Lift questions from total newbie

[cgriffin1999]

Hi-

I will soon be taking my possession of my new (to me) 2008 4Runner SR5 V6. I am really looking forward to it.

Anyway, after spending too much time here on t4r.org and looking at pictures of everybody's awesome rigs I have decided that one of my first mods will be to do some kind of lift. The stock 2008 4Runner does look a bit low to me. I plan to do mostly city driving with some beach off-road, but nothing too much, so wanting a lift is mostly for looks and get a tiny bit more ground clearance for snow. The truck has stock 17" alloy wheels and P265/65R17 Yokohama Geolander tires.

But, I know *nothing* about lifts. I've been reading a ton and researching on this forum and elsewhere but man, there are so many options and choices. I'm kind of lost on all the types and heights and all that. I don't want to spend a ton of money and want to keep the driving experience pretty much the same as it is now.

It would be awesome if someone would be kind to describe in a nutshell the types of lifts for 2008 4Runners and the pros/cons. I would also really appreciate any recommendations on type of lift I should consider given my uses above. If I go 1" in front should I leave rear as-is? Maybe 2" in front and 1" in rear?

My last question is where to get this done. Will the Toyota dealership do it or should I find a local mechanic that works on Toyotas? How long should it take and how much should I expect to pay for the labor?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TOY2G]

You have a ton of options, to many really. One thing you can do is replace your factory springs with FJ takeoff springs, they are a bit taller and also a bit larger, it will net you about a 1 inch lift and can be had for little too nothing. I even think i have a few sets here off of new Fjs that we did lifts on, so they are Zero Miles.

OME is a good way to go, because it is a true "lift kit" with springs and shocks. but runs about $650.

you can go with something like Icon that is very high end, but it is made to be used and the cost is much higher, however it can handle a lot of abuse including hundreds of cycles per min.

Lastly you can go with a spacer lift, there are several out there from daystar, to revtech. Many people do not like them, but that is what I started with. it does the job for a couple hundred bucks.

The are pros and cons to all of these kits, all things considered it matters what you are going to do with your 4R. if it is going to be on the road 99% of the time...econo lift may be the way to go. in the sand alot, Icon would be a good choice, and in the rocks or mud, OME is a good fit.

I hope this helps in some way, Have a great time with your new 4R

 

[Doozi]

For a decent lift on the cheap... you might want to consider doing the FJ Cruiser coil spring swap. I just picked up a complete FJ set-up with only 895 miles on it for $100. The coil swap, by itself, is supposed to add about 3/4" front and rear and add a bit of firmness. I'm adding front spacers to this to level the 4Runner out... another $150 probably. I'm doing it myself, so I'll have about $300 into it after I get the front aligned. You can probably find a shop to do the install for anywhere between $200-$400, but definitely shop around and talk to the shops about it.

I think that the least expensive way to go would be to just do a spacer lift. There are several brands to choose from ranging anywhere from $59 to $250 or so. Easy to install, maintains factory ride, and will give you a more agressive stance. I was going to do the Daystar 2.5"F/1.5"R spacer lift until I discover the FJ coil swap.

Scroll through this thread to find what you like... there's a ton of options shown. I've spent hours going through this thread and the linked build threads!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up.html

Good luck and congrats on the 4Runner!

~Doozi

 

[cgriffin1999]

Thanks for the replies!

@Doozi: wow, that is an awesome thread and is definitely helping me see some of the differences in the various options out there. Thanks for pointing that out.