You guys will choose my lift...

[Silver Supra]

I am completely lost and overwhelmed when it comes to lift options, so I'm going to let you people - complete strangers - decide what lift to get.

Here's my situation. Bone stock 240k mile T4R that I want to use for some overloading and wheeling and beach duty. Looking at a 285/75-16 tire/wheel combo or maybe a 315. Eventually probably a front bumper and winch. This will serve as a toy and a spare vehicle so ride quality isn't that big of a deal.

I'm horrible at making this type of decision because I will end up with a $$$$ long travel suspension when it's way more than I need. I don't want junk but I also don't want to waste money.

What's the absolute best bang for the buck that is capable to wheel, won't rattle my teeth out and not going to leave me stranded while I wait for a part to be serviced?

I seriously appreciate everyone's input.

This is the virgin (original owner) girl that we're talking about.

And my current daily driver that I went completely overboard on. haha

 

[MN4runnerman]

Go to sonoransteel.com and order the 1.2 kit or if you want to piece it together use that parts list.

 

[pluton]

Another choice: The "stock/light load" OME suspension package. It'll be a certain ### spring(separate #s for front/rear) and the matching shocks.
Diff drop, panhard arm drop, all that stuff: Not needed.
Navigate to arbusa.com, drill down to the 4Runner pages, and there you'll be.

 

[Silver Supra]

Go to sonoransteel.com and order the 1.2 kit or if you want to piece it together use that parts list.

I've been looking at the 1.2 kit, looks like it's exactly what I'm after. Other options for me to look at?

 

[nc-grayson]

I've been looking at the 1.2 kit, looks like it's exactly what I'm after. Other options for me to look at?

expedited shipping

 

[4BUMR]

I've been looking at the 1.2 kit, looks like it's exactly what I'm after. Other options for me to look at?

The 1.2 is gonna be your best bet for simplicity’s sake.

There are probably hundreds of threads here on different lift combinations. You could go crazy trying to evaluate each, but it isn’t worth the stress when you can have something that 100% works well and comes from a reputable dealer.

Btw this is coming from someone who didn’t go that route and wished he did. I’ll let others speak to the performance of the 1.2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Silver Supra]

The 1.2 is gonna be your best bet for simplicity’s sake.

There are probably hundreds of threads here on different lift combinations. You could go crazy trying to evaluate each, but it isn’t worth the stress when you can have something that 100% works well and comes from a reputable dealer.

Btw this is coming from someone who didn’t go that route and wished he did. I’ll let others speak to the performance of the 1.2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've read so many threads my head is spinning! I'm looking for simplicity and performance without breaking the bank and really appreciate input like yours. :thumb:

 

[Nooga_Rock]

I'm most likely going with this pre-made kit from Toytec. It's not spacers (those are bad) but is on the lower price range for shocks/coils.

3" lift ToyTec/Bilstein kit for 96-02 4Runner



Also, i'd steer clear of 315's if you're looking for an easier time. Most people have to do a lot of fender cutting and trimming, and even body mount to make them fit. 285's should fit with a 3" lift with minor trimming.

 

[habanero]

Another Sonoran Steel fan, I've had the 1.2 kit on the '96 since '09 and for 100,000 miles. Customer service has been awesome over the years to boot.

When it came time to lift the '99 a few years ago it got an SS lift too, based on the experience with the '96.

 

[carp73]

I'm most likely going with this pre-made kit from Toytec. It's not spacers (those are bad) but is on the lower price range for shocks/coils.

3" lift ToyTec/Bilstein kit for 96-02 4Runner



Also, i'd steer clear of 315's if you're looking for an easier time. Most people have to do a lot of fender cutting and trimming, and even body mount to make them fit. 285's should fit with a 3" lift with minor trimming.

I also recommend toytec. I have the next step up to the one mentioned here with toytec front struts and the toytec boss rear shocks with super flex coils. Highly recommend it! Plenty of lift but comfortable ride (much better than the old OME lift I had on my last 2nd gen. Also 285/75r16 KO2 fit perfectly without rubbing or fender mods (I do have aftermarket wheels with 4” backspace so that might have something to do with it too)

 

[Silver Supra]

I'm looking at the Boss kit from Toytec, which is obviously the competitor to the 1.2 kit. But the Toytec comes with a coil over up front, and the 1.2 does not - is that correct?

I like being able to adjust ride height since I've had to do it a few times on my Tacoma.

I'm confused as to why the Toytec with coil overs is cheaper than a kit without coil overs. So please educate me!

I have no loyalty or bias to anyone, so I'm not trying to start a war, just understand what the differences are, etc.

 

[carp73]

I'm looking at the Boss kit from Toytec, which is obviously the competitor to the 1.2 kit. But the Toytec comes with a coil over up front, and the 1.2 does not - is that correct?

I like being able to adjust ride height since I've had to do it a few times on my Tacoma.

I'm confused as to why the Toytec with coil overs is cheaper than a kit without coil overs. So please educate me!

I have no loyalty or bias to anyone, so I'm not trying to start a war, just understand what the differences are, etc.

Does the more expensive kit without coil overs come with remote reservoir shocks? I’m not sure, I could be wrong about that

 

[MattJakobs]

I'm looking at the Boss kit from Toytec, which is obviously the competitor to the 1.2 kit. But the Toytec comes with a coil over up front, and the 1.2 does not - is that correct?

I like being able to adjust ride height since I've had to do it a few times on my Tacoma.

I'm confused as to why the Toytec with coil overs is cheaper than a kit without coil overs. So please educate me!

I have no loyalty or bias to anyone, so I'm not trying to start a war, just understand what the differences are, etc.

The Toytec Boss Kit's 'coilovers' are essentially a threaded Bilstein 5100. They're adjustable which is nice but when one does blow, $$$. [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] just had this happen to one of his Toytec 'coilovers' and I believe it was some $300-400 for the replacement Bilstein. He can probably speak more on them then I can.

As for recommendations, it sounds a lot like you do what I do. Runs to and from the beach, some trails, although I DD mine. I have an OEM 861 out back with a Bilstein 5100. It's not my favorite shock out back and it will be getting replaced shortly but the Land Cruiser coils are awesome. They flex well, are cheap, and give great ride height. If you don't plan on having a ton of extra weight out back or rear armor/tire carrier, the Sonoran Steel rear lift will do you just fine.

If you like the ride of your 3rd gen Tacoma with those Kings, I recommend getting some for the 4Runner. I'm running Kings up front and they feel so much better than stock and a Bilstein up from. The front is what you'll feel most when driving and it's easy to say you don't care about ride quality until it's sh!tty. You don't need to get reservoirs or extended length if you don't plan on beating the crap out of it. The factory length Kings will keep you from needing after market UCAs up front to keep down on cost as well.

I've had great experiences with Down South Motorsports in CA. If you give them a call, they'll help you find what you need up front and will help you pick the right spring rates and everything based on what you're doing.

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

I'm looking at the Boss kit from Toytec, which is obviously the competitor to the 1.2 kit. But the Toytec comes with a coil over up front, and the 1.2 does not - is that correct?

I like being able to adjust ride height since I've had to do it a few times on my Tacoma.

I'm confused as to why the Toytec with coil overs is cheaper than a kit without coil overs. So please educate me!

I have no loyalty or bias to anyone, so I'm not trying to start a war, just understand what the differences are, etc.

A fully adjustable coilover vs a non-adjustable coilover is really the main difference. Our BOSS kits use Eibach brand shocks valved specifically for Toyota vehicles. BOSS shocks are not rebuildable, like ICON or KING. The replacement BOSS shocks are $199.99 each.

I would highly suggest our BOSS kit with SPC upper control arms. I personally ran it on my 3rd gen 4Runner for 2.5 years, daily driving and taking it on some of the most "moderate" extreme trails in Colorado and have never had an issue. I did recently upgrade to KING.

2.5" shock body coilovers ride so much better than 2.0" in my opinion.

Give me a shout if you'd like 303.255.4959 ext 108 and I'll take good care of you.


-Bijan

 

[Silver Supra]

The Toytec Boss Kit's 'coilovers' are essentially a threaded Bilstein 5100. They're adjustable which is nice but when one does blow, $$$. [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] just had this happen to one of his Toytec 'coilovers' and I believe it was some $300-400 for the replacement Bilstein. He can probably speak more on them then I can.

As for recommendations, it sounds a lot like you do what I do. Runs to and from the beach, some trails, although I DD mine. I have an OEM 861 out back with a Bilstein 5100. It's not my favorite shock out back and it will be getting replaced shortly but the Land Cruiser coils are awesome. They flex well, are cheap, and give great ride height. If you don't plan on having a ton of extra weight out back or rear armor/tire carrier, the Sonoran Steel rear lift will do you just fine.

If you like the ride of your 3rd gen Tacoma with those Kings, I recommend getting some for the 4Runner. I'm running Kings up front and they feel so much better than stock and a Bilstein up from. The front is what you'll feel most when driving and it's easy to say you don't care about ride quality until it's sh!tty. You don't need to get reservoirs or extended length if you don't plan on beating the crap out of it. The factory length Kings will keep you from needing after market UCAs up front to keep down on cost as well.

I've had great experiences with Down South Motorsports in CA. If you give them a call, they'll help you find what you need up front and will help you pick the right spring rates and everything based on what you're doing.

Matt...Great info on the Toytec stuff, that makes sense to me.

Yes, I love how the Tacoma rides with the King stuff but I really was hoping to keep it lower budget. Maybe some Kings up front and LC springs in the rear?

I absolutely hate buyers remorse... having to do the same stuff twice pisses me off and ends up costing more in the long run anyway.

Keep the info coming!

 

[Chim]

A fully adjustable coilover vs a non-adjustable coilover is really the main difference. Our BOSS kits use Eibach brand shocks valved specifically for Toyota vehicles. BOSS shocks are not rebuildable, like ICON or KING. The replacement BOSS shocks are $199.99 each.

I would highly suggest our BOSS kit with SPC upper control arms. I personally ran it on my 3rd gen 4Runner for 2.5 years, daily driving and taking it on some of the most "moderate" extreme trails in Colorado and have never had an issue. I did recently upgrade to KING.

2.5" shock body coilovers ride so much better than 2.0" in my opinion.

Give me a shout if you'd like 303.255.4959 ext 108 and I'll take good care of you.


-Bijan

What about replacement front coilovers.. I have a leaking front BOSS coilover that has maybe 18k (less that two years driving) on them with almost zero off-roading..

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

What about replacement front coilovers.. I have a leaking front BOSS coilover that has maybe 18k (less that two years driving) on them with almost zero off-roading..

All you would need is a new BOSS shock that fits in that coil. Part # TTFSC-9604 ($199.99) - they are not listed for sale on our website, they are a call in order item.

If you're looking for new coils, shocks, and top mounts - it's $809.99 for the pair..$404.99 for 1 plus shipping. (TTFCS-9604 - ToyTec BOSS Coil Overs (95.5-04 Taco & 96-02 4Runner))

 

[Scramble]

I am completely lost and overwhelmed when it comes to lift options, so I'm going to let you people - complete strangers - decide what lift to get.

Here's my situation. Bone stock 240k mile T4R that I want to use for some overloading and wheeling and beach duty. Looking at a 285/75-16 tire/wheel combo or maybe a 315. Eventually probably a front bumper and winch. This will serve as a toy and a spare vehicle so ride quality isn't that big of a deal.

I'm horrible at making this type of decision because I will end up with a $$$$ long travel suspension when it's way more than I need. I don't want junk but I also don't want to waste money.

What's the absolute best bang for the buck that is capable to wheel, won't rattle my teeth out and not going to leave me stranded while I wait for a part to be serviced?

I seriously appreciate everyone's input.

Another vote for the SS 1.2 kit. I dont know the spring rate for the Toytec but I know the TRD Tundra coils up front handles a plate bumper with ease. It actually rides better with the added weight.

 

[smallfry]

I had the SS 1.2 on my last 4runner and the 7 on the previous and had no complaints with the setup.

 

[Unner]

Here's my input and my lessons learned.

If you're into the vehicle for the long haul, buy once cry once.

Toytec has 2 coilovers. The Ultimate, and the Boss.

The Ultimate is basically a threaded 5100. The Boss is a 2" Eibach shock like Bijan said, but is not rebuildable or anything. It doesn't look like the Ultimates are available anymore according to the website.

I bought a set of Boss coilovers and wasn't kind to them, but I also put a lot of highway miles on them. At 60k the passenger side started puking oil. A new set of shocks would be $420 shipped, plus the time to install the shocks onto my old springs/tophats. Instead I bought a set of Kings from Downsouth Motorsports for $965 shipped.

I should have bought the Kings from the start. They cost about $150 more upfront, but after the first rebuild they're cheaper. $100 to rebuild the Kings vs $400 for another set of non rebuildable Boss shocks. Since I didn't do that from the start I have an $800 set of Boss coilovers laying in the garage that are basically worthless now, and a set of Kings on the truck.

For the rear I started with what is the same as the SS1.2 kit, LC coils and shocks. I bought them online through Camelback though. It rode pretty good, I swapped the LC coils for OME 861s when I got my rear bumper, and I just replaced the rear shocks with Kings. The Kings ride soooo good.

If I were to do it all again I'd spend the money on Kings from the start, especially in the front. You can tell the Kings control the suspension so much better than my previous set up.

If you are staying pretty basic and low weight with the build you could probably get away with 5100's and OME springs of your choice. Once you get into the really heavy set ups, winch, bumper, skids, etc I don't know if they can really hold up well. Especially when you throw some heavy LT tires on there, the suspension has to handle all of that extra weight as well.