Very frustrated right now!!!!

jdebo

jdebo

New member
I live 45 min from Pittsburgh, 30 min from Wheeling,WV an I've called multiple tire shops/garages about lifts and wheels/tires. None of them wanna even touch an 08 4 runner! All I want is a little more clearance, nice wheels, and 275/70/17. Seems like if u own a Chevy, ford,dodge they will give u anything u want! I'm very frustrated right now!!! Thanks for listening!
 
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It's not too hard to do yourself if you have the space and tools. What type of lift are you looking for? Finding a shop to do the work is one thing, wanting to pay the install price is another. I've heard of labor costs of over $500 for a simple lift install. Look at this page, maybe there's a shop that'll be willing to help you out. If nothing there, most places that do shocks should be able to install a lift. Your best bet is a private shop and not a retail chain, but it shouldn't be that hard.
 
Was gonna go with the toytec 3 space and rear springs. What do I do about compressing the spring to insert the spacer? And then install the springs on the rear too. I went to a couple private places today. One told me that it's a liability thing do do 3 inch on 4runner but they will do anything to a ford. Makes no sense!!! The other place said they don't even get involved with toyotas. I was thinking about getting the OME cause I see where they will send everything ready to install. I feel cOnfident I all I had to do was swap out.
 
Have you asked them... why?

There is usually a reason a shop will not do the job. In particular with liability laws these days, sometimes they don't want the hassle of "elective surgery" that might bite them in the ass.

Try to find a 4x4 centered shop. They tend to say yes.. and have specific liability understanding. Most states (Northern, progressive states in particular) have liblilty laws on repairs, to "protect" consumers; that make them nervous about any work that would exceed OEM specs.

For example. Any lift that is outside of factory spec has a higher risk of breaking stuff. It happens. If you get a lift installed, and due to some line up in the cosmos, a control arm or something breaks; they don't want to be on the line for it.

You may be a cool guy and understand that adding performance addon's like this that alter the ride from factory specs, will in turn impact a few things, but I bet they have met some real a-holes.


Anyway. My point. Ask them what their specific concerns are. You can agree to sign away a liability claim. Or they may simply not feel comfy doing it.

Try to find a 4x4 centered shop. They will do anything AND know the law. They will explain to you that this is "elective surgery" will impact the ride, etc. etc. and finally, if your cv shaft breaks or a boot rips; they are not responsible. If you agree, sign on the line and they will hook you up.





EDIT: In terms of tech, Toyota's are light years ahead of Ford. Ford truck 4x4's are MUCH easier to work on. They have leaf springs.. which are really easy to work with. Not hard to "break" anything.

So.. cut them a wee bit of slack. You have to understand that in today's litigious society... liability KILLS companies. If you add 3 inches... then go and flip over, due to a higher center of gravity... people SUE over that. You can say you wouldn't but.. how do we know, till you are there?
 
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That map link helps a lot. I don't know how I missed ironclad shop. I feel way better!! Even if I can pull the job off myself it will be nice to have someone that I can talk to in persOn!
 
Finding a good shop to do stuff like this takes time. Show some patience and make sure you've done your due diligence. I know I wouldn't want any old shop to mess with my suspension, wheels, alignment, etc. Don't be in such a rush that you go with any old scandalous shop, find a good shop that you can have a quality conversation with and that you can trust, it will pay off in the end.
 
jdebo said:
Was gonna go with the toytec 3 space and rear springs. What do I do about compressing the spring to insert the spacer? And then install the springs on the rear too. I went to a couple private places today. One told me that it's a liability thing do do 3 inch on 4runner but they will do anything to a ford. Makes no sense!!! The other place said they don't even get involved with toyotas. I was thinking about getting the OME cause I see where they will send everything ready to install. I feel cOnfident I all I had to do was swap out.
Click to expand...

If you end up tackling it yourself, you can borrow the spring compressors for the front struts at Autozone for free. You just have to put down a deposit. The guys here can get you through the install too, they did me and I hadn't ever done one. Sounds like you already have the parts? I know some people talk about 3" is max lift w/o changing other stuff. Maybe if you just go with a 2" lift all the way around, they can keep it in spec. Just a thought.

Keep us posted and let's see some pics when all done!
Best regards, Doug
 
I've changed my suspension several times and here is my 2 cents. FYI I had never touched a coil suspension before I found t4r.org and I found it wasn't very complicated.

The easiest lifts to install yourself are adjustable coil overs that come as a bolt in piece (expensive) or top plate spacers that mount above your coil between the top hat and the mount. The only real difference between those "easier" installs is not having to compress the springs but you can rent a spring compressor for $55 from an auto store (then get your $55 back when you return the compressor). If you search around here and toyota120.com you will find several threads where people installed the lift themselves using tools most people already have.

The rear springs are super easy to do yourself, just unbolt the lower shock bolt & sway bar, jack up the frame and put weight (or in my case a friend's weight) on the tire and the rear coil will basically fall out and you stick the new one in.

If you find a few write-ups (I personally used the ones linked in ARK_SWAMP_RIDER's writeup) and see how it's done I think you may end up wanting to try it yourself. It also gives a better knowledge of what's down there for future use & troubleshooting.
 
I was also one of those who had absolutely no knowledge of suspensions when I joined here. I had little to no mechanic knowledge, the most involved thing I'd done was an oil change. With the help of guys here and several write-ups, I was able to get the job done. I feel like pretty much anyone who's familiar with basic tools can do the swap. That's all you need outside of a spring compressor (you'll need an air compressor and impact for this though).

One more thing to mention, if you can pull off the front suspension, you can take it into a shop and have them assemble the new one for pretty cheap. It's honestly not that hard to do yourself, just takes time, patience, and preparation.

Do you have XREAS? A lot of places won't touch our 4runners because of that system, they don't want to be liable.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
I was also one of those who had absolutely no knowledge of suspensions when I joined here. I had little to no mechanic knowledge, the most involved thing I'd done was an oil change. With the help of guys here and several write-ups, I was able to get the job done. I feel like pretty much anyone who's familiar with basic tools can do the swap. That's all you need outside of a spring compressor (you'll need an air compressor and impact for this though).

One more thing to mention, if you can pull off the front suspension, you can take it into a shop and have them assemble the new one for pretty cheap. It's honestly not that hard to do yourself, just takes time, patience, and preparation.

Do you have XREAS? A lot of places won't touch our 4runners because of that system, they don't want to be liable.
Click to expand...

I was just talking to a buddy and I said its prob the whole XREAS thing! I do not have XREAS on my model.

I was not aware that I could get a compressor at autozone with a deposit. Im def sold on doing this myself now. I already have an air compressor and impact. ROCK N ROLL!!!!!!! Im going to start placing some orders here real soon. I will also post pics as ASAP!

One more question...
I see that some wheels are hubcentric and some not. How does this interact with spidertrax? Do you guys prefer it one way or the other?
 
Dougtoms01 said:
If you end up tackling it yourself, you can borrow the spring compressors for the front struts at Autozone for free. You just have to put down a deposit. The guys here can get you through the install too, they did me and I hadn't ever done one. Sounds like you already have the parts? I know some people talk about 3" is max lift w/o changing other stuff. Maybe if you just go with a 2" lift all the way around, they can keep it in spec. Just a thought.

Keep us posted and let's see some pics when all done!
Best regards, Doug
Click to expand...

Doug, I havent bought a thing yet! I plan to order within the next couple days.
 
Yep, most parts stores have a loan-a-tool program. You pay for the tool up front, and as long as it's returned within a certain time frame, you get a full refund so it doesn't cost you a thing. It sounds like something you can handle. Read the links in the Suspension FAQ sticky on how to install. It may also help you pick the right setup. There's plenty of guys here willing to help, so feel free to ask any questions regarding the choices or install.
 
jdebo said:
I was not aware that I could get a compressor at autozone with a deposit. Im def sold on doing this myself now. I already have an air compressor and impact. ROCK N ROLL!!!!!!! Im going to start placing some orders here real soon. I will also post pics as ASAP!

One more question...
I see that some wheels are hubcentric and some not. How does this interact with spidertrax? Do you guys prefer it one way or the other?
Click to expand...

Good to hear, if you already have a compressor and impact I have a good feeling you're competent to do the install. And yes post pics ASAP as possible.

All 4th gen 4runner stock wheels are hub centric and that's why the ST spacers are hub centric. If you choose to get aftermarket wheels it's going to be tough to find something hub centric and most just get lug centric. Also if you're going aftermarket you may as well go ahead and get something with 0 or negative offset so that you don't need to add the spidertrax spacers.
 
gaterose said:
Good to hear, if you already have a compressor and impact I have a good feeling you're competent to do the install. And yes post pics ASAP as possible.

All 4th gen 4runner stock wheels are hub centric and that's why the ST spacers are hub centric. If you choose to get aftermarket wheels it's going to be tough to find something hub centric and most just get lug centric. Also if you're going aftermarket you may as well go ahead and get something with 0 or negative offset so that you don't need to add the spidertrax spacers.
Click to expand...

Thats good to know on the offest and the spidertrax. What I have been looking at either has a -6mm or -12mm offset. I should be good to go then! If I have any other questions Ill be hitting you guys up. Thanks for everything!!!! I wouldnt be stressin this so much but Ive never messed with anything other then tire rotating/ oil change. Thanks again!
 
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