Should I invest in a suspension lift?

[rossgoldie]

I have a 96' limited on stock suspension and tires. I have been 4wheeling for about a year or so and I want to to more terrain but my suspension and wheel-size is limiting. I would have lifted my truck already if it didn't have 230,000 miles on it already. I hope the have this car as long as possible so would it be worth it to install a full 2.5"-3" lift kit and put 33" tires under it? (I would want 35" but I don't think i wheel enough to justify the cost of mud-terrains). Any advice is appreciated!

 

[cbielat]

I have a 96' limited on stock suspension and tires. I have been 4wheeling for about a year or so and I want to to more terrain but my suspension and wheel-size is limiting. I would have lifted my truck already if it didn't have 230,000 miles on it already. I hope the have this car as long as possible so would it be worth it to install a full 2.5"-3" lift kit and put 33" tires under it? (I would want 35" but I don't think i wheel enough to justify the cost of mud-terrains). Any advice is appreciated!

A lift would certainly help your wheeling out including larger tires. I'd also recommend skid plates and sliders. You will be scraping even with a lift and tire combo. That is if the trails you're driving are more than just fire roads. If the truck is still running well, I don't see why not.

 

[st8rocks]

235k... if you haven't replaced the suspension already it might be a good idea to replace those worn out parts.

 

[KaliKid]

I have 230k on mine and everything is fine with a lift... Im also in the middle of a SAS to full widths so will have front and rear suspension up for sale soon if interested. I will post a for sale thread once I get pictures of everything

 

[having fun]

I have 230k on mine and everything is fine with a lift... Im also in the middle of a SAS to full widths so will have front and rear suspension up for sale soon if interested. I will post a for sale thread once I get pictures of everything

Dayum, didn't know you where doing this.

 

[KidVermicious]

I have a 96' limited on stock suspension and tires. I have been 4wheeling for about a year or so and I want to to more terrain but my suspension and wheel-size is limiting. I would have lifted my truck already if it didn't have 230,000 miles on it already. I hope the have this car as long as possible so would it be worth it to install a full 2.5"-3" lift kit and put 33" tires under it? (I would want 35" but I don't think i wheel enough to justify the cost of mud-terrains). Any advice is appreciated!

Not to be a dick, but are you sure it's your suspension and wheel size that are limiting you? A good driver can take a stock 4Runner some amazing places, and I suspect a driver good enough to do that has been around long enough to not need to ask silly questions like "do I need a lift kit" on internet forums, or to make the mistake of thinking 35" tires only come in mud terrain patterns.

But since you asked, no I don't think you should lift it. I think you should wheel more. I think you should rock that truck stock, and then when it's time to mod I think you should invest in armor and a locker before you think about bigger tires and suspension lifts.

 

[rossgoldie]

Not to be a dick, but are you sure it's your suspension and wheel size that are limiting you? A good driver can take a stock 4Runner some amazing places, and I suspect a driver good enough to do that has been around long enough to not need to ask silly questions like "do I need a lift kit" on internet forums, or to make the mistake of thinking 35" tires only come in mud terrain patterns.

But since you asked, no I don't think you should lift it. I think you should wheel more. I think you should rock that truck stock, and then when it's time to mod I think you should invest in armor and a locker before you think about bigger tires and suspension lifts.

I have been wheeling for about a year and I mainly go to Hollister Hills SVRA because it is closest and I do take it on the trails and terrain, (here are some bad pictures Hollister Hills June 2014 - Imgur ) I do know that wheels come in wayyy more tread patterns than mudterrains but I was just using a generality. My truck has an e-locker in the back and in a few weeks I am starting fabrication of some tube-bumpers (and rock sliders if I have the time). Thanks for the advice though! It's good to hear all sides of the discussion!
EDIT: Its not that the suspension is limiting me, it's just that there is more terrain that I want to be able to try.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I have a 96' limited on stock suspension and tires. I have been 4wheeling for about a year or so and I want to to more terrain but my suspension and wheel-size is limiting. I would have lifted my truck already if it didn't have 230,000 miles on it already. I hope the have this car as long as possible so would it be worth it to install a full 2.5"-3" lift kit and put 33" tires under it? (I would want 35" but I don't think i wheel enough to justify the cost of mud-terrains). Any advice is appreciated!

The first thing that is going to make a huge difference in your truck is going to be a locker. I wheel a mostly stock 99 Limited. It has good tires, sliders, and a little lift in the rear. I take it more place than most ever think because I take the correct lines, have good spotters. This will do wonders for anyone. I have the new lift I'm just waiting to put it on.

I have been in places were even all that didn't help. Just be mindful of the trails and how the truck is moving around on trails and you will be good man.

Blue

The last place I wheeled and I was running on #4 trails in my Runner. The most crazy trails were #6.

SMORR, Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch - Home

 

[rossgoldie]

The first thing that is going to make a huge difference in your truck is going to be a locker. I wheel a mostly stock 99 Limited. It has good tires, sliders, and a little lift in the rear. I take it more place than most ever think because I take the correct lines, have good spotters. This will do wonders for anyone. I have the new lift I'm just waiting to put it on.

I have been in places were even all that didn't help. Just be mindful of the trails and how the truck is moving around on trails and you will be good man.

Blue

The last place I wheeled and I was running on #4 trails in my Runner. The most crazy trails were #6.

SMORR, Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch - Home

Thanks! I always bring someone knowledgeable to help spot! My truck has an e-locker in the back but none up front. Should I invest in an air-locker first or is the e-locker sufficient?

 

[KaliKid]

Dayum, didn't know you where doing this.

I found a set of axles on CL in Roseville I picked up for a great price. A Dana 44 front passenger drop with a Detroit locker and a rear Wagoneer axle with an ARB both geared to 5:38 and converted to 6lug. He also threw in shackles and the toyota front leafs and rear Chevy 63's. Its going to be nice once its done. I was tired of IFS and the trails I like to wheel. Ive changed those axles one to many times

 

[having fun]

I found a set of axles on CL in Roseville I picked up for a great price. A Dana 44 front passenger drop with a Detroit locker and a rear Wagoneer axle with an ARB both geared to 5:38 and converted to 6lug. He also threw in shackles and the toyota front leafs and rear Chevy 63's. Its going to be nice once its done. I was tired of IFS and the trails I like to wheel. Ive changed those axles one to many times

Nice find there T-HOE.
I figured you and them China men where just building your guys stuff up so I can' follow/get into the areas with you all, you know the underdog here.

 

[KaliKid]

Nice find there T-HOE.
I figured you and them China men where just building your guys stuff up so I can' follow/get into the areas with you all, you know the underdog here.

HAHA your always good for a laugh Len. I was tired of breaking shit on these trails. You got a wince, youll make it no worries. When are we going on another trip? Ill have some new suspension to try out and a .40 ive been dying to shoot. The boys are talking about a run to Hell Hole sometime in August. :guitar3:

 

[having fun]

/\ just booked at hotels. Kong.