What leveling kit?

[swampy_swimmer]

My Michelins LTX MS/2 developed sidewall cracks to that point that it's unsafe to ride them, so I'm thinking replacing stock size tires w/ one size larger 265/75/16, but not sure if wells will clear. My rear is soggy a little, about 1/2"-3/4" and while I'll be doing that I want to level and raise the truck just a bit. What is the best leveling solution for it?
I see this on wheelers, but not sure...

https://wheelersoffroad.com/c-13890...ension-daystar-4runner-lifts-accessories.html

 

[phattyduck]

If you have a good alignment (sufficient caster in the front), those tires will clear just fine with no mods.

If the rear is too soft for your taste, you probably need new springs back there (and probably shocks too). Front springs are probably still ok.

You can use FJ Cruiser or 4th gen 4Runner rear springs for a mild lift 1-2" (should be able to find cheap). OEM '99 "tall" springs will lift ~1" also, but will be fairly soft.

New stock shocks all around, or bilstein 4600 or 5100 will be good shock options for 'stock-type' ride.

-Charlie

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Alignment is fine, did last February.
I wouldn't mind just a minor lift too. Can it be achieved with my current stock springs/shocks and some of those spacers?
I plan on replacing shocks too with 4600.

 

[phattyduck]

Alignment is fine, did last February.
I wouldn't mind just a minor lift too. Can it be achieved with my current stock springs/shocks and some of those spacers?
I plan on replacing shocks too with 4600.

I mention alignment because having caster set at the top end of the adjustment range moves the front wheels forward, giving you max room before it hits the pinch weld on the firewall.

Spacer lifts will of course lift your truck... most guys on here who do that soon change them out to a 'real' lift soon after. Also, the 4600's aren't really designed for use when lifted.

If you are already planning on getting shocks all around and also want to lift, get the 5100's and new rear springs. The front can be lifted in 0.75" increments from stock to ~2.3" lift with the shocks. Rear 1" lift can be from "99 Tall" springs or 2" lift from OME 2890 or 2906 springs. It would be basically the same price and would be done 'right'.

-Charlie

 

[swampy_swimmer]

I mention alignment because having caster set at the top end of the adjustment range moves the front wheels forward, giving you max room before it hits the pinch weld on the firewall.

Spacer lifts will of course lift your truck... most guys on here who do that soon change them out to a 'real' lift soon after. Also, the 4600's aren't really designed for use when lifted.

If you are already planning on getting shocks all around and also want to lift, get the 5100's and new rear springs. The front can be lifted in 0.75" increments from stock to ~2.3" lift with the shocks. Rear 1" lift can be from "99 Tall" springs or 2" lift from OME 2890 or 2906 springs. It would be basically the same price and would be done 'right'.

-Charlie

Thanks. Can I reuse stock rear shocks with taller 99 springs or it's better to change them all to 5100?

 

[Lamer]

Thanks. Can I reuse stock rear shocks with taller 99 springs or it's better to change them all to 5100?

are they the original shocks? if so they are probably shot and replacing them would make a big difference. I have 5100's that replaced blown shocks and its a happy upgrade.

in terms of the travel lengths, I'm not sure if the stock shocks would work well. they will work, but wouldn't allow as much down travel as a longer aftermarket shock.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

are they the original shocks? if so they are probably shot and replacing them would make a big difference. I have 5100's that replaced blown shocks and its a happy upgrade.

in terms of the travel lengths, I'm not sure if the stock shocks would work well. they will work, but wouldn't allow as much down travel as a longer aftermarket shock.

they were replaced about 45K ago with tokico stock length. i think they are due again...

 

[T4R2014]

My Michelins LTX MS/2 developed sidewall cracks to that point that it's unsafe to ride them, so I'm thinking replacing stock size tires w/ one size larger 265/75/16, but not sure if wells will clear. My rear is soggy a little, about 1/2"-3/4" and while I'll be doing that I want to level and raise the truck just a bit. What is the best leveling solution for it?
I see this on wheelers, but not sure...

https://wheelersoffroad.com/c-13890...ension-daystar-4runner-lifts-accessories.html

Isn't that a recent tire? Michelin is really dropping in quality nowadays. The original LTX M/S was just a far better product. I have a spare from 2005 that still looks great. Made in Japan too. I don't think it's economically feasible nowadays.

 

[ColoRAD]

they were replaced about 45K ago with tokico stock length. i think they are due again...

OEM shocks with 99 talls will work just fine.

 

[phattyduck]

OEM shocks with 99 talls will work just fine.

Funny thing - OEM shocks working with OEM springs! Who'd have thunk it.

-Charlie

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Isn't that a recent tire? Michelin is really dropping in quality nowadays. The original LTX M/S was just a far better product. I have a spare from 2005 that still looks great. Made in Japan too. I don't think it's economically feasible nowadays.

My thought exactly. The thread is still good for another 20-30k easy, but the sidewalls all cracked up to the point that I'm second guessing any planned trips over 50 mi long. Especially thru the mountains. So I'm thinking spending less on tires, used them up and change them once in 5 years vs spending more and trash them without even hitting their warranty mileage.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Funny thing - OEM shocks working with OEM springs! Who'd have thunk it.

-Charlie

I wasn't sure if OEM length 02 shocks would work with OEM 99 length springs, that's all.

 

[T4R2014]

My thought exactly. The thread is still good for another 20-30k easy, but the sidewalls all cracked up to the point that I'm second guessing any planned trips over 50 mi long. Especially thru the mountains. So I'm thinking spending less on tires, used them up and change them once in 5 years vs spending more and trash them without even hitting their warranty mileage.

That's insane brother. I've seen older China tires that looked better. I would actually contact Michelin and complain. You've got nothing to lose from just asking. Nothing quite matches the quietness and ride quality of these, but this is a deal breaker.

Sorry to deviate from your original post BTW. I would actually recommend you get the stock 2002 springs. They will clear the 75's and I think they give a little better ride quality for some reason, I believe their spring rates are a little different. I don't believe the myth of 01-02 being the shortest. I park my stock 1998 or 1996 next to some 2002's and they are often taller. Pick the shock of your choice. It's very subjective. I find Tokico's hard to locate and have no experience. Bilsteins 4600 are known to be harsh to many. I've heard good things about the 5100's but no clue on longevity. I will personally recommend the KYB Gas-a-Just. They are slightly firmer than stock without being jarring. My mechanic installed many and hasn't seen many premature failure. As with any auto parts your mileage may vary...

 

[phattyduck]

I wasn't sure if OEM length 02 shocks would work with OEM 99 length springs, that's all.

OEM shocks are the same length for all years of then gen3 4Runner.

The '99 tall' springs set the truck right at mid-travel of the suspension. The later 01/02's are very low and don't have much compression stroke left before you hit the bumpstops, which makes the ride much worse, especially as the shocks get worn out.

-Charlie

 

[swampy_swimmer]

OEM shocks are the same length for all years of then gen3 4Runner.

The '99 tall' springs set the truck right at mid-travel of the suspension. The later 01/02's are very low and don't have much compression stroke left before you hit the bumpstops, which makes the ride much worse, especially as the shocks get worn out.

-Charlie

Thanks Charlie. I think that's exactly what I'm experiencing "hitting bumpstops" right now. So I'm guessing even if my current stock length shocks are still ok, I need new springs, either taller, or the same height but stiffer.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

That's insane brother. I've seen older China tires that looked better. I would actually contact Michelin and complain. You've got nothing to lose from just asking. Nothing quite matches the quietness and ride quality of these, but this is a deal breaker.

Sorry to deviate from your original post BTW. I would actually recommend you get the stock 2002 springs. They will clear the 75's and I think they give a little better ride quality for some reason, I believe their spring rates are a little different. I don't believe the myth of 01-02 being the shortest. I park my stock 1998 or 1996 next to some 2002's and they are often taller. Pick the shock of your choice. It's very subjective. I find Tokico's hard to locate and have no experience. Bilsteins 4600 are known to be harsh to many. I've heard good things about the 5100's but no clue on longevity. I will personally recommend the KYB Gas-a-Just. They are slightly firmer than stock without being jarring. My mechanic installed many and hasn't seen many premature failure. As with any auto parts your mileage may vary...

I did chat with Michelin. Problem is I don't have original invoice, email or whatever came with the tires years ago and can't prove the date of purchase, but they are sending me to one of their local dealers to inspect the tires and call them back with the results. They opened a case for me. Their warranty btw 70K or 6 years from date of purchase. I def don't have 70K but might be close to 6 years, so...

 

[T4R2014]

I did chat with Michelin. Problem is I don't have original invoice, email or whatever came with the tires years ago and can't prove the date of purchase, but they are sending me to one of their local dealers to inspect the tires and call them back with the results. They opened a case for me. Their warranty btw 70K or 6 years from date of purchase. I def don't have 70K but might be close to 6 years, so...

Paid with a CC? Might have the transaction info. They're charging too much for these tires to be doing that.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Paid with a CC? Might have the transaction info. They're charging too much for these tires to be doing that.

Yeah CC, but again, that card number was replaced few times since then due to fraudulent charges, and I did try to look for it, but the online records are long gone.
So I guess I'm at the mercy of Michelin and their local dealer. It would be nice if they pro-rate them at least a little bit. But I don't have much hope, If they don't - no more expensive Michelin for me. Will research as much as I can and buy mid range tires with good reviews and up to 50K warranty on thread wear.

 

[Jason B]

My Michelins LTX MS/2 developed sidewall cracks to that point that it's unsafe to ride them, so I'm thinking replacing stock size tires w/ one size larger 265/75/16, but not sure if wells will clear. My rear is soggy a little, about 1/2"-3/4" and while I'll be doing that I want to level and raise the truck just a bit. What is the best leveling solution for it?

I have these same tires and LOVE THEM. No issues, have had for over 4 years. You should call Michelin, they stand behind their stuff and will work with your dealer, etc.

Also, I can custom make you any size leveling kit you want, and can fix the rear issue with some spacers which will firm that right up for that issue. Any size you want.