I recently swapped vehicles with my wife, and I'm now driving an '01 sr5 4x4. I just put a set of 31s on it and I'd like to do something about the suspension. I know that the newer 3rd gens sit lower from the factory, but this thing is ridiculous. The ass-end is about 1" lower than the front and the lower control arms are parallel to the ground, maybe even slightly higher toward the axle. The cv shafts are also parallel to the ground. I would like to get at least 2" higher in the rear and 1" higher in the front, maybe even 3 and 2, respectively. I've read through the suspension sticky thread and searched a little, but what is the easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this safely. This truck may become a trail rig in the future, but for now it won't see anything more than what it is capable of from the factory. I'm not looking for maximum articulation or crazy travel, just don't want to be dragging the undercarriage and looking like a 4x2. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
What to do with suspension?
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theizzardking
New member
i'd either go with a simple spacer lift or do it right from teh get go, if you're talking 3~2 inches and want to go off road a decent amount in the future go with one of the toytech kits, but the problem is they aren't cheap and that was one of your requirements.
so cheapest= spacer lift
96-02 Toyota 4Runner Cornfed Suspension Lift kits
easiest would be a tie between the spacer lift or an adjustable coilover such as the toytechkit or an icon or radflo type shock
Complete Lift Kits - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
honestly though if your loking at doing it right in the next couple of years why throw the money away on spacers now? it'll be much cheaper to do it with the good parts the first time around,....
Doc2012
Senior Member
Sonoran Steel has some good options. Sonoransteel.com
But, you're not going to get anything cheap. The full coil suspension on these makes it hard to find the right stuff for a cheap price.
Look around on some other forums. There are usually people selling stuff. Piece together a lift.
I'm running a set of Danahoe Racing coilovers in the front(now known as Icon Vehicle Dynamics), and did a leaf spring conversion in the rear.
I have a set of the LC80 springs sitting in my storage building that I was going to use before I did the conversion.....
But, you're not going to get anything cheap. The full coil suspension on these makes it hard to find the right stuff for a cheap price.
Look around on some other forums. There are usually people selling stuff. Piece together a lift.
I'm running a set of Danahoe Racing coilovers in the front(now known as Icon Vehicle Dynamics), and did a leaf spring conversion in the rear.
I have a set of the LC80 springs sitting in my storage building that I was going to use before I did the conversion.....
Thanks for the input guys. When I say I'm on a budget, I'm talking like bottle return budget. I agree that it's better and cheaper in the long run to do it right the first time, but it simply is not in the cards right now.
What about swapping in rear springs from something else like an older 4runner or LC? What are my options there and what kind of height would I gain considering my current situation?
What about swapping in rear springs from something else like an older 4runner or LC? What are my options there and what kind of height would I gain considering my current situation?
Doc2012
Senior Member
You can take the springs out of a '99. They have the tallest springs of any year 4Runner. As for the height difference, I couldn't tell you, but with stock tires, the distance between the center of the fender and the ground should be around 34", on a '99.
Honestly man, I would just suck it up, and wait. There's no harm in it. Then, you can do it right the first time. If you're on that kind of budget, then you need to be thinking about something other than the 4Runner. Ask me how I know....
Honestly man, I would just suck it up, and wait. There's no harm in it. Then, you can do it right the first time. If you're on that kind of budget, then you need to be thinking about something other than the 4Runner. Ask me how I know....
Atrox Caeda
New member
Patience and Craigslist trolling, as well as forum lurking will yield you the cheapest lift and get you decent components.
fish0281
New member
That's what I did (OME 880 + 906) and saved at least $100 on parts. I did pay to have toytec assemble the used coils onto brand new shocks though; I can't justify used shocks to replace worn out ones.
You can also save a lot of money doing the install yourself and it's not too difficult.
