Hello Everyone! I picked up a 4Runner this past weekend. It has always been a dream of mine to have one and absolutely love it so far. I just had a few questions. Originally I planned on keeping everything stock, however, when I went to pick it up I realized that someone had installed a lift. How can I determine what they installed? I tried to examine the front suspension but could not find any names or indications. I have attached photos for reference. You will notice that the front shocks are green which I found odd. My main concern was if this mod will affect the longevity of the vehicle. Thanks in advance.
New 4Runner
- Thread starter Leith-03
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4runnin4mylife
New member
I know you are having trouble posting pics right now, but I will throw my quick two cents in. I am not sure about the actual shocks themselves, but if the springs are green then it's probably a lift from Ironman 4x4. Google them and see if anything matches up to what you have.
Just went out and looked, you are right. They have ironman on them. Are ironman lifts typically reliable? Like I said I was worried about a lift affecting the vehicle long term.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
Lift increases likelihood of differential needle bearing wear/failure on left side. You'll know when it starts groaning. Replace with East Coast Gear Supply bushing.
I noticed when driving yesterday that there is a slight squeaking/rattling noise on the left side, is this what you are referring to? Would going back to factory suspension eliminate this problem?
Congrats on the purchase. Did you buy it from a private party or dealer? What is the year and mileage of your 4Runner. Did the seller discuss with you, or did the advertisement mention the modifications to this 4Runner?
Ironman4X4 is a quality brand. Squeaking/ rattling could be a number of things and sometimes hard to track down. Squeaks and rattles are not usually associated with the needle bearing issue referenced above. Going back to stock suspension may or may not fix the squeak or rattle, but, depending on the age and mileage of your current suspension, you could probably find someone to trade you their stock suspension for yours so there'd be little expense- other than removal and installation.
Any modification to a vehicle can affect it but there are many people driving many miles on lifted vehicles.
Regarding photos- I believe there is a minimum post count to be able to upload photos. To avoid that, you could upload your photos to a hosting site like imgur and then you could post the link to those photos.
Ironman4X4 is a quality brand. Squeaking/ rattling could be a number of things and sometimes hard to track down. Squeaks and rattles are not usually associated with the needle bearing issue referenced above. Going back to stock suspension may or may not fix the squeak or rattle, but, depending on the age and mileage of your current suspension, you could probably find someone to trade you their stock suspension for yours so there'd be little expense- other than removal and installation.
Any modification to a vehicle can affect it but there are many people driving many miles on lifted vehicles.
Regarding photos- I believe there is a minimum post count to be able to upload photos. To avoid that, you could upload your photos to a hosting site like imgur and then you could post the link to those photos.
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4runnin4mylife
New member
I have friends with Ironman Lifts and they work and perform really well. Of course nothing is as dependable as the factory suspension in my opinion, but with that said, I have always put lifts and/or leveling kits on my 4runners without any longevity problems. Just make sure the lift is nothing extreme and doesnt have the cv axles at a harsh angle to the differential. Other than that you should be good.
I would keep the suspension that is on there, but I would double check the torques on any bolts they may have touched to install the lift. Also make sure to put a couple shots of grease in any alemites on the upper a-arms or anywhere around the front suspension to possibly eliminate that squeaking/rattling sound.
I bought it from a dealer online, no one told me about the modification which was frustrating. The vehicle is a 2021 off road with 34,000 miles. The noise does not necessarily bother me, however, I just worry about potential issues. The reason I have wanted a 4runner for so long is because of their ability to last for years. I was hoping that this vehicle would be just that for me.
Just uploaded the photos to Imgur, thanks for the help.
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Syr4RinNC
New member
Unfortunately, it can be tough to determine how big the lift is after the fact. Its a reliable suspension and most of us on here who love our 4runners would probably keep that. Do you like how it looks? it may put a little more stress on other suspension components (wheel bearings, CV axles, steering, etc)
What size tires are they - if they are oversize tires (bigger than 265 70 17), I would leave the suspension as is for now.
Every car is going to sound a little different and takes some getting used to. If youre gonna worry, you could take it to a mechanic to check out everything.
Another option is getting someones take off struts (shocks) and springs. You can generally get these for free less than $50 (I would not pay more than that) Theres no market for used stock suspension. Check any local facebook 4runner groups. Then youd just have to swap out the Ironman lift and you could likely resell that if you want
What size tires are they - if they are oversize tires (bigger than 265 70 17), I would leave the suspension as is for now.
Every car is going to sound a little different and takes some getting used to. If youre gonna worry, you could take it to a mechanic to check out everything.
Another option is getting someones take off struts (shocks) and springs. You can generally get these for free less than $50 (I would not pay more than that) Theres no market for used stock suspension. Check any local facebook 4runner groups. Then youd just have to swap out the Ironman lift and you could likely resell that if you want
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I really like the look of it. I am hoping to drive this vehicle for awhile, I have read about 4runners lasting 200k+ miles. Is it reasonable to expect that same longevity with this type of modification?
Just maintain it and replace the parts as needed. Yes it can last over 200k plus. What size tires are on the 4runner ? Typically with cars that are modded or lifted owners may maintain them pretty well. Just keep up on the maintenance and you will be fine. If you want to get an idea of the lift height measure from the center of the wheel/ cap to top of the fender. Would need to search stock height for 4runner.
FoxtrotRomeo
Member
Vehicles typically do not "go to the grave" due to some suspension issue. Suspension is largely a "wear and tear" part that will need service/replacement at some time in the vehicles life. This is true for OEM or aftermarket suspension.
Sometimes aftermarket provides better capability over OEM and sometimes requires more maintenance. And, may be a bit noisier if maintenance is lacking.
As stated prior - Ironman is a reasonable brand name.
I believe the tires are stock, I will have to check though. When you say more maintenance, what exactly are you referring to? Does the lift itself need extra maintenance? Sorry for the basic questions, I am just completely new to any kind of vehicle modification.
It shouldn't. I think the point just is that suspension wear and tear can occur depending on use definitely by 50K to 100K miles whether you are factory or have after market parts. A lot of people still have their original suspenion at 100K miles but it doesn't mean it drives like it did when new
.Most likely this lift was put on somewhere after the vehicle had some mileage on it, so you probably already have a head start versus its in service date.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
333K miles on a 2014 SR5.