I'm new to the whole lift kit idea, I've never had a vehicle that I would say is very trail worthy, but I have been thinking more and more about putting a little bit of a lift on my 4runner. I just want to get a little more ground clearance and a little bigger tire size, but I don't want to break the bank. I came across this lift kit Click Here and was wondering if someone out there with experience with lifted vehicles could give me some input on it. I noticed that is does say max wheel size 15", but aren't stock 4runner wheels 16"? Would that make a difference? Also it does say the max tire size is 33", which is about what I'm looking for when it comes to tire size, would I have to worry about changing gears as well with this setup? I'm basically just wondering if this is a decent quality lift kit and if it would be worth the money, thanks.
Lift kit?
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Gerdo
New member
Since you are starting to look at lift kits I would recommend that hold off for a few years on the locker. Build you skills with open diffs.
The link you posted is just a front lift. Check out the kits here Complete Lift Kits - 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 . Also read this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html lots of great info.
Tire size. You will not be able to run/wheel 33"s with a 2" lift, you will have lots of rubbing. You will need a 3" lift and most people that are running 33"s also have a body lift (1", 1.5" or 2"). When running 33"s you will notice power loss due to their size and weight. Many re-gear to compensate for the loss. Larger tires also put more strain on the brakes. A great compromise is to go with 32"s (265/75-16). There is very little power loss and they cost less too.
The link you posted is just a front lift. Check out the kits here Complete Lift Kits - 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 . Also read this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html lots of great info.
Tire size. You will not be able to run/wheel 33"s with a 2" lift, you will have lots of rubbing. You will need a 3" lift and most people that are running 33"s also have a body lift (1", 1.5" or 2"). When running 33"s you will notice power loss due to their size and weight. Many re-gear to compensate for the loss. Larger tires also put more strain on the brakes. A great compromise is to go with 32"s (265/75-16). There is very little power loss and they cost less too.
Thanks for all the info and for replying to both of my threads. I think I will hold off on the locker. As for the lift, if I go with 32's I shouldn't have to worry about gears or brakes? I don't want to get into a lift and bigger tires then have to worry about upgrading other things too, I just don't have the cash for all of that.
*Edit* I've been trolling around and have noticed a lot of people saying they have put 265/75-16's on without a lift kit, to give them bigger tires and slightly more ground clearance. So could I just get new tires without having to worry about a lift at all?
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Gerdo
New member
You can run 265/75-16 without a lift because when properly lifted the tires should compress the same as if not lifted. If they rub non-lifted they should rub the same when lifted. Depending on the brand of tire (some brands run bigger than others) you should have minimal to no rubbing. I'm running 265/75-16 and wheel mostly hard lines. I have 3.5" in front and 5" in back. I also drive at high altitude (loosing power due to altitude) and still run the stock 4.10 gears and brakes without issues.
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
Thats correct. No lift needed for 265s. If you do get any rubbing at all it will be very slight. If it bothered you then you could get a top spacer from daystar and take care of that for very little $$
I just checked my tires, I have 265/70-16's on it right now. So I'd really only be gaining roughly an inch in tire height with 265/75-16's correct?
*Edit* So really if I were to get a lift just to get a little more clearance I wouldn't need much of one. I was re-checking the original lift kit that I linked and it says that it is also a rear lift. Front lift comes from the coil overs while the rear lift comes from blocks and it includes front/rear shocks. If that is correct, for the price it seems like a good route to go. I've never purchased anything from the Rancho brand, but I'm assuming it is good quality gear.
*Edit* So really if I were to get a lift just to get a little more clearance I wouldn't need much of one. I was re-checking the original lift kit that I linked and it says that it is also a rear lift. Front lift comes from the coil overs while the rear lift comes from blocks and it includes front/rear shocks. If that is correct, for the price it seems like a good route to go. I've never purchased anything from the Rancho brand, but I'm assuming it is good quality gear.
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Gerdo
New member
You will gain ~1" of overall tire height or 1/2" under the vehicle.
The Rancho lift must be for a Tacoma. The 4runner can't use blocks and U bolts to lift the rear.
Complete OME suspension for 96-02 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 $699 for a complete good lift.
Wow didn't know that, thanks so much for clearing that up, I even searched by vehicle on that website and that kit popped up. Goes to show you can't trust the internet. Could have wasted some money there haha. Thanks for all the info.
