I spent a lot of time researching suspension for the 5th Gen 4Runner. My intent is to build my 4Runner into an expedition rig and I was hoping to keep the suspension lift height to a minimum while increasing the load-carrying ability of the suspension. I first considered the simplicity of OME suspension but while that could be ordered with various spring rates to match my intended load, it would give 3" of lift when unloaded which was an interference fit with my garage door.
After many exchanged emails with Andries Engelbrecht at Overland Warehouse, I finally decided to get their custom-valved Radflo coilover suspension kit with 2.5" shock absorber bodies. I further customized the rear suspension by not ordering the rear coils in the Overland Warehouse suspension kit and opted for Sway-Away rear coils intended for the FJ Cruiser. These rear coils are some 12% stiffer than the stock 4Runner rear coils and only add about 1-1/2" of lift. I also ordered some Light Racing UCA's so as to ensure I'd have ample caster angle adjustment.
The Overland Warehouse/Radflo/Sway-Away suspension finally arrived the end of May and I had my local Toyota dealer do the installation. Since this was the first 5th Gen 4Runner suspension upgrade that dealer tech had ever done, it took him about 7-1/2 hours. I'm very happy with both the suspension itself as well as the installation. As expected, my new 285 tires rub at full lock in the backs of the front wheel wells (even with the front mud flaps removed). I now know that the Light Racing UCA's need to be left set at the "0" setting (giving +2.0 degrees of caster) and at least another +2.0 degrees of caster needs to be dialed in on the OEM LCA caster eccentric cam bolts (yielding > +4.0 degrees of caster). This will move the front wheels forward and should eliminate any rubbing issues.
My sig line lists all my other upgrades .. I've just finished installing my BudBuilt skid plates this past weekend.
.. and another version of the first image with a different twist ..
