Shocks are shot...time to do a lift?

[blueblur1984]

So I'm pretty sure the front shocks are original to my 97 V6 4wd T4R, but the rear shocks are still in good shape. I was planning on kicking this can down the road until I had the cash to buy the toytec lift package, but the suspension is killing me on these long drives. I definitely want to stay with an adjustable coilover because I don't want the ride comfort to suffer and I don't want a huge lift today but when money loosens up I probably will.

I definitely want to spring for coilovers out front and do a 2" lift (still use it as a DD so I don't want to mess up my mpg), but would doing spacers out back mess up the ride quality? Even though the shocks seem to be in good shape I'll probably need to buy taller ones, right?

Next option was to just go for it and do the FJ80 7 wraps out back, but I've heard mixed reports of the actual amount of lift. I really can't stomach more than 3" right now...would I need a diff drop to accomodate this?

Last, and least favorite, option would be to just buy the coilovers out front and rock the stock ride height until I have money to properly lift the rear with bilstein 5100's and some new ome 906's. Given that this is my daily driver and I want to keep the MPG at my current 20+ what would you guys suggest? Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[blueblur1984]

I'm also open to suggestions...

Edit: I was thinking of the toytec's, but does anybody know if the fabtec's are any good?

http://www.amazon.com/Fabtech-FTS23...e-Toyota/dp/B000CMIW1U/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_19

 

[Kanger328]

If you need to replace the front suspension, you might as well replace all around with new shocks/coilovers and get the lift. If you don't go for adjustable coilovers, you can get a lift kit for about the same price as stock height spring/shocks. I got my setup for a little over $500. I know you said you want adjustable fronts for ride comfort, but honestly my setup is pretty comfy. My shocks were shot before also, never replaced. After my new suspension, a WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT. I know people say that alot about before and after difference and I thought they were exaggerating...I was wrong. New suspension, even a basic lift setup will be a major improvement over your stock, shot sus.

 

[blueblur1984]

That's a good point...even a basic set of fresh shocks are going to be better than a blown set. Does anybody out there know which code to use for the bilstein 5100's? I've been cruising the bilstein website but none of the adjustables specify being compatible with a 3rd gen t4r. Here's the closest I've found:

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

 

[TNRunner99]

If you don't haul a ton of weight, don't get the heavy 906 springs for the rear. The 890s will give you 2.5 to 3in of lift. If you want adjustable coilovers the toytecs are really the best option. With 3in of lift 265/75/16s fit perfect and won't hurt mpgs if you are really worried about it.

 

[UnderFire]

The MPG loss comes more from the size and type of tire used when lifting more than the lift itself, if you lift 3" instead of 2, the MPG loss would be marginal if you keep street friendly 265s on it.

 

[blueblur1984]

Thanks for the feedback. Honestly I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and go for the toytec lift kit. There are 5% off discount codes all over the internet so when you figure in the cost of 5100's rear, new springs, a diff drop and front coilovers for just over a grand it's not too bad a deal. Thanks for the input and I'll post picks when I get that 3" lift on there.

Edit: Does anybody know if toytec does group buy discounts and if so, anybody else looking to do a lift?