Spacer lift vs. Full lift kit

[Snowdogyyz]

Fat Tires- did you have to install aftermarket UCA's with that set up to get the proper caster?

 

[FatTiresRollin]

Fat Tires- did you have to install aftermarket UCA's with that set up to get the proper caster?

I did not "have to"...but it is much better with. Once I put on the 33" Duratracs, I did have some slight rubbing on the body mounts when turning sharp. I knew that it would become more of an issue when flexed offroad. And the max caster of around +2 that you get with the stock UCAs leaves your steering very light and a little "floaty" at 65+ highway speeds. Every little bump or uneven spot in the road would cause the steering wheel to pull, so you can imagine how uncomfortable that would be on a trail. My caster of +5 now makes a world of difference on how she drives. So...long story short, you don't "need" them right away, but you will want them. If you have the cash to complete the front end with the UCAs & suspension all at once, you will save yourself some extra hours of labor and the cost of an extra alignment.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

I did not "have to"...but it is much better with. Once I put on the 33" Duratracs, I did have some slight rubbing on the body mounts when turning sharp. I knew that it would become more of an issue when flexed offroad. And the max caster of around +2 that you get with the stock UCAs leaves your steering very light and a little "floaty" at 65+ highway speeds. Every little bump or uneven spot in the road would cause the steering wheel to pull, so you can imagine how uncomfortable that would be on a trail. My caster of +5 now makes a world of difference on how she drives. So...long story short, you don't "need" them right away, but you will want them. If you have the cash to complete the front end with the UCAs & suspension all at once, you will save yourself some extra hours of labor and the cost of an extra alignment.

Great! Thanks for the advice. Now I have to decide if I want to go ahead and lift it, or just take the rake out. Decisions, decisions!

 

[Jono.ful]

Get a proper lift right off the bat. Bilstein 5100's are only $100 each.

 

[Jono.ful]

Also, someone mentioned a dif drop, you don't need it until you're into the 4" neighbourhood. It may only be $30, but that's money you could be putting towards a proper lift.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

Ok, want to check these part numbers on the 5100's-

Front- 24-196499
Rear- 33-187174

Says on site they are for 2010-2013 FJ Cruisers, but I believe the 4runner uses the same correct?

 

[FatTiresRollin]

2007+ FJ and 2003+ 4runner suspension components are all compatible...I believe 2nd gen tacos fall in there for some components as well.

 

[harper7]

2007+ FJ and 2003+ 4runner suspension components are all compatible...I believe 2nd gen tacos fall in there for some components as well.

The front suspension is not exactly the same as the front LCA were redisgned and the shock mounts are wider on the 2010+ 4Runner's and FJ's as noted in another post and confirmed ........ http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/139692-difference-suspension-4th-5th-gen.html#post1352813

Also some of the higher end suspension companies changed the internal valving to to better match the added weight and weight bias front to rear change.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

The front suspension is not exactly the same as the front LCA were redisgned and the shock mounts are wider on the 2010+ 4Runner's and FJ's as noted in another post and confirmed ........ http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/139692-difference-suspension-4th-5th-gen.html#post1352813

Also some of the higher end suspension companies changed the internal valving to to better match the added weight and weight bias front to rear change.

I stand corrected...maybe I shouldn't have stated "ALL" components are compatible. Thanks for clearing it up Harper :thumb3:

 

[badhabits]

Ok, want to check these part numbers on the 5100's-

Front- 24-196499
Rear- 33-187174

Says on site they are for 2010-2013 FJ Cruisers, but I believe the 4runner uses the same correct?

Here is Bilsteins web page for the 2013 4Runner hope this helps.

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

 

[Mr Mufakka]

If you are talking about spending $400, you really should consider my set-up. (4) Bilstein 5100s w/ the front set at the highest setting and then the Daystar 1.5" spacer in the back. Less than $400 and 4 hours of you and a buddy getting to know your truck gets you a much better outcome than a straight spacer lift. Once you decide you want to upgrade (and you will), you can build on the Bilstein set-up with your desired coils for the rear and your desired coils or coil-overs for the front.

If you are looking for the cheapest way out, go with the Daystar KT09134BK

If you can spend a little more, go with the Bilsteins and a spacer for the rear

Sorry to revive an old thread but this is some interesting info to me. I currently have a 2001 4Runner with 185k on the clock and I'm looking at upgrading to a 2010+ here in the near future. I'm in love with the 3" lift and 285s. Totally makes the truck in my opinion.

Anyway, I was planning on the standard spacer lift until I read your post. A couple of questions if you don't mind. How does it ride? The truck will be on road for 99% of it's life. I have a bagged (on the ground) vehicle so I know what a rough ride is. I want this to ride nice. Does the 5100 and Daystar in the rear ride nice? How does it compare to stock? Also, any idea how it'd compare to spacers all around? Flexing and offroad ride means nothing for me.

Thanks again for shedding some light for me.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

Sorry to revive an old thread but this is some interesting info to me. I currently have a 2001 4Runner with 185k on the clock and I'm looking at upgrading to a 2010+ here in the near future. I'm in love with the 3" lift and 285s. Totally makes the truck in my opinion.

Anyway, I was planning on the standard spacer lift until I read your post. A couple of questions if you don't mind. How does it ride? The truck will be on road for 99% of it's life. I have a bagged (on the ground) vehicle so I know what a rough ride is. I want this to ride nice. Does the 5100 and Daystar in the rear ride nice? How does it compare to stock? Also, any idea how it'd compare to spacers all around? Flexing and offroad ride means nothing for me.

Thanks again for shedding some light for me.

The opinion of the ride is just that...an opinion, but myself along with every other Bilstein owner on this website will tell you that you will not be disappointed. The Bilstein upgrade stiffens up the ride just slightly, enough to reduce the dreaded nose dive when braking and the floaty boat feel when on the interstate. The Daystar spacer for the rear does not change the ride quality at all...it just sits on top of your factory springs, maintaining those characteristics. I recently upgraded my rear spring to replace the spacer, but it had nothing to do with ride quality. I needed a little stiffer spring for added load capacity and I am getting into offroading more frequently, so the 2" of added travel was appealing as well.

I never had spacers all around, but depending on which ones you buy, word is that it shouldn't change the ride quality at all. They limit the overall travel of the suspension, but on-road feel in normal driving conditions should remain stock-like.

With any 3" lift & the addition of 33" tires, you will seriously want to consider spending the extra money on some aftermarket UCAs. With your stock UCAs, you won't be able to get enough positive caster and the steering will remain light and less stable for highway driving. Your bigger tires will also likely rub slightly on your body mounts at full lock (depending on your wheel selection).

 

[Mr Mufakka]

The opinion of the ride is just that...an opinion, but myself along with every other Bilstein owner on this website will tell you that you will not be disappointed. The Bilstein upgrade stiffens up the ride just slightly, enough to reduce the dreaded nose dive when braking and the floaty boat feel when on the interstate. The Daystar spacer for the rear does not change the ride quality at all...it just sits on top of your factory springs, maintaining those characteristics. I recently upgraded my rear spring to replace the spacer, but it had nothing to do with ride quality. I needed a little stiffer spring for added load capacity and I am getting into offroading more frequently, so the 2" of added travel was appealing as well.

I never had spacers all around, but depending on which ones you buy, word is that it shouldn't change the ride quality at all. They limit the overall travel of the suspension, but on-road feel in normal driving conditions should remain stock-like.

With any 3" lift & the addition of 33" tires, you will seriously want to consider spending the extra money on some aftermarket UCAs. With your stock UCAs, you won't be able to get enough positive caster and the steering will remain light and less stable for highway driving. Your bigger tires will also likely rub slightly on your body mounts at full lock (depending on your wheel selection).

Thanks for the reply. I'm really hoping to be able to stick with the stock wheels. This will just be a daily and hoping I won't have to shell out for wheels. Good deal on the ride quality. I'm also thinking I might need a set of helper bags out back as I tow a 20' boat occasionally. Definitely leaning towards the 5100s now. Where's the best place to get them from?

 

[Stifler]

If you are looking for the cheapest way out, go with the Daystar KT09134BK

is it just me or is everywhere that normally stocks this OUT OF STOCK... weird.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

Thanks for the reply. I'm really hoping to be able to stick with the stock wheels. This will just be a daily and hoping I won't have to shell out for wheels. Good deal on the ride quality. I'm also thinking I might need a set of helper bags out back as I tow a 20' boat occasionally. Definitely leaning towards the 5100s now. Where's the best place to get them from?

Sales change daily, but 4wheel parts is pretty consistently one of the lower sites. I ended up with mine from a site called Autoplicity.com . my wife picked mine up for xmas last year and when she searched around and then called that particular store for some assistance, she ended up getting mine for around $320 out the door...I think the day-to-day going rate is more like $350-$400 for all 4 from most retailers.

From what I read, the airbags are a great cost effective solution for occasional towing.

 

[GROVERUNNER]

The spacer lift isn't necessarily a bad way to go. When I first lifted my 2010 SR5 I went with a toytec 3" front spacer and 2" rear toytec coils. The problem I ran into when I lifted my truck that much without replacing the shocks was that any bump, ridge, or pothole in the road caused my truck to thump or thud, which began to make me nervous. I love the lifted look so I went a step further and replaced the rear shocks with bilstein 5125's which made a world of difference in the rear, but I was still experiencing that rough ride in the front. I recently purchased the toytec front coilovers with bilstein 5100's in front. I was told the same thing when I started...do it right the first time or you'll regret it. Well, I don't really regret it, because it was what I could afford at the time and didn't want to wait to distinguish my 4runner from the moms at the grocery store. Just my thoughts. Also, my truck is a daily driver, not a rock crawler.

Hey what size tires were you running with the 3/2 spacer lift you had?

 

[TravelWest01]

Hey guys, I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to getting lifts. I have a 2011 SR5 4x4. I know from all the literature everyone would "recommend" doing a full lift kit vs the spacer lift. I've been doing research lately as I have saved enough for the 285 terra grapplers as well as enough to get a 3/2 spacer lift. I've spoken to a highly recommended offroad shop here in the little rock area and I explained that I'm not going to be doing any sort of rock crawling. The most I use my 4 wheel drive is snow in the winter and getting to my duck blinds in hunting season and hitting a few trails to go camping. I don't need anything beefy and I'm mainly doing it for looks. I know 3" is a pretty big spacer lift but for the price and what I'm looking for it kind of seems like it's the way to go, I already like the way the car rides and handles.

I've done a search and I really haven't found anything in the 5th gen section. Some of the 4th gen guys seem to think it's ok but I wanted to talk to some of you and get your reactions. I guess I could save for the full kit lift but I honestly don't think I'll ever do that kind of wheeling to warrant an extra $1k for something that's just cosmetic to me.

Sure, spacer lift sounds good for you. I did one myself, but ended up removing it and going with new coils and shocks when I started adding new bumper, winch, sliders, spare tire rack and so forth.

 

[alangranvue]

Traxda 3/1.25" spacer lift
285/55/20 Dynapros

Just installed them Monday and I love it. The ride seems a little more stiff but nothing that noticeable.

 

[RickC5]

Just had the 2.5" Daystar spacer kit installed yesterday in our 2014 TE. Very pleased with the results. 2.5" lift in front, 1.5" lift in rear. Still a slight rake front to back--used to be about 2" rake, now about .5" rake. Ride and driveability seem unchanged, which is what I was looking for. I will likely install Bilstein 5100s if & when they become available again.

 

[Vegas Island]

The 5100's ARE currently available.