Setting up New 4runner

[Jeep>4runner]

My buddy just got a new 3rd gen 4runner. He's wanting to set it up with 32 inch tires, but it would probably need at least a 3 inch lift if he doesn't want it to rub. I'm wondering what would be the best set up as far as brand and size of tires without having to do a lift.

 

[4'running'26]

With a moniker like that...you expect to get help around here?

Completely kidding. I know nothing about lifting however, so I'll leave that to all of the experts on the subject (and there are many around here). Just wanted to razz you a little.

Welcome to one of the greatest forums on the 'net!

JT

 

[Jeep>4runner]

Haha thanks man. Yeah I know a lot about Wranglers but when it comes to 4runners I don't know much. The name was to tease my buddy. He said the exact same thing when he saw it. Thanks again.

 

[mikebontoft]

hmm well I just bought a ZJ... and I will definitely miss the 4runner. just thinking of your username lol.

 

[snivilous]

Well first off if he plans to wheel it at all a lift won't help him clear tires, so he will have to pound/cut regardless unless he extends his bump stops which is usually a last resort since that decreases travel.

As for actual lifts, have him/you read this thread so many times you lose count: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

The most common 3" lift is using Bilstein shocks with either TRD Tundra springs or Eibachs in the front and then OME or Land Cruiser springs in the rear. Just search around a bit and there's a good couple hundred threads about all the various lift combinations :bounce:

 

[99 sr5 highlander]

And to answer the original question, 32s fit with no lift because 4runners are awesome! That's what a lot of guys are running. 3" lift means 33s.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Before I could get my suspension lift, I used to run 32" tires with just a 1" bodylift. I had no rubbing.

Jeeze, those are some old pics.

 

[Jeep>4runner]

Thanks for all of the info. I appreciate all of the suggestions. Looks like he'll probably be doing 31's until he can afford a lift and 33's.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Yeah seriously. Why don't you pm admin and ask him to change the > to a < ..

 

[Dirtyfingers]

I remember the last guy that said his jeep was better than my 4runner...ended up selling his cheep and getting a 4runner.

Anyways if you click on some of the guys sigs there's very useful personal experience on running things you've mentioned. Heck, checkout mine if you want. I've ran 33s on mine with very little rubbing at stock hight. But I had rubbing issues once I got them broken in. It's all about what your buddy wants.

 

[Jeep>4runner]

Yeah i will admit 4runners are pretty awesome. I'd probably get one if the opportunity presents itself. They are a great all terrain vehicle, whereas my jeep is pretty much an off road only beast. As i get older the practicality of the 4runner entices me a lot more. But as far as off road capability goes I don't think I can be swayed from my opinion. I've owned a jeep for 8 years and i'm only 23. In all my time four wheeling throughout most of the southwest I have never wished I had anything other than a Jeep Wrangler (JK Wrangler's excluded). Now when I go back and forth from the road and off road it's an entirely different story. So anyways, I guess my point is that I very much respect and admire the 4runner, but the Wrangler is the off road king

 

[bpowa]

Umm. I had a 2005 tj. Your screen name is absolutely wrong. The 4runner is better in Every way.

Check my sig for example of lift.

 

[Jeep>4runner]

lol whatever you say. Like i said, it's completely a matter of opinion, plus the fact that TJs have all coil suspension whereas my YJ has leaf springs. That makes a pretty huge difference.

 

[jhumphrey]

Yeah i will admit 4runners are pretty awesome. I'd probably get one if the opportunity presents itself. They are a great all terrain vehicle, whereas my jeep is pretty much an off road only beast. As i get older the practicality of the 4runner entices me a lot more. But as far as off road capability goes I don't think I can be swayed from my opinion. I've owned a jeep for 8 years and i'm only 23. In all my time four wheeling throughout most of the southwest I have never wished I had anything other than a Jeep Wrangler (JK Wrangler's excluded). Now when I go back and forth from the road and off road it's an entirely different story. So anyways, I guess my point is that I very much respect and admire the 4runner, but the Wrangler is the off road king

On topic: unless your buddy needs 32" or larger tires, I'd stick with the factory 265s (basically a 31"). That 1" difference isn't going to matter offroading unless he's doing rock crawling and even then it won't matter much. All I've ever had was 31" tires and never had an issue running trails in TN.

Slightly off topic: I had several Jeeps before I went to a 4runner. I'm not sorry that I made the swap, though I do miss the simplicity of the Jeeps engine. The 3.4 simply has to much you have to remove to get to simple things (spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, water pump, etc) as compared to the 4.0 Jeep. As far as off road prowess, the 4runner has been better for me than the Jeep (Ive had wranglers and Cherokees). Parts for the 4runner cost more, but the Jeeps continuously "nickeled and dimed" me to death. The Jeeps drivetrains were rock solid, but everything else constantly needed attention. My 4runner's stock configuration outperforms my previous Jeeps stock configuration on and off road. There is no comparison. Even comparing a Cherokee to a 4runner isn't a comparison (a more fair comparison than a wrangler to a 4runner), in my opinion. The only "advantage" to a Jeep is a solid front axle, but I don't see that as an advantage for my purposes. The 4runner drives better on and off the street than my Jeep ever did.

Is it a matter of preference? Sure, if you like to always turn wrenches, get a Jeep. If you want to get out and drive in comfort with an occasional wrench turn, get the Toyota.