To lift or not to lift, that is the question

[raven1911]

I have a 3rd gen 4Runner that I am contemplating putting a 2 inch lift on. I have some reservations though, mainly two. 1. There vast 4x4ing that I have done I have only hit a rock once. I mainly use the truck for
Camping, hunting and off roading but nothing hardcore but and it is my everyday driver. 2. I am concerned that my MPGs will go down significantly as I have heard it will probably go down a couple mpg.

I really like the thought of a small lift about 2 inches and I think aesthetically it
will improve the look of my vehicle and the handling off road, but I would want some functionality of a purchase like that too. So what say you? I would like to hear from others who have put a lift on their rig about if their mpg suffered as a result and if you too wrestled with this question and what was your final decision and why?

 

[psraff]

1. Once you start, you'll NEVER STOP!!!!!!! LOL

Really though. My first lift, didn't effect MPG much. I didn't notice much till I started adding the roof rack, weight, heavier tires, I gained 40 lbs., ... you get the idea.

Be mindful on the tires you get to fill your wheel wells after you lift it. I ran 255-85/16 and loved them! Small surface area, they worked perfect for what I used them for, lighter in weight compared to a tire that's 12.5" wide. If you run the same tire you won't loose that much MPG.

If you put on a lift built to your current rig, and you have stock bumpers.... then you add bumpers, expect to see your lift to sag. Then you will have to upgrade. So think long and hard to what you want your FINISHED PRODUCT to be and try to work towards that (as much as your checkbook can handle of course).

My first suspension was due to current one was shot and larger tires. That was good. Then I upgraded my rear bumper because my stock one was rusting away. Got my CBI, and within a month I was saggy. Added trim pieces and didn't help. So upgraded rear springs. Year later, had to change shocks. So lesson learned there.

 

[baja1]

I had a beautiful 4x4 handed down to me, my first ever 4x4 so I decided to go with the SS 3" lift so my long time baja traveler and I could safely get to spots we previously couldn't....about the time I got her done he up and died on me. so I have this very capable lifted 4x4 with all the cool mods and offroad tires that never leaves the pavement! BUT...it looks super cool and for some reason it's waaaay funner to drive! so yeah, DO IT :rockon:

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

I have a 3rd gen 4Runner that I am contemplating putting a 2 inch lift on. I have some reservations though, mainly two. 1. There vast 4x4ing that I have done I have only hit a rock once. I mainly use the truck for
Camping, hunting and off roading but nothing hardcore but and it is my everyday driver. 2. I am concerned that my MPGs will go down significantly as I have heard it will probably go down a couple mpg.

I really like the thought of a small lift about 2 inches and I think aesthetically it
will improve the look of my vehicle and the handling off road, but I would want some functionality of a purchase like that too. So what say you? I would like to hear from others who have put a lift on their rig about if their mpg suffered as a result and if you too wrestled with this question and what was your final decision and why?

What's your budget? Give us a call and let's discuss options.
303.255.4959

 

[Skinfaxi]

Tires will have a much bigger impact than the lift. Just don't put 33" M/T's on and you likely won't see a real difference.

A lift from a reputable place (call them^^) will handle additional road trip cargo weight significantly better than stock. That was the primary reason I lifted. The stock rear end sags a lot when loaded down with camping gear or a trailer.

 

[I_bRAD]

I asked myself the same question when it was time for new shocks and decided against. The truck is quite capable at stock height; I figured there's no reason to get into dealing with issues brought on by the lift so I left it as it was with no regrets.

 

[jrm]

Chances are

that in addition to any lift youll also experience an improvement in handling and control since your existing suspension probably kinda tired....

I was really happy with a tundra 5100/trd progressive (f) and OME 906/sport shock (r) suspension lift paired with some 265/75/16s.

 

[raven1911]

I was looking at OME springs front and rear and I think the 300 lb over rated rear springs (forgot the number of them) since I tow and also have a Baja Rack that can be loaded down. It does sag when I have 4 passengers or in combo with gear and passengers. I already bought Bilstein 5100’s and they are being delivered. The trucks been definitely capable stock which is what makes this choice a difficult one. It is tired though and I have 220k miles on it. I am thinking of going down one size on my tires maybe narrower and/or shorter to boost my power a little on hills and get up on freeway. Thanks for the replies and still thinking....

 

[thezentree]

Tires will have a much bigger impact than the lift. Just don't put 33" M/T's on and you likely won't see a real difference.

A lift from a reputable place (call them^^) will handle additional road trip cargo weight significantly better than stock. That was the primary reason I lifted. The stock rear end sags a lot when loaded down with camping gear or a trailer.

This. I lost 5mpg when I put 285s on mine.

And call Toytec.

 

[Coward]

Everyone is 100% right on MPG's and tires. Another thing to consider is everything that isn't part of a lift "kit". Upper and lower ball joints. Inner and outer tie rod ends. LCA bushings. And if you lift you will lose caster unless you get aftermarket upper control arms. All of those things are typically worn (out) along with stock springs.

 

[4'running'26]

I put the '99 tall springs in the rear of my 2000 a few years ago and it worked great. I wasn't looking for a lift, just a resolution to potential rear sag. So far, no rear sag.

I can still get 21-22 MPG on the highway at 68-70 MPH with no head wind and I have 294,000 miles on my 4runner. Last time I got new tires I went with 245-75R16 and I have been fine with them. A tad narrower, nearly the same exact height.

 

[thezentree]

Everyone is 100% right on MPG's and tires. Another thing to consider is everything that isn't part of a lift "kit". Upper and lower ball joints. Inner and outer tie rod ends. LCA bushings. And if you lift you will lose caster unless you get aftermarket upper control arms. All of those things are typically worn (out) along with stock springs.

THIS.

I've got about $1200 in my lift. I've got at least another $2000 and 100 hours of work in all the other crap I've had to buy to make it usable as a DD. I'm ok with that (other than the MPG hit) but don't expect that you're going to buy some springs and shocks and that's it.

 

[raven1911]

I put the '99 tall springs in the rear of my 2000 a few years ago and it worked great. I wasn't looking for a lift, just a resolution to potential rear sag. So far, no rear sag.

I can still get 21-22 MPG on the highway at 68-70 MPH with no head wind and I have 294,000 miles on my 4runner. Last time I got new tires I went with 245-75R16 and I have been fine with them. A tad narrower, nearly the same exact height.

Excellent. I have the same concern about rear sag. Where can I get the tall springs from? Did you end up with a level looking ride then keeping the stock front springs?

 

[raven1911]

THIS.

I've got about $1200 in my lift. I've got at least another $2000 and 100 hours of work in all the other crap I've had to buy to make it usable as a DD. I'm ok with that (other than the MPG hit) but don't expect that you're going to buy some springs and shocks and that's it.

Yes good points. I bought new CV joints and they are being delivered as well. Waiting for the steering guide too and rear brakes, so I have a lot to do. I am mainly concerned with rear sag so maybe will look into the tall rear springs only. I just don’t want a rake look if I keep my stock front springs.

 

[Kanoe]

I think you mentioned earlier you have ordered 5100s. The fronts are adjustable for height.

So, you can get new 99 tall springs in the rear and keep the stock front springs. Use the shock adjustment to suit your taste.

Or if you carry any kind of a load, get OME 2906 rears and keep stock front springs. Use the shock adjustment to suit your taste.

Either of these would be more of a suspension refresh (or a mild lift). You should not run into any other problems that a bigger lift might bring.

 

[4'running'26]

Excellent. I have the same concern about rear sag. Where can I get the tall springs from? Did you end up with a level looking ride then keeping the stock front springs?

The ride is level to the naked eye.

Here is the part #: 48231-35210

I got them from toyotaonlineparts.com at the time and they were $78 per side.