To lift with 200+miles

[Candy Sack]

Relative noob here looking for some thoughts on the Day Star 2.5/1.5 on a stock 99 SR5 with 200+miles on it. Current tires, although I`d like taller ones, are 265/70/16. It`s in good shape.

But first let me say I`ve done lots of reading here, including 150 pages on this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up-149.html

As well as some other threads. So I know this has been discussed lots...

Anyway, it`s my daily driver.

I drive a lot of gravel roads. Some require 4x4. I`m only really into 4x4ing to get somewhere specific, like a trailhead or campsite. So I don`t need a big expensive lift. I would like it to be a bit more off road capable, however. Through bigger waterbars, , for example, my hitch will drag.

As is, I don`t really see any rake in my 4r. Looks pretty level.

The DS can be installed without changing other dynamics, so that is appealing. Although i might change shocks too. DO people install the DS spacers for their enhanced performance, really, or mainly for looksÉ I`d like a little lift and a bigger tire. But is it worth it an a vehicle with that many milesÉ

Also, any thoughts on bigger tires for an off-roading daily driverÉ

There`s lots of good info and people here. I`ve been lurking quite a bit and really enjoy the site. So thanks for any feedback.

 

[shootmymime]

Relative noob here looking for some thoughts on the Day Star 2.5/1.5 on a stock 99 SR5 with 200+miles on it. Current tires, although I`d like taller ones, are 265/70/16. It`s in good shape.

But first let me say I`ve done lots of reading here, including 150 pages on this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51742-lift-tire-central-pics-post-em-up-149.html

As well as some other threads. So I know this has been discussed lots...

Anyway, it`s my daily driver.

I drive a lot of gravel roads. Some require 4x4. I`m only really into 4x4ing to get somewhere specific, like a trailhead or campsite. So I don`t need a big expensive lift. I would like it to be a bit more off road capable, however. Through bigger waterbars, , for example, my hitch will drag.

As is, I don`t really see any rake in my 4r. Looks pretty level.

The DS can be installed without changing other dynamics, so that is appealing. Although i might change shocks too. DO people install the DS spacers for their enhanced performance, really, or mainly for looksÉ I`d like a little lift and a bigger tire. But is it worth it an a vehicle with that many milesÉ

Also, any thoughts on bigger tires for an off-roading daily driverÉ

There`s lots of good info and people here. I`ve been lurking quite a bit and really enjoy the site. So thanks for any feedback.

with 200K on your suspension you shouldnt do spacers. you should refresh it all with new springs and shocks all around. look more into the tundra bilstine lift and 7 wraps in the rear. if your going to do a refresh you might as well do a lift....

 

[OL0033]

I lifted mine days after it rolled 200k, but I've had it since it had 28k on it. Mine is also my daily driver, its sitting on 285's Toyo OC AT2. At the end whether you do for looks or purpose it's your vehicle and as long as maintenance is up to date, I don't see why you shouldn't lift it. Although I'd suggest replacing the springs instead of using spacers, seeing that your original ones are probably worn out. Other than that I say go for it. Oh, and did I mention mine is a 2WD? :doh:

 

[ARC]

The DS can be installed without changing other dynamics, so that is appealing. .

Not sure where you got this idea, but I totally disagree. A Spacer changes all sorts of things. Decreased suspension travel, more spring pre-load, higher ceter of gravity come to mind immediately. Spacers are also prone to blowing out struts unless the bump stops are moved down to limit up travel.

Not saying don't do it, just don't want you to think it isn't going to impact a how your truck drives and works.

 

[absalom]

I don't recommend a spacer lift, but if you do decide to go that route I have one for sale. I'll do it for $125 +shipping.

^ Classic Absalom ...

 

[Candy Sack]

ya ARC I get your point. "Dynamics" was maybe the wrong word. I meant more like "parts". The spacers can be put in without changing other parts.

I'll look into the Blisteins. They seem like an ok option for the front. What about rear? Like I said I really don't see any rake in my vehicle, so putting different height lifts in front and back maybe not best idea? Thanks for your thoughts, folks, and your offer Absalom (but ya right no thanks).

 

[ARC]

I would also caution you that no matter what you choose your CV boots are likely to blow out soon after lifting the front. With the age they are they won't like the change. Not a big deal, but it seems like you are trying to stick to a budget and I would factor rebooting or new axles into your plan.

 

[shootmymime]

Is be against rebooting.

I would simply factor in an extra $65 for a reman lifetime warranty axle. When it does go replace it. Take your old axle and warranty it. So you now have 2 fresh axles for $65 and lifetime warranty.

 

[psraff]

Is be against rebooting.

I would simply factor in an extra $65 for a reman lifetime warranty axle. When it does go replace it. Take your old axle and warranty it. So you now have 2 fresh axles for $65 and lifetime warranty.

I totally concur. I changed mine last year, and to be honest it's a lot easier then rebooting. Just make sure you have the right tools. Big F-ing Hammer and a Big F-ing Prybar.:bravo: It's like a 30 minute job each side. I believe I was done in a total of an hour and a half because I was timid beating on the axle to pop loose the ring.

There's a thread on here with pics and everything showing you how to do it. I think it also show how you stretch the boot out some and use pipe straps to hold it into place. That way the increased angle won't "pinch" the ribs together and cause pre-wear on them.

 

[96LTDrus]

Is be against rebooting.

I would simply factor in an extra $65 for a reman lifetime warranty axle. When it does go replace it. Take your old axle and warranty it. So you now have 2 fresh axles for $65 and lifetime warranty.

After having dealt with one too many defective cheap-o reman axles, I'd much rather save a nice, balanced OEM axle and reboot it, unless of course you drive around with torn boots for very long and contaminate the grease.

FWIW I do the exact same sort of offroading, just getting to nice camping spots and hiking trail heads. I think that the truck is absolutely up to the task in stock form, just running some stock sized tires with reasonable tread is likewise a very rational and effective solution. As tempting as it is to get a cool looking lift and gnarly tires, I thoroughly enjoy the 21-22 mpg I've been able to squeeze out of my stock truck on the highway, and the serene and quiet ride. There's a certain zen in appreciating the awesome capabilities these trucks have from the factory, and enjoying it as the engineers from Toyota designed it. But certainly if you are on stock springs and shocks at 200k miles, perhaps simply replacing them with fresh, stock 99 height springs and shocks will give you back a bit of height and a nicer, more controlled ride in all conditions.

Just some random ramblings from a guy that loves his stock 4Runner

 

[JayRolla]

After having dealt with one too many defective cheap-o reman axles, I'd much rather save a nice, balanced OEM axle and reboot it, unless of course you drive around with torn boots for very long and contaminate the grease.

FWIW I do the exact same sort of offroading, just getting to nice camping spots and hiking trail heads. I think that the truck is absolutely up to the task in stock form, just running some stock sized tires with reasonable tread is likewise a very rational and effective solution. As tempting as it is to get a cool looking lift and gnarly tires, I thoroughly enjoy the 21-22 mpg I've been able to squeeze out of my stock truck on the highway, and the serene and quiet ride. There's a certain zen in appreciating the awesome capabilities these trucks have from the factory, and enjoying it as the engineers from Toyota designed it. But certainly if you are on stock springs and shocks at 200k miles, perhaps simply replacing them with fresh, stock 99 height springs and shocks will give you back a bit of height and a nicer, more controlled ride in all conditions.

Just some random ramblings from a guy that loves his stock 4Runner

You can get OEM remans for a lot cheaper now. I hope thats what the others are talking about above.

So many non oem cv's love to break on the trail. NTM the boots are trash and crack and dry out compared to oem boots.

 

[96LTDrus]

You can get OEM remans for a lot cheaper now. I hope thats what the others are talking about above.

By OEM remans, do you mean Toyota axles rebuilt by Toyota? My issue is with the generic reman axles you can get from the auto parts stores with a core, it's a total crapshoot as to what you're getting. It's old axles (OEM or otherwise) that get slapped together in Mexico or China with new bearings, grease, new boots, and a quick coat of paint. Sometimes horribly balanced, other times they start to click within a few months. This was my experience with reman axles for FWD Hondas anyways.

 

[JayRolla]

By OEM remans, do you mean Toyota axles rebuilt by Toyota? My issue is with the generic reman axles you can get from the auto parts stores with a core, it's a total crapshoot as to what you're getting. It's old axles (OEM or otherwise) that get slapped together in Mexico or China with new bearings, grease, new boots, and a quick coat of paint. Sometimes horribly balanced, other times they start to click within a few months. This was my experience with reman axles for FWD Hondas anyways.

Like so, they cost more, have to send core back, they inspect and reman there own axles.

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