Overextension with spacer lifts?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

When adding spacers to the front I know its possible to overextend the shock. I always hear about this with topout spacers. Is this still possible with a preload spacer? Thanks.

 

[martini]

Here's a great writeup about the pro/con of both topout and preload spacers: 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Lift

 

[chaz]

just some more info. Spacer lift problems with the small amount of lift u want, no off roading, & the adjustablity of the shocks ur getting i think you'll be ok,

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I think either way will be fine, but I do have the option of getting a preload spacer. With adjustable shocks, the ride quality really isn't going to be an issue. I've always heard of top out spacers having the potential for this, but nothing really on preloads. I was going to get their Quicklift setup, but I want more than 1.75" lift out of the deal. I'll probably stick with a 1" thick spacer. You're also right, basically no off roading. I may start some, but it will be very minor stuff.

 

[berettashot117]

hmm.. so do you think I will be ok installing a toytec top plate spacer on top of my toytec coilovers? only reason is I'm sick of tire rub and I don't want to trim anymore

 

[chaz]

ur at 3in. up front now, & u want to add a spacer on top to go to something like 4? if it were me, i would'nt want the extra stress on the CV's. how bout a 1.5 body lift instead?

 

[gaterose]

I was going to get their Quicklift setup, but I want more than 1.75" lift out of the deal.

I'm not 100% on this but I wanted to throw this out there because I'm wondering if I'm right..

If the quicklift is made for FJCs (the OEM coil springs from which will lift our 4Rs .5-1") and provides 2" (not 1.75") of lift over stock for the FJC, shouldn't it provide more than 2" on the 4R? Wouldn't it be like doing FJC coils + 2"?

 

[berettashot117]

I don't really like body lifts. as for my cv's, with my current setup ( with differential drop), the dealership told me I wasn't affecting the cv's with my lift, so I dont think the extra inch will be too bad

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm not 100% on this but I wanted to throw this out there because I'm wondering if I'm right..

If the quicklift is made for FJCs (the OEM coil springs from which will lift our 4Rs .5-1") and provides 2" (not 1.75") of lift over stock for the FJC, shouldn't it provide more than 2" on the 4R? Wouldn't it be like doing FJC coils + 2"?

The same quicklift is used on the FJ and 4runner. Which it was made for I have no idea. If I could confirm I'd get 2"-2.5" out of it, I'd go that route. I'm debating the quicklift vs the regular 9000xl with the Daystar budget boost (1" thick spacer).

 

[gaterose]

The same quicklift is used on the FJ and 4runner. Which it was made for I have no idea. If I could confirm I'd get 2"-2.5" out of it, I'd go that route. I'm debating the quicklift vs the regular 9000xl with the Daystar budget boost (1" thick spacer).

It (like basically every other suspension you find for the 4R) was made for the FJ.

They claim 2" for the FJ on the rancho site/catalog, not sure where you got 1.75" from or why you think you'd get less than 2".

Rancho quickLIFT

Don't know what the price difference is on the quicklift vs just shocks & a spacer but if you get the quicklift you can also sell your FJ coils or sell your whole coilover as a complete lift kit instead of just the bilsteins 5100s.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yea, I've thought about that. I picked up 1.75 somewhere along the way. I also found a member who installed the quicklift and 255/75/17's. He only had a total measurement from ground to fender. Based on what I could tell, he ended up with about 1.75" from the quicklift kit. Double checked, even for the 4runner application they are listing 2". My concern is that with the v8 in the 4runner, wouldn't the front be heavier than the FJ, causing less lift?

 

[BlairB]

I don't really like body lifts. as for my cv's, with my current setup ( with differential drop), the dealership told me I wasn't affecting the cv's with my lift, so I dont think the extra inch will be too bad

Downtravel will become your issue. When you have your suspension so cranked up you will overextend your suspension really easily and get a really jarring ride.

Here is a good thread on that

How High is Too High? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

and a good post from there that sums it up...

I'm going to recant my post. Currently I'm running TC 3.5 lift spindles with Fox 2.5 remote resi coilovers and Camburg UCAs for the front suspension. Been hearing a loud banging noise coming from the front as well as the feeling of a wheel coming off the ground when I make turns that are off camber at intersections. So I stopped by DMZ Fab and race prep to talk to Tim again about other stuff. I brought up the issues I am having, so he gave me crap for a few minutes because of other stuff before taking a look at my setup.

Tim pulled out a jack to check my travel and droop. Turns out my suspension is maxed out with not enough droop to handle speed bumps, humps or serious off camber driveways or intersections. Basically FJ COs are not ment for 4runners since they are of different lengths and use firmer spring rates. So in short I am maxing out the travel which puts a ton of stress on the bolt that secures the UCA and spindle. Continued use would result in failure of the bolt. My truck is going in to DMZ to have the COs reconstructed to permit me to reduce preload to lower the ride height so I stay within the suspension cycle without hitting the limits. Tim will also be installing limiting straps on the front to limit max travel.

For the rear I have 3.5 lift walker Evans coils, daystar 1.5 spacer and 10 inch travel Fox 2.0 remote resi shocks. Again down travel is almost at its max. Same activity as the front. Panhard bar is stressed and rear shocks are almost too short, not to mention the rear axle is pulled to the passenger side by about an inch. The ride is stiff and squirrelly when driving on rough poorly maintained roads as well as on the freeway. Removing the 1.5 inch spacer will fix this issue.

3 inches of lift with spacers or COs is the max the OEM suspension travel can handle before balljoints or unball bolts become the stressed weak link that could fail with prolonged use. For the rear 3.5 inches of lift is the max before you start to stress the drive shaft universal joint and flange bolts, as well as the panhard bar from excessive force and improper driveline angles.

 

[berettashot117]

thanks Blair b, you have officially scared me away from the top plate spacer, I guess I'll just have to put on this 1" toytec BL that I just hate so much lol.

 

[BlairB]

thanks Blair b, you have officially scared me away from the top plate spacer, I guess I'll just have to put on this 1" toytec BL that I just hate so much lol.

Haha hate scaring people away from anything, but just thought it was an interesting read.

How bad is the rubbing you are getting and where at?

Why are you trying to avoid a BL?

 

[berettashot117]

Haha hate scaring people away from anything, but just thought it was an interesting read.

How bad is the rubbing you are getting and where at?

Why are you trying to avoid a BL?

ya, all it took was me reading the last paragraph of the exert you showed me to convince me not too. I trimmed enough to where I only rub when I hit a bump while turning( pretty much everytime I go up my drive way, or pulling into a store off of a busy road), and it just sounds so horrible every time it does ( I know it is relatively harmless). As for my fear of body lifts, I've heard so many mixed reviews, I'm kinda scared to install mine (I've had a toytec BL since I got my lift).

my dremel tool trim job haha. ya I know it's not pretty, but it works most of the time

 

[techmen17]

ya, all it took was me reading the last paragraph of the exert you showed me to convince me not too. I trimmed enough to where I only rub when I hit a bump while turning( pretty much everytime I go up my drive way, or pulling into a store off of a busy road), and it just sounds so horrible every time it does ( I know it is relatively harmless). As for my fear of body lifts, I've heard so many mixed reviews, I'm kinda scared to install mine (I've had a toytec BL since I got my lift).

So after I installed my BL, I was rubbing more than when I didn't have it on...mainly on the front bumper. But after trimming just a little bit more, all rubbing is gone. I don't even think my suspension can flex enough to even try and rub now. So you might end up having to trim a little more, but after that your rubbing should be gone.

What sort of bad reviews have you heard of? When I was researching them I didn't come across anything except the possibility of the spacers punching through the body if your jumping your truck. My runner won't be going airborne anytime soon, so I think I'm good there

 

[berettashot117]

So after I installed my BL, I was rubbing more than when I didn't have it on...mainly on the front bumper. But after trimming just a little bit more, all rubbing is gone. I don't even think my suspension can flex enough to even try and rub now. So you might end up having to trim a little more, but after that your rubbing should be gone.

What sort of bad reviews have you heard of? When I was researching them I didn't come across anything except the possibility of the spacers punching through the body if your jumping your truck. My runner won't be going airborne anytime soon, so I think I'm good there

one of my good friends (heir to a toyota dealership, the mind behind half my mods) just says how it's bad to pull the truck apart like that. idk, but I'm skeptical. not to mention the fact that installing a BL on these trucks is a PITA. I haven't installed one on a 4runner (yet), but I hear it's like 8000 times more difficult than a chevy pickup (only BL I've ever (helped) install).

 

[berettashot117]

and how did you have more rub afterwards? that sounds quite strange. BTW, ark_swamp, my bad if I have thread jacked you, I just had a similar question and it seems like you may have learned what you needed as well.

EDIT: well I just reread the thread, someone please help ark_swamp with his question about v8 weight affecting an fj lift so I don't feel like an ass for jacking his thread!

 

[gaterose]

Yea, I've thought about that. I picked up 1.75 somewhere along the way. I also found a member who installed the quicklift and 255/75/17's. He only had a total measurement from ground to fender. Based on what I could tell, he ended up with about 1.75" from the quicklift kit. Double checked, even for the 4runner application they are listing 2". My concern is that with the v8 in the 4runner, wouldn't the front be heavier than the FJ, causing less lift?

Interesting, this guy said he got 2.75" on his FJ.

The front is heavier, but the way I see it if this lift is supposed to lift an FJC 2" and the OEM FJC suspension lifted yours .5" then this should lift yours 2.5"

I think rancho put 2" because they assume it will lift the same as FJ because they're unaware the factory FJ stuff will lift the 4R. But obviously I'm not certain and this is just my guess.

edit: Berettashot- too late thread jacker! :jk:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna give it a shot and find out. I'm tempted to just do the RS9000's and a spacer, but seems like the Quicklift may be a better option (warranty/durability). I had 1.5" lift before and that was plenty for what I needed, so even if I do get less it'll be fine. I've got to call Rancho and clarify their promotion, then will probably place the order. I'm just trying to decide if the Quicklift is worth the extra money, really thinking I'll go that route right now though.