New 3rd gen owner. Lift questions

[tre9er]

First of all I've searched, read the FAQ as well as countless other threads, and I have a general understanding of things...but I have some specific questions that I either wasn't able to find exact answers for, or the information overload fried my brain.

Just bought a 02 T4R w/110k. Measured passenger F/R last night at 34 1/8" front, 34 3/4" rear to center of wells. Carfax said dealer replaced rear shocks, but I didn't ask them about it.

Anyway, this is a daily driver, our camping vehicle, and I also have two sons, 7 and 11, so I'd like to do some light exploring, not rock climbing per se, but just back roads, trails, etc.

I'd like to lift, somewhere in the 1-2" range, but I'd like to avoid having to do too many other mods in order to make the lift work. Bigger lift is better, so if I can approach that 2" without doing diff drop, panhard bar, etc. I'd like to.

Now my questions: When I had an 01 Sentra I looked into lowering it. The issue with shorter springs was less shock travel, which wore out the shocks and/or you rode on the bump stops at times. I'm assuming that taller springs push the shocks in the opposite direction, which for stock length shock bodies would not be so good for their durability? Are longer shocks appropriate for longer springs, is what I'm asking?

I don't want to get a lift that will prematurely wear out other components, at least not significantly. I thought of the 99 Highlander talls. I'm guessing the shock bodies were similar on those OEM models, and thus they wouldn't drastically shorten the life of my shocks were I to go that route? I'm not sure if 1" will be enough lift, though...

So back to shocks, if I get OMEs or some form of LC coils, I'm guessing I need longer shock bodies, too? Again, if you can help me get near the 2" mark without tons of other mods, without drastically shortening the life of other components, that would be ideal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[seanxgodfrey]

First of all I've searched, read the FAQ as well as countless other threads, and I have a general understanding of things...but I have some specific questions that I either wasn't able to find exact answers for, or the information overload fried my brain.

Just bought a 02 T4R w/110k. Measured passenger F/R last night at 34 1/8" front, 34 3/4" rear to center of wells. Carfax said dealer replaced rear shocks, but I didn't ask them about it.

Anyway, this is a daily driver, our camping vehicle, and I also have two sons, 7 and 11, so I'd like to do some light exploring, not rock climbing per se, but just back roads, trails, etc.

I'd like to lift, somewhere in the 1-2" range, but I'd like to avoid having to do too many other mods in order to make the lift work. Bigger lift is better, so if I can approach that 2" without doing diff drop, panhard bar, etc. I'd like to.

Now my questions: When I had an 01 Sentra I looked into lowering it. The issue with shorter springs was less shock travel, which wore out the shocks and/or you rode on the bump stops at times. I'm assuming that taller springs push the shocks in the opposite direction, which for stock length shock bodies would not be so good for their durability? Are longer shocks appropriate for longer springs, is what I'm asking?

I don't want to get a lift that will prematurely wear out other components, at least not significantly. I thought of the 99 Highlander talls. I'm guessing the shock bodies were similar on those OEM models, and thus they wouldn't drastically shorten the life of my shocks were I to go that route? I'm not sure if 1" will be enough lift, though...

So back to shocks, if I get OMEs or some form of LC coils, I'm guessing I need longer shock bodies, too? Again, if you can help me get near the 2" mark without tons of other mods, without drastically shortening the life of other components, that would be ideal.

Thanks in advance.

So i'm still semi new to this whole lift world as well seeing that I am piecing together mine as we speak. With the LC coils , I know for a fact that it will be more than what you are looking for, seeing that that's what I'm building as we speak and am expecting 3+ inches unless maybe you can find some 7.5 wraps.. Now it looks like if you were to replace the shocks (somebody tell me if i am wrong) with Bilstein adjustables, it looks as if you can get "Settings for stock, 1.25" (for leveling)" now I could be totally wrong.. But there also are spacer lifts such as, Revtek Suspension | Toyota Suspensions, but those aren't exactly the best for offroading, even if it's mild, its more of just a look lift. So imo just lift it and make it look bad a** just kidding, hope this kind of helped a little, if not. I'm sorry :bolt:

 

[tre9er]

Thanks for the reply. I thought about spacers, but they aren't great for shock life either, I believe? Like I said, doubt I'll be flexing up on rocks anytime soon, but might hit some farm trails, mud, snow, etc.

I think I can sell the wife on a more "heavy duty suspension" since she wants to pull a small camper behind us on camping trips, but again, looking to not have to also drop the diff, panhard, extend brake lines, etc. And I want durability from the suspension, not something I have to replace in a year.

 

[seanxgodfrey]

Thanks for the reply. I thought about spacers, but they aren't great for shock life either, I believe? Like I said, doubt I'll be flexing up on rocks anytime soon, but might hit some farm trails, mud, snow, etc.

I think I can sell the wife on a more "heavy duty suspension" since she wants to pull a small camper behind us on camping trips, but again, looking to not have to also drop the diff, panhard, extend brake lines, etc. And I want durability from the suspension, not something I have to replace in a year.

I mean although its one of the "stiffer" lifts, I know that the previous owner of my LC coils switched to OME because he is going to start towing stuff, and with the OME it's not to large or a lift , not much rake, and it will give your car the nice suspension you need!

 

[tre9er]

I'm hearing the OME with bilstein HD shocks are perhaps the preferred method (for using OME springs)? Are the bilstein HD available in a longer body to accommodate the longer springs?

 

[seanxgodfrey]

I'm hearing the OME with bilstein HD shocks are perhaps the preferred method (for using OME springs)? Are the bilstein HD available in a longer body to accommodate the longer springs?

Yet again i'm not a pro, but I am pretty sure people (with the lc lift) use tundra bilsteins, and i'm sure they are long!

 

[tre9er]

Yet again i'm not a pro, but I am pretty sure people (with the lc lift) use tundra bilsteins, and i'm sure they are long!

Right, and I think you have to swap the top mount??

I don't think 3" is good for me. The extra cost of diff drop, panhard bar, brake lines, etc. would not be welcomed by the wifey. 1.5-2" is probably where I am right now.

 

[tre9er]

It seems like the LC springs are the cheapest way to lift the rear, but they lift over 2", possibly panhard drop is needed, can I just bend the brake brackets to get more slack there? I've read of guys doing drops without either panhard drop or brake line extensions...

Front Tundra TRD assys seem to be the "matching" front lift? Diff drop seems necessary here then? I guess I'll go searching for how one accomplishes this.....

 

[white_n_slow]

It seems like the LC springs are the cheapest way to lift the rear, but they lift over 2", possibly panhard drop is needed, can I just bend the brake brackets to get more slack there? I've read of guys doing drops without either panhard drop or brake line extensions...

Front Tundra TRD assys seem to be the "matching" front lift? Diff drop seems necessary here then? I guess I'll go searching for how one accomplishes this.....

I have run the LC springs in the rear (about 3" lift) without replacing or modifying my brake line for about a year and no issues yet. I do flex the truck out off road. I do have an extended brake line waiting in the garage, I was just too lazy to install it.

There is a lot of info out there on whether a diff drop is necessary or even beneficial with a 2-3" front lift. Opinions vary. However a diff drop is like a 20 minute job and pretty cheap too, so whatever route you go, don't let that scare your off.

 

[tre9er]

I have run the LC springs in the rear (about 3" lift) without replacing or modifying my brake line for about a year and no issues yet. I do flex the truck out off road. I do have an extended brake line waiting in the garage, I was just too lazy to install it.

There is a lot of info out there on whether a diff drop is necessary or even beneficial with a 2-3" front lift. Opinions vary. However a diff drop is like a 20 minute job and pretty cheap too, so whatever route you go, don't let that scare your off.

Thanks for that. Mind telling me what's involved, generally? Is there a bracket that's installed or something? I can search but I'm just curious and would be nice to have all together in one place.

Did you drop the panhard bar in your truck? What shocks are you running?

 

[downpour11]

Thanks for that. Mind telling me what's involved, generally? Is there a bracket that's installed or something? I can search but I'm just curious and would be nice to have all together in one place.

Did you drop the panhard bar in your truck? What shocks are you running?

For what you're looking to achieve, I would suggest some OME 881 springs paired with OME 90004 or Bilstein struts for the front, and some OME 890 springs and Tokio Trekmaster or Bilstein shocks for the rear. This will give you right under 3" lift and make your truck much more capable. You will not need to worry about extending/lowering your panhard bar and the diff drop is up to you. I don't think you'd need it. Very simple lift.

Toytec sells it as a package here:

Complete OME suspension for 96-02 4Runner

This package is with the rear OME shocks as well, but I'm sure you could speak with Dylan or Jeff to get it suited to your needs.

The reason I didn't suggest the rear OME shocks is because I think they are too stiff, just my opinion. I had them on my old 4runner and didn't like them too much. Some people like them, I'm just not one of them.

 

[tre9er]

For what you're looking to achieve, I would suggest some OME 881 springs paired with OME 90004 or Bilstein struts for the front, and some OME 890 springs and Tokio Trekmaster or Bilstein shocks for the rear. This will give you right under 3" lift and make your truck much more capable. You will not need to worry about extending/lowering your panhard bar and the diff drop is up to you. I don't think you'd need it. Very simple lift.

Toytec sells it as a package here:

Complete OME suspension for 96-02 4Runner

This package is with the rear OME shocks as well, but I'm sure you could speak with Dylan or Jeff to get it suited to your needs.

The reason I didn't suggest the rear OME shocks is because I think they are too stiff, just my opinion. I had them on my old 4runner and didn't like them too much. Some people like them, I'm just not one of them.

So are you not a fan of the Tundra/LC lift? I was leaning this way since the used parts could be had pretty cheap. I'm guessing it would be full tundra strut assys up front then LC coils and some longer bilstein in the rear?

Cost does matter, cause I'm selling the wife on this one and we're in the middle of a bathroom remodel, Christmas saving, etc.

 

[downpour11]

So are you not a fan of the Tundra/LC lift? I was leaning this way since the used parts could be had pretty cheap. I'm guessing it would be full tundra strut assys up front then LC coils and some longer bilstein in the rear?

Cost does matter, cause I'm selling the wife on this one and we're in the middle of a bathroom remodel, Christmas saving, etc.

I didn't say anything about the tundra/LC lift. I think that would be an excellent option. I didn't suggest it because you stated you wanted between 2-3" of lift. The LC coils will give more than that. I'm running 9 wraps and love them, but the tundra/LC lift is usually paired with 8 wraps which will exceed the height you wanted. By all means, if you can sell the wife on it, go for it! It's definitely a cost-effective option.

 

[tre9er]

I didn't say anything about the tundra/LC lift. I think that would be an excellent option. I didn't suggest it because you stated you wanted between 2-3" of lift. The LC coils will give more than that. I'm running 9 wraps and love them, but the tundra/LC lift is usually paired with 8 wraps which will exceed the height you wanted. By all means, if you can sell the wife on it, go for it! It's definitely a cost-effective option.

I thought the 7.5/7.75 wraps were in the 2-2.5" range?? And the TRD was similar in the front? :shrug:

 

[downpour11]

I thought the 7.5/7.75 wraps were in the 2-2.5" range?? And the TRD was similar in the front? :shrug:

Here's a picture of mine with 7 wraps when I first lifted it:

Note, those are 225/75r15's (29") I could fit 35's in the rear with 7 wraps. They yield right around 4" of lift.

 

[tre9er]

Here's a picture of mine with 7 wraps when I first lifted it:

Note, those are 225/75r15's (29") I could fit 35's in the rear with 7 wraps. They yield right around 4" of lift.

That's going to require diff drop, panhard drop, brake line extensions, UCAs, etc, right? Hmmm.....

I was hoping to find something that utilized used (read: cheap) parts, mixed with some new, if needed, and stay in the 2" neighborhood...

 

[tre9er]

I wonder, I hear the 02's sat the lowest of any 3rd gens. Wondering what the 99 HL springs would do in terms of lift over what I have. As mentioned, I was at 34.125/34.75 F/R passenger side. I wonder if I'd get more than 1" lift, probably depends on how fresh the springs are?

 

[downpour11]

That's going to require diff drop, panhard drop, brake line extensions, UCAs, etc, right? Hmmm.....

I was hoping to find something that utilized used (read: cheap) parts, mixed with some new, if needed, and stay in the 2" neighborhood...

I'm still running stock UCA's, panhard, brake lines. I do have a diff drop though. But that's very simple.

I wonder, I hear the 02's sat the lowest of any 3rd gens. Wondering what the 99 HL springs would do in terms of lift over what I have. As mentioned, I was at 34.125/34.75 F/R passenger side. I wonder if I'd get more than 1" lift, probably depends on how fresh the springs are?

Just pinpoint what you want and cruise the forum classifieds. I pieced my lift together for $550. The OME 882's that I run in the front I found for $100 on ttora.com

Like I said, if you're looking for 2-3", the OME kit I mentioned above will suit your needs. You could source the parts used for half the price though. You could even do the tundra fronts and find some used OME 890's or 891's for cheap and just slap some new shocks on.

 

[white_n_slow]

Thanks for that. Mind telling me what's involved, generally? Is there a bracket that's installed or something? I can search but I'm just curious and would be nice to have all together in one place.

Did you drop the panhard bar in your truck? What shocks are you running?

The diff drop goes like this:
1) remove skid plate
2) remove the two long-ass bolts that hold the front of the differential assembly in place
3) Insert even longer-ass bolts with a spacer between the diff mounts and the upper frame
4) put the skid plate back on.

All you need is two 19mm wrenches (or one adjustable wrench)

Since my Tundra/LC lift was purchased through Sonoran Steel, it came with an adjustable panhard bar, so I run that instead of a panhard drop bracket. The bar is an inch or two longer than stock as currently set up. I never actually measured it, just adjusted it until the bolts lined up on either side.

 

[drabbits]

1) invest in adjustable bilsteins,
Front Bilstein Height adjustable 5100 shocks
because once you get to the height you are looking for (1.5 - 2.0") you'll want to go higher.
2) rough country N2.0's for the rears work and their affordable
3) used '99 talls + the bilsteins will get you to 2"
4) used '99 talls + a 1.5"(Daystar) for the rear will work fine for mild off-roading, camping.
5) NO diff drop ever (my 2c)
6) No panhard drop needed
7) NO UCA's
8) extend the rear brake line
I have read that some members have been able to keep the stock rear brake line, but I personally had to change mine out.
it may take a few months to piece together everything but, like downpour said, search the forums for used stuff. also check out wheelers off road, great prices and great people
95.5-Current Toyota 4Runner Equipment and Accessories at Wheeler's Off-Road
That was my first setup and it worked for me.
'99 talls add 1" to all non-'99 stock 4r's
the rears need to be a little taller than the fronts to compensate for gear.
Follow this plan and you'll get the lift you want and be prepared for the future.
laters