Lift springs ordered, need shocks now

[alexb]

First I want to say, I hate this forum....



I bought this car with plans to just use it as a DD and beater car for fishing, hauling the dog around etc. but ever since coming on here I'm spending money on it left and right. I've already got one car that I've spent too much money on with mods, now I don't need 2. :bash:

Anyways, my stock suspension I think is about shot. The car has 175K and I think the shocks were replaced with Billies once, but back around 75K I believe. I decided if I'm going to replace them I might as well lift it. I just picked up some OME 891's for the rear (I know they are for a higher load, but I tow a bass boat on occasion and HATE when it squats like its taking a ****). Then I also picked up some OME 881's off the classifieds nearly brand new for the front.

I'm wondering what are some good (BUDGET friendly) shocks to run with these. I'm not looking to spend $300+ on some billies. Yes I will see some light off roading, but to be honest I will spend 98% of my time on pavement.

I was looking at some Monroes from Oreilly's for the old Land Cruiser. Would these work well for this setup? I've also searched around and read people get the stock toyota LC shocks from the dealer. Would this be a better option?


One last question. What kind of rake can I expect with the 891 rears, and 881 fronts? From reading the lift FAQ the 891s are supposed to be good for 3" of lift in the rear and the 881's are good for 2.5" in the front. Is this correct?


Also, I will most likely plan a diff drop for the future, but is there anything else I should look for doing after the lift? I'm used to my G37 where you lower it and just have to worry about negative camber and extreme tire wear. This lift stuff is all new to me.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[alexb]

Anybody?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Tokico shocks to fit the rear of a stock LC80 always get good feedback here. For the fronts, maybe a set of billy 5100's.

I say 5100s for two reasons. The 881s and 891s together will have a decent amount of rake. So you can put the 5100s on the 2nd from bottom perch setting and offset that rake. Also they ride really well and with them and the Tokicos you should be at like 300 total.

In addition to a diff drop, with the 891s you will want either an extended panhard bar or a panhard drop bracket (requires welding).. both available from toytec.

 

[alexb]

Thanks for the info. Are the Tokico's the ones that come factory from toyota? For the 5100's do the ride well on pavement, or just off road? Aside from the 5100's are there any other setups that might be a little cheaper?

Also, is the panhard necessary or can I get away with stock for a while?

I just finished up the semester and don't start working full time again for a few more weeks, so I don't want to blow a bunch of cash if I don't have to.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I guess you don't really NEED the panhard stuff.

Yeah billies are awesome on and off road. Theres lots of shocks to choose from, but for all that you get in the billies for what you pay, they are the best value IMO.

 

[alexb]

I just noticed this post in the lift FAQ about the panhard bar so thats why I was asking.

edit:
I would add, that the rear Brake line extensions, the rear panhard brackets and other "rear accessories" are purely that... accessories...

Many have 4runners have been run with these lifts without panhard or brake extensions,

I will for the record state, that I will take no liability for your 4runner, but "I" and several others have foregone the "panhard extensions" and the "brakeline extensions" with no issues in extreme 4wheeling environments with no repercussions running LC coils..

so, if you want to spend another 40$-100%$ on those "accesories" more power to you, I personally do not feel it necessary, and others in this forum have concurred by their actions. again, your 4runner is your responsibilty though.



Shon aka Duhockey

I don't plan on any extreme wheeling, at least for a while, so if it can wait then I'd prefer to wait.

Maybe I'll just have to bite the bullet on the 5100's then if they really are that great. One question on the adjustability though, can you adjust them on the fly like a true adjustable coilover or do you have to remove them?

Also, since they are adjustable I guess I won't need a top plate spacer for the fronts?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Gotta disassemble them.

Yeah, 5100s OR top out spacers are good ways to gain a little bit extra. No need for both though.

 

[alexb]

Ok so I'm probably just going to go with some OME style shocks and struts for now just cause bilsteins are just out of my budget. I've been reading some pretty good reviews on the Monroe sensa-trac and gas magnum shocks and struts that you can get a pep-boys oriellys etc.

one question though, I know for the rear I need to be looking for shocks for a 91-96 LC. Correct?

But what about the front struts? Do i need longer struts from an LC as well, or just ones for the 97 4Runner? Or should I look for struts for the Tacoma?

 

[1985taylor1925]

Im selling 4 kyb gas shock in great shape. Theyre a stiff shock so they would probably go well with the OMEs

 

[alexb]

yeah i saw those but your thread said they are only good for up to 2" of lift. Im going to have 3"

id prefer a softer ride too if possible.

 

[jrm]

881's are good for 2"s of lift

I'd suggest pairing um with OME comforts. I paired the 881's with bil HDs and found the ride too firm for my liking. Cant speak to the 5100s and 881's. YMMV though

 

[alexb]

OK so I'm I've decided I think I'm just going to with the Monroe Gas Magnums for Oreilly's for now. They are cheap and I've been reading reviews that they ride really well and can still handle some mild off roading.

I'm going to get ones for an LC80 for the rear, but what vehicle do I need them from for the fronts? Do I need just need to get 4Runner struts or get LC80 or Tundra struts for the longer 881 springs?