To lift or not to lift. That is the question.

[beaver_scott]

I stumbled across a '94 4runner about 6 months ago and I've been using it as a daily driver ever since. My 4runner has the 22re with a manual 5speed. It currently has 31x10.5 tires and as far as I know it has stock suspension. I'd like to "beef it up" a bit while at the same time replacing some of the older/tired suspension components (shocks and springs). I was curious what lift and tire size would be best with the current power train setup without sacrificing too much fuel economy and power.

 

[beaver_scott]

I'm also looking for a paint code on the front bumper color so I can repaint it...

 

[RAD4Runner]

Clean Runner!

Do you need the lift or not... that is the real question.
31's are the biggest tires you could use on that 22RE without need for regearing.

Keep it stock and focus on making it reliable. Spend more time doing trips than upgrading. Then you'll know what places and terrain you want to take your Runner to, and make the lift-or-not decision based on that.

 

[KidVermicious]

Clean Runner!

Do you need the lift or not... that is the real question.
31's are the biggest tires you could use on that 22RE without need for regearing.

Keep it stock and focus on making it reliable. Spend more time doing trips than upgrading. Then you'll know what places and terrain you want to take your Runner to, and make the lift-or-not decision based on that.

x1000

 

[Hyde802]

Yup. Spend time/money else where before lifting, like lockers and armor.

Read the stickies at the top of the classics section, as well as peoples build threads. There is tons of good information on here, that will give you ideas of what you want to do.

If you just want to lift it for giggles, check out the Classics lift thread (its in the stickies) You can always compensate for larger tires with lower gears to get some MPGs back.

 

[beaver_scott]

Thanks everybody for the advice and the compliments on a clean truck! Not only is the outside nice but I was amazed at the interior condition as well. There are no tears or stains in the seats and no cracking of the dash...the whole interior is close to perfect condition. I got lucky finding this rig. As far as lifting it, I will take all of your advice and keep the suspension stock for now...maybe get some new wheels and road armor?

 

[MT Tatman]

Sorry, but I never understood buying new wheels for a truck unless the ones you have are broken. That's "kid stuff" or "Amateur-hour" stuff. If you really use the truck for what it's good at, you will just end up scratching, gouging, and messing up your fancy wheels by merely "using" your truck for fun. Stick with the factory aluminum ones you have. If they get FUBARed then just get factory steel wheels. You may then enjoy the off roading without worrying about your wheels in the way a girl worries about her manicured nails.
Functional Mechanical upgrades are first in my book. Suspension, locking diff, brakes, and so on.
And if you ARE a girl, then choose whether to treat this like a Truck, or like your nails.
If you must have shiny wheels, wait a while until the rig has proven itself. Don't put cosmetic money into a new rig. Find out what it really NEEDS....even the little things.

 

[Yotarunners]

I'd say keep it stock for now. Nice Runner by the way ;D

 

[RAD4Runner]

...Don't put cosmetic money into a new rig. Find out what it really NEEDS....

Amen to that!

Look at Ruined Adventures and Defrag. Their 4Runners are not half as pretty as most runners in this forum but they have taken them to more places and done more things than many of us, especially those with pretty runners, could only dream of.