Proposed build

[Jester4kicks]

Hey all,

I've been getting ready to pull the trigger on a good off-road setup for my 06 SR5 V6 runner, but there's a few things I'm a little concerned with. The goal is to do some moderate offroading, but maintain daily driveability.

At this point, I'm pretty sure I want to go with an OME lift (885/895) with the OME 90000/60004 struts and shocks. From what I understand, I'll likely need new UCA's, so the one's from Light Racing are also in the plan, along with a toytec diff drop.

I want to pair this lift with some bigger tires. I've heard some people have gone as big as 285/70/17, but I REALLY don't want to have to do any hardcore trimming (mudflaps don't count)... so 275/70/17 might have to do. I'm currently leaning toward some silent armors or duratecs (along with some spidertrax spacers).

Finally, some skid plates and sliders for protection.

So... that said.... some big questions.

1) With either of the larger tire sizes, do I need to be concerned with the load on the engine, gears, or drivetrain components?

2) If rubbing is likely on the 285's, is the increased width worth the rubbing/hassle of trimming, compared to the 275's?

3) I think I might eventually want a new bumper and winch, will this setup still work? Or am I pushing the limits on the v6 engine with that on top of all of this?

Any other thoughts are also welcome! Thanks!

 

[captaintg]

I'm looking at a similar planned build, but I'm not familiar with replacing the UCA's- what is that for? Is it to make them compatible with the lift?

I'm also trying to figure out the need for the diff drop. A local 4x4 shop (Slee Off Road) told me not to bother with the diff drop for the 4th gen, but I can't remember the reasoning.

I sometimes they wish they just came from the factory lifted and armored! But that would take the fun out if it, right?

Sorry I can't help with the tire questions. I have 265-70-17 General Grabber AT2's. They work well, look good, but they rub a bit. Otherwise I'm stock.

 

[Jester4kicks]

I was basing the UCA requirement on similar build thread, such as this one:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/64741-g-i-g-s-build-thread.html

It looks like it's required in order to get the alignment rights after the OME lift.

 

[JD914]

Jester, I just put 275/70-17's on as well (but with 1.25" wheel spacers), and although there is rubbing, it's only at full lock in reverse. Moving the fender liner forward looks simple and should solve the problem.
Check out the bottom of this page for a how-to:
Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

 

[Jester4kicks]

Jester, I just put 275/70-17's on as well (but with 1.25" wheel spacers), and although there is rubbing, it's only at full lock in reverse. Moving the fender liner forward looks simple and should solve the problem.
Check out the bottom of this page for a how-to:
Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

Thanks for the link!

Is your runner lifted? If you had to do it again, and you knew it would fit, would you stick with the 275's? Or go with 285's?

 

[JD914]

It is lifted with Bilstein 5100's on the top setting and a 1.5" spacer on the back. I got the tires on a ridiculous deal and since I was doing it all at once tried to keep to a budget and not go too crazy. I'm going to see how much wheeling I continue doing, and how far this setup gets me. My next addition are sliders, but I'm sure 285's will be in my near future as well.

 

[JD914]

So i guess what I'm saying is, I'm glad I went with the 275's for now, but I can see myself moving up to 285's (and all their associated headaches) or more in the future.

 

[darkie3495]

At this point, I'm pretty sure I want to go with an OME lift (885/895) with the OME 90000/60004 struts and shocks. From what I understand, I'll likely need new UCA's, so the one's from Light Racing are also in the plan, along with a toytec diff drop.

I want to pair this lift with some bigger tires. I've heard some people have gone as big as 285/70/17, but I REALLY don't want to have to do any hardcore trimming (mudflaps don't count)... so 275/70/17 might have to do. I'm currently leaning toward some silent armors or duratecs (along with some spidertrax spacers).

Finally, some skid plates and sliders for protection.

I would suggest getting the UCA's. It will help you track better on the freeway and get your alignment back to factory specs. When i was getting my UCA rebuilt and swapped back in my stocks, it was noticeably squirrely driving around.

You don't need an diff drop. Even at 3" of lift, the CV angle isn't extreme enough to necessitate the drop.

1) With either of the larger tire sizes, do I need to be concerned with the load on the engine, gears, or drivetrain components?

You shouldn't be too concerned. There are alot of guys running this combo with no problems.

2) If rubbing is likely on the 285's, is the increased width worth the rubbing/hassle of trimming, compared to the 275's?

I had the choice between both sizes and went with the 285's. I'm very happy I did.

3) I think I might eventually want a new bumper and winch, will this setup still work? Or am I pushing the limits on the v6 engine with that on top of all of this?

If you plan to add a bumper and winch, you might have to step up to 886 front coils to handle the weight. Have you considered moving to Coilovers? The reason I ask is that if the bumper is a little farther down the road, you will have to do your suspension twice (swap springs, alignment) rather than just cranking the coils to compensate for the added weight.

I'm currently running 285's, front bumper and winch along with sliders and front skid. You're losing some power but you'll still be able to get around.

 

[Jester4kicks]

Damn! I am LOVING your runner!!! Nice build!

You don't need an diff drop. Even at 3" of lift, the CV angle isn't extreme enough to necessitate the drop.

Is this a "need" vs "should" thing? I've heard the diff drop isn't required, but at a 2.5-3" lift, it should help bring the cv back into proper geometry, which should help it wear less. Any truth to that?

If you plan to add a bumper and winch, you might have to step up to 886 front coils to handle the weight. Have you considered moving to Coilovers? The reason I ask is that if the bumper is a little farther down the road, you will have to do your suspension twice (swap springs, alignment) rather than just cranking the coils to compensate for the added weight.

I was actually worried that the 886's, combined with the 895 would result in the front being higher than the rear. I figured I might be ok with the 885's, since I don't have the added weight of the V8 up front.

I hadn't really considered coilovers before, since this is really just a light hobby right now. However, if I end up getting really into it, I might upgrade later (especially after seeing your setup).

 

[darkie3495]

Damn! I am LOVING your runner!!! Nice build!

Thanks man:cheers:

Is this a "need" vs "should" thing? I've heard the diff drop isn't required, but at a 2.5-3" lift, it should help bring the cv back into proper geometry, which should help it wear less. Any truth to that?

It's not a need thing by any means. Should you do it? debatable. It more for peace of mind than damage prevention. Many 4Runner owners run +3" lifts with no diff drops and haven't experienced any issues.

I was actually worried that the 886's, combined with the 895 would result in the front being higher than the rear. I figured I might be ok with the 885's, since I don't have the added weight of the V8 up front.

I hadn't really considered coilovers before, since this is really just a light hobby right now. However, if I end up getting really into it, I might upgrade later (especially after seeing your setup).

Ha, yeah after seeing a few other members trucks turned this "hobby" into something much more. I wheel with a few guys with OME so nothing is wrong with the setup. I am just a little OCD with uneven lifts :ybrick:

You might want to reach out the A10milehusker. He upgraded from OME to full coilover. He might be able to give you some insight on the benefits coilovers have over OME.