New 2016 SR5 4WD Owner - Lift Question

[robbymartin]

Hey guys! I'm a new 2016 4runner SR5 4WD owner coming from outside the 4runner world. I've searched the forums but wanted to get some updated responses from various types of lift owners. I've looked through the lift guide and builds but wanted opinions from real world owners and situations.

I only plan to trail run my 4runner and little more than that, as it will be my daily driver as well. I want a 3"/2" lift on 285's that won't be too far off from the factory ride. Is that even possible? I don't want to regret not doing enough or regret spending too much for what I don't need.

Years ago I bought a 2002 4WD Tacoma that already had a spacer+5100's in the front and an AAL+5100's in the rear and it seemed ok but I'm sure a lot has changed since then, plus the 4runner has a different setup.

Can I get some of your guys' opinions without being butchered? Thanks!

EDIT: I need to clarify DD in regards to me. It will be my weekend vehicle, not my daily work commuter.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Welcome!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owner-need-help-searching-start-here.html

First and foremost, how a vehicle rides is subjective. You're going to need to find someone locally that has the EXACT set up you're looking for and ask to go for a ride with them. That means, same lift, same model trim, same tires (write down psi), and the same seat material. If they're really nice, they'll let you drive. I find that sitting in the driver's seat and front passenger seat yield two different feelings on how a vehicle drives. But maybe that's just my perception when I'm not in control.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

You might be better off with getting some better tires in a 265 or 275 and calling it a day. The 4Runner is fairly capable in its stock form. Adding larger tires and a lift will take away from your gas mileage, something you should consider for your DD. Give the above link a read and you should be able to figure out what is best for you.

 

[robbymartin]

Welcome!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owner-need-help-searching-start-here.html

First and foremost, how a vehicle rides is subjective. You're going to need to find someone locally that has the EXACT set up you're looking for and ask to go for a ride with them. That means, same lift, same model trim, same tires (write down psi), and the same seat material. If they're really nice, they'll let you drive. I find that sitting in the driver's seat and front passenger seat yield two different feelings on how a vehicle drives. But maybe that's just my perception when I'm not in control.

Thanks for the reply. I looked through that link and that's what prompted me to ask more questions from specific types of lift owners.
I understand that it's subjective but I'm going to have to go on individual people's opinions. I live in So Cal where people aren't that friendly and will take you for a drive, much less sit in the drivers seat and take it for a spin.

 

[1engineer]

Hey guys! I'm a new 2016 4runner SR5 4WD owner coming from outside the 4runner world. I've searched the forums but wanted to get some updated responses from various types of lift owners. I've looked through the lift guide and builds but wanted opinions from real world owners and situations.

I only plan to trail run my 4runner and little more than that, as it will be my daily driver as well. I want a 3"/2" lift on 285's that won't be too far off from the factory ride. Is that even possible? I don't want to regret not doing enough or regret spending too much for what I don't need.

Years ago I bought a 2002 4WD Tacoma that already had a spacer+5100's in the front and an AAL+5100's in the rear and it seemed ok but I'm sure a lot has changed since then, plus the 4runner has a different setup.

Can I get some of your guys' opinions without being butchered? Thanks!

Any posts here after 2009 should be relevant and current with respect to lifts. The technology has not changed. There is no "super magneto levitation superconductor shock" or anything else. If you want the spacer lift then it's the same same.

You should drive your 4Runner is it's stock configuration for several months. While you are doing that, read all the info here. After awhile you will not only learn everyone's opinions but you will have a better feel of what you need. There have been many guys who go out and copy mods just to be disappointed in ride, efficiency, handling and such.

If you only care about the "look" then stick some 3/2 spacers on, put on some 285's and trim where necessary and forget about handling and ride since you only want the "look."

 

[Jhalko]

If it's your daily driver and you aren't going to push it offroad think hard before going to 285's. Compare the weights of those tires to what you have and think about gas mileage and if you drive up any big hills cuz you will feel it! Read up on some of the gas mileage threads and with suspension it's super subjective (as are tires) so trust in what ducmonsta says.

 

[robbymartin]

You might be better off with getting some better tires in a 265 or 275 and calling it a day. The 4Runner is fairly capable in its stock form. Adding larger tires and a lift will take away from your gas mileage, something you should consider for your DD. Give the above link a read and you should be able to figure out what is best for you.

Thanks for the reply. I guess I should clarify a bit, what I mean by DD is that it will be my only vehicle, not my daily commuter because I have a work truck I drive for that. The 4runner will be my weekend vehicle and I want to stick with the 3/2 lift and 285's. I like that look. To each, their own, right?

 

[1engineer]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I should clarify a bit, what I mean by DD is that it will be my only vehicle, not my daily commuter because I have a work truck I drive for that. The 4runner will be my weekend vehicle and I want to stick with the 3/2 lift and 285's. I like that look. To each, their own, right?

Sounds like you already know what you want. Good luck.

 

[robbymartin]

If it's your daily driver and you aren't going to push it offroad think hard before going to 285's. Compare the weights of those tires to what you have and think about gas mileage and if you drive up any big hills cuz you will feel it! Read up on some of the gas mileage threads and with suspension it's super subjective (as are tires) so trust in what ducmonsta says.

Sorry for the confusion, what I meant by daily driver should have meant that it was my leasure/weekend vehicle, because I have a work truck as my DD. But I appreciate the response.

 

[robbymartin]

Sounds like you already know what you want. Good luck.

I know I want a 3/2 lift on 285's, but I don't know which type of lift is enough but not too much. Thanks again.

 

[pauldavis]

From you post I think a spacer lift is what you are looking for. Ride will feel closes to what you have now. Main difference in feel will be for the change in tire sizes. If you want to do more than spacers I think you should take your time and dig deep into this forum and read a lot. Like they said, spend a couple months driving the 4runner. That way you will get a sense of what you might actually want to change with the ride quality and you will know from reading the forum what suspension may achieve that. If you find a suspension system you are interested in find someone that has it and PM them a question about it instead of starting a new suspension thread.

I had a spacer lift for about 5 months with my 285s and it was fine. I have no complaints. Good luck.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Thanks for the reply. I looked through that link and that's what prompted me to ask more questions from specific types of lift owners.
I understand that it's subjective but I'm going to have to go on individual people's opinions. I live in So Cal where people aren't that friendly and will take you for a drive, much less sit in the drivers seat and take it for a spin.

Some of the nicest people on this forum were/are in SoCal. It's unfortunate you have an opinion on "everyone" there already. I'd look into some meet/greets and wheeling clubs. I guarantee you'll find someone nice enough to want to talk about their own rig and take you for a spin.

I'm also not sure what you're going to determine "on individual people's opinions". Everyone has one and they're all going to differ so it's not going to help with your decision.

 

[Seattle206]

Toytec ultimate lift. All you need is included plus its affordable. Get some aggressive A/T 285s and call it good.

90% of my driving is done in the city. I have a lift and 285s and average 14.7mpg. Don't care as the look and handling over stock is worth it.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

I know I want a 3/2 lift on 285's, but I don't know which type of lift is enough but not too much. Thanks again.

If a 3/2 lift and 285s is your end game with a better ride over stock then a Bilstein 5100 or OME lift should fit the bill. Depending on how things go you might need new UCAs.

If you want to add more weight in the future (bumpers, winch, sliders, armour, or other fun stuff) then you might want to consider a coilover system up front and heavy springs in the back.

 

[Apex Overland]

[MENTION=100765]robbymartin[/MENTION] Best thing you can do is go on here and look/read build threads to see what you want/need.

My recommendations are as follows.

Lift
-Don't do a leveling kit if you plan to do anything more than cruise the mall.
-Don't go out and buy the most expensive Icon lift kit you can. Unless, 1. you plan on offroading very heavily and a lot in remote locations. 2. your loaded and want to blow money.
-Get a lift kit that you know will satisfy your needs now and in the future.
-Look into OME lift kits.
-Look into the lower level Icons
-Look into Toytec's Boss Suspension system.

I would have gone OME if I had not found a smoking deal on my Toytec kit. Im glad I went with Toytec for a few reasons, mainly the front coilovers use Bilstein shocks as the base and are very reliable and easily found, and I can adjust my height very easily in the future(When I get a bumper/winch).

Tires
-Go for a size that will suit your needs.
-If you plan on a lift 285/70/17's are the popular size(plenty of posts on here about that size)
-If you lift your 4runner don't run 265/70/17's(stock size), in my personal opinion 265/70's with a lift look horrible, they don't fill out the wheel wells.
-Go to atleast 275/70/17's
-Do not go for the most aggressive mud terrain you can because they "look cool". Get a tire you need and will use. I went with KO2's (an all-terrain)because 90% of my driving is on pavement.

finally as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said, there is a lot of info on this forum to digest. Drive your 4Runner around for awhile and make notes on what needs to be improved in your opinion. i.e. front noise dive when braking, when you load the cargo area up how much the back suspension sags, etc.

 

[spawn]

[MENTION=100765]robbymartin[/MENTION] Best thing you can do is go on here and look/read build threads to see what you want/need.

My recommendations are as follows.

Lift
-Don't do a leveling kit if you plan to do anything more than cruise the mall.
-Don't go out and buy the most expensive Icon lift kit you can. Unless, 1. you plan on offroading very heavily and a lot in remote locations. 2. your loaded and want to blow money.
-Get a lift kit that you know will satisfy your needs now and in the future.
-Look into OME lift kits.
-Look into the lower level Icons
-Look into Toytec's Boss Suspension system.

I would have gone OME if I had not found a smoking deal on my Toytec kit. Im glad I went with Toytec for a few reasons, mainly the front coilovers use Bilstein shocks as the base and are very reliable and easily found, and I can adjust my height very easily in the future(When I get a bumper/winch).

Tires
-Go for a size that will suit your needs.
-If you plan on a lift 285/70/17's are the popular size(plenty of posts on here about that size)
-If you lift your 4runner don't run 265/70/17's(stock size), in my personal opinion 265/70's with a lift look horrible, they don't fill out the wheel wells.
-Go to atleast 275/70/17's
-Do not go for the most aggressive mud terrain you can because they "look cool". Get a tire you need and will use. I went with KO2's (an all-terrain)because 90% of my driving is on pavement.

finally as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said, there is a lot of info on this forum to digest. Drive your 4Runner around for awhile and make notes on what needs to be improved in your opinion. i.e. front noise dive when braking, when you load the cargo area up how much the back suspension sags, etc.

This sums up everything of what starters/new owners should know. It is realistic, honest and save you bunch of money in the future.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[robbymartin]

[MENTION=100765]robbymartin[/MENTION] Best thing you can do is go on here and look/read build threads to see what you want/need.

My recommendations are as follows.

Lift
-Don't do a leveling kit if you plan to do anything more than cruise the mall.
-Don't go out and buy the most expensive Icon lift kit you can. Unless, 1. you plan on offroading very heavily and a lot in remote locations. 2. your loaded and want to blow money.
-Get a lift kit that you know will satisfy your needs now and in the future.
-Look into OME lift kits.
-Look into the lower level Icons
-Look into Toytec's Boss Suspension system.

I would have gone OME if I had not found a smoking deal on my Toytec kit. Im glad I went with Toytec for a few reasons, mainly the front coilovers use Bilstein shocks as the base and are very reliable and easily found, and I can adjust my height very easily in the future(When I get a bumper/winch).

Tires
-Go for a size that will suit your needs.
-If you plan on a lift 285/70/17's are the popular size(plenty of posts on here about that size)
-If you lift your 4runner don't run 265/70/17's(stock size), in my personal opinion 265/70's with a lift look horrible, they don't fill out the wheel wells.
-Go to atleast 275/70/17's
-Do not go for the most aggressive mud terrain you can because they "look cool". Get a tire you need and will use. I went with KO2's (an all-terrain)because 90% of my driving is on pavement.

finally as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said, there is a lot of info on this forum to digest. Drive your 4Runner around for awhile and make notes on what needs to be improved in your opinion. i.e. front noise dive when braking, when you load the cargo area up how much the back suspension sags, etc.

This is the type of opinion that I was hoping to get. I appreciate the detailed response.

 

[wfo9]

There are literally thousands of options that will work. On the lower cost reliable side... I like OME kits. A little stiff, but simply take a beating and will never require maintenance...

For the best possible ride and performance.
Here is one option. that is not that expensive and will perform at the absolute top level these truck can go without going nuts. This is more of the do it once do it right setup geared towards trail use. Not saying iCON is the end all be all... but I know they work, other brands are also probably fine.
1- Icon 2.5 non remotes (extended travel)
2. TC uniball UCAs
3. Icon Metal Tech 2.0 Long travel rear shocks
4. Metal Tech Long travel rear springs + brake line extensions and bump stops

Stick with the standard weight springs unless you plan to add bumpers, winch...

The height of the lift really means nothing and I have no idea why people here get focused on that. Coil overs will allow you to adjust the front up or down to level it out a bit.. but what is really important is the spring weight rating.... If you carry a big bumper... you need heavier duty springs, those same heavy duty springs will perform like crap on a stock weight vehicle.

 

[Apex Overland]

This is the type of opinion that I was hoping to get. I appreciate the detailed response.

I do what I can. Glad I could help!

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Re leveling lift vs mall driving and lift height means nothing.

That all depends on the terrain.

All my offroad is in deep soft sand at Bodie, Hatteras, Ocracoke and Portsmouth Islands NC beaches. Thus ground clearance is an important consideration to keep from dragging in the sand. I have used leveling lifts and a slightly larger diameter tire for decades to get just a few inches extra clearance on frame/body components with the lift and a little on drive line with tires.

With regard to tires it also depends on terrain.

In the sand a racing slick would be best because it would not dig in like an aggressive tread, but of course is not street legal. Thus I use all season treads as the best compromise.

Additionally in sand it is important to drop tire air pressure so the tire floats/rolls over the sand with the slightly wider footprint rather than pushing down into the sand as a fully inflated tire will. So sidewall height is important in order to have height to be able to drop the pressure without having the sidewall so "ballooned" that it will flex too much, especially in Summer , and generate heat, which can reduce tire life.