I've owned my 97 Limited for over a year now and decided it's time for a suspension refresh. I also want to do a lift to fit 33" tires so I'm thinking 2.5-3" lift no more. The reason for this post? I've searched and searched for weeks now. I've read a ton of build threads and searched through various vendor's options as well as the forum's "lift info/faq thread" etc.
There is just way too much info out there and rather than play the guessing game I figured I'd ask if some of you with lots of experience can make a proper recommendation.
I plan to get the Coastal offroad bumpers front end rear, aluminum. Both swingouts for rear and a winch in front. I'm not sure what the stock metal bumpers weigh but I imagine it will be about 100-150lbs added to both front and rear with all this. I'll also set up a sleeping platform/storage in the rear, so I'd guess at all times there will be a good 200-400lbs in the rear.
My goal is to drive this a few thousand miles per year (mainly to Colorado/West to do some trails) so I'm not too worried about daily drive-ability or gas mileage. I also don't want more than a 2.5-3" lift and make it a crazy build like some I've seen on here.
Onto the actual questions... As I said, I've read just about everything, so these are a few questions I have that I couldn't answer myself...
If I get the Sonoran steel adjustable panhard bar, do I also need the PCK welded in? I assume yes to adjust for both height and horizontal axle position, but I'm unclear on that.
Are adjustable upper control arms a must for a 3" lift and fitting 33" tires? (I will get spacers if/as necessary, but wondering if I can go without the adjustable UCAs)
Other than a diff drop kit, which I want to do 100% to ease up on the front drivetrain, what is necessary as far as the extras go... extended brake lines, SS has the custom zerk plug, etc?
Finally, the dreaded question... from everything I've read it seems that Bilstein 5100s with some OME springs are the best overall solution unless you step up to more expensive systems with reservoirs etc. A lot of members also have the sonoran steel and toytec lifts and based on all that I'm leaning towards the SS Current system 1.2 as it has everything needed as well as the front easily adjustable radflo coilovers.
With all that said, I'd love recommendations on a kit that will not sag under the loads I mentioned, but I also don't want a crazy lift over 3" (SS 1.2 kit mentions 3.5-4.5" in the rear, which I definitely don't want, unless that's on a stock 4runner with no added weight).
Any help is GREATLY appreciated as I'd love to pull the trigger during some of these great sales going on this week/month.
PS. Any recommendations on what to replace in terms of suspension components would also be great. I plan to put in a new steering rack with poly bushings, new PS pump and all the bushings/ball joints probably factory but some poly.
There is just way too much info out there and rather than play the guessing game I figured I'd ask if some of you with lots of experience can make a proper recommendation.
I plan to get the Coastal offroad bumpers front end rear, aluminum. Both swingouts for rear and a winch in front. I'm not sure what the stock metal bumpers weigh but I imagine it will be about 100-150lbs added to both front and rear with all this. I'll also set up a sleeping platform/storage in the rear, so I'd guess at all times there will be a good 200-400lbs in the rear.
My goal is to drive this a few thousand miles per year (mainly to Colorado/West to do some trails) so I'm not too worried about daily drive-ability or gas mileage. I also don't want more than a 2.5-3" lift and make it a crazy build like some I've seen on here.
Onto the actual questions... As I said, I've read just about everything, so these are a few questions I have that I couldn't answer myself...
If I get the Sonoran steel adjustable panhard bar, do I also need the PCK welded in? I assume yes to adjust for both height and horizontal axle position, but I'm unclear on that.
Are adjustable upper control arms a must for a 3" lift and fitting 33" tires? (I will get spacers if/as necessary, but wondering if I can go without the adjustable UCAs)
Other than a diff drop kit, which I want to do 100% to ease up on the front drivetrain, what is necessary as far as the extras go... extended brake lines, SS has the custom zerk plug, etc?
Finally, the dreaded question... from everything I've read it seems that Bilstein 5100s with some OME springs are the best overall solution unless you step up to more expensive systems with reservoirs etc. A lot of members also have the sonoran steel and toytec lifts and based on all that I'm leaning towards the SS Current system 1.2 as it has everything needed as well as the front easily adjustable radflo coilovers.
With all that said, I'd love recommendations on a kit that will not sag under the loads I mentioned, but I also don't want a crazy lift over 3" (SS 1.2 kit mentions 3.5-4.5" in the rear, which I definitely don't want, unless that's on a stock 4runner with no added weight).
Any help is GREATLY appreciated as I'd love to pull the trigger during some of these great sales going on this week/month.
PS. Any recommendations on what to replace in terms of suspension components would also be great. I plan to put in a new steering rack with poly bushings, new PS pump and all the bushings/ball joints probably factory but some poly.
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