Lift Kits (Information Overload)

[WCHamby]

Hello, I’ve been a member for awhile now and I’m finally getting to do exterior work to my 03’ V8 4Runner (4WD). However, I’m burnt out from researching lifts to the point where I feel like I’ve learned nothing. I’ve already purchased tires and rims:

Rims:
Method Racing 315 Wheels (17x9, -12mm backspace, 4.5” offset)
Tires
285/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 C Grade

I plan on doing some light off-roading but nothing crazy. I just have no clue what lift I need at a reasonable price ($400-$650). That’s how much I’m willing to spend, granted I can afford to go a little over. I’ve researched for the better part of a month and I still have no answers and feel like I haven’t learned much. I would love someone to help me out a little and provide a suggestion list or just tell me what you have on your 4Runner, especially if you’re running 33 inch tires like I plan on doing. I really appreciate it

Also, Hopefully, this doesn’t get removed as I’m just asking for a little guidance or help since the countless threads I’ve looked into have not provided me with any conclusions.

TL;DR:
I’m burnt out researching lift kits and I would just like a list of what I need to get in accordance with the tires and rims I’ve already purchased without spending too much. Please do not remove thread, I just need some additional guidance

 

[xtremewlr]

Are you doing the work yourself? Do you have XREAS that needs removed and does it have the rear airbag suspension? If you aren't doing the work, your price range isn't going to get you much. Even if you are doing the work, your price range is still kinda low for aftermarket stuff.

You can run that size tire with a take off suspension from a 3rd gen Tacoma TRDOR (front shocks with coils and rear shocks, use FJ Cruiser rear coils)) or 5th gen 4runner TRDPro (I think on the 4runner, not positive). Either one gives you about 1" lift. You can also do a 1" body lift and have only some trimming to do to clear the tires. Take off suspension should run around $200 to $400 and can usually be found on Craigslist. Body lift kit runs around $150 or so.

I ran this exact setup (TRDOR Bilstiens from a 2019 Tacoma and 2007 FJ Cruiser rear coils) and same size tire, for a while. Works good until you add steel bumpers front and rear. Then it's too much weight and the suspension gets sloppy.

 

[ads2539]

Hello, I’ve been a member for awhile now and I’m finally getting to do exterior work to my 03’ V8 4Runner (4WD). However, I’m burnt out from researching lifts to the point where I feel like I’ve learned nothing. I’ve already purchased tires and rims:

Rims:
Method Racing 315 Wheels (17x9, -12mm backspace, 4.5” offset
Tires
285/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 C Grade

I plan on doing some light off-roading but nothing crazy. I just have no clue what lift I need at a reasonable price ($400-$650). That’s how much I’m willing to spend, granted I can afford to go a little over. I’ve researched for the better part of a month and I still have no answers and feel like I haven’t learned much. I would love someone to help me out a little and provide a suggestion list or just tell me what you have on your 4Runner, especially if you’re running 33 inch tires like I plan on doing. I really appreciate it

TL;DR:
I’m burnt out researching lift kits and I would just like a list of what I need to get in accordance with the tires and rims I’ve already purchased without spending too much

I think I went with ~ the cheapest real lift I could find, and it was over $1,000 - the Toytec/Bilstein 5100 3”/2” lift. You can get a similar lift kit from Old Man Emu.

In your price range, Toytec sells a lift kit that is spacers up front and taller springs in the rear. I used to have spacers on all four corners, but my 2004 springs were no good. If your 2003 suspension is original, you might have bad springs, too.

I have been very happy with my Toytec/Bilstein lift. I also have a Toytec 1” body lift, and I’m running 33” tires (255/80r17). I did all the work myself, which saved me a lot of money.

 

[WCHamby]

I think I went with ~ the cheapest real lift I could find, and it was over $1,000 - the Toytec/Bilstein 5100 3”/2” lift. You can get a similar lift kit from Old Man Emu.

In your price range, Toytec sells a lift kit that is spacers up front and taller springs in the rear. I used to have spacers on all four corners, but my 2004 springs were no good. If your 2003 suspension is original, you might have bad springs, too.

I have been very happy with my Toytec/Bilstein lift. I also have a Toytec 1” body lift, and I’m running 33” tires (255/80r17). I did all the work myself, which saved me a lot of money.

Are you still rocking stock UCA and LCA?

 

[WCHamby]

Are you doing the work yourself? Do you have XREAS that needs removed and does it have the rear airbag suspension? If you aren't doing the work, your price range isn't going to get you much. Even if you are doing the work, your price range is still kinda low for aftermarket stuff.

You can run that size tire with a take off suspension from a 3rd gen Tacoma TRDOR (front shocks with coils and rear shocks, use FJ Cruiser rear coils)) or 5th gen 4runner TRDPro (I think on the 4runner, not positive). Either one gives you about 1" lift. You can also do a 1" body lift and have only some trimming to do to clear the tires. Take off suspension should run around $200 to $400 and can usually be found on Craigslist. Body lift kit runs around $150 or so.

I ran this exact setup (TRDOR Bilstiens from a 2019 Tacoma and 2007 FJ Cruiser rear coils) and same size tire, for a while. Works good until you add steel bumpers front and rear. Then it's too much weight and the suspension gets sloppy.

Thanks for replying! Yes doing the work myself, my 4Runner is just an SR5, so no XREAS and no rear airbag suspension. But the TRD Pro from a 5th Gen would work?

 

[xtremewlr]

Are you still rocking stock UCA and LCA?

I was running stock UCA/LCA for a while. If they don't need changed, aka the ball joints are still good, don't worry about them. You can find low mileage UCAs and sometimes LCAs on Craigslist from late model Tacomas and 4Runner and they are a direct swap to our 4th gens. The front suspensions have not changed in design. If you are looking for new replacements, plan on spending what you have now for a budget and then some, just for the UCAs/LCAs. Otherwise, get the used takeoffs if you find them. Otherwise, rebuild your stock ones.

 

[xtremewlr]

Thanks for replying! Yes doing the work myself, my 4Runner is just an SR5, so no XREAS and no rear airbag suspension. But the TRD Pro from a 5th Gen would work?

I believe so. I know the front suspensions are identical and pretty sure the rear is as well. Should be a direct swap. The only thing I'm not sure of is the lower shock mount size, if that changed at all or not. I think as long as the doner 4runner doesn't have KDDS, then you should be good.

I know the Tacoma rear shocks require removing the stock lower bushings and replacing them with these - Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing: Automotive

 

[WCHamby]

I believe so. I know the front suspensions are identical and pretty sure the rear is as well. Should be a direct swap. The only thing I'm not sure of is the lower shock mount size, if that changed at all or not. I know the Tacoma rear shocks require removing the stock lower bushings and replacing them with these - Amazon.com: Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing: Automotive

Ahh okay. And going off what ads2539 suggested with the bilstein/toytec 3”/2” lift. I’m guessing this is ithttp://https://www.toyteclifts.com/ttha-ck-rcc-3-lift-w-bilstein-5100-front-coilovers-fj-4runner-gx.html
Would that basically have everything I would need minus the UCA or LCA if I decided to get new ones.
If I could get everything I would need at around $1000 then I would still be happy. I just really wanted to keep it under $700 to be completely satisfied without the buy once, cry once feeling lol

 

[xtremewlr]

Ahh okay. And going off what ads2539 suggested with the bilstein/toytec 3”/2” lift. I’m guessing this is ithttp://https://www.toyteclifts.com/ttha-ck-rcc-3-lift-w-bilstein-5100-front-coilovers-fj-4runner-gx.html
Would that basically have everything I would need minus the UCA or LCA if I decided to get new ones.
If I could get everything I would need at around $1000 then I would still be happy. I just really wanted to keep it under $700 to be completely satisfied without the buy once, cry once feeling lol

That kit would be perfect for what you are trying to achieve and is what I would have suggested if you hadn't put those $$ amounts in your first post.

5100s are an excellent shock and work well offroad too.

 

[WCHamby]

That kit would be perfect for what you are trying to achieve and is what I would have suggested if you hadn't put those $$ amounts in your first post.

5100s are an excellent shock and work well offroad too.

Yeah I should’ve just left the price component out. From the research I have done, I was pretty much set with Bilsteins but I still didn’t really have a grasp of everything I needed. There’s just so much variety with kits that it’s overwhelming. Hence the title lol. But thank you!

 

[ads2539]

Are you still rocking stock UCA and LCA?

I have stock geometry, off-brand replacement LCAs and aftermarket higher caster UCAs I bought on eBay that are copies of one of the popular UCAs.

 

[ads2539]

Ahh okay. And going off what ads2539 suggested with the bilstein/toytec 3”/2” lift. I’m guessing this is ithttp://https://www.toyteclifts.com/ttha-ck-rcc-3-lift-w-bilstein-5100-front-coilovers-fj-4runner-gx.html
Would that basically have everything I would need minus the UCA or LCA if I decided to get new ones.
If I could get everything I would need at around $1000 then I would still be happy. I just really wanted to keep it under $700 to be completely satisfied without the buy once, cry once feeling lol

Yes, that’s the Toytec/Bilstein lift kit I have.

 

[xtremewlr]

Yeah I should’ve just left the price component out. From the research I have done, I was pretty much set with Bilsteins but I still didn’t really have a grasp of everything I needed. There’s just so much variety with kits that it’s overwhelming. Hence the title lol. But thank you!

That kit has you covered. Note that it comes with a diff drop. You won't need it.

 

[biratley]

Iron man 4x4 is having 25% off , their Nitro set would be about $850 with discount code.

Toyota 4Runner 2003+/Lexus GX470/GX460 Nitro Gas Suspension Kit - Stage 1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[ohshi]

In the last month I installed bilstein 5100 w/ OME springs, SPC UCA, and 285/70/17 nitto ridge grapplers. With a 3/2 inch lift I had very little rubbing issues which was easily fixed by moving the front fender liner forward. I would highly suggest getting adjustable UCAs because I ran 3 degree stock positive caster for two weeks and hated driving it on the freeway as it felt too twitchy. I bumped it up to 4 degrees and it has been amazing to drive.

This cost me about $800 for lift plus $600 for UCAs.

 

[WCHamby]

In the last month I installed bilstein 5100 w/ OME springs, SPC UCA, and 285/70/17 nitto ridge grapplers. With a 3/2 inch lift I had very little rubbing issues which was easily fixed by moving the front fender liner forward. I would highly suggest getting adjustable UCAs because I ran 3 degree stock positive caster for two weeks and hated driving it on the freeway as it felt too twitchy. I bumped it up to 4 degrees and it has been amazing to drive.

This cost me about $800 for lift plus $600 for UCAs.

OME springs and Bilstein all around, correct? Does it ride smooth?

 

[WCHamby]

Toytec Ultimate Coilover Lift for 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner 2010+ - Car Suspension & Steering - Mint Hill, North Carolina | Facebook Marketplace
Would these work? I know it says for a 5th Gen but from what I’ve researched, some (if not all) parts in this kit are interchangeable

 

[Cdevs67]

Did I do everything I should

Whats up everyone. Just recently put a 2" lift on my '09 Sport with a bilstein 5100 kit and OME rear springs. Shortly after, I put wildpeak 275/R70/17's on them. Love the look but.......... the tires are rubbing on my UCA's like crazy. Starts at a 3/4 turn and its bad at full. Looking for advice on what to do or maybe I missed something? Should I do new UCA/LCA and sway bar links? Im planning on doing rims but now I feel like I have to to get the tires away from the UCA"s with a rim offset. Suggestions are really appreicated.

Thanks.