NoooB hello and rookie???

[ericdg16]

Hello from Texas. I am looking to buy a mid gen. 2 or early gen. 3
4 runner soon and was wondering what advice ya'll had. I am new to toyo's but not to offroading, looking for a 4wd.

Were there any sus. changes between the gen. 2's and 3's or any other key changes that would affect my decision. I am looking to spend no more than 5K so I imagine I'll end up with a gen. 2.

I am looking to run 285/75r16 (33x11.5) or maybe a 12.5 haven't decided yet. Looks like I'll need about 3" lift correct?

From my experience with my Ford Ranger it is better for me to piece together a lift than to shell out 1K or more for a kit, and I got better ride quality IMO.

If I am correct the rear is a coil setup, so all I would need is lift springs and longer shocks???

And I thought I read that the front is a torsion bar setup??? How much lift are ya'll getting from the t-bar crank?? Is there another way to get more lift from the front other than b-joint spacers (not real fond of that idea)??

In the rangers if you lift over 2" u need new UCA's; is that the case with the 4 runners??

Any info is appreciated, and yes I have searched a little, but am still new to the subject.

 

[fourwd1]

See for yourself

Rear on both gens is coils.

Front on 2nd gen is t-bars, which like any other vehicle, if you crank on them for lift, you get a harsh ride and loose travel in the opposite direction (you can't get something for nothing). Go with BJ spacers.

Front on 3rd gen is coils.

 

[ericdg16]

Thanks for the info.
EDIT: Moving this to the 3rd gen. forum since I decided on that one.

Since that post I have done some more reading, and think I have decided to go with a 3rd gen. even though I'll have to do some negotiating to find one for 5K.

Sounds like there are too many problems with the 2nd gen. head gaskets and serviceability on that motor for me to want to fool with. Plus I think some said there is more power in the 3rd gen. v6's. Looks a little bigger though to me so probably needed the extra power.

I think I am looking at the OME 3" lift from Toyotec. Med duty springs with shocks. Diff. drop kit. and someone mentioned some 10mm spacers for the rear as well; though maybe someone could tell me what for?? and I didn't see them listed on the website.

All together I had it priced at about 800.
Anyone have any suggestions for backspacing to run a 12.5 wide tire??

Also looking for manufacturers of rear bumpers with built in tire carriers and shackle mounts. Any ideas anyone.