Limitations of Types of Lift?

[BlackWorksInc]

Not sure when I'll get around to lifting the 4Runner, but in the mean time I've been researching and watching the forum. Its brought up some questions that I can't seem to find an answer to... at least nothing that pops up within the first 10 pages of search results...

So I see alot of people touting the Daystar and Cornfed spacer kits and some people recommending a body lift and so on. My question is how the do these different kits affect suspension travel and articulation as well as center of gravity and body roll.

I may be visualizing it wrong in my head, but the spacers seem to force the suspension to lose some of its travel, but allow it to bottom out without an oversized tire/wheel rubbing the wheel well under full compression. A body lift would provide the same benefit but raise the center of gravity slight because it reality the majority of the weight is still located onto the frame. While a complete suspension kit would provide better articulation, extension/compression, but also allow the wheel to potentially compress enough to rub the wheel well.

Some late night thinking on my part. I've had a hard time visualizing the way these kits would affect the vehicle. I just haven't seen any really informative articles/threads on this matter... perhaps a sticky for one would be nice?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

First off, all a body lift will do is give you more clearance for larger tires. If you're not having clearance issues, I'd avoid the body lift as it lift the body only and will not get you any additional ground clearance.

With spacer lifts you are still limited by the stock travel. I'm no sure the details, but I do know they say if you will reach the stock limits pretty quickly if you off road much. A new set of coils/shocks made for off road will provide more flex/travel and be able to withstand the abuse.

I'm sure someone else can do a much better job explaining it, but this is kinda the idea behind it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That's pretty much what I was wondering, the only real experience (actually getting to see and handle) I have with an off-road suspension was either the guys around here with the 2ft lifts for their trucks and the one time I got to see a Baja Race Truck IRL.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So while looking at some lift kits to purchase while my ShrockWorks bumper comes in, I noticed on the ToyTec website they offer differential drop kits.

Has anyone monkied around with their CV Boot, Driveshaft, Differential Angles? I would assume that you should take this into consideration when lifting the vehicle as improper driveshaft angle will increase stress on the drive line and its parts.

Feel free to add any information on lifting a vehicle, might as well make a thread that has this information handy no?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The diff drop decreases the angle on the CVs. About the biggest lift you can get on our 4runners is a 3", and even with that the angle of the CVs isn't bad enough to cause issues. Most will tell you the diff drop is a waste of time/money as the angles with the CVs are perfectly fine.