Questions for folks w/ Toytec 3" lift and 1.25" Spacers

[cajone5]

Questions for folks w/ Toytec 3" lift and 1.25" Wheel Spacers (ex: Spidertrax)

So I'm going to install a 3" Toytech (non-ultimate) lift that uses Bilstein 5100's, coil overs in the front and Toytech springs (~10% stiffer than stock) in the back. In addition, I'll be adding 1.25" spacers all around. I mostly use the truck for a daily driver and hauler of stuff (trailers and "stuff" in the back). I want to eventually do some light off roading associated with camping and getting out and seeing nature and not so much rock crawling. Now I have a few questions on this setup that I was hoping the folks here could provide some input on.

3" Lift: 3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Height Adj Coilovers FJ/4Runner
Wheel Spacers: 4 PC Toyota 1 25" Thick Hub Centric Wheel Spacers Tacoma Tundra 4 Runner Black | eBay


1. I've skimmed the tire thread but there's a LOT of info there and most of it is for lifted vehicles without spacers. Anyone have tire sizes that will fit with no trimming / minimal trimming / etc. with this setup? I have 17" wheels and will be doing 99% highway driving so larger diameter but narrower tires are preferred (255's maybe?).


2. I do a lot of DIY work around the house/yard/etc. and am always hauling stuff. I also need to tow things on occasion. For example, I had a bunch of pavers in the back this past weekend and my back end was running pretty low. Anyway, I know the lift and springs will help this but I was thinking about air bags as well to help when hauling/towing. Any recommendations on these? Are they all created equal? Any issues with adding them that I should be aware of?


3. Are UCA's necessary to get the alignment right? I think they are from my reading, just trying to confirm. I've been looking for UCAs and have had my eye on the JBA A-Arms (JBA STD High Caster Upper A-arms for 2005-14 Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser) but probably can't afford them for a bit.


4. Anything else to think about with this setup?


Thanks for any help/input! Can't wait to get everything put together. Should happen in the next month or two.

 

[Brokeazzlos]

The only thing I wouldnt do is add spacers to a 3" lift.
4.5" lift seems like alot for a basic suspension setup on a stock vehicle. (My opinion)

 

[cajone5]

The only thing I wouldnt do is add spacers to a 3" lift.
4.5" lift seems like alot for a basic suspension setup on a stock vehicle. (My opinion)

To clarify -- I"m talking about wheel spacers (widening the stance of the car). The 1.25" is a hub centric aluminum spacer pushing the wheels out. The lift is purely a suspension lift (springs/shocks) and not coming from any spacers.

I clarified in the OP and thread title. Thanks!

 

[kevinpt]

im running somewhere between 2 and 2.5 inches of lift in the front with spidertrax spacers and 255/70/18 (32") and i only had to move the fender liner up some and trim the bumper a little as shown in the photo

 

[morphious]

When I had my 5100's maxed with FJ coils I was over 3.5" lift. I run 255/75/17 BFG's with Spidertrax 1.25" spacers and only had to move the liners forward, no actual trimming.

Lift springs will serve you well, but if hauling and towing is a concern than air bags are a good way to keep you level when loaded down. I currently have FJ coils in the rear with 1.5" spacers, but since going to 4" lift spindles I am now searching for a solution to raise the rear another 1.5-2".

I recommend UCAs as you won't be able to get your Caster back in spec with 3+" of lift. I ran stock arms for a while like this with no real ill affect. I have since upgraded to eBay uniball UCAs and have about 6 of caster which is not really necessary but glad I upgraded the arms when I did.

 

[Brokeazzlos]

Makes sense. Haha

 

[cajone5]

im running somewhere between 2 and 2.5 inches of lift in the front with spidertrax spacers and 255/70/18 (32") and i only had to move the fender liner up some and trim the bumper a little as shown in the photo

That looks great. Sounds like with the 17's I'd be looking for 255/75/17 tires and they should just fit with minimal work (hopefully).

 

[blind squirrel]

Good luck buying those spacers. They have been out of stock for months.:clock:

 

[cajone5]

Good luck buying those spacers. They have been out of stock for months.:clock:

Not so... bought them about 3 weeks ago. Already have them in hand.
:lookout::lookout::lookout:

 

[kevinpt]

That looks great. Sounds like with the 17's I'd be looking for 255/75/17 tires and they should just fit with minimal work (hopefully).

most tires in that size fit stock without wheel spacers so you dont have to do much to make them fit with a lift and spacers. if you do cut the fenders like JA has posted on his page i found it best with a dremel with a fine sanding wheel. melts he bumper plastic away and leaves a nice smooth edge

 

[blind squirrel]

Not so... bought them about 3 weeks ago. Already have them in hand.
:lookout::lookout::lookout:

Nice! :rockon: Did you have any issues putting them on the fronts? I also bought ebay spacers and did not feel comfortable with the bite I got from the lugs on the front. Only had about 5.5 turns, not enough for my blood. I ordered longer studs.

 

[cajone5]

Nice! :rockon: Did you have any issues putting them on the fronts? I also bought ebay spacers and did not feel comfortable with the bite I got from the lugs on the front. Only had about 5.5 turns, not enough for my blood. I ordered longer studs.

View attachment 196926

Have not installed yet but I will report back once I do.





In other news in researching this further I keep finding more stuff I need to buy...

Can anyone comment on the necessity of these? I think I want to keep my sway bars so the relocates for those seem necessary...

1. Bump stop relocates: 43006-TTL - Rear Aluminum 2" Bump Stop Kit, 07+FJ - 03+4Runner - "ToyTec"

2. Front sway bar relocates: SBR-129 Sway bar relocates

3. Rear sway bar relocates: Skyjacker Extended Sway Bar End Links SBE702 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

4. Extended rear brake lines: Extended Rear Brake Lines (07+FJ & '03+ Runner)

This lift is becoming more expensive by the day. At the rate the parts cost keeps going up I'll never be able to afford to install the thing. Also, if going to stainless rear brake lines is it warranted to also upgrade the fronts to stainless? Any issue with length of the front brake lines when lifting?

Thanks. I'm becoming more lost by the day. :nerd:

 

[treetreego]

similar situation

I'm in a similar situation. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Toytec 3" lift (non-ultimate) but after reading/researching some more I don't know what to do.

I wanted to add the lift, 1.25in spacers and get 285/70/17 tires and be done with it. Now I'm worried about needing UCAs, sway relocates, bump stops, etc etc.

I have about a $3500 budget maybe a little more. I just want the aggressive looks and infrequent off road performance. 90% of my driving would be streets and highways but if/when I decide to go offroad I want it to perform well and nothing to break of course. On or off road for that matter.

PLEASE all you with past knowledge and experience give me some options and advice.

Thanks in advance!!! Just signed up for the site and after reading some stuff I see it's a great site and community. Thanks for all everyone does to help others out. Even newbs like me!

P.S. I apologize if this is a bit of a threadjack. Like I said I'm a newb and can't post new threads yet.

 

[cajone5]

^^ No hijack -- sounds like you have the same questions. :iagree:

 

[blind squirrel]

All the stuff you mentioned is in the ultimate toytec lift kit, which I installed on mine. The front and rear break lines were fine, no need to replace for me at least. I added the light racing ucas and the alignment is right in spec.

 

[cajone5]

Cool -- I think I'm going to do all the work in two phases. First the lift including UCAs (still figuring out which ones), relocating sway bars and bump stops and then, later, the 5th gen brake upgrade including all 6 stainless lines (extended length in the rear). Thanks to everyone for the info!