Thinking about lifting my 4Runner

[L01D]

I knew after first joining this forum I was going to have to do some mods. Well to start off I'm looking at the Daystar Comfort Ride Polyurethane Coil Spacer Lift. Should I go with a coil spacer lift or save my money to do full suspension? I'm only 19 and going to college and this daystar lift is only $160 so I think it might be worth the money but any input from the rest of you would help.

 

[sheik]

If you don't plan to do any serious off-roading a spacer lift is the way to go. In other words, if its for looks and light trail duty it's perfect. You could also get a set of takeoffs from an FJ that'll get you about .5 - 1" of lift. I've seen them go for super cheap before on the FJ Cruiser Forums.

If you plan to get into off-roading more seriously and want to possibly add a new front bumper, winch, etc then I would save and do the full suspension.

 

[L01D]

So are you saying even with a coil spacer lift I will have to replace my existing shocks?

 

[Dungeroo]

Daystar

Lots of us have it, LOVE it, and it is a great start. Most of us did other things at the same time. I did tires, new wheels, new shocks, and FJ Cruiser springs (heavier guage spring than T4R factory) when I installed it (Daystar), but....you can have the same look with your stock springs and shocks and save up for other things like books/food for now. If you lift it, and are looking to complete the look, get a set (2 pair) of wheel spacers off of ebay (1.25"will look great) and if you have 17" wheels, Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels has a stellar deal on 255/75/17 goodyear slientarmour at ($108 ea) that would complete it for cheap.

Besides that ... enjoy it, you are very lucky (at 19) to have it!

 

[Dungeroo]

You don't NEED new shocks...the kit works with the factory springs and shocks. Most people do replace(upgrade) shocks while they are doing the spacer install because the front Strut assmebly has to come off regardless, and while the back is up for the rear spacer, which mounts "on top" of the rear spring, it is "easy" to do the rear shock switch at the same time.

If you like the smooth "car like" ride of the factory setup, you will maintain it (for the most part) with the Daystar and no shock/strut switch.

Some of us happen to have "mostly new" (less than 5000 mi.) factory shocks struts laying around that would be great replacements for you if your T4R has more than 60,000 mi. on it. I actually have a factory set from a 2008 FJ Cruiser with 1500 mi. on them sitting in my garage.

 

[fourwd1]

If you don't plan to do any serious off-roading a spacer lift is the way to go. In other words, if its for looks and light trail duty it's perfect.

Well put, and that's a key point you should know.

 

[sheik]

So are you saying even with a coil spacer lift I will have to replace my existing shocks?

Nope.

You can do just the spacer and use the stock shocks/springs.



If you want a bit more lift over what a spacer kit can provide, slightly better handling, and less body roll, you can replace the existing shocks/springs with take-offs from an FJ in conjunction with a spacer kit. Plan on an additional .5-1" of lift on top of whatever lift the spacers give.

Once you get above about 3" of lift you may start to create extra stress for other components (CV joints for example). It's a good idea to stay below 3" of lift unless you are prepared to take appropriate measures to reduce that stress.

There are so many ways to accomplish a lift, it all comes down to what your needs/wants are.

 

[dreadog]

My experience I had the 2.5/1.5 daystar lift and ended up only getting an 1.5" up front because the stock springs settled! Four months later I took it out and replaced it with an OME spring lift and I'm much happier! There is nothing wrong with spacer lifts, but just be aware you might not get the full lift your suposed to! Which could be fustrating if your paying for installation!

 

[Duhockey]

My experience I had the 2.5/1.5 daystar lift and ended up only getting an 1.5" up front because the stock springs settled! Four months later I took it out and replaced it with an OME spring lift and I'm much happier! There is nothing wrong with spacer lifts, but just be aware you might not get the full lift your suposed to! Which could be fustrating if your paying for installation!

yeah, I did 2.5 inch coil spacers but cuz my coils were shot, I was only getting about a 1 inch lift.

so since I had to do my coils and stuff, ended up doing everything all over again a few months later.