Will this work (lift question)

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've got a 2003 4runner Limited (with XREAS and Rear air suspension). As many of you know, I'm in search of a lift (level kit). I've looked at a few options but haven't found anything I'm sold on yet. I've came up with a new idea, but I'm not sure of two things: first off, will it work on my rig, and second what benefits/drawbacks does it have assuming it will work. My goal is ~1.5 inches of lift in the front, stock rear. Toytech has a 1/4 inch top mount spacer available. I'd like to combine that with FJ coils on my stock shocks. So, how about the above two questions? My main concern is retaining stock ride quality. If I can't do it this way, I'm going with the 1 inch topout spacer, but I'd really like 1.5. Thanks for any input!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

My goal is ~1.5 inches of lift in the front, stock rear. Toytech has a 1/4 inch top mount spacer available. I'd like to combine that with FJ coils on my stock shocks. Not quite enough to get you 1.5" with a V8. I'd use these, Front Top Plate Spacer Kit, if I were you. These spacers measure about .5" thick which will net almost an inch of lift. The FJC coils will get you .5"-.7" net lift with the V8. That'll put you darn close (if not dead on) to the 1.5" you desire.So, how about the above two questions? My main concern is retaining stock ride quality. Don't fear the ride quality. I think mine rides better at any speed above 15-20mph. Below that speed the phrase "too stiff" does NOT apply. Several of us have FJC coils and I have yet to see someone report "too stiff" or "worse ride". Slightly firmer, better control etc seem to be the most common comments. ...but I'd really like 1.5. Thanks for any input!

Good luck! Your challenge will be finding a shop that isn't afraid of XREAS. If you DIY it no worries. The XREAS will be compatible with the spacers and the springs. The only "trick" is to lift the whole vehicle (suspension extended) prior to disconnecting the XREAS hydraulic lines.


Another route to consider is getting a low mileage complete takeoff setup from an FJC. Your 2003 XREAS is getting old. Once the shocks start to leak you're painted into an ugly box. One XREAS shock is very expensive. A set of low-mileage, non-XREAS takeoffs will bolt right in. You will lose the XREAS. Nobody who has removed XREAS seems miss it or regret the decision to take it off. The extra spring rate of the FJC springs plus newer shocks seems to more than offset the loss of XREAS.

If you're hell-bent on keeping XREAS watch the for-sale section here for a newer, lower mileage set of XREAS to have as spares.
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yes, I may wait to lift to see how the XREAS holds up (I'm at 125k miles). Is XREAS linked in any way to the rear suspension? I know to get the rear air suspension it is only offered in combination with XREAS. I'm not against taking it off, just depends on what I need to do.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yes, I may wait to lift to see how the XREAS holds up (I'm at 125k miles). Is XREAS linked in any way to the rear suspension? Yes it is. I know to get the rear air suspension it is only offered in combination with XREAS. I'm not against taking it off, just depends on what I need to do.

XREAS connects the right front shock to the left rear (and the left front to right rear).


Do you have the factory installed optional load-leveling rear suspension?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Sorry, I left out some info. What I was meaning to say, can you have the ride height adjust rear suspension without XREAS? I'm familar (at least somewhat) with how the XREAS system works, just not sure if I can pull XREAS without effecting the rear air adjust. Thanks!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Sorry, I left out some info. What I was meaning to say, can you have the ride height adjust rear suspension without XREAS? I'm familar (at least somewhat) with how the XREAS system works, just not sure if I can pull XREAS without effecting the rear air adjust. Thanks!

Two separate sytems that use different technologies. Pulling XREAS and retaining factory ride height should be fine.

 

[Merle]

I'm in the same position but a newer 4Runner. Because of the rear air suspension, a simple swap out isn't in the works. The bottom plate is for the rear air suspension system is different than what is there for spring based systems.

There are threads about people who have pulled the rear air system out, and got a custom plate fabbed.

In the next couple of weeks (new tires == new alignment)

1. Toytec top out spacer in the front
2. FJC springs in the front

Eventually (>40k and extended warranty expires) when the rear air system fails, I'll need to figure out someone to get something in the rear so a spring can get mounted there instead of the rear air. I'll probably go with Firestone 1000 airbags to compensate/level for heavy loads.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Guys, I don't know any details other to say I remember reading (here or at T120) about guys pulling the stock, air-adjustable rear springs system and using aftermarket rear springs. IIRC it's at least 2 folks that have replaced the stock system w/ OME, Toytec or something... I don't recall it being 'that big of a deal'; that's to say the swap was fairly easy.


Search around a bit and hopefully someone with 1st hand knowledge will chime in.
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yep, I've read that on the toyota120 site. It's pretty easily done at a shop, trouble is finding a shop willing to do the work. It would be my preference to retain the factory systems as long as possible, but I do realize these will fail at any time. When that time comes, I'll be doing a swap instead of replacing for sure.

 

[lbrunner]

Spacer

I just installed the toytec 3/4 top spacer. It is 1/2 inch thick. I got just about 1", no more. I have to say if you want just a hair under level or level you will have to find a true 3/4 top spacer to get 1.5. I could have gone up another 1/2 inch and been fine. But the average person will not even notice the toytec 3/4 inch level spacer(1/2 inch thick). If you can get someone to make a 3/4 inch thick spacer, do that and be done with it. I know if my Xreas starts to go, I will go for FJ coils/bilsteins, add the front spacer I already have and maybe 1.5 spacer in rear to keep a little rake. I think that would be a cheap route...
My .2 cents. Good luck!

I've got a 2003 4runner Limited (with XREAS and Rear air suspension). As many of you know, I'm in search of a lift (level kit). I've looked at a few options but haven't found anything I'm sold on yet. I've came up with a new idea, but I'm not sure of two things: first off, will it work on my rig, and second what benefits/drawbacks does it have assuming it will work. My goal is ~1.5 inches of lift in the front, stock rear. Toytech has a 1/4 inch top mount spacer available. I'd like to combine that with FJ coils on my stock shocks. So, how about the above two questions? My main concern is retaining stock ride quality. If I can't do it this way, I'm going with the 1 inch topout spacer, but I'd really like 1.5. Thanks for any input!