So I after a little hiatus from the site, I have made some changes to the 4runner and I am looking to change more but I don't really know how to go about it. Since I already have a beefed up 2500 Silverado, I didn't need a hardcore off-road vehicle. Because of that I went with a Readylift SST 3/2 lift and put on some Toyo A/T 285's. Later came the Gobi rack with the ladder and the sun-roof insert. However, I have some questions about the suspension. I want to put on a Shrockwork bumper and I was wondering what the best option would be. Should I put on some Icon coilovers or would I need to improve the springs, shocks, etc. Also, with the 285's, is it necessary to upgrade the UCA's? I'm not used to having to modify this much, with the truck I could put on the bumper with no worries but I sense I can't do that with this light truck. I suppose I could call up S&M here, but I would like an opinion from people who know first hand. Thank you for all the help.
Upgrade Questions from a Toyota Newbie
- Thread starter BEsnook
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eddiebx
New member
You might want to get some stiffer/longer springs up front to handle the bit of extra weight from the front bumper (OEM springs might sag a bit too much). Fully adjustable ICON coilovers are not a necessity because there are plenty of off the shelf springs to choose from such as OME or Toytec. If you upgrade springs, better shocks would definitely be a great idea, Bilstein 5100s are a popular choice (I have them and love it), also OME makes shocks for our application. Of course if your pockets are deep enough ICON coilovers would be great too! It all depends on what your plans are for the truck.
UCA are not a necessity, so to speak, because you may or may not need them depending on your alignment numbers. BUT you might need them if you plan to go with longer travel suspension(the oem UCA don't have as much clearance and down travel).
BTW, S&M????? :whip2:
cbielat
Senior Member
I would say if you want a "hardcore off road rig" you'll want to get rid of the Ready Lift spacer lift. A coil over system will allow for much better performance on and off road as well as handle the added weight of the bumper and other accessories. I don't think I'd put a steel bumper on using stock suspension. The spring rate isn't as stiff as the aftermarket. As far as the upper control arms, I'll just say what has already been said and will be said. You can do without them but it helps aid in alignment much better.
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Jeremy556
New member
Sorry, but
ound:
Canazes9
New member
Stop.
Think carefully about how much weight you are going to want to add - few people add a front bumper and stop there. A little later they want skids, a winch, rear bumper, sliders, etc...
If you don't plan carefully you will get to do this again....
You definitely want to upgrade the shocks if you are going to add weight.
David
Think carefully about how much weight you are going to want to add - few people add a front bumper and stop there. A little later they want skids, a winch, rear bumper, sliders, etc...
If you don't plan carefully you will get to do this again....
You definitely want to upgrade the shocks if you are going to add weight.
David
Haha I knew I was going to get some crap for that.
The farthest I would go is to have sliders, maybe a light Warn winch. The most off-road action this vehicle will see is hog hunting, and dove/snipe hunting, so there isn't much need for all the armor. That being said, would it be easy to get the ICON front coilovers and be done with it?
The OEM bumper is already dented from crossing some creeks and ditches so its time to be replaced.
eddiebx
New member
You can go with either and be done with it, but keep in mind ICON coilovers will require more maintenance and upkeep. A hardcore race oriented coilover is not going to give you the service life as that of an upgraded OEM replacement shock, like the Bilstein/OME shocks. Hence why I said you need to think about what are your plans/intentions and then decide what's best.
Think about what @canaze9 carefully and then buy your suspension accordingly. A "light" warn winch alone would probably come in close to 100 pounds, combined with the plate bumper you will be well over 200+ lbs you're adding on the front. Sliders would easily weigh in at 100-150 lbs...it all adds up.
If you're still up in the air select a front suspension that leaves you with some adjust-ability, in case you add a bit more extra weight up front down the road.
Canazes9
New member
Easy? Yes!
Cheap? No...
I recently bought my first set of Icons for my wife's 4runner and we are extremely pleased with the performance. I have 5100's on my other two Toyotas(Tacomas). The 5100's are quality, bit I felt like the Icon's were worth the money - still do!
I suggest you call Icon and discuss your plans with them so they recommend a spring rate for your coil overs. They answer the phones and put people on that know their products to talk to potential customers - I spoke with them several times before I bought.
Keep in mind, the higher spring rates are going to ride rough until you add all of the weight. You may also have to adjust them down to keep your cv angles ok till you add the extra weight.
David
Yeah, after taking in what you guys are saying, and mulling over it a little bit, I think I'm going to just wait on the bumper for now until the Toyota is a dedicated off-road vehicle. My plans now are to just simply swap out the OEM shocks for the Bilsteinsn 5100's. If later that needs to change, than so be it.
