I just purchased a 2011 TE and it is my only vehicle. I am debating putting a small lift to fit 285/70/17 on it. I drive about 30k miles a year. Do any of you that have your 4runner lifted regret it? Does it take away from the drive ability of the vehicle? I know I will loose about 1.5mpg's with the bigger tires and I am fine with that. Any suggestions on possible setups and input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
lifted...any regrets???
- Thread starter TE!
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
iDRiVaT4R
New member
Depending on which tire you get, you might lose more than just 1.5 mpg. Some tires are quite heavy while others are fairly light. Also depends on if you get a Light truck tire vs a Passenger rated tire.
A popular choice of tire lately is Good Years Duratrac. They are 6-10 lbs lighter than the competition, offer All Terrain performance with a Mud terrain tread pattern.
A popular choice of tire lately is Good Years Duratrac. They are 6-10 lbs lighter than the competition, offer All Terrain performance with a Mud terrain tread pattern.
brockeverly
New member
Getting in my garage is holding me back from lifting mine. With only around 2-3" clearance now, not sure that would be something I wanted to worry about on a daily basis.
Thank you for the response... The Duratracs are my tires of choice. I am just debating on whether lifting the vehicle would ruin its driveability. Since it is my only vehicle... I will be taking it on 4-6 hour road trips. Any suggestions on setups?
4RunnerTrail
New member
Mine is not lifted yet, BUT I am saving up for an ICON suspension that you can adjust. that way you can start with a mild lift (if any), or just reduced rake, or crank it up a couple inches. If you change the height you will want to have a realignment done on it, but that's a fairly low cost.
I'm wanting a stage 5 ICON kit. 2010 + 4Runner Suspension System - Stage 5 - ICON Vehicle Dynamics
Its not a cheap option, but all I could ever want (or need) in suspension.
Okki
Hbryanlopez
New member
how's your MPG with your setup? im debating on switching my ATs for the duratracs.
Tedstryker
New member
LOVE my setup - 2/1.5" toytec spacer lift with 1.25" spidertrax wheel adapters and 285/70/17 Nitto TG's. I get about 17.5 around town and 20 strictly highway. Drives great (I think better) and the lift I have is cheap way to try it out...and see what you think. I will eventually go with a meatier setup for real off-roading, but waiting until this is paid off. My lift was only around $150 total from toytec...easy install for any shop.
Co4runnin
New member
I have zero regrets on the lift and the ride quality was much improved over stock. I just wouldnt do the Nitto Trail Grapplers due to their weight and huge penalty on my mpgs. I average 14.5-16 (mainly hwy). Once they're ready to be replaced, I will be going with a much more hwy friendly AT tire.
Tedstryker
New member
Yeah...I have the Terra Grapplers, which are lighter than the trails. Still probably heavier than the duratracs. I had 35's on my lifted F150 and they were HEAVY!
Hbryanlopez
New member
wow thats great mpg. my comp is saying 15 right now, that's not taking in consideration the larger tires. bills at 1.75 up front and 1.5 spacer in the rear with nitto ATs, 285/70/17 on konig countersteer. My tires rubed like crazy and tons of triming up front had to be done. I love the setup its not too aggressive yet its way better than stock. would there be a difference in MPG with duratracs vs the nitto all terrain?
snow&surf
New member
No regrets here, but I am very conscious of parking structure maximum clearance heights.
Truck has been lifted for over 13 months and I average 30K mi/yr. The biggest differences in drivability is I average about 16.5mpg (was 18.1 not lifted), and I need put it in sport-shift mode when climbing steep mountain grades because the combo of my lift, big tires and heavy wheels makes this no bueno.
Truck has been lifted for over 13 months and I average 30K mi/yr. The biggest differences in drivability is I average about 16.5mpg (was 18.1 not lifted), and I need put it in sport-shift mode when climbing steep mountain grades because the combo of my lift, big tires and heavy wheels makes this no bueno.
fngfish
New member
When all said and done just about everyone who answers you here is going to like/love the lift they went with, myself included. I guess the questions for yourself are what do you want to get the lift for? If it solely to put bigger tires under, level it out, do some light to medium off roading then a spacer kit will probably do just fine. If your looking to do a little more aggressive offroading and such then your maybe looking for a set up with more articulation which if you look through the photos of peoples rigs and look at their signatures it may help give you some answers. I myself went for a spacer(ready lift spacer)that left my stock shocks up front until they wear out. and bilsteins in the back. I live in AZ and use mine to get to alot of trailheads that most people don't drive back to go hiking. It's always fun to see a herd of people in a pink jeep tour up in sedona watching you follow them on their little tour and I'm in the comfort of my own vehicle. The other thing is cost and depending what you have or want to spend lift/ tires/ possible wheels. Have fun with your decision, but even more important if you get it lifted get out and get it dirty.
robotkiller
New member
Despite all the BS I went through on my lift, I have no regrets so far. My gas mileage is unchanged - it still sucks as always (15.5 mpg). I never bought this vehicle for gas mileage, so I'm not too worried about it.
I will say I'm happier with the more aggressive stance and the performance of the Bilsteins I installed - which are head and shoulders above stock IMO. Previous to the upgrade, my 4runner felt rough and clunky over bumps - the Bilsteins are much smoother in comparison.
I thought about getting 285s and held off - mostly because I didn't want to worsen the car's acceleration with big load range E 285s, which will weight near 60 pounds a piece.
I will say I'm happier with the more aggressive stance and the performance of the Bilsteins I installed - which are head and shoulders above stock IMO. Previous to the upgrade, my 4runner felt rough and clunky over bumps - the Bilsteins are much smoother in comparison.
I thought about getting 285s and held off - mostly because I didn't want to worsen the car's acceleration with big load range E 285s, which will weight near 60 pounds a piece.
