Hey guys,
Everyone here has been really helpful in responding to my other posts, so thank you guys for the support.
I picked up a 2001 4Runner SR5 with 168k miles on it now, and after making sure the engine and drivetrain were in great shape by my mechanic (used to be somewhat handy myself, but living in SF and not with the parents any more, I no longer have access to tools and a dry garage space), the next piece of work I'd like to fix is the sagging rear.
It's got all original suspension parts (front and back springs and struts), but on advice from my mechanic, I should only work on replacing the rear spring and struts. He believes that the front end is still in decent condition (I would tend to agree).
Now, I've read the sticky on "Lifting your 4Runner", and have read posts on google, but it's a lot of information and confusion. So with your collective wisdom, T4R, I kindly ask for your advice on my goals:
1) I want to keep the 4Runner mechanically reliable at this time, and for the foreseeable future (getting married, relocating, and will have to find a new job :doh
and thus I can't afford an overhaul on the entire suspension system. I've read lifting the 4Runner a certain amount without upgrading certain components (CV, control arms, diff drop, etc.) would lead to increased wear on said components, which I want to avoid.
2) I also can't afford larger tires as I have no justification to buy them now (although it would be sweet), I have nearly brand new Michelin 265/75R16's on.
3) If possible, I'd like to achieve a mild lift, so would the OME 906 2" lift work while keeping the front end STOCK (mechanic says front is in good shape, and I would rather replace the springs and struts at the same time once I can afford it). What strut would pair well with it for a comfortable ride? Would a lift like this look silly without a mild lift on the front end?
4) I would like to keep the suspension more on the "comfortable" side; this car is my DD and I wanted a 4WD not because I wheel it (a possible future hobby), but because I rock climb, and some back country roads have rough terrain where 4WD and higher ground clearance is useful (and so I can hop curbs and medians in the city :laugh: )
TL;DR -- On a budget, so what strut/spring combination to replace sagging rear end while keeping the ride comfortable, and would a mild 1-2" lift make the car look funny with keeping the front end stock (for now)
Thanks guys!
Everyone here has been really helpful in responding to my other posts, so thank you guys for the support.
I picked up a 2001 4Runner SR5 with 168k miles on it now, and after making sure the engine and drivetrain were in great shape by my mechanic (used to be somewhat handy myself, but living in SF and not with the parents any more, I no longer have access to tools and a dry garage space), the next piece of work I'd like to fix is the sagging rear.
It's got all original suspension parts (front and back springs and struts), but on advice from my mechanic, I should only work on replacing the rear spring and struts. He believes that the front end is still in decent condition (I would tend to agree).
Now, I've read the sticky on "Lifting your 4Runner", and have read posts on google, but it's a lot of information and confusion. So with your collective wisdom, T4R, I kindly ask for your advice on my goals:
1) I want to keep the 4Runner mechanically reliable at this time, and for the foreseeable future (getting married, relocating, and will have to find a new job :doh
and thus I can't afford an overhaul on the entire suspension system. I've read lifting the 4Runner a certain amount without upgrading certain components (CV, control arms, diff drop, etc.) would lead to increased wear on said components, which I want to avoid.2) I also can't afford larger tires as I have no justification to buy them now (although it would be sweet), I have nearly brand new Michelin 265/75R16's on.
3) If possible, I'd like to achieve a mild lift, so would the OME 906 2" lift work while keeping the front end STOCK (mechanic says front is in good shape, and I would rather replace the springs and struts at the same time once I can afford it). What strut would pair well with it for a comfortable ride? Would a lift like this look silly without a mild lift on the front end?
4) I would like to keep the suspension more on the "comfortable" side; this car is my DD and I wanted a 4WD not because I wheel it (a possible future hobby), but because I rock climb, and some back country roads have rough terrain where 4WD and higher ground clearance is useful (and so I can hop curbs and medians in the city :laugh: )
TL;DR -- On a budget, so what strut/spring combination to replace sagging rear end while keeping the ride comfortable, and would a mild 1-2" lift make the car look funny with keeping the front end stock (for now)
Thanks guys!
