New Toytec Lift = Terrible Handling

[NorthIdaho4runner]

New Toytec Lift, and was wondering about handling.

NOT A TOYTEC BASHING THREAD. Just need input.

Greetings-

A little background.... 2001 4runner SR5 4x4, 265 75R16.

I recently installed a Toytec 3 inch Front Spacer/Rear Coil lift and New Bilstein HD's on my 4runner.

While I love the look and the extra towing capability (Med, duty springs), the front is very stiff and the truck handling pretty poorly. It had a alignment down right after the install. The truck feels terrible at lower speeds (25 to 45mph) and seems to wander.

I know that spacers aren't the best method but I'd hope for alot better handling. Is due to the geometry of the Control arms because of the spacers.

I am tempted to remove the whole lift and sell it but I though I'd see if there some other solutions to improve handling.

What about installing a OME 881 Front spring? Would that help at all....

Sorry if this has been beat to death, just haven't found a solid solution.

Thanks

 

[Stick Figure]

Post the alignment results

 

[IanB]

"It had a alignment down right after the install."

How soon after the install are we talking? They say you should wait a day or 2 so things can settle before getting an alignment done. What are your tire pressures at?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Don't bash toytec becuase YOU chose what is commonly known as the cheapest and worst lifting method and didn't like it..

Lifted vehicles ride worse, its just a fact. Lift springs will ride better than spacers, but you will still be riding on over-extended stock shocks. And that will still feel bad. You really need new proper length shocks and springs for a good lift.

 

[Evilmunkey]

Low speed means there's a tire issue, how new are said tires?

Also you went w/ 3 inches of lift w/out modifying your upper and lower control arms, probably didn't do your diff drop nor extend your rear brake cables

 

[04rnr]

did you install them right ?

 

[NorthIdaho4runner]

Don't bash toytec becuase YOU chose what is commonly known as the cheapest and worst lifting method and didn't like it..

Lifted vehicles ride worse, its just a fact. Lift springs will ride better than spacers, but you will still be riding on over-extended stock shocks. And that will still feel bad. You really need new proper length shocks and springs for a good lift.

Umm, I wasn't bashing Toytec at all. Not sure where you got that. And I know I went the MOST AFFORDABLE lift. And it's not really the ride, I fully expected it to be stiffer... It's the handling that is what I'm worried about. Thanks for making me feel so welcome Ripcord...Geezzz.

I had the alignment done probably within 10 to 20 miles of the install... Should I have them look at it again? As far as air pressures I'm not sure. They (Les Schwabs) switched my summer tires at the same time, I'll have to check, what is optimal?

So, by going to a "lifted spring" for example, OME 881, could I still use my Bilsteins?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Umm, I wasn't bashing Toytec at all. Not sure where you got that. And I know I went the MOST AFFORDABLE lift. And it's not really the ride, I fully expected it to be stiffer... It's the handling that is what I'm worried about. Thanks for making me feel so welcome Ripcord...Geezzz.

I had the alignment done probably within 10 to 20 miles of the install... Should I have them look at it again? As far as air pressures I'm not sure. They (Les Schwabs) switched my summer tires at the same time, I'll have to check, what is optimal?

So, by going to a "lifted spring" for example, OME 881, could I still use my Bilsteins?

Your thread title begs to differ..

And yeah, get another alignment. Takes about a week for most of the settling to occur.

 

[Baja Runner]

Go to a front end shop that specializes in alignments. They are far and few between and usually expensive. Sounds like the guy who did it didn't know what he was doing. I used to get very good alignments up in bay area for $25. Now down in San Diego I just paid $150 for it , but it handles like it was stock. Basically just find a place with a good record and pay what you have to get it right.

 

[NorthIdaho4runner]

Low speed means there's a tire issue, how new are said tires?

Also you went w/ 3 inches of lift w/out modifying your upper and lower control arms, probably didn't do your diff drop nor extend your rear brake cables

Unfortunately. I did none of those things. Are those necessary for proper handling? What types of modification to the Control arms would I have to do?

I'm about 99% everything is installed right.

 

[OU4x4]

i had the same wandering issue after installing my sonoran steel lift.
a set of 1.25" wheel spacers did the trick.
drives great now.

 

[NorthIdaho4runner]

Your thread title begs to differ..

And yeah, get another alignment. Takes about a week for most of the settling to occur.

Yeah the title was kind of accusatory... not intentional at all.
I will get another alignment done first and see if that helps.

Thanks

 

[hungryeddy]

Umm, I wasn't bashing Toytec at all. Not sure where you got that. And I know I went the MOST AFFORDABLE lift. And it's not really the ride, I fully expected it to be stiffer... It's the handling that is what I'm worried about. Thanks for making me feel so welcome Ripcord...Geezzz.

I had the alignment done probably within 10 to 20 miles of the install... Should I have them look at it again? As far as air pressures I'm not sure. They (Les Schwabs) switched my summer tires at the same time, I'll have to check, what is optimal?

So, by going to a "lifted spring" for example, OME 881, could I still use my Bilsteins?

Don't mind him... he feels the need to do that to everybody that posts something he doesn't agree with.... you'll learn to live with it. don't let him steer you away.

even though this not the ideal way to lift our trucks, i doubt the handling (not ride quality) is supposed to be that much worse. i suspect something is wrong other than your lift. i say alignment... seems like they didn't do it right. don't worry about modifying your upper and lower control arms or brake lines for now. you probably should get a diff drop tho, still not part of how it handles.

 

[NorthIdaho4runner]

Thanks for all the quick input guys. I'm gonna have it realigned first and go from there.

And look at getting a diff drop too.

 

[shadow247]

Ideally you would get longer shocks to go with the front lift. The spacer lift extends the shocks to the top-end of their travel, which can and will cause handling issues.

 

[CoMarc]

Thanks for all the quick input guys. I'm gonna have it realigned first and go from there.

And look at getting a diff drop too.

I think you're on the right track here!

After my initial lift I had my truck aligned. They did a terrible job, unfortunately, and my truck ended up pulling to one side. I left it that way because at the time I didn't know any better. However, after lifting the front another inch or so I got another alignment from a more reputable shop. What a difference! My truck handles great and drives straight-no issues.

I believe the first shop to do my alignment didn't do it very well and screwed it up. The second shop must have done it right.

 

[jrm]

I think its the spacer/HD combo

Not saying it worng nor right just that certain combos will work together but not very well. From my experience same thing goes Same goes for the 881s & HD setup.

 

[Hepar]

Does the wandering your experiencing happen when you're driving straight?

 

[NorthIdaho4runner]

Not saying it worng nor right just that certain combos will work together but not very well. From my experience same thing goes Same goes for the 881s & HD setup.

Just so I understand, your thinking the combo of the Spacer lift and Bilstein HD's (stock length) could be a bad combo handling wise?

Whats the other options as far as shocks go for a lifted 4runner... besides the Bilstein 5100's?

Driving straight, it seems like your constantly turning (very little to the left & right) the wheel to stay in a straight line.

 

[Stick Figure]

I would guess they screwed the caster when trying to get the camber in spec. Thats why I asked for the after specs.