roadrash5x
New member
Wanting to get some real world opinions on full suspension lifts eg. Toytec or ARB which do you prefer?
Which lift
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Intruder
New member
Overland Warehouse for me. You just have to email Andries and Mark to see why. The amount of support they provide (including answering a ton of my noob questions) is outstanding. They also have a program for when you need to have your shocks rebuilt that I don't think most others have. I just emailed them a few days ago to ask what effect adding some weight would have (BudBuilt skids and sliders, SW front bumper) and I got detailed instructions from them on adjusting the front shock height. Oh, and they replied about an hour after I emailed them. You just can't beat that kind of customer service.
If you're going to do any real off roading with the truck, you'll be absolutely fine with either OW kit as well.
If you're going to do any real off roading with the truck, you'll be absolutely fine with either OW kit as well.
FERAL 4R
New member
It really depends on some factors that you haven't provided.
Cost. How much are you willing to spend, or not...
Function. For looks only, or mostly on road, with some off roading adventures?
Activity level. Light trails and up to climbing mountains?
Etc...
I think people will give you better feedback if you describe exactly what YOU are looking for.
Just asking which lift is better will get you a dozen different opinions/answers...And wont really help.
Cost. How much are you willing to spend, or not...
Function. For looks only, or mostly on road, with some off roading adventures?
Activity level. Light trails and up to climbing mountains?
Etc...
I think people will give you better feedback if you describe exactly what YOU are looking for.
Just asking which lift is better will get you a dozen different opinions/answers...And wont really help.
Last edited:
tlflow
New member
second
I second the Overland Warehouse Kit (RADFLO), I tow off-road a lot, with a bunch of cargo. Having the suspension dailed for what I use my truck for was very important too me.
It depends on why you want to lift it. There are a lot of quality kits out there - OW, OME, ICON, TOYTEC, KING (Total chaos and camburg can hook you up too).
I second the Overland Warehouse Kit (RADFLO), I tow off-road a lot, with a bunch of cargo. Having the suspension dailed for what I use my truck for was very important too me.
It depends on why you want to lift it. There are a lot of quality kits out there - OW, OME, ICON, TOYTEC, KING (Total chaos and camburg can hook you up too).
offroadingatc
New member
if you are going to get it installed figure out what shop you want working on your truck, then figure out what lift they like to use!
good shop+kit they like=good installation+good service.
all kits have their advantages and disadvantages, if you are looking for something specific, ie: an exact height, or specific types of off roading, one might be better than another but beyond that they are all pretty sweet and problem free (based on the lack of complaints on these forums)
good shop+kit they like=good installation+good service.
all kits have their advantages and disadvantages, if you are looking for something specific, ie: an exact height, or specific types of off roading, one might be better than another but beyond that they are all pretty sweet and problem free (based on the lack of complaints on these forums)
4ShoreRunner
New member
I know you are asking from a 5th gen owner standpoint, but you may want to search around for other toyota models that are a bit older.
You'll get a better opinion on which is better if someone who has had their rig a long time and has had both suspensions on the same truck. I don't know of anyone who has had 2 different sets of coilovers on their truck already.
Many, many factors to consider here...I think everyone here who is lifted be it via spacers, adjustable struts, coilovers, etc. did some serious research before pulling the trigger. In the end I don't think its a matter of ARB vs. Toytec vs. Icon vs. King vs. Bilstein vs. Daystar....its simply what your needs/wants are.
My recommendation would be to look around the forums for people's opinions who have a certain type of suspension and don't limit yourself to just t4r. Lots of other great toyota forums for other platforms that can be really helpful. Good luck!
You'll get a better opinion on which is better if someone who has had their rig a long time and has had both suspensions on the same truck. I don't know of anyone who has had 2 different sets of coilovers on their truck already.
Many, many factors to consider here...I think everyone here who is lifted be it via spacers, adjustable struts, coilovers, etc. did some serious research before pulling the trigger. In the end I don't think its a matter of ARB vs. Toytec vs. Icon vs. King vs. Bilstein vs. Daystar....its simply what your needs/wants are.
My recommendation would be to look around the forums for people's opinions who have a certain type of suspension and don't limit yourself to just t4r. Lots of other great toyota forums for other platforms that can be really helpful. Good luck!
osucowboy
New member
I don't know much about the other lifts, but I installed the Toytec Ultimate lift and Upper control arms myself in my garage. The instructions were adequate and if i remember, they have installation videos online too. The shock/spring mounts were machined aluminum and high quality. I think the price steered me to this kit. Off-road, it works well for the type of driving I do. Good luck with your choice! :lookout:
ICON for me, all the way!!!!!!!
But I highly recommend Fox coil-overs and shocks as well. I will be running all Fox when I do the LT Camburg conversion.
King's are also great, as is the Overland Warehouse kit.
The above are true coil-overs, if this is overkill then check out Toytec, Bilstein's or Old Man Emu. These kits offer adjustable front struts or new springs for the front factory strut. Almost all these kits are the same in the rear with new springs and shocks.
Hope that helps out a little and good luck with the build.
But I highly recommend Fox coil-overs and shocks as well. I will be running all Fox when I do the LT Camburg conversion.
King's are also great, as is the Overland Warehouse kit.
The above are true coil-overs, if this is overkill then check out Toytec, Bilstein's or Old Man Emu. These kits offer adjustable front struts or new springs for the front factory strut. Almost all these kits are the same in the rear with new springs and shocks.
Hope that helps out a little and good luck with the build.
mikey's2010SR5
New member
I agree with everyone saying that they are just going to tell you what they are running. I agree that the coilover route is more expensive but will give you better performance and the added adjustability if weight is added.
I am running the Overland Warehouse 2.5 kit and love it, and agree that the customer service is top notch!
Lift the runner then drive it hard and don't look back!
:frisky:
I am running the Overland Warehouse 2.5 kit and love it, and agree that the customer service is top notch!
Lift the runner then drive it hard and don't look back!
:frisky:
phillyd2
Senior Member
I agree with everyone saying that they are just going to tell you what they are running. [/QGUOTE]
I think it would be helpful if others would post WHY they picked the lift they did. I too want to add a lift to my limited and searching and trying to understand all can be frustrating.
Seems we have people who know little asking simple questions and those who know but post assuming everybody understands what they are saying. I have read more than a few threads only to be as confused as before.
Have mercy on us you experts. Please.
FERAL 4R
New member
TreeFarmer
New member
I went in for a quote for OME and was advised by owner that an Air Lift would be good.
I have heard nothing about Airlifts. Did anyone consider this type of lift?
I have heard nothing about Airlifts. Did anyone consider this type of lift?
Intruder
New member
I'm definitely not an expert, but here's how I settled on the OW 2.0 kit. A friend of mine with a 5th gen (pawzitiv on the forum) already had the OW 2.5 kit on his truck and said he really liked it. I checked out OW and saw that they specialize in suspension for Toyotas. This is my first truck, first 4x4, and the first time I've ever looked into a lift so I was pretty clueless. After reading good posts here and on toyota120 about them I emailed OW with some questions and got prompt replies from Andries. We spoke on the phone and I described the kind of off roading I do, my longer term plans for the vehicle (skids, sliders, etc.), and so on. He answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. He never tried to sell me up or sway me to the more expensive 2.5 kit and suggested I get UCAs as well even though they didn't sell them at the time (even gave me a recommendation on where to get them from). All of that left me feeling very confident in their product and customer service. Also, Andries and Mark both wheel their own 4Runners (both 4th gen I believe) as you can see on toyota120.com. There are other suspension kits out there that are as high quality as the OW, but those intangibles pushed me towards the OW and I haven't regretted it for a second.I agree with everyone saying that they are just going to tell you what they are running. [/QGUOTE]
I think it would be helpful if others would post WHY they picked the lift they did. I too want to add a lift to my limited and searching and trying to understand all can be frustrating.
Seems we have people who know little asking simple questions and those who know but post assuming everybody understands what they are saying. I have read more than a few threads only to be as confused as before.
Have mercy on us you experts. Please.
I had a a couple problems with the first set I got from them. The rear shocks were overcharged and one of the front coilovers had no charge. Their customer service was great and they replaced everything for me but when I put the new set on, I had over 3" of lift front and back, and that's with an ARB bumper and winch on the front. I was told that they would settle a little but they never did and they were much noisier than what I was used to. Even when I took them off the rear had 3.2" of lift. So after 7k miles I replaced them with OME which I've always had on previous vehicles and am much happier. It's not that the OW kit was bad, in fact they road great, but the OME is quieter and the lift is 2.75" , not the 3"+ I had with my OW kit.
Scott
Intruder
New member
That's odd. The OW kit is adjustable and I had mine set to 2.5" front and back no problem. It did settle a little after a couple trail runs at which point I had a wheel alignment done. Don't think I've ever noticed much in terms of noise, but then when I'm on the road I have the music going and when I'm off road I'm concentrating on the trail too much to notice.
tlflow
New member
OW adjustment
I have adjusted my kit at least 6 times. Initially I had it cranked up to what I thought was 'level' basis fender to ground (this is wrong BTW). It was a bit harsh. I installed Camburg UCA with the lift, they made noise, but once I got them greased up right, that went away. I adjusted the CO down twice, recalibrated the KDS and figured out that I should measure from the frame to set front to back height. Running KM2 285/70-17 on stock rims, I had to move front liner forward, no rubbing other than that. Installed SW bumper/winch front (about 225#) front dropped 1/2" (relative to frame). for HD kit with 700# coils, 1/2" is reasonable, since bumper is cantilever-ed out in front of axle. I cranked the front end back up to get 3/8"-1/2" rake, basis frame rail (I think this is a little leass than 1-1/2" rake relative to fender flares). I have been through a lot for rough stuff with 1000# cargo/people and 3000# trailer. I have beat on this thing much harder than a lot of people would. This suspension has really performed well. The low-speed compression/rebound damping on the front/rear shocks is tuned well for towing, when the suspension loads up, it doesn't unload too fast. Net effect is that the truck doesn't bounce, it soaks up bumps and recovers. On road performance is extremely well balanced, but it is a lot less demanding. The high speed compression damping is good too. This shows up more at speed, soaking up speed bumps, etc.
I am normally towing offroad 2-3 times a month year round, so it was a big deal to me to get something the suited this application. I was also impressed with the construction of the RADFLO components (lot of info on their website). I really like having adjustable CO and a suspension that is designed to do what I do.
OW service, support and performance are outstanding. I'm not sure if the other vendors offer custom valving for their kits, or how they compare on service/support.
Note: If you don't want to fool around adjusting you suspension, you should buy a kit that is plug and play. Bear in mind that adding a bumper or winch (or both) will change your front height.
I have adjusted my kit at least 6 times. Initially I had it cranked up to what I thought was 'level' basis fender to ground (this is wrong BTW). It was a bit harsh. I installed Camburg UCA with the lift, they made noise, but once I got them greased up right, that went away. I adjusted the CO down twice, recalibrated the KDS and figured out that I should measure from the frame to set front to back height. Running KM2 285/70-17 on stock rims, I had to move front liner forward, no rubbing other than that. Installed SW bumper/winch front (about 225#) front dropped 1/2" (relative to frame). for HD kit with 700# coils, 1/2" is reasonable, since bumper is cantilever-ed out in front of axle. I cranked the front end back up to get 3/8"-1/2" rake, basis frame rail (I think this is a little leass than 1-1/2" rake relative to fender flares). I have been through a lot for rough stuff with 1000# cargo/people and 3000# trailer. I have beat on this thing much harder than a lot of people would. This suspension has really performed well. The low-speed compression/rebound damping on the front/rear shocks is tuned well for towing, when the suspension loads up, it doesn't unload too fast. Net effect is that the truck doesn't bounce, it soaks up bumps and recovers. On road performance is extremely well balanced, but it is a lot less demanding. The high speed compression damping is good too. This shows up more at speed, soaking up speed bumps, etc.
I am normally towing offroad 2-3 times a month year round, so it was a big deal to me to get something the suited this application. I was also impressed with the construction of the RADFLO components (lot of info on their website). I really like having adjustable CO and a suspension that is designed to do what I do.
OW service, support and performance are outstanding. I'm not sure if the other vendors offer custom valving for their kits, or how they compare on service/support.
Note: If you don't want to fool around adjusting you suspension, you should buy a kit that is plug and play. Bear in mind that adding a bumper or winch (or both) will change your front height.
