My first Toyota build.

C

Conklinator

New member
I am a long time Jeep and off-road enthusiast, but brand new to the Toyota world. I just picked up a 1997 4Runner SR5, with 235k miles on the clock this weekend. It's in pretty good condition overall, with a 5 speed, leather interior, zero structural rust, minimal body rust, and very thorough maintenance records.

I still have a Jeep Comanche pickup for heavier off-road use, so my goal with the 4Runner is to clear a slightly larger tire, while maintaining as much of a factory ride quality as possible. It's going to be my family rig, so keeping it comfy is key.

So here is my first question: a friend of mine has a set of 2006 FJ cruiser springs he said I can have. How much lift will this get me, and what's my best option for a slightly longer, nice riding shock?

I'm sure I'm going to have a long list of questions, and any help will be very much appreciated.
 
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Oh and here are some pics of what I'm starting with:
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Remove running boards, flip the center section of the rear hitch (notch out the bumper), Bilstein 5100 adjustables up front and spacers in the back will get you started for cheap. There are a million ways to go, but sounds like you don't want a full-on build, which to me means you want to stay cheap. If that's not what you are saying, please elaborate.
 
Cheap is always a good thing, but not my #1 motivator. I don't mind paying for good parts, but one of my reasons for getting rid of my Jeep, is that my wife HATES riding in it because of the stiff suspension. I just want to make it slightly more capable and better looking, while retaining as close to a factory ride quality as possible.

Will the FJ springs help? Should I look into a tall springs kit?

Oh and I'm definitely taking the running boards off... My 5'2" wife might not like that one, but she can learn to jump...
 
I'm not familiar with FJC springs, but if they're like LC springs, you'll get a lot of lift, more than you want, probably.

If you want just an inch or two, Bilstein 5100 adjustable-perch struts with 99 tall springs up front, 4th or 5th perch should get you around 2" depending on what the current height is. Then in the rear you can run 99 talls and a spacer. I'd also upgrade the rear shocks to 5100, as well.

This should run you pretty cheap, even when compared to some other inexpensive lifts.

Now, these 99 talls will ride nice, but eventually, after several years, they may sag some. Probably not any time soon, but if you have a lot of weight in the back, or tow a lot, the rear will sag some then, too. They are softer springs than most lift springs, but the good part is a nice ride.
 
Awesome. Thanks for the info. I found a '99 tall springs/bilstein combo in the classifieds... Might try to go for them. I really just want to clear a 265/70/17 or maybe 285/70/17
 
many guys run 265/75s stock, so clearing something like that on 99s with billies and spacers wouldn't be tough. Even if you get some rubbing there is some light hammering that can alleviate that.
 
I have 265/70/17s on '13 T4R Trail wheels with a 1" body lift. No rubbing whatsoever.

Mine came stock with 265/70/16s.
 
Nice... My tires now are 265/70/16, so I'm really not looking for much more room. I really just hope it doesn't hurt the ride too much. It's so darn smooth and comfy now... It's a feeling that I forgot many moons ago...
 
Conklinator said:
Nice... My tires now are 265/70/16, so I'm really not looking for much more room. I really just hope it doesn't hurt the ride too much. It's so darn smooth and comfy now... It's a feeling that I forgot many moons ago...
Click to expand...

Stick with the 16" wheels and run 75 series. You'll get over an inch higher tire.
 
Yeah that would work too. Either way, I am going to swap the rims. Not a huge fan of the split spokes... I'll get whatever I can find a better deal on.
 
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