What is the best $1500 or less suspension lift (without leveling your truck)?

[zu13]

I am having some difficulty deciding in lift kits, I know that this has been covered numerous times but not too many people are going with what I am looking for. I am either terrible at searching or I can not find much on what I'm specifically looking for!

So to start out I have a 2008 4runner limited salsa red. It is completely stock at the moment, I did just order dirtydeeds new injectors for it though. The XREAS that was completely fine when I bought it in Feb. is now dying or close to dead.

My goal for the suspension lift is an equal 2 or 3 inch in both front and back. I do not like a level vehicle because the second anything is in the back or you tow you get sooooo much lean. I just cant stand that! I occasionally offroad but do not mud and do trails/camping. Other than that it is a daily driver and I do not want to have to beef up any other components (Although I am playing with the idea of future regearing... I don't plan on going over 33in tires though soooo who knows).

Other things that will be installed are a Gobi ladder my wife bought me for my birthday, a matching roof rack at some point, hopefully a front bumper and winch (whenever I have so much excess money and I decide I want to part with it). Other than that I wont be doing any extensive builds!

Thank you for your help and I know this is an over discussed topic but everyone buys a kit that levels out their truck and I don't like that!

 

[y=mx+b]

I would look into dobinsons and order them from CrikeyMike at Exit Offroad. Hes always answering questions and helping people out in his Dobinson suspension thread, his dedication to helping other is where I'll spend my money when I upgrade from stock boi status.

I've definitely seen a few build pictures with rake for towing overland trailers or more rear weight in that thread, so looking through that thread might yeild a picture of something you're going for.

He has a really good thread on all the options here:
Dobinsons Suspension - 4th Gen Options

 

[Tironeous]

In a similar boat, though I want to spend even less. I’m currently looking at the Toytec/Bilstein kit and the OME kit.


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[jcaino]

Dobinsons. They have the best selection of coils to get not just the lift you want, but to compensate for added weight.

I went for the level look - the rear coils are a heavier rate than the factory, so don't really have any squat at all when loaded....only get a bit when I also put the back rack with 2 mountain bikes on in the back and have 4 adults.....installed a set of AirLift air bags when I installed the coils, so its a total non-issue, just add a couple PSI to them and all is well.

 

[gimlithepirate]

In the range of price your looking at, give the Eibach pro-truck lift a look too. It tends to be less expensive than the Dobinson options, and is intended for use with stock UCAs.

When I put it on my V8 on the lowest setting, I ended up with a nice rake to mine. Even with the back totally loaded up, it never went beyond level.

 

[Zero0575]

I am having some difficulty deciding in lift kits, I know that this has been covered numerous times but not too many people are going with what I am looking for. I am either terrible at searching or I can not find much on what I'm specifically looking for!

So to start out I have a 2008 4runner limited salsa red. It is completely stock at the moment, I did just order dirtydeeds new injectors for it though. The XREAS that was completely fine when I bought it in Feb. is now dying or close to dead.

My goal for the suspension lift is an equal 2 or 3 inch in both front and back. I do not like a level vehicle because the second anything is in the back or you tow you get sooooo much lean. I just cant stand that! I occasionally offroad but do not mud and do trails/camping. Other than that it is a daily driver and I do not want to have to beef up any other components (Although I am playing with the idea of future regearing... I don't plan on going over 33in tires though soooo who knows).

Other things that will be installed are a Gobi ladder my wife bought me for my birthday, a matching roof rack at some point, hopefully a front bumper and winch (whenever I have so much excess money and I decide I want to part with it). Other than that I wont be doing any extensive builds!

Thank you for your help and I know this is an over discussed topic but everyone buys a kit that levels out their truck and I don't like that!

"Best" is probably subjective - you'll likely just get a bunch of opinions based on what the person commenting has. Queue my comment, ha!

I have OME nitrocharger shocks front and rear with OME 885 front coils and Toytec Superflex rear coils. Total was around $1200 if I remember correctly (not including labor, since I did the install myself). I am very happy with how this thing handles on the new suspension. It's firm, yet comfortable on road and definitely much more comfortable and capable than stock off road. In the end, much of what is "Best" depends alot on the weight you'll have on the vehicle - which it sounds like you're already taking into consideration so you're on the right path.

Good luck!

 

[Tribull]

I just ordered a 3" Dobinsons (with long travel rear, and front struts/coils assembled), and Apache Offroad UCAs from Battleborn Offroad for less than $1500. Pretty excited!

 

[zu13]

In the range of price your looking at, give the Eibach pro-truck lift a look too. It tends to be less expensive than the Dobinson options, and is intended for use with stock UCAs.

When I put it on my V8 on the lowest setting, I ended up with a nice rake to mine. Even with the back totally loaded up, it never went beyond level.

I havnt looked into Eibach since my OG 4runner days 10 years ago 0.o. I shall give them a good look. Were dobinsons not intended for stock UCAs? How is the ride on those guys? What about the coils have you loaded anything or hauled anything real heavy?

 

[zu13]

Hmm ok which dobsinsons did you get? I am still researching the brand but I have built the IMS and the stock lift kit on their site a few times to see what the price would be. I like the variability you can do with their kits. The TTBoss is a bit less adjustable I feel like though.

 

[zu13]

"Best" is probably subjective - you'll likely just get a bunch of opinions based on what the person commenting has. Queue my comment, ha!

I have OME nitrocharger shocks front and rear with OME 885 front coils and Toytec Superflex rear coils. Total was around $1200 if I remember correctly (not including labor, since I did the install myself). I am very happy with how this thing handles on the new suspension. It's firm, yet comfortable on road and definitely much more comfortable and capable than stock off road. In the end, much of what is "Best" depends alot on the weight you'll have on the vehicle - which it sounds like you're already taking into consideration so you're on the right path.

Good luck!

Thanks for the response, only reason I am not too fond of the OME is because my dads tacoma was so dang rough with it. I am used to toyotas and their horse drawn carriage feel but with the OME Add a leaf lift it go some how worse!

 

[Mguilicutty]

Same boat here. Bought an 08 V8 Limited last year after I went to the dealer intending to buy a new one. The 5000 lb tow rating and that ancient V6 put me off. Plus their just so damn needlessly big.. Anyway, I found the 08 and flew across the country to drive it home. Fun trip. I'm in Kansas, and head out to Colorado 2 or 3 times a year for some wheeling, hiking and camping. Last week my boss asked me if I'd head out to our Denver office to do some network work while all the people are still working from home. I said I'd be happy to go in about two weeks and take some vacation while I'm out there...

I want to try to address the ground clearance and ride comfort before I head out this time. I'm at about 175k miles on X-REAS now and over the last few months I feel like it is deteriorating significantly. I've not spotted any leaks so I'm not sure what the deal is. It's my daily driver, and I usually rack up 20k miles a year or so.

I am looking at picking up a set of black TRD 17" wheels and some 265/70/17 KO2s. I'm torn between the E and the C rating as I do haul a trailer around every couple of weeks but it is generally under 3k lbs. I do less often tow a car hauler that is 2k lbs plus whatever car and other goodies I'm hauling. I have exceeded the tow rating of this truck by a bit and the drivetrain handles it well but the suspension is suffering as of late.

For suspension I am pondering the Fox 2.0 kit with probably the superflex springs out back. I am not opposed to picking up an extra set of springs for when I need to tow the big trailer. Or possibly just a set of airbags, I've never tried those.

I'm thinking I'll gain about an inch of clearance from the wheel / tire combo and around a 2" all around suspension lift to help clear obstacles, not interested in leveling. The suspension comes in a bit over $1500 but from what I'm reading, this or the Radflo setup at a similar price seems like it would meet these objectives and be comfortable, especially when the wifey comes along.

I've not been able to find any FJ springs around but was thinking of just doing that and some 5100s. I have convinced myself that one of the setups above will be much more comfortable.

Intended use is probably 80% pavement, sometimes "spirited". 15% off pavement, also sometimes spirited and maybe 5% mild rock crawling in Colorado / Utah or wherever. I don't run any armor but may end up getting some sliders at some point.

Am I on the right track? I'm not sure I'll be able to do all of this before I leave but I'm going to try. Need to place orders tomorrow probably.

 

[BendRunner]

I just ordered a 3" Dobinsons (with long travel rear, and front struts/coils assembled), and Apache Offroad UCAs from Battleborn Offroad for less than $1500. Pretty excited!

This is the route I would go with said budget. You could go with SPC UCA's but that will push your budget a little higher.

 

[BrunoKnoxville]

I've been very, VERY happy with my modest lift (though would like to go a tad taller). My first thought after getting everything installed was "holy shit, this is how it should have felt from the factory!"

My Setup:
Bilstien 5100 Fronts: $100 (each), Amazon
Bilstien 5100 Rears: $81 (each), Amazon
KYB Strut Mounts: $20 (each), Amazon
Toytec/Eibach Front Springs: $170 (pair), ToytecLifts.com
Icon 2" Rear Springs: $235 (pair), ToytecLifts.com
Diff Drop Kit: $31, ToytecLifts.com
Swaybar Relocation Kit: $35, ToytecLifts.com

Total: $873 (plus tax)


Keep the front shocks set at the lowest notch, or maybe one notch up if you get the 3" rear springs, and you'll keep a bit of a rake.

 

[BrunoKnoxville]

And fwiw, I steered away from OME simply because their front shock and springs are proprietary, meaning you can't use another spring with their shock or different shock with their spring. So if, for example, you're out having fun and blow a shock you'd have to find an OME to replace it, Good luck finding that in stock at a local auto store. I like the idea of being able to find a replacement part in a pinch if I need to.

 

[215runner]

I just ordered a 3" Dobinsons (with long travel rear, and front struts/coils assembled), and Apache Offroad UCAs from Battleborn Offroad for less than $1500. Pretty excited!

What set up did you go for? I just ordered a Dobinsons lift also, can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[zu13]

I've been very, VERY happy with my modest lift (though would like to go a tad taller). My first thought after getting everything installed was "holy shit, this is how it should have felt from the factory!"

My Setup:
Bilstien 5100 Fronts: $100 (each), Amazon
Bilstien 5100 Rears: $81 (each), Amazon
KYB Strut Mounts: $20 (each), Amazon
Toytec/Eibach Front Springs: $170 (pair), ToytecLifts.com
Icon 2" Rear Springs: $235 (pair), ToytecLifts.com
Diff Drop Kit: $31, ToytecLifts.com
Swaybar Relocation Kit: $35, ToytecLifts.com

Total: $873 (plus tax)


Keep the front shocks set at the lowest notch, or maybe one notch up if you get the 3" rear springs, and you'll keep a bit of a rake.

That is one heck of a mix and match! Any specific reason why you played with the springs like that? I don't tow a lot but when I do I want the vehicle to handle it well. I towed a month or so ago and it bottomed out and I looked dumb -_- Can I see some pictures of your set up? Overall I love the pricing and the way you have laid it out... I may copy! What is the official difference in height? Is it level or is the rear still slightly taller?

Thanks!

 

[Tribull]

What set up did you go for? I just ordered a Dobinsons lift also, can't wait to see how it turns out.

C59-302 / GS59-220 front
C59677V / GS59-575 rear

I went heavy because I will be adding bumpers, winch, etc. in the future.

 

[zu13]

Same boat here. Bought an 08 V8 Limited last year after I went to the dealer intending to buy a new one. The 5000 lb tow rating and that ancient V6 put me off. Plus their just so damn needlessly big.. Anyway, I found the 08 and flew across the country to drive it home. Fun trip. I'm in Kansas, and head out to Colorado 2 or 3 times a year for some wheeling, hiking and camping. Last week my boss asked me if I'd head out to our Denver office to do some network work while all the people are still working from home. I said I'd be happy to go in about two weeks and take some vacation while I'm out there...

I want to try to address the ground clearance and ride comfort before I head out this time. I'm at about 175k miles on X-REAS now and over the last few months I feel like it is deteriorating significantly. I've not spotted any leaks so I'm not sure what the deal is. It's my daily driver, and I usually rack up 20k miles a year or so.

I am looking at picking up a set of black TRD 17" wheels and some 265/70/17 KO2s. I'm torn between the E and the C rating as I do haul a trailer around every couple of weeks but it is generally under 3k lbs. I do less often tow a car hauler that is 2k lbs plus whatever car and other goodies I'm hauling. I have exceeded the tow rating of this truck by a bit and the drivetrain handles it well but the suspension is suffering as of late.

For suspension I am pondering the Fox 2.0 kit with probably the superflex springs out back. I am not opposed to picking up an extra set of springs for when I need to tow the big trailer. Or possibly just a set of airbags, I've never tried those.

I'm thinking I'll gain about an inch of clearance from the wheel / tire combo and around a 2" all around suspension lift to help clear obstacles, not interested in leveling. The suspension comes in a bit over $1500 but from what I'm reading, this or the Radflo setup at a similar price seems like it would meet these objectives and be comfortable, especially when the wifey comes along.

I've not been able to find any FJ springs around but was thinking of just doing that and some 5100s. I have convinced myself that one of the setups above will be much more comfortable.

Intended use is probably 80% pavement, sometimes "spirited". 15% off pavement, also sometimes spirited and maybe 5% mild rock crawling in Colorado / Utah or wherever. I don't run any armor but may end up getting some sliders at some point.

Am I on the right track? I'm not sure I'll be able to do all of this before I leave but I'm going to try. Need to place orders tomorrow probably.

Im currently running the stock limited wheels which are my favorite stock wheels that have come on anything ever... withhhhhhh snow tires from colorado, fun fact - I live in Auburn, Al. They are holding up really well and do incredibly on the trails. But the tread is wearing in a way I haven't seen before. Once my truck is a year old I'm replacing! Do TRDs come with any offset or do you have to get wheel spacers? Once I get new tires I want to either get new wheels to push the tires out or run a spacer so that the tire is in line or a hair past the fenders for some trail protection.

Also it sounds like we are almost exactly in the same boat. So whoever pulls the trigger first we have to post pictures to help each other out. Pretty much your whole situation lines up with mine except I wont have anything to tow that is that light until I get a hobby sail boat!