Subtle Lift: Recommendations?

[W8kbrder]

So here's my dilemma. If it were up to me, I'd throw some Bilstein 5100s on it. However I have a pregnant wife who needs to be able to get in and out of the vehicle without a ladder. She's definitely on my side as far as doing a few mod's to the 4R so with that I'm happy. I was glad she told me to lose the runner boards cause they were pointless and "she couldn't even get her size 6 foot on them to get in the thing."

So with that said, I'm looking for some options on a subtle lift that will have a ride feel similar to stock. My wife and I like the stock ride...only I could do without the nose dive. Throw out some recommendations and links if you have them for some decent aftermarket lifts that don't give it a super stiff ride. I'll probably end up going with BFG All-Terrains.

thanks!

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

So here's my dilemma. If it were up to me, I'd throw some Bilstein 5100s on it. However I have a pregnant wife who needs to be able to get in and out of the vehicle without a ladder. She's definitely on my side as far as doing a few mod's to the 4R so with that I'm happy. I was glad she told me to lose the runner boards cause they were pointless and "she couldn't even get her size 6 foot on them to get in the thing."

So with that said, I'm looking for some options on a subtle lift that will have a ride feel similar to stock. My wife and I like the stock ride...only I could do without the nose dive. Throw out some recommendations and links if you have them for some decent aftermarket lifts that don't give it a super stiff ride. I'll probably end up going with BFG All-Terrains.

thanks!

Throwing a set of bilsteins on it aren't going to raise it enough to make it hard for her to get in unless she is 5'1 like my wife. If you want to keep the stock ride and you have a SR5 or a Trail you could do toytec topplate spacers those will keep the ride stock.

 

[jreiter]

I'd agree with the Toytec top plate spacers. I put a set on the front of my Trail. It leaves the rear height where it is, and lifts the front up just a little bit to level it out with the rear. It's a good, subtle front lift that doesn't affect the ride in any way. Plus, it's inexpensive. I think it's about $60 for the spacers, and maybe $200 for install unless you can do it yourself.

 

[4RunnerTrail]

I'd agree with the Toytec top plate spacers. I put a set on the front of my Trail. It leaves the rear height where it is, and lifts the front up just a little bit to level it out with the rear. It's a good, subtle front lift that doesn't affect the ride in any way. Plus, it's inexpensive. I think it's about $60 for the spacers, and maybe $200 for install unless you can do it yourself.

How many inches does this raise the front? 2"?

 

[jreiter]

How many inches does this raise the front? 2"?

It's not that much. I think mine was about 3/4", which I think is just right. Many people say you need a 1" lift up front to level out the truck, but I'm not so sure. Many people compare the fender gap on the front and rear wheel wells, but I'm not sure that's an accurate way to level the vehicle. On my 2011 Trail with the Toytec front top plate spacers, the front wheel well still has a slightly smaller gap than the back does. This gives the appearance of the vehicle still being slightly lower in the front. However, when I look at the frame rails themselves (and ignore the bodywork), the rails appear level. I haven't measured the frame rail height in the front and back for a comparison, but it sure looks level.

But regardless, it's only a small lift in the front just to level things out. It doesn't make the front look lifted at all. It just makes the front stop looking so dropped compared to the back. It's honestly how the vehicle should've come from the factory, in my opinion.

 

[4RunnerTrail]

It's not that much. I think mine was about 3/4", which I think is just right. Many people say you need a 1" lift up front to level out the truck, but I'm not so sure. Many people compare the fender gap on the front and rear wheel wells, but I'm not sure that's an accurate way to level the vehicle. On my 2011 Trail with the Toytec front top plate spacers, the front wheel well still has a slightly smaller gap than the back does. This gives the appearance of the vehicle still being slightly lower in the front. However, when I look at the frame rails themselves (and ignore the bodywork), the rails appear level. I haven't measured the frame rail height in the front and back for a comparison, but it sure looks level.

But regardless, it's only a small lift in the front just to level things out. It doesn't make the front look lifted at all. It just makes the front stop looking so dropped compared to the back. It's honestly how the vehicle should've come from the factory, in my opinion.

do you have some photos? i was thinking about the bilstein 5100 set to 1.75 inches but maybe that is to much

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I got about 1 3/4 of lift with the topout spacer on mine before I went ahead and lifted the whole thing. Here is a pic when it was leveled. But if you even think you might want to lift just do the lift to begin with I got new rims and tires and leveled it and about 2 months later decided to go all the way and had to have the struts pulled apart again costing me another 200. 1st pic is leveled with stock rims and tires second pic is leveled with new rims and tires 265/70/17 terra grapplers

 

[4RunnerTrail]

I got about 1 3/4 of lift with the topout spacer on mine before I went ahead and lifted the whole thing. Here is a pic when it was leveled. But if you even think you might want to lift just do the lift to begin with I got new rims and tires and leveled it and about 2 months later decided to go all the way and had to have the struts pulled apart again costing me another 200. 1st pic is leveled with stock rims and tires second pic is leveled with new rims and tires 265/70/17 terra grapplers

that looks good to me. What spacers did you use?

the bilstein 5100 set to 1.75 are suppose to yield 2"...

 

[Falls]

Remember if you buy a spacer say like a 1/2" spacer it will give you 1" of lift or a 3/4" spacer will give you 1 1/2" of lift. Topout spacers always double the lift. I would go with a 3/4" on mine . Just my personal opinion.

 

[jreiter]

Here is my 2011 Trail KDSS with the top plate spacers and the stock 265/70/17 tire size. If you look at the spacing between the top of the fender and the tire, you can see that the front tire is a tiny bit closer to the fender than the back tire. However, if you look at the lower body lines and the frame compared to the ground, they are pretty level. Whichever leveling method you prefer is up to you, but I prefer the frame to be level rather than using the fender bodywork as the indicator. (Granted, it's a bit hard to tell from the photo.)

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

that looks good to me. What spacers did you use?

the bilstein 5100 set to 1.75 are suppose to yield 2"...

I used the toytec topout spacers

 

[W8kbrder]

I'd agree with the Toytec top plate spacers. I put a set on the front of my Trail. It leaves the rear height where it is, and lifts the front up just a little bit to level it out with the rear. It's a good, subtle front lift that doesn't affect the ride in any way. Plus, it's inexpensive. I think it's about $60 for the spacers, and maybe $200 for install unless you can do it yourself.

Are these the ones you guys are referring to?

Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY :: Suspension Kits & Parts :: Toyota Suspension Systems :: Toyota Tacoma :: ToyTec Lifts :: ToyTec Front Top Plate Spacer Kit - 4X4 Off-Road, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CNC Brakes, Johnn

Also, I had seen in some other threads...mention of using FJ springs rather than the stock 4runner springs to gain lift....does this sound right? If so, what would be needed...just a set of FJ springs?

 

[bradford727]

Hello all,

I am in a similar position, I have a 2010 4runner SR5 and was interested in getting a lift (nothing to drastic). I was looking at the Old Man Emu suspension set up, do you guys have any input regarding that set up? or do you feel the spacers mentioned are sufficient? Thanks for any input.

-Brad

 

[jreiter]

Are these the ones you guys are referring to?

Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY*::*Suspension Kits & Parts*::*Toyota Suspension Systems*::*Toyota Tacoma*::*ToyTec Lifts*::*ToyTec Front Top Plate Spacer Kit - 4X4 Off-Road, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CNC Brakes, Johnn

Also, I had seen in some other threads...mention of using FJ springs rather than the stock 4runner springs to gain lift....does this sound right? If so, what would be needed...just a set of FJ springs?

Yes, those are the Toytec top plate spacers. Those are what I am using, as seen in the photo I posted up above.

I would probably avoid using the springs from another model of vehicle unless you are sure of a few things:
- Will they fit just fine (coil diameter, etc) on the stock struts?
- Is the spring rate (stiffness) what you want? (Stiffer, softer, or the same?)
- If the spring rate is stiffer, will the stock shocks/struts handle them, or will you also need new struts?
- Will they provide the height you want?

If you aren't 100% sure of all of those questions, don't use them. For best results, it's better to stick with a set of springs and shocks that are designed specifically for your model of vehicle. That way you can be sure of all the details. But seriously, if all you want is a little front end lift to level things out, just stick with the top plate spacers. They are simple, inexpensive, and work.

 

[Trevloc]

are spacers easy to install yourself?

or is it not worth it and might as well have someone else do it?

 

[Firefighter EMT]

For my subtle lift, I ordered 5100's for the front and OME895E springs for the rear of my 2011 SR5. Going to set the front at 1.75" and the rear springs should net 1-1.5". I'll post pics as soon as its together. I'm running P275/70/17 Silent Armors.

 

[Falls]

Here is my 2011 Trail KDSS with the top plate spacers and the stock 265/70/17 tire size. If you look at the spacing between the top of the fender and the tire, you can see that the front tire is a tiny bit closer to the fender than the back tire. However, if you look at the lower body lines and the frame compared to the ground, they are pretty level. Whichever leveling method you prefer is up to you, but I prefer the frame to be level rather than using the fender bodywork as the indicator. (Granted, it's a bit hard to tell from the photo.)

What size of spacer did you use and how much lift did it yield you ?????

Looks nice !

 

[jreiter]

are spacers easy to install yourself?
or is it not worth it and might as well have someone else do it?

If you are familiar with doing suspension work on trucks, then it's a pretty easy install. However, be aware that you do have to compress the springs on the struts in order to replace the studs with the longer ones provided by Toytec. If you don't have a high quality spring compressor, then you at least want to leave that part to a shop.

 

[W8kbrder]

For my subtle lift, I ordered 5100's for the front and OME895E springs for the rear of my 2011 SR5. Going to set the front at 1.75" and the rear springs should net 1-1.5". I'll post pics as soon as its together. I'm running P275/70/17 Silent Armors.

Thanks. I'd like to see the results when you get it setup!

 

[jreiter]

What size of spacer did you use and how much lift did it yield you ?????
Looks nice !

The Toytec top plate spacers are 1/2". I haven't measured the before-and-after heights, though. I was only interested in visually leveling out the front, and the spacers accomplished it for me (as seen in the photo I posted).