Understanding spacer lifts

[jacal]

I have searched, I have called...but I don't feel I have a conclusive answer:

I currently measure approx 8.5" of clearance in the "middle" of my Runner between the front wheels.

If I install the 2.5" Daystar lift kit, and keep the same tire size will I be able to measure 11" (or even 10" after settling) at that same location? What about under the rear differential?



Thanks,
J.

 

[runnerguy]

If the spacer lift is a 2 1/2" it will lift your 4runner the same amount. It will not change the clearance under the diffs. Getting larger tires will do that.

 

[Good Times]

as runnerguy states, clearance under the diff will not change with just any lift.

the only the physically raise the clearance under your diff is by getting larger tires. but to fit larger tires you need a lift.

hope that helps. good luck!

 

[jacal]

to sum up

Ok, let's see how I did:

Running the same tires post-lift means the same clearance under the rear & front diffs. Only larger tires can raise those 2 low spots.

However, everything else, (undercarriage, gas tank, transfer case, etc) will be raised up by the same height as the spacers.

Conclusion: While you do gain more space, you still have to be careful with wheel placement.

My problem is that I take a difficult trail to get right up to my cottage. (After a length highway ride) We used to just walk this end part, some people use ATVs. Because the trail is narrow and difficult, you often don't have a choice of where to put a wheel. However, when you do, I guess the lift would help increase distance under the rocker panels etc. I had been using my Ranger thru this section - but it had a min 10" under the front diff...even higher (12) for the rest of the truck.

It sounds like I should go with a lift, but not much (daystar?) so that I can maintain the highway/city ride and my 3 year extended Toyota warrenty.

My main goal is to get to the cottage without scraping, I am already running 265/70/17s.


J

 

[runnerguy]

Your conclusion is right. Tire placement is the key when wheeling anyway. Put rock sliders on, then no worries about rocker panel damage.

 

[jacal]

IFS

but wait! ...there's more:

the front independent sus should see a increase in clearance. The only spot not benefitting would be the rear diff?


J

 

[runnerguy]

Tires is the only thing that will make better clearance under the diffs. Even if you do a 6" suspension lift you still need bigger tires for clearance. Like what was said earlier need a lift to fit bigger tires.

HTH

 

[Bluto]

Re: IFS

but wait! ...there's more:

the front independent sus should see a increase in clearance. The only spot not benefitting would be the rear diff?


J

I gained more clearance just about everywhere, except the rear diff/axle and front lower control arms. Everything above the springs gets lifted.

 

[Whoknows]

Re: Re: IFS

I gained more clearance just about everywhere, except the rear diff/axle and front lower control arms. Everything above the springs gets lifted.

Do you like your lift? I'm thinking of getting a cornfed, but am concerned about the ride. What have you experienced in terms of ride after the lift?

 

[Good Times]

Re: Re: Re: IFS

Do you like your lift? I'm thinking of getting a cornfed, but am concerned about the ride. What have you experienced in terms of ride after the lift?

Spacers will ultimately give you a harsher ride. If you don't want the harsh ride, look into OME's (all the way around). Of course this applies to non xreas (unless you plan to disconnect the xreas setup).

Coilovers in the front is also a good alternative but it's $$ so that's another factor to consider. OME's for the rear still though.

Good luck!

 

[Thai]

I think some on here did not understand the question...maybe i can answer it:

With a lift all-around: the distance from ground to under front diff will increase, but your rear diff pumpkin is at the same height (given same tires).

 

[Bluto]

Re: Re: Re: IFS

Do you like your lift? I'm thinking of getting a cornfed, but am concerned about the ride. What have you experienced in terms of ride after the lift?

I like it. In all honesty, I'd have to drive a stock 4Runner to tell you the difference. The ride feels fine to me. None of my passengers have ever noticed a difference in ride quality. Maybe a bit stiffer, slightly higher center of gravity.

From what I've read, the ride will change over time. The stock shocks/struts aren't designed to work with spacers. I've only had the lift for 5000 miles.

If you don't have X-REAS, go OME and/or coilovers. I like the way X-REAS handles, and wanted to get some use out of it. So I started with spacers.