New truck and new guy on forum

[Cameronswmp9]

Just got this last Sunday, 2002 4x4 SR5, with the 3.4. 118K on the clock. Bought it from Carmax so I know they went through it well, new valve cover gaskets, tires, and little odds and ends. Auto, in great shape. I do have one of the tires that keeps going flat, have a new valve stem but its still going low, going to a shop to get a better look at it (I think its a small nail/tack that I just cant see, but its no biggy to me really, I love this truck!)

I do want to do a few things to make it mine. Some tint, a small stereo system (I have subs and an amp sitting here, I need to put them to use!) small lift to clear a 285/70R17. This is a family ride, so I dont want to go too big, but I think going up to the 285 will give me the look I want and still work great with the family. So I am looking at a 2 inch increase in tire size, so maybe a 2-3 inch lift, really just enough to clear. Does that sound right? I am thinking of putting on some Ultra Bolts in the 17 inch flavor, with a Firestone Destination AT, at least thats the plan for now. It has new tires on it now, and I didnt have to pay for them, so I am going to run them down lol.

I do want to, before I get into the bigger modifications, do a tune up with new plugs, wires, probably some seafoam or something like that, just to make sure all is good and can get the best fuel economy I can, I know its not a Prius or anything, but a little help at the pumps never hurts.

About me, since this is kinda an intro post deal, I am 26, recently married with 2 awesome stepsons, age 10 and almost 8. We are into boating, hockey (hopefully we can get some hockey this year.....) baseball, and all kinds of things really. I have been into cars my whole life, even built a crawler a few years ago before I sold it for my boat. Had all kinds of trucks, recently sold my Cummins dually for this, and this is a little change of pace sizewise comparably. I have worked in a shop for 7 years, and now into a parts store so still working with cars, just not on them except as a hobby.

The Ultra Bolts, undecided on the setup colorwise. I know I have some time, but I like to get the whole shopping list set up and ready.

My options are as follows:

or

They make them in all black, but I do want a little contrast in there with the polish look. Whatcha think TW?

Thanks for the advice, and I am wanting to get cracking on building this thing!!

 

[quicksilvr]

Nice rig! Sounds like a nice plan for it too. I like the Ultra Bolts with more black on them, the first option you posted. Those with a 285/70R17 A/T tire would look great. If you are only lifting to get the look and fit the wheel/tire combo, then a cheap spacer lift isn't a bad idea. If you grind or pound the pinch welds up front, you wont rub during normal driving on the street with a 2" lift. Although since your's is a 2002...even the smallest spring lift is going to be more like 2.5" to 3" over what you have now, because the 2002's were the lowest from the factory.

 

[AZTOY]

Welcome.

:cheers:

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

118k?!?! I'd dump that high miler quick! I'll pm you my number :lmao:

Looks super clean for sure, will make a great ride for many years

 

[masson74]

Welcome.

I would go with the three inch lift. Why you might ask??? Because I went with a two inch lift and 6 months later paid up for the three inch lift and wasted $400 in the process. Joining this group is an expensive money and time burner, but fun too. I have learned a ton and had a blast meeting up with guys on the trails too.

If you are going 285's then get a three inch lift period. You wont be sorry. My 2 cents.

Dave

 

[muddertrucker99]

Welcome! You'll find this sight very useful!

 

[Cameronswmp9]

118k?!?! I'd dump that high miler quick! I'll pm you my number :lmao:

Looks super clean for sure, will make a great ride for many years

That is the plan! I saw it had 118k on it, I was in there like swimwear to get it!! It rides nice and handles well, and the family likes it!! I have had to beg my wife to drive it after she drove it the first time!!

Welcome.

I would go with the three inch lift. Why you might ask??? Because I went with a two inch lift and 6 months later paid up for the three inch lift and wasted $400 in the process. Joining this group is an expensive money and time burner, but fun too. I have learned a ton and had a blast meeting up with guys on the trails too.

If you are going 285's then get a three inch lift period. You wont be sorry. My 2 cents.

Dave

I was thinking a 3 inch, but didnt want to do a 3 inch lift and still not clear them. I dont want to go too big either where its too big for the family ride that I need it to be.

I still want it to ride well, I am coming out of a dually so a covered wagon will ride better than that did, but not get to where that rode. Would the spacer lift be the ticket? Maybe the coil spacer in the strut? I will not go into the full coil over setup, as its just not needed, but I dont want to get cheap stuff and have a cheap ride, or have issues with the CVs when it does go into 4wd on a boat ramp or beach or occasional brush thru the woods.

 

[Millerad1651]

Welcome.

I would go with the three inch lift. Why you might ask??? Because I went with a two inch lift and 6 months later paid up for the three inch lift and wasted $400 in the process. Joining this group is an expensive money and time burner, but fun too. I have learned a ton and had a blast meeting up with guys on the trails too.

If you are going 285's then get a three inch lift period. You wont be sorry. My 2 cents.

Dave

X2...I went with 2" first, then added the extra inch later. Running 285s and didn't have to pound anything in, and I have no rubbing.

 

[that$pit]

Damn you guys, I was looking at a 2" lift as well, screw you for changing my mind, hate you i quit:redbrick:

Btw nice rig, might as well go with the 3"

 

[BrianSD_42]

Welcome go the forum.

I recommend you really do a lot of research before buying a lift. There are several sticky threads in the 3rd gen section, read them. Also do some research on the sonoran steel 1.2 lift. A lot of guys pick the wrong lift and end up changing it out later. Assume your local 4WD shop doesn't know jack just and stick to the forum advice. I'm betting you want a nice ride + some lift...

 

[02-Sport]

Nice ride, I put a 3" spacer lift on my sons 01 with 285/70/17
Had to cut and knock the pinch weld in but well worth it. Gives it a nice look, still rubs a little on the frame when turning the wheel all the way.

But as you see some on here doesn't have these issues. I'm not trying to talk you out of doing it just wanted to share my issues.

Lift that thing, loose the running boards, kill the DRL,s get them wheels and 285's. Belooking good!!

 

[96743runner]

Welcome! And +1 for lifting it 3" from the start. I originally wanted only 1.5"-2" of lift, ended up buying a 3" lift and now I want it a bit higher. Regarding the wheels, I think the black ones would look great on your 4Runner.

 

[Cameronswmp9]

Welcome go the forum.

I recommend you really do a lot of research before buying a lift. There are several sticky threads in the 3rd gen section, read them. Also do some research on the sonoran steel 1.2 lift. A lot of guys pick the wrong lift and end up changing it out later. Assume your local 4WD shop doesn't know jack just and stick to the forum advice. I'm betting you want a nice ride + some lift...

I have been doing a lot of reading on the lifts, and I know there are everything from the spacers to the full on race setup lifts. Ive done the full on race stuff before and I just dont need that. I have looked at the Sonoran Steel, as well as the ToyTec and some of the OME stuff.

I usually dont buy from the off road shops, they know Jeep stuff, the full size Chevy trucks that get the 15 inch lifts and a little of this, little of that. Very few know about other vehicles. They try to sell you the biggest kit because it costs the most and has the most detailed directions lol. Ive worked in shops and have installed a few coil spacers on these trucks (tacos included) over the years. I am pretty handy with a wrench myself, and would like to try to get my stepsons into wrenching too. I would like a nice ride, but I came from a big dually, so anything is going to ride nicer!

Definitely need more reading and research isneeded before any money is put down on a lift. I am looking at my best options for what I need and what will suit me best. I am looking at build threads and lift installs to see what other guys have done and learn from others mistakes, and what works what doesnt.

Thanks for all the advice, I will take all I can get!!

 

[Cameronswmp9]

118k?!?! I'd dump that high miler quick! I'll pm you my number :lmao:

Looks super clean for sure, will make a great ride for many years

When I get the money, I will be hitting you up for the 3/4 rack!! just saw that and it is awesome!!

 

[Cameronswmp9]

Having a small change in plans, more of a delay in the lift as job requirements go. This is a DD, and I just took a transfer that has me driving farther, so MPGs are a must for now. I am going to do a tune up and seafoam it to get better economy. I know its not a Prius, but all the help I can get in the economy department I can get!

Still going to do the tires, but the stock size or maybe a scoash taller. I do want to get rid of the sag in the rear, and replace the shocks for better ride.

Are new springs or spacers the best for getting rid of the rear sag? I read thru the thread sticky about the rear sag, but seems like the 99 coils help some and not others.

 

[Millerad1651]

If you just want to replace the rear springs, go with 906s. They aren't that much taller than 99talls, and have a pretty good ride. You can also use stock sized shocks with them.

Just a bit of advice, I didn't really lose any MPGs with the bigger lift, the loss came with the bigger tires. If you went 3" or so with the lift, but stick to some nice 265s, you wouldn't lose too much IMO.