New Daystar 2.5/1.5 installed yesterday

[Rover+Runner]

I put on a new Daystar 2.5"FR/1.5" RR lift from Wheeler's Offroad yesterday.
Here's what I've learned:

1) The ride height is perfect IMHO. It sits at nearly the same height as the Lexus GX now.
2) The ride quality is basically the same. Daystar uses polyurethane spaces so the ride quality is preserved and there are no annoying squeeks/rattles.
3) Daystar's instructions are bad. Bulldog from Toyota 120 has the best instructions here: http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3384
Hat tip to Bulldog.
4)Invest in a set of ADJUSTABLE metric open box wrenches. They are about $80.00 but will save you much time and effort.
5) The whole process took me about 5 hours (I am a complete novice to lifting vehicles). I did have someone helping me but they were mainly moral support. I also had a dog watching/sleeping, which is a critical element in all major projects.

Knuckle and time-savers - VERY helpful:

Mutt - Significantly less helpful:

Before:

In Process:

After: :cheers:

Note: The truck was never resting on the cinder blocks in these pictures. They were there mainly as a psychological back-up plan in case the rig did slip from the 3 ton jack stands.

 

[Mike07SE]

Great job man! Yeah those wrenches are invaluable to have. Don't forget to give your nuts and bolts an extra tug a couple days down the road to see if anything has got loose.

 

[EEtM33t]

The lift looks great. Did you install the newer Daystar lift that does not require the use of a spring compressor?

 

[gm350reratliff]

Note: The truck was never resting on the cinder blocks in these pictures. They were there mainly as a psychological back-up plan in case the rig did slip from the 3 ton jack stands.

And I was just about to bust your chops for using cinder blocks. Your runner looks great!

 

[Okie]

Looks great - spidertrax wheel spacers would make it look even better.

 

[chaz]

yup, looks good, nice color too.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Awesome:bigok:


If you don't mind push the "duplicate post" rule a bit Please read the 1st post and then reply with basically a repost at the link below...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=51742
:cheers:

 

[Rover+Runner]

The lift looks great. Did you install the newer Daystar lift that does not require the use of a spring compressor?

I used the Daystar lift that requires a coil spring compressor. I "rented" it at Autozone along with a tie rod seperator. I say rented because they charged $70.00 on my credit card and then returned $70.00 when I brought them back unharmed.

The spring compressor worked great with the wrenches I had; super easy.

Here's a better Before/After Comparison:

Before:

After:

 

[nated05]

Nice job, looks great!

 

[HOJeepster]

part #

What is the kit number for you lift???

I ordered the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for my 2006 4runner part KT09124BK from 4wheelparts.com, but the box says its for a 07-8 FJ Cruiser...wtf.

Any help?!? Is this the right kit?

 

[SportRunner]

Looks good.....now ya just need some bigger tires and you'll be all set......did u change your rear "4runner" emblem to a 3rd generation emblem?...

 

[Rover+Runner]

What is the kit number for you lift???

I ordered the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for my 2006 4runner part KT09124BK from 4wheelparts.com, but the box says its for a 07-8 FJ Cruiser...wtf.

Any help?!? Is this the right kit?

HOJeepster:

There are two Daystar lifts available. The one I have is part # KT09115BK and uses a preload spacer (compresses coil spring) and a top-out spacer (sits above shock/strut tower). The one you have may be the version with a topout spacer only, which could be why it's compatible with FJ's and 4Runners. Personally, I would return it and get the preload/topput lift, because I am really happy with the ride quality and using a spring compressor was easy (and free from Autozone).

SportRunner -

I agree new tires are definitely in my future plans. I'm waiting for these Bridgestones to wear out; dang things have lasted forever. As far as switching the emblem to a thrid gen; I haven't, it's the 4th gen emblem but may look different since it's not in a chrome surround like on the SR5 and Sport Versions.

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm

 

[Okie]

HOJeepster:

There are two Daystar lifts available. The one I have is part # KT09115BK and uses a preload spacer (compresses coil spring) and a top-out spacer (sits above shock/strut tower). The one you have may be the version with a topout spacer only, which could be why it's compatible with FJ's and 4Runners. Personally, I would return it and get the preload/topput lift, because I am really happy with the ride quality and using a spring compressor was easy (and free from Autozone).

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm

I have the kit with the topout front spacer - it rides great and I have had no problems with it. I can't remember the kit number I have - you may want to give them a call to verify your kit is the correct one.

 

[HOJeepster]

kit

Thanks for the feedback, I checked the website again and it looks ok. It's the newer version with jus the topout spacer.

I'll be installing the 2.5/1.5, spidertrax, and some new bfg's next week...I just need to find a good installer in the Seattle area. Pics to follow of my new truck.

 

[SportRunner]

SportRunner -

I agree new tires are definitely in my future plans. I'm waiting for these Bridgestones to wear out; dang things have lasted forever. As far as switching the emblem to a thrid gen; I haven't, it's the 4th gen emblem but may look different since it's not in a chrome surround like on the SR5 and Sport Versions.

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm

I'm pretty sure thats a 3rd generation emblem....

The first pic is of a 4th generation and the second pic is of a third generation....the only thing I can think of is that either the dealership had to use yours for another 4runner that someone was buying, and took it off then put the wrong one back on, or the factory put the wrong one on.....

 

[Rover+Runner]

SportRunner - you're absolutely right; it's a third gen badge. Good eye. Don't know how it got there but I do like the interlocking "4" and "R".

HOJeepster and Okie - Daystar's older kit is harder to install but causes less wear on suspension components in the long run. J.A.'s got some good info on it here http://www.top4runners.com/ja/2007/lift.html and is the reason why I specifically looked for the older kit - Hat tip to J.A.

Thanks for all the positive comments....people keep asking me if I was in a fight because my hands are so scraped up from the install so at least it was worth it!

 

[SportRunner]

SportRunner - you're absolutely right; it's a third gen badge. Good eye. Don't know how it got there but I do like the interlocking "4" and "R".

I really like the interlocking "4" and "R" as well, its a classic..... anyways I have the same lift and I love it, nice ride....I went with it so I could keep my Xreas but later down the road I want to upgrade to some SAW and upper arms so I can handle the desert better, but I'm happy with what I got right now, and u can't beat the price, I bought from wheeler's as well....

 

[Rover+Runner]

Lord Vader, your 4Runner awaits...
Lovin' those PC rims. Overall great set-up.

 

[SportRunner]

Lord Vader, your 4Runner awaits...
Lovin' those PC rims. Overall great set-up.

Thanks...they're actually spray painted with a bedliner texture paint to match my roof rack and tube steps.....I'm gonna be buying a set of limited wheels, like yours and put 32" tires on them but get a tire more for street, and use my muds for offroad only, since I don't get out as much as I'd like to....

 

[Co.Ag.2005]

I really like the interlocking "4" and "R" as well, its a classic..... anyways I have the same lift and I love it, nice ride....I went with it so I could keep my Xreas but later down the road I want to upgrade to some SAW and upper arms so I can handle the desert better, but I'm happy with what I got right now, and u can't beat the price, I bought from wheeler's as well....

SportRunner, What brand/model tires are you using currently? they look nice!