New Here... Have some Questions

[dannyz]

I just got a 04 SR5. now it is time to get it moded. What is a good lift? I see some are using the Daystar 2 1/2 in. system. Is this a good product? If you are using this product could you give some feedback on it.

What else is needed to install this? Brake lines? etc.

Thanks.

 

[Solice]

Welcome to the board! I don't have a lift yet but have been reading about them on here for a while. I think some people have been unhappy with the Daystar lifts. It seems like most people are going with either the Revtek or Cornfed lift. Try searching on all three of these and I gaurentee you'll find ton's of info on all of them.

 

[Good Times]

search cuz there are LOTS of options now.

here's a quick breakdown:

CHEAP! - spacers (uses stock spring/shocks)
Cornfed
Daystar
Revtek (comes w/ replacement rear shock obviously if you have xreas you can't use it)

MODERATE! - coil and shock
OME (front and rear)
Downey (rear)

BLING! - coilovers (adjustable height coil) o btw, you still need rear's since this is just the front!
Donahoe
Downey
Sway-A-Way

If I missed something, damn I'll just go to hell.

GOod luck and search away! Price is everything so go with what your budget allows.

 

[ksneubec]

I can only speak for myself, but I haven't read too many posts that trash the Daystar lift. I think some people are getting different systems because they want more lift- the daystar only gives you 2.5". I LOVE mine- I think it is perfect, because it definitely helps off-road, but since most of my driving is on road, I didn't want anything very tall that would give me the "hillbilly" look. I also have XREAS, and I didn't want a brand new suspension system. The Daystar looks and drives great, and doesn't change the geometry enough to require other, additional modifications.

 

[Fro-Runner]

I can only speak for myself, but I haven't read too many posts that trash the Daystar lift. I think some people are getting different systems because they want more lift- the daystar only gives you 2.5". I LOVE mine- I think it is perfect, because it definitely helps off-road, but since most of my driving is on road, I didn't want anything very tall that would give me the "hillbilly" look. I also have XREAS, and I didn't want a brand new suspension system. The Daystar looks and drives great, and doesn't change the geometry enough to require other, additional modifications.

Me want that west coast (HHL) Hollywood Hillbilly Look!
Donahoe finally release thier front coilover shock (0-3) inches of lift via a screw dial. Unfortunately, they haven't designed a rear lift coilover shock yet. You will have to use something else to level off the rear of your Runner. I went to my local lift shop to price this package....they quoted me the range of $2,600. **Ouch**!! That much for just 3 inches of lift!

 

[dannyz]

Wow!

Thanks for the quick responce. Sooo much great information. i went to the local 4wheel parts shop here today and almost got the daystar. I'm glad I waited. in my pryor searches I was coming up empty on the other products mentioned.

Thanks again,
Time for more research.


Oo Oo Oo! i just found the Revtek! I like this one! Right price, Right lift & i want to keep the stock springs so as not to spoil the ride.

 

[Good Times]

PS:
please stay away from 4 wheel farts at all cost!!! Hell if you can't find a store, I'll show you one

btw, donahoe's are only 950-1000 I believe. Not sure what kind of prices you're gettin but it sounds like a rip.

Another note, if you've ever changed your tires (i.e. rotation or even to change it due to a spare), you can technically do a suspension upgrade on your own (assuming that it's a non xreas system).

Xreas just makes it a bit more difficult but nothing a careful watchful eye can't do.

Good luck!

 

[dannyz]

4wheel parts?

I was looking at 241.95 USD for the daystar. I plan on doing the work myself. See my post at http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12399 I did my WRX myself, and I used to have a Samuri with 8 inches overall lift all done myself. No I did not roll it. However I thank you for the insight.

 

[Spider5]

PS:
please stay away from 4 wheel farts at all cost!!! Hell if you can't find a store, I'll show you one

btw, donahoe's are only 950-1000 I believe. Not sure what kind of prices you're gettin but it sounds like a rip.

Another note, if you've ever changed your tires (i.e. rotation or even to change it due to a spare), you can technically do a suspension upgrade on your own (assuming that it's a non xreas system).

Xreas just makes it a bit more difficult but nothing a careful watchful eye can't do.

Good luck!

What areas of concern are there with the XREAS that are differnt from the non XREAS? Also are there any special tools needed to do a basic Daystar 2.5" lift in the front like a spring compression tool? Any words of advice would be helpful, thx's in advance.

 

[Good Times]

When doing a xreas lift, you'll want to keep the xreas line connected to the shock. this makes adding that spacer harder as somehow you gotta get the darn coil compressor in that cramped area.

much easier to work w/ the shock away from the vehicle wheelwell but hey if ya wanna lift, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

I've done a few xreas lift personally and I gotta say it's a pita each time! not impossible but possible... just a royal pita. esp w/ hand tools!

good luck!

btw, if you need help, there's a few instructions on how to on the net so do a quick search and you'll find it. has photos and everything so you really can't go wrong.

 

[Spider5]

When doing a xreas lift, you'll want to keep the xreas line connected to the shock. this makes adding that spacer harder as somehow you gotta get the darn coil compressor in that cramped area.

much easier to work w/ the shock away from the vehicle wheelwell but hey if ya wanna lift, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

I've done a few xreas lift personally and I gotta say it's a pita each time! not impossible but possible... just a royal pita. esp w/ hand tools!

good luck!

btw, if you need help, there's a few instructions on how to on the net so do a quick search and you'll find it. has photos and everything so you really can't go wrong.

Many thanks for the response. Sounds like I will be busting my knuckles and scraping up my fingers this weekend.

 

[Spider5]

Good Times,

I did the search of T4R as you suggested and came up with a conclusion that the XREAS is not under pressure as long as no shocks are moving. Is it not possible to remove the line from the shock, cap it a avoid any small leakage and do the lift like you would if you didn't have XREAS?

 

[Good Times]

Yup, but I don't know anyone that has done this to do a lift.

I think the fear that some have is that even though this works, they hear in the back of their heads the dreaded "what if" so they don't. Since it's only a spacer install and you can do it in the confines of the wheelwell (not that bad actually) people just do it the hard way.

You can be the first and report back though. Some food for though

Good Times,

I did the search of T4R as you suggested and came up with a conclusion that the XREAS is not under pressure as long as no shocks are moving. Is it not possible to remove the line from the shock, cap it a avoid any small leakage and do the lift like you would if you didn't have XREAS?

 

[Spider5]

Yup, but I don't know anyone that has done this to do a lift.

I think the fear that some have is that even though this works, they hear in the back of their heads the dreaded "what if" so they don't. Since it's only a spacer install and you can do it in the confines of the wheelwell (not that bad actually) people just do it the hard way.

You can be the first and report back though. Some food for though

Thanks,

I let you know what I decided and how it went after getting into it this weekend.

 

[Fro-Runner]

PS:
please stay away from 4 wheel farts at all cost!!! Hell if you can't find a store, I'll show you one

btw, donahoe's are only 950-1000 I believe. Not sure what kind of prices you're gettin but it sounds like a rip.

Another note, if you've ever changed your tires (i.e. rotation or even to change it due to a spare), you can technically do a suspension upgrade on your own (assuming that it's a non xreas system).

Xreas just makes it a bit more difficult but nothing a careful watchful eye can't do.

Good luck!

Thanks Lance, you are right about the price of the Donahoe's! The shop quoted me like $1100 for the set of coilovers. The $2600 price included the curved "V" shaped tierod holding bar to lessen the angle (like $250 each) and some lift in the rear of the 4Runner. I want lift in the rear of the vehicle to keep the natural approach/departure angle of the runner.
I was quoted something like $1500 just to have the donahue's put on the front (just to level off the runner)! As you know the 4Runner sits 1-1.5" lower in the front than the rear.

P.S.--I am open to that 4-Wheel shop name you have since I am also located in Southern California!!

 

[Good Times]

If you can do it yourself, DO IT! Save the extra few bucks and learn from trying. If you get coilovers, they're the easiest install that you'd be surprised how much people want to charge you.

Since you're in socal, there are LOTS of members that'll give you a hand if they're free. Setup a "Wrenchathon" at your place and provide some grub/drinks and they'll flock.

I'd help ya but the earliest I can help ya will be Late October.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, hit up some local shops like Demello Offroad. Tell Jason I told ya to drop by there to purchase the Hoe's and the other parts and he'll try but I'm sure he's swamped until October too.

The install should take no more than 4 hrs tops w/ ample breaks. Figure a few sets of hands will get the job done in no time. (of course this is assuming that you have power tools).

Hand tools works (I've done quite a few w hand tools) but expect that to take 6 hrs minimum. It sux!

Good luck!

Thanks Lance, you are right about the price of the Donahoe's! The shop quoted me like $1100 for the set of coilovers. The $2600 price included the curved "V" shaped tierod holding bar to lessen the angle (like $250 each) and some lift in the rear of the 4Runner. I want lift in the rear of the vehicle to keep the natural approach/departure angle of the runner.
I was quoted something like $1500 just to have the donahue's put on the front (just to level off the runner)! As you know the 4Runner sits 1-1.5" lower in the front than the rear.

P.S.--I am open to that 4-Wheel shop name you have since I am also located in Southern California!!

 

[Spider5]

Installed the lift

This weekend I did the lift removing the XREAS lines without much of a problem. Based on the worries of other people I was expecting much worse. The lines themselves were actual a piece of cake to deal with. The biggest problem I had was with the shocks because they had to be moved a lot to get the coils out and one had some leakage even though I thought I plugged them pretty well. The hydraulic shock compressor made installing the daystar so much easier then if I had to do it in place. After putting everything back together I got a little over 2" in the front and a little under 2" in the back. It rides about the same I just noticed more road noice which I think is coming from the back. The entire project took a little more than 4 hours to complete which including a full 5 tire rotation. Now for the question, I didn't notice any problems with the runner pulling but I'm a little concerned about the camber. Does the lift cause more positive camber? Is there an easy way to check without going through a full alignment? I'm pretty sure the toe and caster had no change.