After a long search I am the proud owner of a 85 4runner. Its an original unmodified runner. My question is what lift kit would you prefer & why. Looking for around 3 inches front& rear. I am a sportsman who will use this for hunting/ fishing trips but it will be used on road more than off. I plan to restore it as nice as i can but it was bought to be used & have fun with. Had an 83 pu with 22r & 4 speed back in the 80s when I was younger. Also have 2 87 4runners, all 3 are 22re with automatics. Thanks for your thoughts & suggestions.
Lift kit ideas/ thoughts/ suggestions.
- Thread starter colkid
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KidVermicious
New member
Personally, unless you absolutely need the space to clear tires and you absolutely need bigger tires to clear obstacles, I'd suggest you leave it right like it sits. Bone stock with good tires, that rig should get you anywhere a sportsman/outdoorsman wants to go and not even bat an eye, and it's road manners will be better at stock height. But if you have to lift, and you need a kit, I second the suggestion for OME. Ironman is a less expensive but less proven option.
If you're comfortable with moving your spring hangers on the frame, lots of guys put 63" chevy springs in the rear and the rear springs up front.
Footofgod
New member
This kit plus ball joint spacers (Toytec-you should include them in the kit) is simple to put on and will easily allow for 33" tires.
*NEW* Full OME Suspension '90-'95 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
*NEW* Full OME Suspension '90-'95 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
KidVermicious
New member
'85, FoG... he's leaf spring front and rear.
Quatre Coureur
New member
I agree with KV. Don't lift it. I run 33/10.50 BFGs on 15x6 steel landcruiser rims with rs9000s and no lift on my 88. Spend ur $ on an ARB and some Bilsteins. If u gotta lift it, go with the OME 2" kit. With the ARB you'll be able to air up ur tires also.
Thanks to all! ok, first thoughts to your ideas are: springs are shot so was gonna replace em anyway. I kinda do want a small lift also. And if I replace them with stock replacement springs, what size tires would I be able to fit running stock springs vs the 2 in lift? Also, I really like those aluminum wheels on the new FJ cruiser, think those are 17 in. wheels. How would that figure in your thoughts? Btw, those 2 87s are my sons. i bought him a nice AZ runner that was ran thru LC engineering & he rolled it 3 times into a plowed field...hit metal & blew steer tire into 6 ft ditch then field. A true testament to the design & strength of these. Cab didn't crush both had belts on, walked away w minor injuries. Bent frame in 2 places & body bent several directions. So the other 87 is replacement body for him. The 85 is MINE! lol
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cometobanks
New member
Old Man Emu lift with 31s will be great with no re-gearing needed, 33s will fit and look good but for town use you might want to re gear. My 2cents. cool rig,,,PICTURES MAN!
KidVermicious
New member
You can fit 31s with no lift at all, but might want to regear. 33s might fit without lift, or you might need to trim, but they'll definitely fit under a 2" lift, and you'll definitely want to regear, that's my 2 cents. 
Also, I must concur with the distinguished gentleman from Missourri, :worthless
Also, I must concur with the distinguished gentleman from Missourri, :worthless
Dylan
Member
haha...there's plenty of them
ToyoTech
New member
some of you guys are not listening. he has factory springs and bushings. its been 20+ years. to go back to brand new zero lift factory springs, bushings, shackles, u bolts and what not will run 4 grand + how do i know i priced it out for my 82 from toyota with my discount. OME is the best way to go with all new everything plus a little lift. which will help get you started and maybe look into high steer.
Hey let me explain a couple things . First I'm a trucker & have this set up on laptopat home, reason for time gaps. second I will post some pics gladly here but have to learn how 1st! I'm home now so will set this up on my phone next.And I really appreciate your thoughts & suggestions. I'm from the generation before computers so bear with me please.
