lift kit question

[lewisb01]

Sorry for this question but i'm new to the 4x4 scene and i really like the 4runners lifted so I was curious what is all involved in doing a lift.

How much would the whole thing cost to have installed, whats the best kit to buy etc...

I have a 97 4runner sr5

 

[Ham Sammich]

Hmmm...

You "like" them lifted......for looks?... or performance?...or both?

Many ways to go, depending on why you want a lift.....

 

[lewisb01]

Hmmm...

You "like" them lifted......for looks?... or performance?...or both?

Many ways to go, depending on why you want a lift.....

great question didnt even think of that!

Well I live in southern ohio not a lot of off roading to do here. I really want it for looks but I would also like to be able to have the performance side in case I want to put it to the test.

so i guess both

 

[brian2sun]

A body lift will still allow you to run larger tires which will give you more ground clearance and it's a lot cheaper. If you want it to go anywhere, go susp. Look around toytec.com and get some ideas and prices.

 

[lewisb01]

A body lift will still allow you to run larger tires which will give you more ground clearance and it's a lot cheaper. If you want it to go anywhere, go susp. Look around toytec.com and get some ideas and prices.

i was curious what was the difference between the body lift and susp lift. i assume the susp lift is better

 

[brian2sun]

Alright, here it goes...
Body lifts just lift the body, hence the name. The ground clearance can only be improved a little bit if you put bigger tires on.

Suspension lifts raise the body and frame together as one which allows for more travel. Since the tires stay on the ground but the body and frame go up, the tires can now travel farther upward before they max out. And since the frame and body are both raised by the lift you get the full amount of ground clearance as the lift (i.e. 3" lift = 3" of ground clearance). The only thing that doesn't get more ground clearance from the lift is the axle between the rear tires. Everything else.. the tranny, front diff, t-case, gas tank, etc.. does get the full improved ground clearance.

 

[manhunter]

If you are looking for the best of both worlds, I recommend a 1" body lift (around $150 for parts, and easy to install), on top of a 2.5" suspension lift ( $150 - $$$$$$ for parts, depending on how much you want to spend and considering the condition of your rear springs and shocks - labor to do the suspension lift will run you around $400 - 600, once again depending on what type you get). You can easily do both for under $1000.