RAB's "Bang around the Mtn" build

[RAB]

Alright so I've had my 4Runner for just shy of 2 years. Its been a really good truck. Its a 99 and its now got 171,000 miles on it an I see no reason why it won't go another 150k or more. I do a lot of hiking and climbing in Colorado which is the primary reason I got the 4Runner, gotta get to the 4WD trails heads. So far the 99 suspension along with 265/75 BF Goodrich tires has served me well, but I've been jonesin to put a mild lift on it ever since I got a TJM bumper. Also the rear sags really bad when I'm loaded up with 4 people and 200 lbs of climbing/hiking gear in the back. After much research I've decided to go with Tundra TRD coils up front and OME 890s in the rear.
As it looks today

Near Aspen, CO on the Castle/Conundrum 4WD, elevation was around 12,400

Here's my plan in more detail. I'd welcome any comments or suggestions/thoughts about the lift plan.
Front:
Today, I found a pair of assembled 01 Tundra TRD coils/shocks ($98.00 ). They're the correct springs, i.e. yellow/yellow and blue/yellow.
Question, I haven't looked at the 4Runner stock spring/shock assembly compared the Tundra spring/shock assembly in detail but can I just swap the spring/shock assemblies? If not can I at least use the Bilstein shocks?

Rear:
Back in August the rear shocks pooped out on me why doing some light wheelin, (the piston rod snapped near its mounting location, it was rusted pretty good), so I got some Rancho RS5000s for the rear. I've looked into the specs and plan on using these with the OME 890s

 

[bulger22]

Good looking Runner. This coming year my resolution is to try and get another 4Runner the same color most likely.

About your rear suspension, I just recently put on 891's with the rancho rs5158's and love them so far. I went with RS5158's because they were closer to the extension/compression to the OME Shocks suggested for 891's. I have about 3" of travel with them too. I like them also because when they are at full extension, it is just enough to NOT let the springs just fall out if fully flexed.

Rancho RS5158 (REAR) Specs: Upper Mount: S42 Lower Mount: L3 Compressed: 13.000" Extended: 20.875" Travel: 7.875"

If you need any help or ideas with setting it up just let me know. As for the front Tundra question You have, if I remember correctly you'll need to use your 4Runners top shock/spring plate. I don't have this setup...yet. I can't find tundra coils around this area so I might just go with 881's. Point is you'll need the 4Runner top-hat. Anybody else have something to add, or correct me please go ahead so this guy can get his lifted and show some updated pics!

Good luck, hope everything goes well.

 

[RAB]

About your rear suspension, I just recently put on 891's with the rancho rs5158's and love them so far. I went with RS5158's because they were closer to the extension/compression to the OME Shocks suggested for 891's. I have about 3" of travel with them too. I like them also because when they are at full extension, it is just enough to NOT let the springs just fall out if fully flexed.

Rancho RS5158 (REAR) Specs: Upper Mount: S42 Lower Mount: L3 Compressed: 13.000" Extended: 20.875" Travel: 7.875"

Yeah when I was searching "Rancho" on this site I came across this link Rancho RS5000 Shock Specs, which was extremely helpful, thanks for finding that info. I've got the RS5187s so I have pretty much the same travel as yours.

I've concluded that you can use the Tundra Bilsteins but you need to swap out the top hats, I kind of figured that. Anyways I'm going to give the Tundra Bilsteins a go along with Toytec's 3/4" top plate.

As for the rears, I'm going to change my mind and go with the 891s.

And I'll do a diff drop while I'm wrenching on things.

 

[RAB]

Just a comment.
I disassembled the Tundra shocks/springs today, I really enjoyed compressing the 500 lb/in Tundra spring......... The Bilsteins are in good shape. Looking forward to the parts.

 

[RAB]

All done, I went up to Toytec today to pick up the 891s, diff drop and 3/4" top hats. I started at noon and finished at around 8pm. Everything was pretty straight forward. I would recommend the Toytec 3/4" top hat spacers for anyone who wants to run this set up. Overall I'm happy with the ride quality, its pretty much what I expected, just a little stiffer than stock.

Rear spring comparison. Same length the 891s are just stiffer.

Front spring comparison, again roughly the same length, the Tundra spring is just stiffer.

Front shock comparison.

Assembled.

Installed.

Tip for installing, use the stock jack and compress the control arms down. Also disconnect the sway bar links.

Final product

 

[Hepar]

Lookin' good!

 

[(4)runnin'it]

lookin good for sure.

 

[Gerdo]

Colorado? Where?
I'm pretty happy with my 891s, wheeling and carrying a load. Enjoy the new lift.

I don't know if you have gotten an alignment yet. If not, loosen the upper control arm bolts and it'll free up the bushings. Then re-tighten them at ride height. There will be no need to use a jack to push the UCA down if/when you have to service a balljoint or CV. Also loosen and re-torque all 4 control arms on the rear. This will take the bind out of the bushings. They were originally torqued at factory ride height.

 

[RAB]

Colorado? Where?

Denver.

I'm pretty happy with my 891s, wheeling and carrying a load. Enjoy the new lift.

Well I drove around on the 891s for a couple of days and concluded they were to stiff and sat a little high. So.....I went up to Toytec and got some 890s. I drove around the block and am much happier with the ride. Plus I was never going to be haulin stuff just loading it up and I think the 890s can handle the weight.

I don't know if you have gotten an alignment yet. If not, loosen the upper control arm bolts and it'll free up the bushings. Then re-tighten them at ride height. There will be no need to use a jack to push the UCA down if/when you have to service a balljoint or CV. Also loosen and re-torque all 4 control arms on the rear. This will take the bind out of the bushings. They were originally torqued at factory ride height.

Thanks for the tip on the rear control arms, I did this tonight when I installed the 890s.

 

[RAB]

Comparison from stock 99 to current set up.
Current

Stock

 

[fightman80]

Nice comparison shots!