Overland Warehouse 2.5" vs 2.0" ride

[cjepple]

Overland Warehouse 2.5" vs 2.0" ride?

Hi Folks,
1st post here! I have searched the threads here and the 120 website and tried to gather as much info before posting, as I am debating which kit to purchase for my 2010 TE. I've found some good comments on both kits, but haven't found much about the ride quality in comparison from stock to the 2.0", and from the 2.0" to the 2.5".

I find the stock suspension to wallow around quite a bit, and the brake dive terrible. I do not intend on adding a heavy front bumper or winch at this time. I do tend to like a stiffer suspension, but this will be a DD and want it to be comfortable on long road trips and around town, as to not be jarring or harsh. I will be using the vehicle off-road in the deserts out west like Death Valley and Anza Borrego. Forgot to mention, I'll be using most likely a 285/70-17 Toyo Open Country A/T, load Range D.

I know there are a lot of you running OW suspension, so I'd greatly appreciate some feedback on the ride of each kit compared to stock, and especially if you have had the chance to compare the difference between the 2.0" and 2.5: kit. Thanks for the help!

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I'll be first to chime in.

When I was looking at suspension I was in the same boat you are. I also felt the same about the stock suspension, on the soft side, lots of body roll, and way too much brake dive. I didn't think I was going to add much weight to the truck plus its a daily driver. I ended up emailing Andries of Overland Warehouse on the reccomendation of a friend using their suspension on a 4th Gen. So I did.

Andries explained the differences to me of both kits and the advantages of them. With the information he gave me I ended up with the 2.5 kit. Andries stated the ride would be firm, but nice. And I have to say it is. My last car was a Nissan 350z and I too like the firm suspension. I do feel the small "washboard" or stutter bumps a little more. But the big bumps are soaked up like no tommorow. I drive about 90 miles round trip to work and back and it rides great. Off Road the suspension is a dream. Handled anything I could throw at it with my limited experience. Another reason I went with the 2.5 kit is based on my past history with cars and trucks, the mod bug only gets stronger as the more modding I do. I already am on the group by for Shrockworks sliders, looking to add a new bumper once I see one I like, and probably will go with a full set of skids. Not to mention I want to build a set of drawers to store stuff in the back. Also with the 2.5 kit there is more oil, which means they will run at a cooler temp due to more oil, leads to less fade. Oh and the brake dive is gone, and body roll is minimal.

With the 2.0 kit you are getting a slightly softer spring (I believe its 650 vs 700) in the coilover but the same rear spring. The shocks will be valved specifically for the springs and stock (or very close to stock) weight truck. The 2.0 kit will provide a slightly softer ride with a stock truck and could take a little extra weight.

Since I figured I might be adding weight later I went with the 2.5 kit. Figure I might regret getting the 2.0 when I did want to add weight.

My recommendation would be to email Andries([email protected]) and tell him what your goals are with the lift and how you want to set the ride up. He can give you better advice then I can, plus he is super friendly and helpful (actually did the install for me with limited help from me :bigok

Either way you go you will be super happy.

 

[tlflow]

2.5 kit

I have the OW HD kit, but it's set up for towing. If my truck is not loaded, it rides like a truck, pretty stiff. When it has about 1000# (passengers+cargo) it rides noticibly smoother. Rides about the same with a trailer.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I too have their 2.5" kit and it handles great. I don't think anyone that's spending money on a coil-over kit would go the 2.0" way. You might as well spend a few extra hundred and be set for the life of the vehicle. As Mikey mentioned, the 2.5" kit will basically allow you to add bumpers, skid plates, extra cargo, etc without any worry. I plan on eventually getting Bud built skid plates and possibly a front and rear bumper down the road. It's nice to know my suspension is already set to tackle the extra weight.

The stock suspension made the 4Runner bob and sway like it was a boat on water. Changing the suspension out by far is the best mod I have done and is worth every penny. You cannot go wrong with OW, Andries will take care of you! Just tell him what you want and he will deliver!!!

I too take mine to Anza Borrego and it soaks up the terrain great. I did the install myself, most time consuming part was just dealing with KDSS but I still was done in about 4 hours. I later lowered the Coilovers a little since I was at like 3.5" front lift. I'm now at 2.5" of lift up front and the rear is about 2" higher. It has the same stance as a factory 4Runner, just is 2.5" taller.

 

[cjepple]

Gentlemen, Thanks much for your replies. I think "firm but nice" is a good way to explain the ride quality I'm looking for. I just don't want it to be fatiguing on long drives. I too prefer a firm suspension, where my former truck was a full size Bronco with a 4" lift and Rancho suspension, and my car is a Mustang which was set up with 1000# road racing springs up front. It felt pretty good to me.

I did contact Andries and he gave me some good info to work with, but I also wanted to solicit from those who have the kits. He thought I might like the 2.5" because it offers a "sportier" ride. Has anyone bought either kit and wish they bought the other instead? I can't imagine a huge ride difference between a 650# and 700# spring, but the shock valving has a lot to do with ride quality as well. I do plan to add RR sliders so I will have a bit extra weight. Ride quality is difficult to quantify, so I just have to go with people's impressions. Ideally I'd like to get a test ride in 2.5" kit to feel it first hand.

Mikey - it sounds like you have no regrets with the 2.5" and none or little extra weight currently. that's good to know.

Nathan - I've read your build thread and many comments (nice truck by the way - I have the silver, too!). I think I recall you commenting that the 2.5" felt pretty stiff, but then you intend to add a bunch of weight. I am planning the exact stance as you, raised 2.5" front, and 2.0" back.

I'm not concerned about the price difference, just making the correct choice. As you know, too stiff of a spring for a given vehicle is also not optimal for off-road, so I just want the proper match for mine. I can't see a front bumper in my future, but I could see some critical skids - probably not a full set. I'm leaning towards the 2.5", but I don't want to regret it if it's stiffer than I expect.

I'd like to do the install myself to save some money. I've done Mustang suspensions for years, but never a Toyota or CO and the KDSS looked like it presents some additional challenges. If I install it, is it drivable to an alignment shop or is the alignment so far out that it can't be driven?

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

cjepple, it seemed fairly stiff at first since they were brand new and cranked up a little high. After I lowered them an inch, the ride was much better. my 4Runner feels solid and handles great. Since you mentioned Anza Borrego, where about are you located?

 

[cjepple]

Nathan, I'm up in Redondo Beach in the LA area. I also recall your comment that it was stiff when it was initially cranked up to 3.5". Good to know it smoothed out when you went to 2.5" of lift.

Great shots and video of you navigating some of the Anza Borrego trails!

Chris

 

[Dispense]

Gentlemen, Thanks much for your replies. I think "firm but nice" is a good way to explain the ride quality I'm looking for. I just don't want it to be fatiguing on long drives. I too prefer a firm suspension, where my former truck was a full size Bronco with a 4" lift and Rancho suspension, and my car is a Mustang which was set up with 1000# road racing springs up front. It felt pretty good to me.

I did contact Andries and he gave me some good info to work with, but I also wanted to solicit from those who have the kits. He thought I might like the 2.5" because it offers a "sportier" ride. Has anyone bought either kit and wish they bought the other instead? I can't imagine a huge ride difference between a 650# and 700# spring, but the shock valving has a lot to do with ride quality as well. I do plan to add RR sliders so I will have a bit extra weight. Ride quality is difficult to quantify, so I just have to go with people's impressions. Ideally I'd like to get a test ride in 2.5" kit to feel it first hand.

Mikey - it sounds like you have no regrets with the 2.5" and none or little extra weight currently. that's good to know.

Nathan - I've read your build thread and many comments (nice truck by the way - I have the silver, too!). I think I recall you commenting that the 2.5" felt pretty stiff, but then you intend to add a bunch of weight. I am planning the exact stance as you, raised 2.5" front, and 2.0" back.

I'm not concerned about the price difference, just making the correct choice. As you know, too stiff of a spring for a given vehicle is also not optimal for off-road, so I just want the proper match for mine. I can't see a front bumper in my future, but I could see some critical skids - probably not a full set. I'm leaning towards the 2.5", but I don't want to regret it if it's stiffer than I expect.

I'd like to do the install myself to save some money. I've done Mustang suspensions for years, but never a Toyota or CO and the KDSS looked like it presents some additional challenges. If I install it, is it drivable to an alignment shop or is the alignment so far out that it can't be driven?

Great thread! Hearing these experiences from folks is very reassuring and I'm tempted to purchase the 2.5 kit now. My goals seem to be identical to yours, definitely sliders and skids in the future, but I don't see any front/rear bumpers being added anytime soon.

To hijack a tad, Anyone know how the OLW kits compare to say the Stage II or III ICON kit? Are the ICON kits worth the extra money? Will twice the cost of the OLW kits give that much more of a better on-road and off-road experience; or would the difference be negligible. (I'd plan on getting UCAs with the OLW kit)

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

To hijack a tad, Anyone know how the OLW kits compare to say the Stage II or III ICON kit? Are the ICON kits worth the extra money? Will twice the cost of the OLW kits give that much more of a better on-road and off-road experience; or would the difference be negligible. (I'd plan on getting UCAs with the OLW kit)

With the Icon stage 2 and 3 kits, your basically paying for the Upper Control Arms. Both come with cheap Edelbrock rear shocks as well. The main benefit of those Icon arms are that they are sealed compared to Camburg and Total Chaos which both have "open-to-the-elements" uniballs.

If it was me, Obviously I would say go OW since its the Best BANG for your buck and you will not be disappointed. Those that go with Icon are very pleased with their suspensions as well but for the 4Runners OW is the better choice, IMO.

If you do go the Icon route, make sure you go with the rear 2.5" piggyback shocks. No sense in spending tons of cash and getting basic mono-tube non serviceable rear shocks.

I had Icons on my Tacoma and I have no regrets going the OW route with my 4Runner... If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose OW for my suspension system.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I had Icons on my Tacoma and I have no regrets going the OW route with my 4Runner... If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose OW for my suspension system.

Dude....thank you so much for posting this. My offroad shop had me sold on the Icon Stage II lift and told me "you get what you pay for with other systems" but you've now sold me on the OW route...thank you for saving me the extra cash!!!

 

[cjepple]

Interesting. I went down the Icon path as well, but after reading all the posts here and over on the 120 forum, I too decided on OW. Haven't read one negative comment from anyone regarding the products or their support.

 

[Dispense]

Haven't read one negative comment from anyone regarding the products or their support.

I think that settles it for me too. I have no problem spending extra cash if it is justified and I am getting a much superior product. But, OLW seems to offer an excellent suspension at a reasonable cost, great customer service and nothing but positive reviews.

I haven't heard a single area of contention on choosing OLW. All this this seems to make a pretty obvious choice..

 

[harper7]

How much is the OW 2.5 kit?

You don't have to buy a whole stage 1,2 ect kit with Icon as you can just by separate components of what you want and the price on their site is MSRP.

Icons vendors like Demello Offroad and others will knock 20% or more off the msrp price.I have less then $2000 in my suspension with front and rear LT remotes. The front remotes were $1100 and the rear piggybacks were $700 and my rear SAW springs were $210.The LR UCA's were $379 extra off somebody else of course.

Icon,OW and Toytec Ultimates are quality components!

 

[cjepple]

I've decided to go with the 2.5" kit, based on the comments here and the Toyota120 site. I do plan to add some weight, including a second battery if I can figure out where to mount it. For my tastes and the way I will use the vehicle, the 2.5" makes more sense and is upgrade-proof as i mod the truck.

Thanks everyone for you input!

Chris

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

How much is the OW 2.5 kit?

You don't have to buy a whole stage 1,2 ect kit with Icon as you can just by separate components of what you want and the price on their site is MSRP.

Icons vendors like Demello Offroad and others will knock 20% or more off the msrp price.I have less then $2000 in my suspension with front and rear LT remotes. The front remotes were $1100 and the rear piggybacks were $700 and my rear SAW springs were $210.The LR UCA's were $379 extra off somebody else of course.

Icon,OW and Toytec Ultimates are quality components!

OW 2.5" Kit is $1775.00 + $450(LR UCAs new)= $2225.00

Not to bust you out, but you have over $2000 in suspension.

$1100+$700=$1800+$210=$2010+$379=$2389 :driving:

Agreed all are quality and I can only give my opinion on the OW stuff. Its nice to go with the OW stuff because if you have a specific need for your truck they can valve the shocks accordingly.

 

[cjepple]

I installed the 2.5" suspension just over a week ago, and so far I really like the way it handles and rides. It is definitely not too stiff. It feels just right my my preference. I did notice that small bumps are more noticeable, but larger bumps like speed bumps actually seem smoother than the stock suspension. I'm definitely glad I went with the 2.5" over the 2.0". Thanks everyone for your input and helping me make the right decision.

After a week, the front has settled to a lift of 2.5" with the collar set to the lowest position. The rear is strange. It has a lift of 2 7/8". I was hoping that would settle a bit more, down in the 2.0-2.5 range. For those of you that have this lift, where did you end up with the lift in the rear?

The other problem I have is that I couldn't get in spec with the caster setting. the best they could do was 0.3 deg and 1.1 deg. This was with the lift heights described above. How did the caster setting come out on your lifted 4Runner? I've heard of others that seemed to be able to get in spec. I'm not even close. If that is indeed the case, what is a decent UCA that I can put on that won't break the bank? Thanks,

Chris

 

[Overland Whse]

Hi Chris,

I would like to catch up with you after xmas day and have a look at your suspension. The nearly 3" in the back does not sound right. The coils for the rear are the same that we use on all 5th gens so you should not have that amount of lift height in the rear. Shoot me an email at [email protected] so we can arrange a time where I can swing by.

Cheers
Mark

 

[muddyYota]

The first week my lift's been installed it got about 1500 miles clocked on it and a trip through Manhattan twice.

The ride is great. You feel the smaller bumps a little more but the bigger bumps get soaked up with ease. That's been said before I believe but its true.

The nose dive is gone, it takes turns more like a sports car now than an SUV.

It soaked up the potholes of Manhattan like a champ.

Really glad I went with the OW 2.5 setup. It's definately more fun to drive.