Why does everyone level their 4runner?

[gimlithepirate]

I bought an eibach lift kit, and after driving a couple of big camping trips found that my rear end was sagging. I swapped the rear coils out for sway aways, so now I'm at less than factory rake, but definitely not level.

My question is, why do people not like having any rake? I get not having more than factory rake, but it serves a purpose, and improves forward visibility. Why are most people anti-rake?

 

[4runnin4mylife]

For most people, groceries don't weigh that much! In all seriousness, a lot of people don't load down or tow regularly, so they can deal with the squat on the rare occasions they may do that. They want their DD to look good and level unloaded since that's the way it sits 95 percent of the time. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Inv4drZm]

It depends on if your previously modified vehicle was a truck or a car.

I just get the impression with a leveled, or especially leveled and lifted, 4Runner that it'll look goofy driving down the interstate leaning backwards simply due to wind resistance.

 

[gimlithepirate]

It depends on if your previously modified vehicle was a truck or a car.

I just get the impression with a leveled, or especially leveled and lifted, 4Runner that it'll look goofy driving down the interstate leaning backwards simply due to wind resistance.

My previously modified vehicle was an Isuzu Rodeo and an F150, which probably explains my preference xD

 

[rdruss]

It looks much better, simple as that for me.

 

[Urbanite]

My previously modified vehicle was an Isuzu Rodeo and an F150, which probably explains my preference xD

My '09 2WD is used only as a daily driver. I noticed that on rear wheels space between tires and fenders is probably about 2" higher than on front wheels. Actually I prefer it they were even, but wondering if that is a factory setup, or previous owner lifted rear suspension and left front unchanged.

 

[Tironeous]

I’m personally looking for less rake. My sagging old suspension has approximately 1.5” of forward rake. I’d like to bring that closer to 0.75” - 1” when I lift it. I guess people like the leveled look when it’s not loaded. To each his/her own.

 

[newton22]

Mine has a slight rake but is mostly leveled because I don't tow.

And yes, I have never owned a truck or 4x4 before. I'm all cars.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Once upon a time cars looked cool and rake was desired. (not my pics...)

 

[AuSeeker]

My '09 2WD is used only as a daily driver. I noticed that on rear wheels space between tires and fenders is probably about 2" higher than on front wheels. Actually I prefer it they were even, but wondering if that is a factory setup, or previous owner lifted rear suspension and left front unchanged.

Your's sounds like stock rake, normal.

Too know exactly how much rake you have measure from the fender opening to the center of the wheel/hub.

 

[Montego Murph]

Mine was purely for looks since I was replacing the worn out suspension anyway. I like the way it looks a little different from all the others in town. I would not have replaced the suspension/added a leveling kit purely to be leveled. It was more of a "hey, why not" decision

There are times though where I regret it. For example, my driveway has a bit of a dip and approach angle. When I have my bike rack installed, the rack now drags on the road if I don't enter/exit at an angle. It seems ridiculous that raising the front a few inches would tilt the whole vehicle so dramatically, but it does!

 

[Zero0575]

For most people, groceries don't weigh that much! In all seriousness, a lot of people don't load down or tow regularly, so they can deal with the squat on the rare occasions they may do that. They want their DD to look good and level unloaded since that's the way it sits 95 percent of the time. Just my 2 cents!

This is why I did not level mine when I lifted it. A bit of rake during daily driving helps with visibility, and when I do tow (which sure, isn't super often) I am almost perfectly level. Picture of me towing a boat for example, next to my buddy's stock 5th gen towing a jet ski. Neither leveled, but both level when towing.

 

[FjHugo]

Totally for aesthetics. I believe the rake helps it handle and specifically corner better. Only reason people do it is for looks, pretty sure. Maybe somebody will say they raised and leveled it to help with approach angles if there a real diehard off roader ?

 

[gaber6]

My level kit will be off in the next 1000 miles. Before my first new tire rotation and balance.
I'll get it realigned as well. It just doesn't drive as good, and I enjoy driving. I've never felt quite as safe being only 2" higher. It is slightly looser on the highway since I didn't upgrade the UCA arms to get the caster back to a good point.
I had it loaded down when stock, roof box and bike racks when I moved and it was flat. Now with any weight, it is always pointing to the sky I feel like. I do like the cushy stock ride, though

 

[Montego Murph]

It is slightly looser on the highway since I didn't upgrade the UCA arms to get the caster back to a good point.

OK, I thought this was my imagination. I always feel like I'm working to keep the car going straight. I didn't realize the UCA's needed to be upgraded with a leveling kit.

 

[FjHugo]

OK, I thought this was my imagination. I always feel like I'm working to keep the car going straight. I didn't realize the UCA's needed to be upgraded with a leveling kit.

I don’t think you do need new upper control arms with a leveling kit, the alignment shop should be easily able to get it back to factory specs. 3” lift or so I believe you need to start looking at new arms.
Might just be losing the extra weight over the front tires by having the rake taken out causes a loose front end feeling?

 

[Montego Murph]

I don’t think you do need new upper control arms with a leveling kit, the alignment shop should be easily able to get it back to factory specs. 3” lift or so I believe you need to start looking at new arms.
Might just be losing the extra weight over the front tires by having the rake taken out causes a loose front end feeling?

That certainly is good news. I do know that my caster is off -- after replacing the struts, I brought it in for an alignment but the LCA bolts were all seized and they couldn't make the adjustments.
Meanwhile, I have the LCA's here on my workbench but haven't been able to install them yet.

 

[Bumbo]

I didn't, I absolutely kept some rake. It's there for a reason, regardless of its loaded or unloaded.

I don't really do anything for looks, if a modification doesn't serve a function or purpose, I don't do it.

I can add about 200lb to the rear and it sits level. Last thing I want is a saggy rear when it counts the most.

 

[Sport4wd]

Some for the look

My wife is a traveling nurse and trying to keep the miles off the Ram 3500 I bought this 06 T4R v8 last Jan. I had own a 06 T4R v8 2wd in 07. Wife cried when I traded it in on a Ram 2500. Anyways, watching YouTube university there was a photographer who gave a reason for lifting it because of areas he photographed. In the short film he was off roading through creeks ditches etc. he that’s where we go. On her off days we’d take the truck and look for animals to get pictures of. 2018 Ram 3500 has 94k on in Sept 2020. Yes we put miles on.