Post-Lift Regret? [a bunch of questions for those of you with built trucks]

[Technoplasm]

Lately I've been more serious than ever about building my truck, because I have the funds to afford a quality lift and tires. But after days of fantasizing about owning a beast of a 4runner, I've started to consider the less awesome aspects of the idea.

My truck is currently stock, and it's sitting on 225/75r15's (lol) with 3.91 gears. Yeah its not macho, but the truck drives great. It feels fast and agile, with plenty of torque and it's a great daily driver. Off-road, its still good, but after pushing it to its limits and miraculously not damaging anything except for maiming my sway bar endlinks, I've begun to want more out of it. I go wheeling 1-3 times per month, so the truck does see dirt.

Here are my questions.

-My truck is currently an excellent daily driver. It's comfortable and has zero problems getting up to speed. I live in NJ so I basically am on highways constantly. It's still a 4runner though, the gas mileage is pretty terrible. I have an e-locker that I'm going to put into it, which means it will soon have 4.30 gears. I want to run 33's on it, and i DO NOT plan on moving to 35's. I know you guys probably dont believe that for a second, but I'm pretty certain of it. How does a 4runner drive on and off-road with 4.30's and 33's? How will it drive on 4.88's if I were to regear? Are 4.88's miserable on the highway?

-I'd imagine the added weight and larger tires will result in more wear on drivetrain components.It only has 86k miles on it and I plan on running it to 300k (then I'm gonna import a 70 series landcruiser :wink2. I have an automatic 3.4l, how will the trans and other parts hold up to this added strain? Will the truck have a notably shorter lifespan if I install all of this crap that it simply wasn't engineered to have? What can I expect in terms of longevity if I were to build up the truck?

Here's what I was planning to do

-SS1.2 lift kit
-SCS f5 wheels in dark bronze
-33 inch duratracs
-ARB front bumper with warn winch
-Schrockworks rear bumper (i dont want to roof mount the spare.)
-4xinnovations rock sliders (I'm gonna get these even if I dont build up the truck)
-Savage skid plates
-Regear to 4.88's

Is it ludicrous to daily a vehicle like this?

It sounds cool on paper, but I don't know if the consequences will be worth it (on-road performance, overall longevity, absolutely terrible gas mileage). At this point I'm thinking maybe I should just be happy with what I have. Am I overthinking all of this?

Alternate plan:

-OME suspension up front, with ARB Bumper and Warn winch. Should be only 2 inches of lift
-99 coils in the rear
-265/75r16's
-savage skids
-4xinnovations rock sliders

This would hugely benefit off road performance and hopefully not have as many consequences as the other idea. Does anyone run a setup similar to this?

 

[02_SE_Runner_DAD]

Personally we have the bilstein lift all the way around with 1.5 BL and 33" tires. I will drive it anywhere and it will drive good, just remember it won't ride like stock any longer once you modify the suspension. This hobby have it's own territory and I think you will like it.

 

[Aznwolf118]

no regrets...

i have a full trd supercharged system, 4.56 gears, arb locked, kings coli overs.
and ooh yeah lots of armor.

does it sound good on paper i guess,

but it feels way better knowing I can go on almost any adventure or trail I want and get home.

Its a 4runner dude its going to run for a long time...i have over 175k on my supercharger and just a hair over 180k total on the motor itself.

I daily drive the crap out of my 4runner....

 

[UnderFire]

My extensively modified runner is also my reliable daily. Drawbacks are being slow and getting 14-18MPG's. Worth it, definitely worth it. These runners can handle the extra weight of the wheels and tires fine, and having the gears will make it so the engine and transmission are seeing basically no added strain apart from taking off.

 

[absalom]

I'd be lying if I told you it will daily drive as well with all that stuff as it does now. I've run SS 1.2 on two separate trucks, and have been disappointed with the on-road experience twice.

33's will most likely be load range E, which will be a big shock coming from a P rated tire (which are still PLENTY capable off road when aired down). Handling will be sloppier, braking will be slower, and the truck will be slower, despite the regearing.

SS 1.2 rides somewhat rough, and will feel much less car-like on a daily basis. This can become quite exhausting after awhile. Off road, it's decent, but there are still better options for both on- and off road driving.

My advice:

• 32" load range C or even P all-terrains (Duratracs or Toyo, etc)
• new 99 tall coils all the way around
• new 99 OEM shocks all the way around
• new LBJ's, LCA & UCA bushings, new tie rods (inner and outer), new steering rack bushings, new sway bar bushings
• ditch the plate bumper. I've been wheeling with reckless abandon for several years now, and I've never once hit my bumper. And, even if I did, I'd simply buy a used bumper off Craigslist for $100. Plate bumpers add tons of unneeded weight, offer very few pros, and cost a fortune.
• 4xinnovations sliders. These are fantastic, and I highly recommend them to all
• Flat belly pans. Be it Front Range Offroad, or another company. Anything that allows us to keep our CoG lower is a huge plus in my book. Check out the hardcore builds on Pirate4x4, the meta is lower is better now. Your angles suffer, but your lower CoG makes up for it in a huge way. You simply just slide your flatbelly over obstacles.

The above will make your truck very formidable offroad. It will do very little to change the current driveability, in fact you'll most likely be impressed by the difference that all new shocks and coils make.

Now, if you want to take it one step further, I'd recommend substituting the following:

• 2.5" struts and shocks from either Fox, Icon, King, etc. You'd set your front C/O's to approx 1.5" of lift, which would perfectly compliment the slightly less than 3" you'll get from the below coils.
• ToyTec 3" Superflex coils
• Air bumps (again, FOA, King, Icon, or Fox)
• Rear locker (elocker retrofit)

Now, your truck will be incredible, onroad and off. Super stable, incredibly fast through the rough stuff, and relatively gentle on factory components. Remember, those big 3" lifts and 33" tires eat LBJ's for breakfast.

 

[Technoplasm]

ditch the plate bumper. I've been wheeling with reckless abandon for several years now, and I've never once hit my bumper. And, even if I did, I'd simply buy a used bumper off Craigslist for $100. Plate bumpers add tons of unneeded weight, offer very few pros, and cost a fortune.

Honestly, the only reason I wanted a plate bumper was to house a winch. What would be your suggestion for this?

I do have a complete rear e-locker axle with 4.30s (hunting down a 4.30 front diff), and I've heard that 4.30s are solid with 32's.

Your suggestion is one I've been considering for a long time, since I saw your cookie cutter build thread. It was "the plan" for a while. Truthfully, its not as glamorous as the giant armored beast on 33's or 35's, but it sure as hell is a lot more convenient, a lot easier on the wallet, and will definitely turn the truck into a formidable off-roader while still being a solid daily driver. Maybe one day when I own another vehicle as a DD, I'll go all out with my 4runner.


Thanks for all of the great answers so far guys

 

[PWD4R]

I wouldn't go so far as to call a plate bumper a waste. It really isn't even that heavy (my shrock is like 94 pounds and you remove about 40 pounds of crap off your truck so it's hardly different) plus if you do need the rigidity if you hit something it's there. You're not searching for stupid bumpers on Craigslist to match your current. The 96-98 4Runner is the only one I would CONSIDER not putting a bumper on. The 99-02 I wouldn't even question it. Do it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jpeaslee]

I love my truck and I'm not planning on getting rid of it anytime soon. That said, as it sits now, I wouldn't love to DD it. W/ the 33s, lift, and no sway bar, it's on road manners just aren't what they used to be. They're still acceptable, and I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a trip just about anywhere, but the comfort, convenience, and on road performance aren't what i'd want in a DD.

 

[absalom]

The real question is why wait to import a 70 series? I got a broker in Osaka I can hook you up with. Just make sure you don't get a 2H model.

I wouldn't go so far as to call a plate bumper a waste. It really isn't even that heavy (my shrock is like 94 pounds and you remove about 40 pounds of crap off your truck so it's hardly different) plus if you do need the rigidity if you hit something it's there. You're not searching for stupid bumpers on Craigslist to match your current. The 96-98 4Runner is the only one I would CONSIDER not putting a bumper on. The 99-02 I wouldn't even question it. Do it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So over a $1,000 for a point of rigidity? Fatlip bumpers look awesome imo, but I recognize that's highly subjective.

 

[PWD4R]

The real question is why wait to import a 70 series? I got a broker in Osaka I can hook you up with. Just make sure you don't get a 2H model.



So over a $1,000 for a point of rigidity? Fatlip bumpers look awesome imo, but I recognize that's highly subjective.

I find them ugly. And more than just rigidity. The fact you can hit shit and not have damage and front recovery points higher than your radiator and a winch mount without fab... pretty simple. Sure they're overpriced but welcome to off road. Enjoy your stay


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Technoplasm]

The real question is why wait to import a 70 series? I got a broker in Osaka I can hook you up with. Just make sure you don't get a 2H model.

So over a $1,000 for a point of rigidity? Fatlip bumpers look awesome imo, but I recognize that's highly subjective.

I actually tried to get my hands on an 80 when my runner was totaled, but I'm in the northeast so those that havent disintegrated yet are being held on to.

Are there any LHD 70's?

Also I kinda like my fat lip bumper. I put some lights on it. I do need a winch though.

 

[Scramble]

I wouldn't go so far as to call a plate bumper a waste. It really isn't even that heavy (my shrock is like 94 pounds and you remove about 40 pounds of crap off your truck so it's hardly different) plus if you do need the rigidity if you hit something it's there. You're not searching for stupid bumpers on Craigslist to match your current. The 96-98 4Runner is the only one I would CONSIDER not putting a bumper on. The 99-02 I wouldn't even question it. Do it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly, it's really only another 50lbs. Where I live there are tons of deer & the shrockworks will make short work of them with out destroying my front end. Plus that's where you mount your winch. I also have PIAA Ion crystal fogs & driving lights mounted. I can use them in bad weather without blinding on coming drivers. Can't do that with light bars.

And to the OP, 99 talls hold no weight in the rear. Empty they're great, loaded with gear or a rear aftermarket bumper, no good.

 

[absalom]

I actually tried to get my hands on an 80 when my runner was totaled, but I'm in the northeast so those that havent disintegrated yet are being held on to.

Are there any LHD 70's?

Also I kinda like my fat lip bumper. I put some lights on it. I do need a winch though.

Yes but they are either in very poor condition (South America) or very expensive (western Europe). RHD models from Japan will be much more affordable, and in usually much better condition. Any reason you want LHD?

 

[Technoplasm]

Yes but they are either in very poor condition (South America) or very expensive (western Europe). RHD models from Japan will be much more affordable, and in usually much better condition. Any reason you want LHD?

Just convenience, I suppose.

 

[Bumbo]

All I know is that the more I push it towards the off-road side, the less road friendly it becomes...

There is a balance to be had, because there is no free lunch, and for every pro, there is a con.

Its up to you to find the balance if this in a multi-purpose multi-use truck.

As much as we would all like to have it all, we cant have it all. If you specialize, then you compromise.

My solution: Buy more than one truck.

 

[kolelt]

I'm in NJ. I have 5100 all around. Personally I hate my lift. To rough. And I have armor all around. But some will swear that 5100 is the bomb. It's simple. Shocks that are $$$$$ will out perform the 5100 in every way. So I went ahead and got icon 2.5 CDC. But this is my personal preference.

 

[Rockdawg84]

I daily drive one of the most built 3rd gens on this site and I find it just fine but the points made so far are vary valid. I have always daily driven a capable truck or early gen 4runner so this is the most comfortable of the rigs I have owned. That said my wife has had a 4th gen and even lifted it was much nicer to daily, and now she is daily driving a FZJ80 that is very nice. YOU have to decide what your willing to give up for the benefit of off road. Also the wheeling you do is going to be very different than what we do on the west coast so you may be able to find a happy medium for the wheeling you do.

 

[meRockboost]

Find someone who did all the work already and put tons of money into their truck and is selling it. That way if you don't like their lift sell it and buy your new setup. You at least can make a few buck towards what you want by selling someone else's parts. I've got 13k into my rig and I'm looking at selling it soon to buy a house for $8500. Find a deal like that and you could sell the icons and buy bilsteins and sliders or whatever from the selling the icons

It's too early in the morning but I think you get the point.

 

[PWD4R]

Exactly, it's really only another 50lbs. Where I live there are tons of deer & the shrockworks will make short work of them with out destroying my front end. Plus that's where you mount your winch. I also have PIAA Ion crystal fogs & driving lights mounted. I can use them in bad weather without blinding on coming drivers. Can't do that with light bars.



And to the OP, 99 talls hold no weight in the rear. Empty they're great, loaded with gear or a rear aftermarket bumper, no good.

Agreed. Don't wanna file an insurance claim each time a deer pokes its head out.

Also true on 99 coils. Not worth it if you actually use your vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[absalom]

Just convenience, I suppose.

You'll be shocked how quickly RHD feels completely normal. After about 2 days, you'll feel comfortable, and after a week, the same as LHD.