regardless of the lateral G's my 4wd SUV can pull (which I think you are a true fool if that matters to you in your suv) I know that my truck is truly capable in the ways that it was MEANT to be. I guess I wanted a truck and not a minivan.....?
If you want to go fast and turn sharp you need to have a sports car/bike in the stable too. no amount of xreas is gonna stop a 4R from rolling over, and over or make it handle like an x5 or even a modded import car...I drive a lot on the highway and dont turn like a pussy as im trying to kill my stock tires and im still impressed with the handling, ride and gas mileage (consistently 21.5-23)
How much physics have you taken sir?
To each his own and I am glad that you too chose the T4R bc its an amazing truck. I take it your name is Steven, Hi my name is Ray. :

It's not about maximum G's or trying to outhandle a sportscar....only a fool would even think about that. No, it's more about every day driving conditions. You know, like turning and stuff. Or on-ramps. Or off-ramps. I'm sure you get the picture.

If you still think that raising the center of gravity (um, let me keep it simple for ya--installing a lift) will make your 4Runner handle better, then we really have nothing to talk about. I simply know better. BTW, my name is not Steven....it's just something I picked for the forum when I signed up. Have a nice day.

 

[Falls]

Maybe certain lifts ride nice handle decent ect.....I have no doubt about that.

BUT any height , no matter Xreas or what ever type of lift will ALWAYS alter the center of gravity ( more top heavy ).

I personally run 265/70/17 (32's) which give me a 1/2" of over all lift. I have front 1" spacers to be installed ( just don't have the time ) and I'll be happy with that to level it off a bit. Some of these lifted trucks here are awesome and I'd love to have it , but just not practical for my uses.

 

[T?@\7]

(um, let me keep it simple for ya--installing a lift)

Thanks! ur knowledge WAS clouding up the points u were trying to make. And i hope you have a nice day, STEVEN.

Beanz: I was nervous at first, but at this point im regretless!

 

[boston_kevin]

I think we are taking a narrow point of view here... Raising the center of gravity is one factor to consider, but also most people with larger tires also increase the width of the rig (either through spacers or larger tires). Like a triangle, you now have a wider base under that higher center of gravity. There are other factors, some mostly insignificant, like the increased weight of the new tires closer to the ground and how that affects the center of gravity, the rake of the off/on ramp, the speed of the turn, the approach angle (angle of incidence I believe), etc. You will change the handling of the vehicle if you lift it. You may never notice the change unless you like to make abrupt turns at some speed.

 

[Beanz]

Would going from the stock Dunlops, 30.5" tire up to a 33" tire affect the gearing very much on a 4Runner, as far as stress on the ring and pinion and power loss? I would not be doing heavy tows. I know they will affect MPG.
Here is an article that I found that explains what the effects of a lift will do to your truck for those interested: http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssues/0907-issue/index.asp?article=4_wheel_finesse

 

[ProMed]

It's not about maximum G's or trying to outhandle a sportscar....only a fool would even think about that. No, it's more about every day driving conditions. You know, like turning and stuff. Or on-ramps. Or off-ramps. I'm sure you get the picture.

If you still think that raising the center of gravity (um, let me keep it simple for ya--installing a lift) will make your 4Runner handle better, then we really have nothing to talk about.

LOL, after recently coming across several of your other posts, you certainly seem to get rather defensive Steven.

Anyway, I guess we have nothing to talk about since there is no doubt that my 06 has handled MUCH better with the OME lift compared to my stock setup. The firmer suspension doesn't nose-dive like before when hitting the brakes and the body roll has been reduced big time, especially on off-ramps and on-ramps.

 

[Even Steven]

LOL, after recently coming across several of your other posts, you certainly seem to get rather defensive Steven.

Anyway, I guess we have nothing to talk about since there is no doubt that my 06 has handled MUCH better with the OME lift compared to my stock setup. The firmer suspension doesn't nose-dive like before when hitting the brakes and the body roll has been reduced big time, especially on off-ramps and on-ramps.

Okay, if you say so. I guess your 4Runner defies the law of physics. I'll have to tell the autocross crowd that they should probably be LIFTING their vehicles instead of lowering them to reduce their body roll, LOL:bash:

Oh, and by the way, we apparently didn't have anything to talk about until you decided to respond to my post. So I guess you thought we did have something to talk about or you wouldn't have brought it up...

 

[Beanz]

I started this thread in hopes of gainging some knowledge of different kinds of lifts for my 4Runner. I know that lifts increase the risk of body rolls. I'm willing to take the chance. If I would have wanted a sports car, low to the ground, and for speed, I would have bought one, but no, I wanted a 4Runner with a mild lift and a little more aggressive look than stock. I know there are physics to back up you negative aggresion towards lift kits EvenSteven, but most of us here like the mild lifts on our 4Runners, and we are big boys. I think a lot of us know that doing a lift wouldn't make it a safer vehicle. I was just looking for the best quality lift for ride comfort and off roading. Why do you get so defensive with people putting lifts on their 4Runners? I think that most people do mild lifts here and nothing to outrageous. Maybe that Suburu Outback would of been a better pick for you, just kidding!
Just sick of the bashing of each others replies. I've seen it get pretty nasty on others threads here. Please no more on this thread, unless it's a friendly argument. Take that high school chit down the road!! Can't we all get along?
Thanks to all those who have given me their opinions from their experience with choosing a lift kit and especially Jason at Wheelers for his patience and great customer service. I have decided to go with the Donahoe's all the way around with the total chaos UCA's.

 

[Willymoe]

I too would really like to hear some opinion on removal of the XREAS and install of the OME or coilovers!! This is a point that would help a lot of guys make a decision that they could live with.

 

[Beanz]

hey Willymoe, how are those rear SAW's? Do they give you an actual 2" of lift after they've settled? Do you have any problems with the red anodized paint on them? Heard some people complaining about that. They said SAW had a bad batch and had to return them.

 

[Even Steven]

.... I know there are physics to back up you negative aggresion towards lift kits EvenSteven, but most of us here like the mild lifts on our 4Runners, and we are big boys. I think a lot of us know that doing a lift wouldn't make it a safer vehicle. I was just looking for the best quality lift for ride comfort and off roading. Why do you get so defensive with people putting lifts on their 4Runners? You can state an opinion without pissing people off. I think that most people do mild lifts here and nothing to outrageous. .

My 4Runner has a mild lift.. I have nothing against anyone who wants to (or already has) installed a lift on his 4Runner.

However, I do have a low tolerance for ignorance and BS, which is what I see when people claim that installing a lift will not affect handling. If people don't want to hear the truth, then that's not my problem.

Anyone can claim that they put Joe Blow's lift kit on their 4Runner and now it goes around turns faster than ever, but anyone with an ounce of common sense knows to raise the BS flag.

Anyway, go ahead and lift your 4Runner.....and be happy about it. I think all 4th gen 4Runners should at least get a leveling lift to get the nose up off the ground. But please don't come here and tell everyone how much better it handles after you raise it up!! Sorry, but I hate misinformation, and some people wil actually believe it.

 

[ProMed]

Okay, if you say so. I guess your 4Runner defies the law of physics. I'll have to tell the autocross crowd that they should probably be LIFTING their vehicles instead of lowering them to reduce their body roll, LOL:bash:

Everyone else is saying "improves handling" and you are focused on body roll for some reason. Taller shocks will obviously lift the truck which would increase bodyroll, however shocks that are more stiff will firm up the handling, thus reducing body roll in everyday driving.

Is it possible to have both a taller and better handling (i.e. more firm) 4Runner with a suspension lift vs. the relatively soft but shorter stock setup? I say yes. With the ~3" OME setup my truck is both taller and has less body roll as well as less nose diving during braking... which to me is an improvement in handling. I hate a soft floaty feeling suv, and the suspension lift helped fix that for me.

 

[Even Steven]

Everyone else is saying "improves handling" and you are focused on body roll for some reason. Taller shocks will obviously lift the truck which would increase bodyroll, however shocks that are more stiff will firm up the handling, thus reducing body roll in everyday driving.

Is it possible to have both a taller and better handling (i.e. more firm) 4Runner with a suspension lift vs. the relatively soft but shorter stock setup? I say yes. With the ~3" OME setup my truck is both taller and has less body roll as well as less nose diving during braking... which to me is an improvement in handling. I hate a soft floaty feeling suv, and the suspension lift helped fix that for me.

The problem here is that I equate "handling' the same way most people think about handling--which is the ability of the vehicle to corner at high speeds without losing traction. Think of a skid pad cirle......a vehicle that handles better than another vehicle will be able to circle a skid pad at a higher rate of speed without "spinning out" because of lost traction.

Now of course nobody expects to pull high g's on a skidpad in a 4Runner, but handling is still an important part of every day driving. I have a very mild lift on my own 4Runner, and I didn't notice any difference in handling. However, once you start lifting more than an inch or two, you should definitely lose a bit of handling (in my own definition) due to the higher center of gravity.

This isn't a big deal here.... I'm just stating the obvious. If you feel that handling equates to a more firm ride, or to get rid of the "floaty" feeling, then we are obviously talking about two different things. No biggie....