Questions about 2000 Limited Mod Path

[Schell]

Hello All,

This is my first post on this forum, and I am new to the T4Rs. I literally brought home my 2000 silver limited last night, but have been planning various mods for a while now. I've been reading and lurking on here for a few weeks while I was looking to buy, and now that I have, even more reading is in order.

I'm coming from a highly modified 2006 Subaru WRX, but between my job and extracurricular activities, it wasn't fitting my lifestyle. It will mostly be pulling DD duties, but will get out to the desert and mountains as well as traveling primitive roads occasionally for work. I also need to keep gas mileage as a priority as this vehicle will see a lot of use.

I was hoping to get a better deal for my 2000 limited, so I have a little less play $$ than I was hoping to have. However coming from my Subaru, my first priority is to get better handling out of my 4runner. I have no expectations that it will ever corner half as well as my Subaru did, however, maximizing on-road composure is top priority.

I'm thinking first off of doing the Toytec Ultimate lift with the Bilstein 5100s.

Concurrently, I'm looking to do the HID headlight conversion. I had Lightwerks do the s2000 conversion on my Subaru and was excited to hear that they could do one for my limited as well.

That will pretty much chew up my initial budget.

Next spring I'm going to be looking at new tires (open to suggestions) and the Tundra 231mm brake upgrade.

Beyond that, probably a bumper, safari rack and light set-up.

If anyone has any comments on the proposed plan, I'd be happy to hear them.

Thanks all, looking forward to my time with this vehicle and getting advice from you all.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome! Nice find with a 2000 4runner limited.

And PLEASE do not do HID lights! every time I'm driving at night and I see HID coming at me and blinding me, I pray for nasty things to happen to that driver. And I wouldn't want to wish nasty things on a fellow 4runner owner, now would I?

 

[Schell]

Welcome! Nice find with a 2000 4runner limited.

And PLEASE do not do HID lights! every time I'm driving at night and I see HID coming at me and blinding me, I pray for nasty things to happen to that driver. And I wouldn't want to wish nasty things on a fellow 4runner owner, now would I?

Thanks for the comment, however, I'm not planning on slapping a HID kit into the reflector housings. I'll be doing the projectors as well, which aimed properly (namely, down), won't blind anyone.

 

[brian2sun]

If gas mileage is a big concern, lifting it will take an mpg or 2 off. I think it's totally worth it, but mine isn't a DD anymore. If you do lift it, it still looks good to run 265/75 (32s) without looking too small and they will help you keep your gas mileage up.

 

[mistaj0hnny]

Thanks for the comment, however, I'm not planning on slapping a HID kit into the reflector housings. I'll be doing the projectors as well, which aimed properly (namely, down), won't blind anyone.

How much are the projectors?

 

[Schell]

How much are the projectors?

Depending on what kind of projectors you use, and where you get them, they can run ~ $150. To do the whole conversion including a plug n' play wiring harness, projectors, bulbs, balasts, shrouds an labor, it's gonna run me about $650.

You can do it yourself for less $$, but you have to deal with sourcing the parts, making sure they're aimed correctly and make sure they are sealed properly when you're done. To me, it's worth having someone else do the work.

If you're interested check out Lightwerks website.

 

[Schell]

If anyone could speak to the on-road performance of the toytec ultimate lift, that would be much appreciated. I am not particularly looking for an agro lift, just better handling with occasional off-road duties.

Thanks

 

[brian2sun]

I think there is a little confusion here. It seems you are under the impression that lifting the truck will improve handling. A lift, especially the Toytec Ultimate lift will no doubt improve rock crawling, off roading, driving in snow, help you drive over your neighbors juniper bushes, etc.. But no lift will ever give you what you're looking for - better handling. Lowering the truck is what you need to do if you want handling, not lifting it.

 

[Schell]

I think there is a little confusion here. It seems you are under the impression that lifting the truck will improve handling. A lift, especially the Toytec Ultimate lift will no doubt improve rock crawling, off roading, driving in snow, help you drive over your neighbors juniper bushes, etc.. But no lift will ever give you what you're looking for - better handling. Lowering the truck is what you need to do if you want handling, not lifting it.

No confusion, I realize that handling is a very subjective term. I am not refering to handling as railing around corners. I know that's not what this vehicle is for, nor do I expect it to get to that point. also lifting it will raise the center of gravity and so on...

The truck is on stock suspension with 134k on them and are basically shot. The ride is not very composed (lots of residual bouncing/hopping etc.) I am simply looking for a more confident and planted-feeling road ride (firm is fine). I don't want to lower it because the whole reason I got this truck is for its 4x4 capabilities and clearance, although the clearance as-is is fine for 99% of what I'll do with the truck, and modest lift is fine, but I'm not looking to build a rock-crawler either.

So given that, I'd like to get some opinions on the bilstein 5100's or other alternatives that would get me a more planted ride.

Thoughts, suggestions, opinions are all fine. I'm here to learn.

Thanks

 

[LINY4Runner]

A company, I believe by the name of Addco makes super beefy sway bars for our Runners. Might be worth looking into to help you with that predictable, planted feel you're looking for.

 

[CarolinaCowboy]

No confusion, I realize that handling is a very subjective term. I am not refering to handling as railing around corners. I know that's not what this vehicle is for, nor do I expect it to get to that point. also lifting it will raise the center of gravity and so on...

The truck is on stock suspension with 134k on them and are basically shot. The ride is not very composed (lots of residual bouncing/hopping etc.) I am simply looking for a more confident and planted-feeling road ride (firm is fine). I don't want to lower it because the whole reason I got this truck is for its 4x4 capabilities and clearance, although the clearance as-is is fine for 99% of what I'll do with the truck, and modest lift is fine, but I'm not looking to build a rock-crawler either.

So given that, I'd like to get some opinions on the bilstein 5100's or other alternatives that would get me a more planted ride.

Thoughts, suggestions, opinions are all fine. I'm here to learn.

Thanks

Here's what I would do if I were you. Sonoran Steel 3.0 system. This will lift you from stock original about 1 inch, but if your suspension is shot as you say it may lift up to 2 inches from current. This will improve the on & off road performance, allow room for slightly bigger tires - probably 265/75r16s (32's), and keep gas mileage very reasonable for a DD.

4 Wheel Drive - System 3 - $590.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

 

[Schell]

So after doing a considerable amount of reading and talking to people, I pulled the trigger on the toytec/bilstein front coilovers, OME 60027 rear shocks and OME 906 rear coils. I should get about 2" front and rear with the firmer ride I'm looking for.

I also have my headlight donors coming at which point I'll be sending in my headlights for the HID retrofit.

I'll be sure to post before/after pics.

 

[Jon]

If anyone could speak to the on-road performance of the toytec ultimate lift, that would be much appreciated. I am not particularly looking for an agro lift, just better handling with occasional off-road duties.

Thanks

I've had the Totec for a couple weeks now and love it on/off road. It really seems like the perfect balance; smooth on uneven terrain, tons of flex but still remains tight at highway speeds on pavement. After the lift you're rally gonna want some tires, I suggest 285/70s ans 1.25 spacers. good luck

I miss my Subaru (98 2dr RS 2.5 rally blue/gold). Now I have a 97 wagon ready to receive a 5.0 swap, yeah the Ford small block.