Toytec ultimate - pulled the trigger

[Metalmantr]

Hey all,

Been with the forum a while and have not posted my runner as of yet. Now will not be the exception. However, very soon!

I bought some new tires the other day, which naturally prompted me to get an alignment. With the alignment they discovered some bad shocks. At this point I figured, what the heck, if this isn't the time to get the lift I have been wanting, then when is?

So, I went the expensive route and bought the 3" Toytec ultimate lift kit, UCAs to go with, Spidertrax and bushing upgrade. May as well knock that stuff out while at it I figure. I will be installing this with a help from a buddy in the next couple weeks.

Look forward to pics! All that being said, any thought or words of advise?

 

[birdmann]

Start spraying all your nuts and bolts with pb blaster. It week make your life easier.

 

[ZOMBRNR]

Nice purchase! I'm debating between the Ultimate and Boss kit but holding off until they go on sale.

Look forward to seeing your install pics and experience.

 

[preacher35]

Hey all,

Been with the forum a while and have not posted my runner as of yet. Now will not be the exception. However, very soon!

I bought some new tires the other day, which naturally prompted me to get an alignment. With the alignment they discovered some bad shocks. At this point I figured, what the heck, if this isn't the time to get the lift I have been wanting, then when is?

So, I went the expensive route and bought the 3" Toytec ultimate lift kit, UCAs to go with, Spidertrax and bushing upgrade. May as well knock that stuff out while at it I figure. I will be installing this with a help from a buddy in the next couple weeks.

Look forward to pics! All that being said, any thought or words of advise?

Awesome. I did the exact same thing three weeks ago: Ultimate with UCA's and new bushings all the way around = night and day difference. One word of note: If you ordered your sway bar bushings from TOYTEC, understand that they are going to send you 17mm for the rear. The problem is, you probably have a larger diameter sway bar. Mine is 21mm and others report having 19mm or even 20mm. Just giving you a heads up, if you ordered those same 17mm rear bushings. Otherwise, you're going to be like a little kid on Christmas morning!

 

[Greydog]

Start spraying all your nuts and bolts with pb blaster. It week make your life easier.

100%, start now, perhaps even put the front end up and check that you can crack all the nuts loose before you try to jump into the whole job. This way you'll know you can knock it out quickly.

Read the No Spring Compressor threads in suspension section, 2 or 3 times, so your clear on the steps.

Get ready to dig your new ride !

 

[CO_Fletch]

I installed the Toytec Boss kit about a month ago. I had never done a lift before and had a friend helping. The instructions were clear and overall the install went well. I also installed the differential drop.

One item of note, the kits come pre-set (mine was set for 3"). When I first lowered the truck, I measured well over that amount - I think it was like 4" or more. I got a little worried since the instructions talk about never going over 3" in the front so I jacked up the truck again and adjusted.

I first went the wrong direction and created even more lift and then went the correct direction by the amount I thought I needed. Long story, I ended up doing a 3 or 4 adjustments up and down. One thing I learned is that it's important to drive it around the block before measuring (after every adjustment). The truck will settle with that first drive. I may have not needed to mess with the adjustment from the start if I drove it a short distance and measured rather than measuring straight off the jack. To adjust, I had to remove the wheels and unbolt the sway bar to get enough swing on the wrench so it was kind of a long process.

For the rear, you can install the new springs without a spring compressor but it was very difficult. We had to have one person stand on the axle while the other tried to install and it was a very tight fit. A spring compressor would have been very helpful - you wouldn't need to compress it very far either.

I have been very happy, the truck rides great and has done great on the trails. Enjoy!

 

[Metalmantr]

Thanks guys! I'm psyched.

CO_Fletch: I was reading that it can take up to two weeks before settling and to wait this amount of before an alignment. Perhaps there is a settling period for height as well?

Preacher: It looks like for the front it is 29, rear 17. So yeah, potential fun issue there.

I am curious, for those that have done this or similar, how is turning quality affected? Did you find that you needed to drastically adjust your speed/angle when taking turns? Obviously some of this is expected. The question is, how much?

 

[Billynath1988]

I installed the Toytec Boss kit about a month ago. I had never done a lift before and had a friend helping. The instructions were clear and overall the install went well. I also installed the differential drop.

One item of note, the kits come pre-set (mine was set for 3"). When I first lowered the truck, I measured well over that amount - I think it was like 4" or more. I got a little worried since the instructions talk about never going over 3" in the front so I jacked up the truck again and adjusted.

I first went the wrong direction and created even more lift and then went the correct direction by the amount I thought I needed. Long story, I ended up doing a 3 or 4 adjustments up and down. One thing I learned is that it's important to drive it around the block before measuring (after every adjustment). The truck will settle with that first drive. I may have not needed to mess with the adjustment from the start if I drove it a short distance and measured rather than measuring straight off the jack. To adjust, I had to remove the wheels and unbolt the sway bar to get enough swing on the wrench so it was kind of a long process.

For the rear, you can install the new springs without a spring compressor but it was very difficult. We had to have one person stand on the axle while the other tried to install and it was a very tight fit. A spring compressor would have been very helpful - you wouldn't need to compress it very far either.

I have been very happy, the truck rides great and has done great on the trails. Enjoy!

Excellent write up.. I am planning on doing the boss kit in the near future as well and this definitely answers some of my questions. And pictures you can post up in here too.. of before after or during install? Ill be installing myself as well.

 

[preacher35]

I am curious, for those that have done this or similar, how is turning quality affected? Did you find that you needed to drastically adjust your speed/angle when taking turns? Obviously some of this is expected. The question is, how much?

Well, turning is affected slightly. I mean, the center of gravity is now higher and thus, you will feel it if you try to take a turn at higher speeds (no question that I could take turns faster with XREAS) but then again, I am still getting used to the on-road handling since I just did the Ultimate lift about four weeks ago. That being said, my Runner is pretty flat in turns. I haven't gotten to take mine off road yet (won't be able to test that until October during my BIG BEND TX trip), but on road, my setup eats up everything in it's path. I have no fear of bumps, dips, or potholes. I can't wait to see how it does in the desert.

I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions and seeing pics of your completed Runner! Good luck and not that you would need it, but if you have any problems or questions, feel free to PM me since my install is so fresh in my mind.

 

[Billynath1988]

Hey all,

Been with the forum a while and have not posted my runner as of yet. Now will not be the exception. However, very soon!

I bought some new tires the other day, which naturally prompted me to get an alignment. With the alignment they discovered some bad shocks. At this point I figured, what the heck, if this isn't the time to get the lift I have been wanting, then when is?

So, I went the expensive route and bought the 3" Toytec ultimate lift kit, UCAs to go with, Spidertrax and bushing upgrade. May as well knock that stuff out while at it I figure. I will be installing this with a help from a buddy in the next couple weeks.

Look forward to pics! All that being said, any thought or words of advise?

Hey what tires, uca's and bushing upgrade did you go with and why? if you dont mind.. Any pics of your current ride are appreciated.

 

[Metalmantr]

Well, turning is affected slightly. I mean, the center of gravity is now higher and thus, you will feel it if you try to take a turn at higher speeds (no question that I could take turns faster with XREAS) but then again, I am still getting used to the on-road handling since I just did the Ultimate lift about four weeks ago. That being said, my Runner is pretty flat in turns. I haven't gotten to take mine off road yet (won't be able to test that until October during my BIG BEND TX trip), but on road, my setup eats up everything in it's path. I have no fear of bumps, dips, or potholes. I can't wait to see how it does in the desert.

I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions and seeing pics of your completed Runner! Good luck and not that you would need it, but if you have any problems or questions, feel free to PM me since my install is so fresh in my mind.

Thanks Preacher! I will definitely keep you in mind if trouble arises. Did you have to do any compressing of springs? Run into any notable issues?

 

[Metalmantr]

Hey what tires, uca's and bushing upgrade did you go with and why? if you dont mind.. Any pics of your current ride are appreciated.

I have the Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10 at 265/60R18. Unfortunately I bought them right before making this decision to get the lift, otherwise I would have stepped it up. I have a little over 100 miles on them. I wonder if Discount tire does exchanges at all.

I ordered the light racing UCA's from Toytec. I ordered the Energy brand bushings. I have heard good things about both and that is why I went for them. I may be returning the rears though, as Preacher said they could be the wrong size.

Pics will be very very soon. Current and lifted!

 

[Billynath1988]

RF10 is a good tire.. My fiancee has it on her old jeep cherokee limited 5.9L. The tires have been good for about 40,000 miles already and still plenty of tread left. Does excellent in snow and sand. And no problems in the rain.

If I were you I would put them up for sale asap while they are new get the money back for them and buy the tires in the size you want. I dont know if they do tire swaps on a tire thats been used at all but cant hurt to ask.

Cant wait to see pics. Try to get some from during the install process if you can.

 

[Metalmantr]

RF10 is a good tire.. My fiancee has it on her old jeep cherokee limited 5.9L. The tires have been good for about 40,000 miles already and still plenty of tread left. Does excellent in snow and sand. And no problems in the rain.

If I were you I would put them up for sale asap while they are new get the money back for them and buy the tires in the size you want. I dont know if they do tire swaps on a tire thats been used at all but cant hurt to ask.

Cant wait to see pics. Try to get some from during the install process if you can.

Ya I am really happy with them so far. I'd like them but in a bigger size.

I could put them up for sale. However, they are the only set I have and it would be kinda a PITA. I called discount tire. They said there is a possibility they can get me 100% back, but it depends on what they can do with the tires. They said the best bet is to bring them down to get them checked out. Fingers crossed there.

My buddy will be helping me out with the install. so hopefully that leaves some opportunity for pics. I should get a bunch

 

[Billynath1988]

Nice man, good luck with the tires... let us know how it goes

 

[preacher35]

Thanks Preacher! I will definitely keep you in mind if trouble arises. Did you have to do any compressing of springs? Run into any notable issues?

[MENTION=100689]Metalmantr[/MENTION] I did not have use to any spring compressors for the front (as the Ultimate C/O's are already assembled). I did have to use spring compressors for the rear Superflex coils but mainly because this was a one man operation so I didn't really have anyone to put their weight on the axle, to push it down and give me enough clearance to get the new springs in. Since you have someone helping, it's doubtful that you will need them. But if you do end up needing some, you can get a pair at Harbor Freight for $13.00. The only thing that was a pain was getting the really long OEM UCA pivot bolts out of their really long shafts in order to install my LR UCA's. It's too difficult to explain via typing on a forum. Simply put, if you have problems, PM me for my phone#.

I ordered the light racing UCA's from Toytec. I ordered the Energy brand bushings. I have heard good things about both and that is why I went for them. I may be returning the rears though, as Preacher said they could be the wrong size.

There is no question that your front anti sway bar will be 29mm. Put a caliper on the rear sway bar to get the appropriate diameter. You never know. Your's just might be 17mm. Mine is a Sport Edition so maybe the SE has a thicker diameter, who knows? Oh, on those LR UCA's, be very careful reading the instructions, when you install the ball joints so that you get the caster right.

 

[Metalmantr]

[MENTION=100689]Metalmantr[/MENTION] I did not have use to any spring compressors for the front (as the Ultimate C/O's are already assembled). I did have to use spring compressors for the rear Superflex coils but mainly because this was a one man operation so I didn't really have anyone to put their weight on the axle, to push it down and give me enough clearance to get the new springs in. Since you have someone helping, it's doubtful that you will need them. But if you do end up needing some, you can get a pair at Harbor Freight for $13.00. The only thing that was a pain was getting the really long OEM UCA pivot bolts out of their really long shafts in order to install my LR UCA's. It's too difficult to explain via typing on a forum. Simply put, if you have problems, PM me for my phone#.



There is no question that your front anti sway bar will be 29mm. Put a caliper on the rear sway bar to get the appropriate diameter. You never know. Your's just might be 17mm. Mine is a Sport Edition so maybe the SE has a thicker diameter, who knows? Oh, on those LR UCA's, be very careful reading the instructions, when you install the ball joints so that you get the caster right.

Thanks man. Sounds like I have a challenge ahead of me. Hopefully not much pain with the bushings, but the UCAs sound kinda like it. I have an 06 limited. I was almost tempted to have a shop do it, because my friend won't be able to help as soon as hoped and has not given me a solid date yet. But I think it will be worth the wait.

As far as the tires, I went to discount yesterday. They said as long as I don't have them over a month they will take them back at full price My thoughts are that I will run some 285/65/18's, which is almost a 33" equivalent. Which leads me to another thought, since I will be moving up in tire size, is it an absolute must for me to replace the spare? I don't believe it is due yet.

 

[Greydog]

You'll want to pull the battery I get the driver side UCA bolt out, passenger side just requires uncliping the A/C line.

It's alot easer to remove those bump plastic splash shields too.

Make sure you have a pitman arm puller to pop the ball joint shaft out of the hub/upright.

 

[preacher35]

Thanks man. Sounds like I have a challenge ahead of me. Hopefully not much pain with the bushings, but the UCAs sound kinda like it. I have an 06 limited. I was almost tempted to have a shop do it, because my friend won't be able to help as soon as hoped and has not given me a solid date yet. But I think it will be worth the wait.

As far as the tires, I went to discount yesterday. They said as long as I don't have them over a month they will take them back at full price My thoughts are that I will run some 285/65/18's, which is almost a 33" equivalent. Which leads me to another thought, since I will be moving up in tire size, is it an absolute must for me to replace the spare? I don't believe it is due yet.

Damn, I wish I was in Colorado, 'cause I would just help you get it done. Oh, and then I would go cycling. Oh, and then I would become the house-guest you could not get rid of until after skiing season.

 

[CO_Fletch]

Excellent write up.. I am planning on doing the boss kit in the near future as well and this definitely answers some of my questions. And pictures you can post up in here too.. of before after or during install? Ill be installing myself as well.

Attached are some before and after pics. The Jeep in the pic is a Rubicon that my buddy and I lifted at the same time. The after pics show the 3"front/2" rear Toytec Boss lift installed and stock Rubicon tires (255/75/17 MT). The trail pics are from Moab, the first trip with the new lift. I took off the running boards but haven't had time to get sliders installed yet.

I went with the Rubicon tires because there were quite a few on Craigslist (just a touch over 32"). This size fits in the spare area under the bumper.

I didn't take any pics during the install but if there is something you would like to see I would be happy to take a pic. We used PB Blaster but I did have trouble with one skid plate bolt and had to cut it off (not bad for a 11 year old car). In the rear, besides needing a spring compressor to make it easier (you can borrow them from the auto parts store for free), the other tight spot was the top nut for the rear shocks - you don't get much room to swing a wrench and it is tucked up behind the body seam. Toytec said some people just trim that extra metal to make it easier to get at the nut - we had a rathcheting box end wrench that made it a little faster.
[MENTION=100689]Metalmantr[/MENTION] - I drove for about a week on the old tires and then installed the new tires and did the alignment. A quick drive around the block should get it close for height measurement (I think it's how the tires set down on the pavement after coming from full sag on the jack). Toytec indicated to measure from center of hub to top of fender. Stock front is 19" and stock rear is 21". Use these as a baseline so that if your old springs had sagged, you can get accurate measurements

It was fine to drive without the alignment, maybe a little more touchy in the steering, but not bad - just don't want to drive too long on good tires or they will start to wear funny - I think I did maybe 250 miles and started to see a little uneven outside wear - align and rotate and you will be good. I felt like I couldn't take the corners as fast but I don't think it was dramatic. It's hard for me to compare though since my other car is a lowered Miata with racing suspension

Maybe see you on the trails in CO!