Toytec 3" spacer: Front end still to low.

[fastcat27]

I installed the Toyec, 3" spacers up front and 2" superflex springs in the rear but the front still isn't level. Any advice on how to bring the front end up. I was thinking of going to the Bilstien 5100 adjustable up front an then maybe adding a spacer? I've got a RWD SR5 I'm not going off road other than some flat dirt roads here in Florida so this is just for looks. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Tlowe]

Well your issue might have been going 2" coils in the back. The stock forward rake is about 2.5 inches, this means that the back is 2.5 inches higher than the front completely stock, this is to deal with sag when loading and so on. So if you only lift the front 3 inches then you will get .5 inch negative rake, in other words the back is lower .5 inches. Now when you lift the back 2 inches up you now are back to around 1.5 inch forward rake, giving you a better level than stock by a inch but not level. I suggest going with a very small spacer in the back with something much more like the stock springs or new springs that only give you a tiny bit of lift to give you the leveled look.


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[sn0wrunner]

How far off is it from being level? What did Toytec have to say? I thought they designed their kit to have it sit level. Can you post some pics?

 

[BrianR383]

Are you measuring the frame or wheel well arches? The rear arches are higher, so even though my frame measures to be almost level the vehicle doesn't look level still.

 

[salong53]

If you're still wanting to go higher in the front, you'll need:
-new shocks (5100s would work)
-upper control arms to get the alignment in spec
-possibly a set of lift springs from OME, Dobinsons, or the like

 

[fastcat27]

How far off is it from being level? What did Toytec have to say? I thought they designed their kit to have it sit level. Can you post some pics?

I'll take a picture tonight or tomorrow.

 

[jwkilgore]

3" is about the max with the 5th Gen front suspension without going to more serious changes. Any more and you're putting too much stress on the CV joints at droop. Yes, you can add an adjustable coilover (Billy 5100's being the cheapest option) or taller springs with your spacer to gain more lift up front, but I wouldn't plan on going offroad with that setup. You'll definitely need a new upper control arm to get the alignment in spec. I know there's a diff drop kit that's supposed to help with the CV angle, but I've heard that it doesn't really accomplish anything. You'll have to ask the experts about that one.

Another real issue is that most springs were originally developed for the 4th gen and we simply use the same ones. But we get about 1/2"-1" more lift out of the same springs depending on things like rear seats and such. So a 2" spring will give a 5th gen 2.5"+ of lift. You lifted 3" in the front, then 2.5" in the rear.

And finally, you should be looking at the frame, not the wheel wells. They aren't parallel. If you level it such that the tops of the wheel wells are the same distance from the ground you'll have a reverse rake on the frame and rocker trim.

 

[Tlowe]

3" is about the max with the 5th Gen front suspension without going to more serious changes. Any more and you're putting too much stress on the CV joints at droop. Yes, you can add an adjustable coilover (Billy 5100's being the cheapest option) or taller springs with your spacer to gain more lift up front, but I wouldn't plan on going offroad with that setup. You'll definitely need a new upper control arm to get the alignment in spec. I know there's a diff drop kit that's supposed to help with the CV angle, but I've heard that it doesn't really accomplish anything. You'll have to ask the experts about that one.

Another real issue is that most springs were originally developed for the 4th gen and we simply use the same ones. But we get about 1/2"-1" more lift out of the same springs depending on things like rear seats and such. So a 2" spring will give a 5th gen 2.5"+ of lift. You lifted 3" in the front, then 2.5" in the rear.

And finally, you should be looking at the frame, not the wheel wells. They aren't parallel. If you level it such that the tops of the wheel wells are the same distance from the ground you'll have a reverse rake on the frame and rocker trim.

He doesn't have front CVs, only a 2Runner, look at the original post. With better UCAs he could go higher than most of us. Theoretically of course, there will be other limitations but as far as CVs he doesn't have any!

 

[fastcat27]

Well your issue might have been going 2" coils in the back. The stock forward rake is about 2.5 inches, this means that the back is 2.5 inches higher than the front completely stock, this is to deal with sag when loading and so on. So if you only lift the front 3 inches then you will get .5 inch negative rake, in other words the back is lower .5 inches. Now when you lift the back 2 inches up you now are back to around 1.5 inch forward rake, giving you a better level than stock by a inch but not level. I suggest going with a very small spacer in the back with something much more like the stock springs or new springs that only give you a tiny bit of lift to give you the leveled look.


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I understand but i'm really liking the height in the back. I'm looking how to lift the front.

 

[toku58]

Well your issue might have been going 2" coils in the back. The stock forward rake is about 2.5 inches, this means that the back is 2.5 inches higher than the front completely stock, this is to deal with sag when loading and so on. So if you only lift the front 3 inches then you will get .5 inch negative rake, in other words the back is lower .5 inches. Now when you lift the back 2 inches up you now are back to around 1.5 inch forward rake, giving you a better level than stock by a inch but not level. I suggest going with a very small spacer in the back with something much more like the stock springs or new springs that only give you a tiny bit of lift to give you the leveled look.


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My rear was 1.5" higher than my front (Completely stock).
I also noticed that the stock 2WD is lower than the stock 4WD. Not sure if Toyota uses different springs on the 2WD.

 

[sn0wrunner]

He doesn't have front CVs, only a 2Runner, look at the original post. With better UCAs he could go higher than most of us. Theoretically of course, there will be other limitations but as far as CVs he doesn't have any!

Like you said, there would be other limitations. UCA might help the upper ball joint, but that lower ball joint is still going to be pissed off! Spindle lift would correct both upper and lower ball joint angles. Of course it all depends how high he wants to go.
03-10 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2WD / 03-16 4 RUNNER 4" LIFT SPINDLES

 

[jwkilgore]

He doesn't have front CVs, only a 2Runner, look at the original post. With better UCAs he could go higher than most of us. Theoretically of course, there will be other limitations but as far as CVs he doesn't have any!

Oops! :typing: