New lift/tire setup, what's your opinions/feedback?

[daMicr0wav3]

Ok, so I'm torn between a 2-2.5" lift or 3". Just getting into the truck world as I recently bought my 98 SR5 4x4 5spd. Used to have a lowered 99 Civic so this is a tad different.

My struts/shocks are completely gone so I will need replacements and also my tired are on their last miles. Plus I'm planning a trip to Maine at the end of June from Florida so I've got to get this stuff ordered soon. I'm looking for a comfortable style ride and nothing too stiff, however I'm not that picky and will probably get used to whatever I have.

I don't do much off roading except for the occasional camping trip and I fish quite often with a kayak, which I have a roof rack and push the sucker on my roof (which possibly makes me want the 2-2.5").

I've also read that a 3" lift may need a differential drop?

After doing about 10 hours of reading posts/setups I think I've narrowed it down to this:

For a 3" setup:
Front Shock: Bilstein 5100 - do I need to get upper bushings/washers?
Front Coil: OME 881 w/10MM Lift Enhancer Kit (top plate spacer)
Rear Shock: Bilstein 5125
Rear Coil: OME 890

2-2.5" setup will have:
Front Shock: Bilstien 5100 adjustable.
Front Coil: OME 881
Rear Shock: OME 60028 (Looking for another type of shock to give me a stock ride???)
Rear Coil: OME 906


Tires - I think I've narrowed it down to 2:
1) Bridgestone Dueler REVO AT - my roomate has these for his jeep and likes them, however I kind of want a more aggressive looking tire. These tires were rated excellent by tirerack.
2) BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO - I really like the looks of these, more aggressive, but got a slightly less rating from tirerack.

I need your feedback guys!! Any other suggestions on the lifts, other types of shocks, coils, etc? Feedback on these setups? Any points to help me decide 2-2.5" or 3"? Tire choices? THANKS!!!

 

[Gerdo]

98s are taller than the 2000-2002. The amount of lift gained is an average. I think you should go for the 3" lift. It really isn't that much. I would do the diff drop. It's simple to install.

I have had the BFG ATs They are good tires. They last long and work well in dry, wet and snow. I would also suggest 265/75-16. I now have Yokohama AT-S. Definitely less aggressive looking but ride a little better and still work great offroad.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Oh yes, forgot to mention I was looking at the 265/75/16's.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

ORRR how about get replacement struts/shocks that are fairly inexpensive and go with a 2.5" lift kit by Daystar.

Thoughts on this. I'd be saving hundreds of dollars and since I don't offroad that much why would I need to get the big boy suspension???

I don't know - that's why I'm here asking the pros! :lookout:

 

[brian2sun]

ORRR how about get replacement struts/shocks that are fairly inexpensive and go with a 2.5" lift kit by Daystar.

Thoughts on this. I'd be saving hundreds of dollars and since I don't offroad that much why would I need to get the big boy suspension???

I don't know - that's why I'm here asking the pros! :lookout:

The Daystars on top of your stock coils will make the ride stiffer in the front because it preloads the coils in the strut assembly. That's not that bad, but within a year or so, your stock coils will start to sag and wear out because the spacers basically smash them.

If you want to go cheap, I would get new shocks and coils in the front still. Since spacers don't preload the back coils, they wont change the ride much and you could save money there by not buying new rear coils until yours are toast.

There are also cheaper options for extended rear shocks than OME and Bilstein. I have Tokico Trekmasters for a FJZ80 Landcruiser (part #GE4095). They were $80 shipped for the pair (through discountautoshocks.com) and I honestly like the way they feel better than my old $170 OME comfort shocks. And Tokicos came stock on 3rd gen 4runners so the ride isn't too much different from your stock shocks.

So.. my advice is don't skimp on the front. Adjustable Billies and OME 881s will be a good setup. Trekmaster shocks and Daystar spacers on the back will be decent for now, you'll save about $200 by not getting the Billies and the OME coils, and you can always buy new rear coils later and sell the spacers.

 

[Hepar]

I'd also agree that the 3" is the way to go. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE my BFG AT's.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Thanks guys, good info. If I'm saving only $200 and at a later date would have to get new springs anyway I might as well just do it the right way now. Wouldn't you agree? :thumb3:

Any other thoughts/suggestions on the setup & tires? :thanks:


What do you guys think about Rancho's or Monroe shocks?

 

[Hepar]

Thanks guys, good info. If I'm saving only $200 and at a later date would have to get new springs anyway I might as well just do it the right way now. Wouldn't you agree? :thumb3:

Any other thoughts/suggestions on the setup & tires? :thanks:


What do you guys think about Rancho's or Monroe shocks?

Most definitely do it right the first time. So often you end up spending more money and time in the long run when you try to initially save a buck or two.

I say stick with the 5100's. Amazing ride both on and off-road. Just my $0.02.

 

[brian2sun]

Thanks guys, good info. If I'm saving only $200 and at a later date would have to get new springs anyway I might as well just do it the right way now. Wouldn't you agree? :thumb3:

Any other thoughts/suggestions on the setup & tires? :thanks:


What do you guys think about Rancho's or Monroe shocks?

I agree, do it right the 1st time. But if you have to skimp because of funds, I was just saying it's better to skimp on the rear than the front. The Billies have a great warranty, they will ride great and you'll like them, but they don't ride twice as good as the Trekmasters (although they are way more than double the price). The Treks ride as smooth as the Billies IMO, so just another option to consider.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

I agree, do it right the 1st time. But if you have to skimp because of funds, I was just saying it's better to skimp on the rear than the front. The Billies have a great warranty, they will ride great and you'll like them, but they don't ride twice as good as the Trekmasters (although they are way more than double the price). The Treks ride as smooth as the Billies IMO, so just another option to consider.

So.. my advice is don't skimp on the front. Adjustable Billies and OME 881s will be a good setup. Trekmaster shocks and Daystar spacers on the back will be decent for now, you'll save about $200 by not getting the Billies and the OME coils, and you can always buy new rear coils later and sell the spacers.

So Brian2sun, what would be your alternative to the Trekmaster shocks / Daystar spacers on the back if you were to do it "right" or "better"??

 

[Volley]

I would probably not skimp on the lift so much as save on tires. Having just ordered the OME kit I know it can be painful (although toytec does give many forum members a slight discount which helped). I actually saved on tires. I was going to get AT Revo 2s as well in the 265/75s. That was a chunk of change. I ended up going with Treadwright Sentinels (same tread pattern as Revos). Or if you like the BFG tread better, get their Wardens. Mixed opinions on Treadwrights, but I have seen them in person and in action and they were impressive. I know many of my FJ club members run them.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

I guess one of my questions is since the Bilsteins 5100's are a good shock for the front, can I also use them in the rear or do I have to go with the 5125's? Can someone elaborate?

Also, was just reading on the differential drops then ran across this OME accessory kit. Is all this stuff really necessary to get a good ride? (An Adjustable Trac/PanHard Bar for the Rear, 1" Tapered Diff Drop kit for the front and a pair of Machined OME Shock Adjusters for the front.) I don't see too many guys on the forum that have this stuff....

 

[brian2sun]

So Brian2sun, what would be your alternative to the Trekmaster shocks / Daystar spacers on the back if you were to do it "right" or "better"??

I run the Trekmasters and love them, but the Bilsteins are great too. And the OMEs, they're all good shocks and you'll probably be happy with any of them. As far as coils in stead of spacers, I'm all for it. Which ones all depends on how much weight you run/will run and how much lift you want.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Ok, so I'm torn between a 2-2.5" lift or 3". Just getting into the truck world as I recently bought my 98 SR5 4x4 5spd. Used to have a lowered 99 Civic so this is a tad different.

My struts/shocks are completely gone so I will need replacements and also my tired are on their last miles. Plus I'm planning a trip to Maine at the end of June from Florida so I've got to get this stuff ordered soon. I'm looking for a comfortable style ride and nothing too stiff, however I'm not that picky and will probably get used to whatever I have.

I don't do much off roading except for the occasional camping trip and I fish quite often with a kayak, which I have a roof rack and push the sucker on my roof (which possibly makes me want the 2-2.5").

I've also read that a 3" lift may need a differential drop?

After doing about 10 hours of reading posts/setups I think I've narrowed it down to this:

For a 3" setup:
Front Shock: Bilstein 5100 - do I need to get upper bushings/washers?
Front Coil: OME 881 w/10MM Lift Enhancer Kit (top plate spacer)
Rear Shock: Bilstein 5125
Rear Coil: OME 890

2-2.5" setup will have:
Front Shock: Bilstien 5100 adjustable.
Front Coil: OME 881
Rear Shock: OME 60028 (Looking for another type of shock to give me a stock ride???)
Rear Coil: OME 906


Tires - I think I've narrowed it down to 2:
1) Bridgestone Dueler REVO AT - my roomate has these for his jeep and likes them, however I kind of want a more aggressive looking tire. These tires were rated excellent by tirerack.
2) BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO - I really like the looks of these, more aggressive, but got a slightly less rating from tirerack.

I need your feedback guys!! Any other suggestions on the lifts, other types of shocks, coils, etc? Feedback on these setups? Any points to help me decide 2-2.5" or 3"? Tire choices? THANKS!!!

I didn't read many of the posts because I don't feel like it lol, but I'll tell you about my set up and what I'd do if I were you.

IMO, just because you don't offroad much, doesn't mean you should skimp out and buy crap like spacers.

Your 3" set up sounds great, but I would modify a few things.

For instance, you said 881 coil and top plate spacer. For the same price of an 881, you can get the 883, which is a 3" lift coil. It doesn't require a top plate spacer, so you save there. Or like you mentioned in the 2.5" lift choice, Bilstein 5100s and 881s, just bring them to a higher adjustment for a full 3". I wouldn't waste my time with 906's... but that's just me.

The rear set up I like. I wish I had 891's since I have a rear bumper, but if you're not carrying cargo, the 890 is a great spring.

Couple those with a Toytec Diff drop and Panhard drop for a fully functional and well installed lift kit.

BTW, if you want to save a few $$ on the front shocks, buy them from Wheeler's Off Road, you won't find them under the 4Runner section, but instead under the 95.5-2004 Tacoma. They're the exact same shock (front only, tacoma's have different rear shocks I am pretty sure). I have them. I would buy the new bushing kit, too.

Love my BFG A/T's. I will get them again. Great all around tire. The people who complain and pick about them don't realize they're an All Terrain tire... not some magical tire than can conquer the deepest snow, the wettest road, or the muddiest bog. It does well in each, but is not specifically best in one area. A mud terrain is best for mud. An all season road tire is good for rain. An All Terrain does well in all areas, but not as well as a tire specifically made for that area. It's not too loud, either, like a mud terrain. It's not a little girl in the mud, like an all season road tire. It's a good ALL around TERRAIN tire.

The Duratrac is a lot of people's argument to the BFG, but as I've read on this forum, it's not quite as good off of the road. You might like those, though. I personally don't like Goodyear. They're Jeep tires, IMO.

You've read my rant. Thanks for your time

 

[daMicr0wav3]

I didn't read many of the posts because I don't feel like it lol, but I'll tell you about my set up and what I'd do if I were you.

IMO, just because you don't offroad much, doesn't mean you should skimp out and buy crap like spacers.

Your 3" set up sounds great, but I would modify a few things.

For instance, you said 881 coil and top plate spacer. For the same price of an 881, you can get the 883, which is a 3" lift coil. It doesn't require a top plate spacer, so you save there. Or like you mentioned in the 2.5" lift choice, Bilstein 5100s and 881s, just bring them to a higher adjustment for a full 3". I wouldn't waste my time with 906's... but that's just me.

The rear set up I like. I wish I had 891's since I have a rear bumper, but if you're not carrying cargo, the 890 is a great spring.

Couple those with a Toytec Diff drop and Panhard drop for a fully functional and well installed lift kit.

BTW, if you want to save a few $$ on the front shocks, buy them from Wheeler's Off Road, you won't find them under the 4Runner section, but instead under the 95.5-2004 Tacoma. They're the exact same shock (front only, tacoma's have different rear shocks I am pretty sure). I have them. I would buy the new bushing kit, too.

Love my BFG A/T's. I will get them again. Great all around tire. The people who complain and pick about them don't realize they're an All Terrain tire... not some magical tire than can conquer the deepest snow, the wettest road, or the muddiest bog. It does well in each, but is not specifically best in one area. A mud terrain is best for mud. An all season road tire is good for rain. An All Terrain does well in all areas, but not as well as a tire specifically made for that area. It's not too loud, either, like a mud terrain. It's not a little girl in the mud, like an all season road tire. It's a good ALL around TERRAIN tire.

The Duratrac is a lot of people's argument to the BFG, but as I've read on this forum, it's not quite as good off of the road. You might like those, though. I personally don't like Goodyear. They're Jeep tires, IMO.

You've read my rant. Thanks for your time

And yet again I change the tires, now it's between the T/A KO & DuraTrac's.

But on to the lift setup:
I really like the Bilstein 5100's but I'm having a hard time finding them for a 98 4Runner, it seems like no one has them except for Toytec and they want an arm/leg. If I looked for the 5100's under the 95.5-2004 Tacoma (what yr exactly is this for?), would they fit on my Runner?

Also, what type rear shock/strut would you recommend for the 2" or 3" lift?

 

[MAD 69]

Why not just go with the Tall '99 coils and new Tokico Trekmaster shocks? It sounds like you only need a moderate lift since your not going mudding or rockcrawling. This saves a ton of money and allows you to get a decent set of 265/75's which will fit with that lift...

Down the road you can go with a bigger lift with the money you saved now.

 

[rjaudi]

Here is another lift choice:

Front Bilstein 5100 Tundra shocks: 190 at tirerack
Front TRD Tundra Springs: Around 240 new at trdparts4u
Front Diff Drop: 30 at Toytec

Rear OME 890: 145 at trdparts4u
Rear 95 LandCruiser shocks: around 75 at trdparts4u

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Here is another lift choice:

Front Bilstein 5100 Tundra shocks: 190 at tirerack
Front TRD Tundra Springs: Around 240 new at trdparts4u
Front Diff Drop: 30 at Toytec

Rear OME 890: 145 at trdparts4u
Rear 95 LandCruiser shocks: around 75 at trdparts4u

Why not just go with the Tall '99 coils and new Tokico Trekmaster shocks? It sounds like you only need a moderate lift since your not going mudding or rockcrawling. This saves a ton of money and allows you to get a decent set of 265/75's which will fit with that lift...

Down the road you can go with a bigger lift with the money you saved now.

Thanks guys - what are we talking for the lift height wise with these setups?

 

[rjaudi]

Front would be adjustable from 2-3 inches and rear would be 3 inches roughly.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Here is another lift choice:

Front Bilstein 5100 Tundra shocks: 190 at tirerack
Front TRD Tundra Springs: Around 240 new at trdparts4u
Front Diff Drop: 30 at Toytec

Rear OME 890: 145 at trdparts4u
Rear 95 LandCruiser shocks: around 75 at trdparts4u

This looks like it would keep my ride somewhat factory feeling & soft/comfortable?

Are you sure the Bilstein 5100 Tundra & Landcruiser shocks would fit??

Also would I need any trim packers or spacers or any of that other crap to even things out if I did this setup?
Such as the OME Accessory Kit. I don't think that kit (see below) would work b/c as it says on the page, you have to use those specified OME parts. BUT - I believe I would still need to get the Diff Drop Kit AND PandHard Bar in order to make the ride NICE and done right???????????

What We Supply in this kit:
* Adjustable Trac/PanHard Bar: ONE
*1" Tapered Diff Drop Kit: ONE KIT
* Machined OME shock adjusters. TWO

What you need to buy/order from an ARB Distributor: (We do not included these parts, but you will need them):
* 880 or 881 Front Coils, TWO:
* 90004 Front Shocks, TWO:
* 890 or 891 Rear Springs, TWO:
* 60027 or 60028 Rear Shocks, TWO: