Non-rock crawling suspension/tire combo

[Nelsonmd]

Hey guys, so I am trying to plan ahead for my suspension replacement next summer, and want to get your opinions.

I am not going to be a rock-crawler, or really a sport off-roader (though your guys' rigs really tempt me into it). I hike, rock climb, etc in the summer which takes me on some washed out dirt roads and the like, and I camp and ice climb in the winter, so snow, heavily snowed in parking lots, etc.

The rest of the time I am commuting to work on the highway (I know, this isn't the ideal vehicle for that).

Would the standard 3in lift be beneficial to me, or would just a real good set of stock height shocks/coils, or maybe slightly lifted be better (I need to limit costs as much as possible)?

Also, I see that BFG AT's are popular here, are there better/cheaper options?

All opinions welcome. Thanks.

 

[Qyota]

Sounds like the Sonoran Steel 3.0 would work nicely. It'd give you a 1" lift, a smooth ride, and the ability to put slightly larger tires on, without requiring new CV boots, diff drop, extended panhard bar, etc.

Honestly, the stock 4runner has plenty of ground clearance for all conditions, save for deep mud and boulders.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'd just stick with a 2.5 at the most of lift since 3" can push the CV angles to wear a little faster and can break. OME lifts aren't bad and they are simple and won't break the bank.

Slee - Toyota Tacoma Suspension

Here's the Sonoran best the factory had to offer for under $600 which gives you the taller coils and Tokico shocks.

4 Wheel Drive - System 3 - $590.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts


As far as tires I like my GY Duratracs for everyday driving and intermediate trail runs and they've served me well since last October. BFGs are solid if you off road alot but on a DD they've always left me desiring more perfromance on the street especially in the wet.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Man, I've gotta laugh at the references to Slee. I grew up in Wheat Ridge and must have driven by Slee a million times going up 93... IIRC there was a black rig, and a yellow rig that often parked there (might have been T4R's, don't remember), both had snorkels, and looked straight up BA. I always looked longingly at them as I drove by.

Man, it makes me all nostalgic for CO. I gotta move back.

Keep the opinions coming!

 

[Jon]

I love my new setup but it may be overkill for you and it wasn't a bargain by any means, about $2K for everything and that's NO labor. It rides great and the tires are not nearly as loud as most. Ck my sig for specs.

 

[XJeepguy]

The stock rig with great tires is capable of a lot . Mine is stock height with Terra Grapplers on it and you would cringe at some of the roads I go on , when I'm up in the mountains fishing . I'll take some picks for ya next time . Yahoo for E-Lockers :guitar2:

 

[Nelsonmd]

So what would be a better choice, going with the SS 3.0, or piecing together parts for a cheaper job (like finding some LC coils, etc.)

From what I read you would have to balance the advantages of a well matched set like the SS3.0 vs the cost and extra lift of piecing it together.

Altogether (incl shipping) the SS3.0 is going to be around $860
What could I piece together new suspension for?
Also, I hear that someone on this forum can get me a discount at SS, or was that at toytech... in which case I would go for the OME kit.

Thoughts?

 

[Pikeman]

I would suggest either Toytec OME set-up. There are a couple on here that can give you a discount code. Ric, SteezeMcqueen? and I think one other. Also a nice all-terrain tire will do well for you. Since you are in MD check the reviews for the individual tires you are considering for their Snow performance.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I would suggest either Toytec OME set-up. There are a couple on here that can give you a discount code. Ric, SteezeMcqueen? and I think one other. Also a nice all-terrain tire will do well for you. Since you are in MD check the reviews for the individual tires you are considering for their Snow performance.

How much of a discount? Both toytech lift kits are a bit more than I would like to spend.

 

[quicksilvr]

How much of a discount? Both toytech lift kits are a bit more than I would like to spend.

I think you can get up to 10% off. Maybe just 5%. I bet if you tell them you're spending your money elsewhere due to $$...they'd give you 10%.

An OME 881/890 setup with pre-assembled fronts is what I'd do if I was you. It'll be a little taller than the SS3.0 setup, and give a little bit of rake. Most of the time the SS3.0 setup is exactly even...if not a little lower in the rear.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Can anyone comment on the difference in highway/in-town ride between the SS3.0 and the Toytec OME kit?

Also, with the SS3.0, would there be a way to prevent any negative rake? I will be taking loads of gear up to the mountains, so I don't want to start with negative rake. I know trim packers are meant to correct lean, but would it be acceptable/advantageous to us them the correct a little negative rake?

 

[brian2sun]

Can anyone comment on the difference in highway/in-town ride between the SS3.0 and the Toytec OME kit?

Also, with the SS3.0, would there be a way to prevent any negative rake? I will be taking loads of gear up to the mountains, so I don't want to start with negative rake. I know trim packers are meant to correct lean, but would it be acceptable/advantageous to us them the correct a little negative rake?

That really depends on which OME coils you are comparing. Either way, the factory '99 suspension (SS 3.0) is going to ride softer and that means better for on-road, but not as good for off road.

I used 10mm OME trim packers to lift my rear end back up after I put a heavy off road bumper on and they worked out good. If you want more than 10mm of lift, you can stack them and get 20mm.

 

[Nelsonmd]

At the risk of beating a dead horse... I guess I would really like to nail down all the little extras that are needed.

So is this correct for a comparison?
SS3.0: Total: $792.94 + 72.35 S&H - 5-10% discount
All needed parts are included in the extra goodie set

Toytec Ultimate: Total: $1124.97 + $88.97 S&H
Kit: $999
Panhard drop kit: $50 + welding labor (or $175 for a new bar from SS)
Extended rear brake line (w/abs): $75
Am I missing any parts here? what about all those extras in the SS3.0 kit?

Toytec OME kit: Total $1013.96 + $85.96 S&H
Kit: $858.99 (with assembly and top plates)
Extended Brake Lines: $75
Panhard Drop Kit: $50 + welding labor

For completion:
SS1.2: Total: $1424.00 + $105.77 S&H - 5-10% discount
This includes everything needed including panhard, bumpstops, sway bar adjustments, etc. (which is more than the Toytec kits)

The SS kits appear more, complete, I guess I see why so many of you have them. I assume there would be some additional costs with the toytec kits for all the stuff that is included in the SS kits, but not all of it necessary.

What are the realistic capability gains from doing a 3in lift? Is this really only needed for rock crawling? Like not on my way to a trailhead in winter, or on a washed out dirt road in spring?

I think I am leaning towards the SS3.0 here. It appears I really won't need a 3in lift for getting where I want to go rather than doing obstacles.

 

[Gerdo]

You may not NEED 2.5"-3" of lift but do you want that? Or are you thinking of 1'-1.5"?

You could go with OME coils F&R. Tundra Fronts (~2" of lift) and OME 890 or 891 rear (~3" of lift).
Do you carry much weight in back? the 891 will carry more weight.

You can go to a 265/75-16 tire (~32") without a lift or anything above.
I had BFG ATs for years, good tire. I switched to Yokohama AT/S last winter. Better ridding, smoother, great offroad, balance great. I'm very happy with them and they cost less ~$30/tire.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You may not NEED 2.5"-3" of lift but do you want that? Or are you thinking of 1'-1.5"?

You could go with OME coils F&R. Tundra Fronts (~2" of lift) and OME 890 or 891 rear (~3" of lift).
Do you carry much weight in back? the 891 will carry more weight.

You can go to a 265/75-16 tire (~32") without a lift or anything above.
I had BFG ATs for years, good tire. I switched to Yokohama AT/S last winter. Better ridding, smoother, great offroad, balance great. I'm very happy with them and they cost less ~$30/tire.

Normally I won't carry much weight, but I will fill the back with camping/climbing gear every couple weeks or so to go up to the mountains. A few times a year I will load it real full helping people move. Once I will be putting a replacement rear axle in the back in prep for my rear axle replacement.

Are those the yokohama geolander AT/S? I have the geolanders right now (that exact size), havn't taken them off road or in the snow yet, and they are partially worn, not sure what % life is gone. Thanks for the review, it's good to have an opinion on the tire I currently have (i havne't hardly gotten to drive on them :cry2.

As far as how much lift I want, I want as much as I will need. I am much more a function guy than a looks guy. If I won't use the extra benefit of the 3in lift, then I don't want it (I would feel like a poser, and I would be one too, plus a few hundred $ poorer).

 

[brian2sun]

Toytec Ultimate: Total: $1124.97 + $88.97 S&H
Kit: $999
Panhard drop kit: $50 + welding labor (or $175 for a new bar from SS)
Extended rear brake line (w/abs): $75
Am I missing any parts here? what about all those extras in the SS3.0 kit?

You don't have to do anything with the panhard for the OME 890s unless you would be bothered by having your rear axle ~3/16" off to the passenger side. I've been running mine lifted without a panhard adjustment for years and no problems. Since the rear shocks are a little longer than the OMEs, they will allow for a bit more travel and could stretch your brake line so I would recommend extended lines, or to save $$, the bracket can also be bent to give more slack for the brake line too. All the little goodies that come with the 3.0 kit aren't bad to have, but aren't necessary and IMO your $$ is better spent on other things like lights or skids.

Toytec OME kit: Total $1013.96 + $85.96 S&H
Kit: $858.99 (with assembly and top plates)
Extended Brake Lines: $75
Panhard Drop Kit: $50 + welding labor

Same with this lift, no need for the panhard drop. But, in this case since the OME shocks are a little shorter and limit the travel a little, the extended brake line isn't needed either. If anything just bend the brake line bracket and save the dough, but you shouldn't have to with this lift.

For completion:
SS1.2: Total: $1424.00 + $105.77 S&H - 5-10% discount
This includes everything needed including panhard, bumpstops, sway bar adjustments, etc. (which is more than the Toytec kits)

You do need all those little things for this lift because it's more than 3" in the rear and the shocks are long so it will stretch your brake lines when your axle is extended. The axle will be a bit too far off center with this lift since you get 4-5" (and a big rake) so the panhard does needs to be adjusted.

What are the realistic capability gains from doing a 3in lift? Is this really only needed for rock crawling? Like not on my way to a trailhead in winter, or on a washed out dirt road in spring?

This is a hard question because it depends on what you do and how often. It helps in the snow to not drag as much. It helps going up steep hills to not drag your bumpers. I like my lift for other reasons too like it makes oil changes and working under it without using a jack nice.

^^^^

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks for the reply Brian. That makes more sense than what I have pieced together from other posts.

I knew that last question is tough/subjective, thanks for actually answering it. That "easier to work under it" one really speaks to me, and the less drag in the snow.

Realistically I think I don't need the extra lift, and would appreciate the added comfort of the SS3.0, but if I can do the OME kit for about the same price (without all the extras), then the added functionality might be worth it.

How hard is it to assemble the shocks yourself? I have read a couple threads on it and it seems like a pretty big pain. And are you saying that I don't actually need the extra goodies for the SS3.0? Would I just be reusing old stuff?

 

[brian2sun]

How hard is it to assemble the shocks yourself? I have read a couple threads on it and it seems like a pretty big pain. And are you saying that I don't actually need the extra goodies for the SS3.0? Would I just be reusing old stuff?

Glad to help man. All the extras included in the 3.0 kit are all stock parts that you have now and can be reused if you assemble your own front struts. Instead of paying $202.94 in redundant parts and his labor I would get the basic 3.0 kit for $590 unassembled and have a shop swap the coils on your front struts for probably ~$50. I assembled my own struts on my 1st lift and wouldn't recommend it unless you have a press.

So now you could get the 3.0 for ~$700 total/shipped if you do all the install except for the strut assemblies.. or.. You could get the OME set up for ~$975 total/shipped (I added a $25 diff drop to the price because I feel they are a good thing to have on a 3" lift).

Keep in mind also that the SS '99 coils are used and are prone to sagging within a few years and they're already 11 years old if they're off a '99. If I was going to do '99 suspension, I would source the coils myself and save $$.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Keep in mind also that the SS '99 coils are used and are prone to sagging within a few years and they're already at least 8 years old. If I was going to do '99 suspension, I would source the coils myself and save $$.

Huh. That seems like an important point. I thought they would be new.

BTW, I assume you meant to say the Ultimate lift has longer shocks and would require the extended brake lines?

 

[brian2sun]

Huh. That seems like an important point. I thought they would be new.

I think they're used. On the SS site it says, "(2)-1999 Toyota 4Runner front coils from a vehicle made in Japan with a 3.4 V6, 4WD & 16" wheels" and "(2)-1999 Toyota 4Runner rear coils from a vehicle made in Japan with a 3.4 V6, 4WD & 16" wheels".

BTW, I assume you meant to say the Ultimate lift has longer shocks and would require the extended brake lines?

Good call, that was a typo. The "Complete OME Kit" has the shorter OME shocks and you wont need the extended brake lines. The "Toytec Ultimate Kit" has the longer shocks and needs the brake lines or bend the bracket. (I will edit my post so it won't confuse future readers).