Lift Problem/question

[Generaljdog]

O.k. I recently installed the Daystar 2.5 inch spacer lift on my 2001 4Runner. I did not replace the stock shocks or struts since the guy at Pep boys suggested I just try the stock shocks and struts with this setup first. That, and I did not know which shocks and struts to ask for, i.e. the longer ones.
Anyway, since the installation, the ride has gotten much stiffer and bouncier, which was expected. My issue is, the other day I was driving in the rain on the highway at about 60 MPH. The front end started to hydro, very easily. It scared the crap out of me as I though the steering went out at first. I then realized it's likely the lift and the fact that the factory shocks and struts are too short.

First question, is my thinking correct? Second question, does anyone know what I need to ask for as far as shocks and struts length at the parts store. When I tell them what I've done, they tell me I need to look something up regarding the longer shocks and struts.

Any help is appreciated. Aesthetics is turning into a safety issue.

 

[SRSRunner]

you just need extended lenth shocks- billys, ranchos etc. I havent lifted mine yet so I cant give you part #s, if you google them most will say good for X amount of lift., tho im not sure the shocks are causing that problem, I would think you could get away with it just not acheive full flex- tho I may be wrong. Are your tires up front descent?

 

[4-Ripcord]

You took advice from an employee at pep boys?..

 

[THEREALTOR1]

you just need extended lenth shocks- billys, ranchos etc. I havent lifted mine yet so I cant give you part #s, if you google them most will say good for X amount of lift., tho im not sure the shocks are causing that problem, I would think you could get away with it just not acheive full flex- tho I may be wrong. Are your tires up front descent?

Yeah i'm not sure it would be the shocks/struts either :shrug:

 

[Kotrin]

Did you do an alignment after your lift too?

 

[Generaljdog]

Yes, I took advice from a Pep Boys employee. It was the manager, so I thought I was going to be ok...LOL. I happened to be borrowing the Spring Compressor from them and just asked the question about the struts so I'd have the opinion.

Tires are decent up front, and no, I have not done the alignment yet.

 

[Kotrin]

I would start with the alignment encased you got the front out of its natural angle, I know that I've always had to align anything I've lifted.before or it doesn't ride correctly.

I would start with that before anything else, but most like you will be looking at replacing your shocks they could be causing your front to respond differently.

 

[Generaljdog]

O.k. thanks for the info. I knew I had to do an Alignment, but didn't want to do it yet as I wanted to check out the ride first. If I have to replace the struts up front, I will have to do another alignment, so didn't want to pay for for it twice.

Now I just have to figure out length and/or part number. Really don't want to have to buy rancho's or anything high dollar as I don't do much off-roading. This lift was more for look than anything else.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Its definitely the alignment. Always get one after messing with the front end. I recommend a lifetime alignment. About $150 but pays for itself pretty quick.