Little confused

L

lonecountryboy

New member
So I will be picking up my 2015 SR5 Attitude Black 4runner today. I wanted to level the front but I am confused as to how much lift it needs for it to be level. I was going to use the bilstien 5100's since I have used those on my Tacoma I just traded in and they worked great. Problem is there isn't a clear consensus on what to set them at to make it level. Some posts show .85 and some say 1.75 so which is it? I even thought about using the Toytec coilover's but I cant' seem to find anybody on here that has used those to level it out. I do know from experience with my Tacoma that if you go above 1.5" you will need UCA's to get the alignment to come in, I really don't want to go to much higher since it will be a daily driver for the little woman and she is vertically challenged.
So of the people that have just leveled their runners how many have used the bilstien's and how many have used the Toytecs, and I won't use a spacer kit, they ride like crap I would rather pay a little more and not sacrifice the ride quality or drive-ability.
Thanks in advance for suggestions.
 
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1.75 will make it appear level. Problem is putting any weight in back will put it nose high. .85 will make it almost appear level and adding some weight in back will not make it nose high. Why do I say "appear level?" Because, as your 4Runner sits right now, it is "level" meaning if you look at the frame only it is level. The body has the rake with the nose down to allow you to have 500 lb tongue weight while hauling a lot of gear in the back. I have totally taken the rake away by hauling around 700 lbs or so. The rake is a functional aspect of the 4Runner. "Leveling" it visually is nothing but form.
 
I understand it is "level" from the factory but I really don't like the rake look, probably just me but for some reason it really bugs me. Oh and I can't believe they are still using Dunflops those will be the first things to go. So sounds like .85 is the ticket I guess.
 
Exactly what [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said. The 4R is a little softly sprung - with 2 or 3 adults in the back seat, the rear sags a little. I'd not want to exacerbate this by setting the Billys any higher than .85.

BTW, you are NOT going to get consensus on this - it's akin to a tire, or oil, or slider debate.

Remember to align your headlights.
 
I have mine set at 0.85" on a 2014 SR5 with 3rd row and I still have 1 1/16" rake. Measurements were taken from the center of wheel hub to bottom of the fender. I just took these measurements a few days ago as I am installing the Toytec adjustable coilover kit for Bilsteins next week.
 
This is a side shot of mine with Bilsteins set at 1.75 front and 0 in the rear. This also has a couple hundred pounds of work gear in the back. The fender tops appear level but you will end up with an ever so slight reverse rake, and I DID have to adjust the headlights after doing the 1.75". It's something else to consider. But I personally loved the look and the stance. And it seems to be the commonly accepted practice in here that you don't need to drop the front diff until you hit 3" up front.

 
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3wbdriver That is the look I am going for right there. The good thing about the billies is you have that option to play around with them. Did you have any problem with getting the alignment to come in?
 
I honestly don't know what that alignment ended up at. I didn't think to ask for the paperwork until a couple days later. I had the Toyota dealer install the Bilsteins and do an alignment at the same time. All I can say is it drove fine after. Sometimes what we don't know really can't hurt us. :peace:
 
1engineer said:
What would be the function? A quarter of a degree approach angle?
Click to expand...

According to this document it increases ground clearance:

http://blogs.cars.com/files/2015-toyota-trd-pro-family-technical-handout.pdf

You can argue that the difference is negligible, but it's not entirely accurate to say it is only a form issue and has nothing to do with function.

You can make a case that for you with your large rear cargo weight the stock rake is better for your function, but that exact rake is not best for all folks / uses.

Since you're in to mountain biking this is like arguing what fork axle to crown length, fork and shock travel, head angle, chainstay length, etc. are best. They all influence the overall ride characteristics and there isn't a best set-up for everyone. Every change is a compromise.
 
Maverick said:
According to this document it increases ground clearance:

http://blogs.cars.com/files/2015-toyota-trd-pro-family-technical-handout.pdf

You can argue that the difference is negligible, but it's not entirely accurate to say it is only a form issue and has nothing to do with function.

You can make a case that for you with your large rear cargo weight the stock rake is better for your function, but that exact rake is not best for all folks / uses.

Since you're in to mountain biking this is like arguing what fork axle to crown length, fork and shock travel, head angle, chainstay length, etc. are best. They all influence the overall ride characteristics and there isn't a best set-up for everyone. Every change is a compromise.
Click to expand...
I concur. The OP said he didn't like the look though...
 
lonecountryboy said:
I really don't want to go to much higher since it will be a daily driver for the little woman and she is vertically challenged.
Click to expand...

My 5' 6" wife really liked the Nfab step bars that are pictured above. The current Shrockworks step sliders I have installed, not so much.
 
Yup looks like I will be getting the nfabs for the runner my 5' tall wife is already complaining about it and I haven't even leveled it up yet. Oh well what are you going to do?
 
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