I use my 4runner for everyday driving, grocery getter and family hauler. But I am wondering will putting a lift on hurt me for everyday around town and longer term longevity with the vehicle. I don't want to be spinning wrenches all the time for broken items due to the lift. I want a good stance that when and if I go off road I can. To be honest I have not been off roading in years!!!! Would a set of Daystar's be fine or replace springs all the way around. I have around 180K on her now and still on stock springs ie...98 limited 4x4. I have found a great deal on some 99 springs used, new shocks/struts. Any advice appreciated!!! I am ready to buy and get done but not hinder down the road.
Lift vs non-lift
- Thread starter mforce
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OU4x4
Member
other than the possibility of wearing out your cv boots faster, i don't think a lift compromises anything mechanically.
i'm going on two years lifted and haven't found any issues
ours is a daily driver also and after replacing the worn out old suspension, the ride is better.
and my wife only complained about it being tougher to get into for a few months.
i'm going on two years lifted and haven't found any issues
ours is a daily driver also and after replacing the worn out old suspension, the ride is better.
and my wife only complained about it being tougher to get into for a few months.
Hepar
New member
You will change the geometry of certain parts with lifting it. How much depends on the type of lift. A lot of parts are made of rubber, which don't like being fiddled with after many years of being in a certain position. Keep in mind that your vehicle is 16+ years old. Your mpg's will also probably take a bit of a hit, but it isn't a Prius to begin with anyways.
All that being said, you'll probably break the stuff not because you lifted it per say, but because you'll probably end up out on the trails more beating it up!
All that being said, you'll probably break the stuff not because you lifted it per say, but because you'll probably end up out on the trails more beating it up!
I was looking at around 3" rear and around 2 1/2" front. i want a little rake since I have teenagers in the back all the time. We use it as a family hauler but I know I will want to take it off road whether it be for fun or hunting. I have a daughter that is wanting to go deer hunting!! Spacers or springs what is the best choice? I like springs but cost is an issue for sure and I don't have a lot of funds right now.
fish0281
New member
The OME 880+906 setup is a good compromise, IMHO. It's only a minor lift that doesn't stress the older connected parts (e.g., CV's, bushings, etc...) as much as a full 3" lift, but does give it a better stance. It's what the Toyota should have put on the truck to begin with!
Oh, and it rides great! The 906's don't sag with load either. win win win.
Oh, and it rides great! The 906's don't sag with load either. win win win.
chimpy
New member
I am running approx a 3" lift with 265s and love the look. My gas mileage really hasn't taken a hit at all.I have the OME 890s on the back and the ride is just perfect to me.Even with 2 adults in the back, it doesn't hardly sag at all.I agree, should have came from the factory like this.
Hepar
New member
Have you checked out the lift sticky? Some really great info there. A good rear option is a set of 7 wrap LC coils. You should be able to find a set for $50-75. Downside to them is that they do tend to sag under load.
And if the choice is between spacers and coils, coils all the way. Spacers are cheap, but they are cheap for a reason. If you are looking for more performance off-road, they are not the way to go. If you just want the looks, go for it.
Gerdo
New member
My 4runner has been lifted for over 100,000 miles and I would say that the lift has not caused anything to wear out prematurely. The only exception would be the CV boots. After a year or two, after being lifted, the 10 year old dried books cracked, maybe a year two sooner than if not lifted.
Spacers will lift it but I'm sure your coils are worn out. Replacement coils are the right way to lift it.
My 4runner rides better now, lifted, than before with the worn out coils.
Spacers will lift it but I'm sure your coils are worn out. Replacement coils are the right way to lift it.
My 4runner rides better now, lifted, than before with the worn out coils.
Brian757
New member
i don't think a lift compromises anything mechanically.
I would have to disagree, I would however have to agree with Hepar.
Also, it depends whether you get a body lift or suspension lift. A body lift strains more components that switching out shocks and coils. Body lifts literally pull the body from the frame. Anything connecting the two needs to be extended or modified in some way. (Not all components)
When you lift your vehicle, you are indeed altering the intended Toyota suspension geometry of the 4runner. I feel like Hepar's echo, but you have a strong truck. Although, know that by lifting the truck, other parts will strain because they aren't used to the modifications. You can survive with factory LBJs, UBJs, and CV boots, but eventually they will give (And not primarily from the lift, but "father time" as well). It will screw up geometries, but your 4runner will be fine. Its a Toyota, not a Ford!
Final Words: Lifting will make your truck slightly harder to steer, a bit more top heavy, places mild stress on the drivetrain and suspension, but making adjustments can save your truck. Have fun with it!
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