Suspension and Body Lift FAQ

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With the variety of lift applications available how do you decide? The decision comes from within. What do you want to do with your vehicle? Are you simply looking for a means to look cool or give it a more aggressive look / leveled look? Do you want to take your vehicle places where you need that additional lift? How much do you want to lift? How big a tire do you want to stuff? Do you plan to add additional weight? What is your budget? Depending on many of these questions, your application can vary.

Keeping all this in perspective, here's a good point of reference. There are 3 different suspension lift technologies available: Spacer, Coil and Shock or leaf (Tacoma only), Coilover. They all perform the same function... LIFT. The biggest difference is how each techonologies are applied to the existing stock system and the final cost.

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Spacer Technology
This technology retains the stock suspension. Adding the spacer to the stock suspension will give you lift (height determined by size of spacer installed). Depending on which manufacturer you decide to use, some will utilize a combination of spacers that sit on top of the stock suspension called top out spacers and/or inside the stock suspension called preload spacers. The spacers looks like a hockey puck built out of polyurethane, steel or alumnimum. Depending on which manufacturer you go with, the material used will vary. They all perform the same function regardless of the material used.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc) I would stay away from this technology as you will experience a harsher ride due to the added weight. An average aftermarket bumper-and-winch combo will weight approximately 150-200# so bear this in mind.

Costs on this technology are very cheap (under $500). It is the cheapest solution available. This setup is ideal for those who want the quick-lift fix to add larger tires. Since you are essentially adding either a combination of preload spacer/top out spacer the overall ride feel will firm up. This is expected by the design of the technology applied.

Note for 4runner owners with XREAS Suspension: XREAS owners that want to maintain their XREAS system will be limited to the spacer technology. Unfortunately no other solutions are available. This means that the XREAS system can be removed safely and reinstalled at a later date with no negative effects on the system itself.


ManufacturerFrontRearVehicle ApplicationPart Number(s)
Cornfed Suspension (http://www.cornfedsuspension.com/)3"2"4runner and FJ CruiserCustom Sizes available (1-3")
Cornfed Suspension (http://www.cornfedsuspension.com/)2"Tacoma3A-Taco-05-2"
Cornfed Suspension (http://www.cornfedsuspension.com/)3"Tacoma3A-Taco-05-3"
Daystar Suspension (http://www.daystarweb.com)2.5"2.5"4runner and FJ CruiserKT09122BK
Daystar Suspension (http://www.daystarweb.com)2.5"2.5" blocks TacomaKT09120BK
Revtek Suspension (http://www.revtek.com/)3"2"4runner and FJ Cruiser431
Revtek Suspension (http://www.revtek.com/)3"3" blocksTacoma426
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)0.75"4runner, FJ Cruiser and TacomaTOP1-T

Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)2"4runner, FJ Cruiser and TacomaTAC2
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)2.5" 4runner, FJ Cruiser and TacomaTAC25
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)3"4runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma TAC3
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)2"4runner and FJ CruiserRCC2.0
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)1" BlocksTacomaBK-1
Toy Tec Lifts (http://www.toyteclifts.com)2" AALTacomaTAC-AL
Tuff Country (http://www.tuffcountry.com)3"4runner and FJ Cruiser52000
Tuff Country (http://www.tuffcountry.com)3"3" AALTacoma52907

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Spacer Technology - Sample Vehicle Application(s)

Cornfed Suspension
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/cornfed_4runner.jpg

Daystar Suspension
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/daystar_4runner_1.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/daystar_4runner_2.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/daystar_4runner_3.jpg

Revtek Suspension
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/revtek_4runner.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/revtek_4runner_2.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/revtek_fj.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/revtek_tacoma.jpg

Toy Tech Lifts
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/toytec_fj.jpg

Tuff Country
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/tuffcountry_4runner.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/tuffcountry_fj_kit.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/tuffcountry_fj.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/tuffcountry_tacoma_kit.gif

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/tuffcountry_tacoma.jpg

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Coil and Shock Technology
This technology replaces the stock suspension. The look and feel is identical to the stock suspension as it replaces the coil and shock. Depending on which configuration you decide on, the ride feel will be near identical to stock.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc) I recommend you look into stiffer coils to accomodate for the addition of the weight. The ride should stay within the stock feel with the adjustments made to the coils. If you considering building an expedition vehicle I highly recommend the coil and shock as you need not worry about the complexity of the system.

Costs for this technology is average (approx. $750 for all 4 corners. Tacoma's only require the fronts)

Coils

ManufacturerFrontRearVehicle ApplicationNotes and Comments
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com)2"4runner and FJ Cruiser4700FJ-AP
Deaver Springs (http://www.deaverspring.com)2"4runner and FJ Cruiser
Donahoe Racing (http://donahoeracing.com/)4runner and FJ Cruiser#5-2700
Downey Offroad (http://downeyoff-road.com/)2.5"4runner and FJ Cruiser
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - Medium Duty#884 #895 4runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - Heavy Duty#885#8964runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - Extra Heavy Duty#886#8974runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma


Shocks
ManufacturerTypeFrontRearVehicle ApplicationNotes and Comments
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com)Walker Evans Shocks9" Non-Reservior4runner and FJ Cruiser8510-WE-S
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com)Walker Evans Shocks9" Adjustable Reservior4runner and FJ Cruiser8510-WE-S-CA
Bilstein (http://www.bilstein.com)Monotube Shocks10" Remote Resevoir4runner and FJ Cruiser#7110SB, Soft:255/70, Medium:275/78, Hard: 360/80 valving, 25.25" extended, 15" compressed
Donahoe Racing (http://www.donahoeracing.com)Monotube Shocks4runner and FJ Cruiser#5-7510, 23.89" extended, 14.65" compressed
Downey Offroad (http://www.downeyoff-road.com)Doetsch Tech Shocks10"4runner and FJ CruiserMV-12, 25" extended, 15" compressed
OME (http://arbusa.com/)Twintube ShockN140S4runner, FJ Cruiser and Tacoma
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - SoftTwintube ShockN1414runner and FJ Cruiser22.5" extended, 13.77" compressed
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - MediumTwintube ShockN1424runner and FJ Cruiser22.5" extended, 13.77" compressed
OME (http://arbusa.com/) - HardTwintube ShockN71E4runner and FJ Cruiser24.18" extended, 14.43" compressed


Kits
ManufacturerTypeFrontRearVehicle ApplicationNotes and Comments
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com) Walker Evans Kit2" Adjustable Reservoir4runner and FJ Cruiser4700-FJ-R
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com) Walker Evans Kit2" Non-Adjustable Reservior4runner and FJ Cruiser4700-FJ-NR


Example lift measurement: 3" lift front / 2.75" lift rear
OME Mediums 884 front coil and trim packer, N140S front shock, 895 rear coil, N142 rear shock

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Coil and Shock Technology - Sample Vehicle Application(s)

Deaver 4runner and FJ Cruiser rear coil
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/deaver_4runner.jpg

Donahoe Racing 4runner and FJ Cruiser rear coil
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_rearcoil.jpg

Donahoe Racing 4runner and FJ Cruiser rear shock
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_rearshock_4runner.jpg

Donahoe Racing Tacoma rear shock
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_rearshock_tacoma.jpg

OME 4runner
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/ome_4runner_1.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/ome_4runner_2.jpg

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Coilover Technology
This technology replaces only the front stock suspension. The look and feel is similar to the stock suspension except you will have the ability to adjust the coil height to tune the height. This technology is ideal of high speed application but a growing number of low speed users are utilizing this technology. The ride feel will vary according to how you tune your coilovers. Many of the manufacturers pretune the coilovers to be very plush and feel exactly like a stock vehicle but better over the harsh terrain.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc), please make sure to adjust your coils for the added weight. This configuration is the ultimate setup for those that want to utilize every modern technology available. Highly recommended for high speed applications and even for slow speed application.

Costs for this technology is expensive (approx $750-1250 depending on size)

Note: XREAS equipped 4runner owners wanting to remove their XREAS system can safely remove the system will no effect. The system is safe to remove and reinstall at a later date with no ill effect.


ManufacturerProduct
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com) 3" lift front coilover featuring Walker-Evans shocks and 650-lb All-Pro coils
Donahoe Racing (http://www.donahoeracing.com)3.5" lift front coilover
Sway A Way (http://www.swayaway.com)3" lift front coilover
Downey Offroad (http://www.downeyoff-road.com)3" lift front coilover
Light Speed (http://www.toyteclifts.com)3.5" lift front coilover
King Shocks (http://www.kingshocks.com/)3" lift front coilover

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Coilover Technology - Sample Vehicle Application(s)

Donahoe Racing
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_coilover.jpg

LTD 4WD with Donahoe Racing Coilover, Deaver Coils and Bilstein 7100 Shocks
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_4runner.jpg

SE 4WD with Donahoe Racing Coilover and Total Chaos Upper Control Arms
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_4runner_2.jpg

Downey Offroad
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/downey_4runner.jpg

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Long Travel Coilover Technology
Utilizes conventional coilover technology to another level. The vehicle is widened approximately 3-5" depending on the manufacturer application. This requires heavy modification which includes replacement of the Upper Control Arms, Lower Control Arms and custom front fenders. 4WD vehicles require replacement front axles to reflect the widened specification. Wheel travel is greatly increased with the widened stance giving greater vehicle stability with better suspension control for your high speed pleasures.

Costs ranges anywhere from $2500~$5000 depending on manufacturer application.

Note: XREAS equipped 4runner owners wanting to remove their XREAS system can safely remove the system will no effect. The system is safe to remove and reinstall at a later date with no ill effect.

Manufacturers
Total Chaos Fabrications (http://www.chaosfab.com)
Camburg (http://www.camburg.com)

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Long Travel Coilover Technology - Sample Vehicle Application(s)

Total Chaos Long Travel
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/totalchaos_lt.jpg

http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/totalchaos_4runner.jpeg

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Of the 3 technologies available, spacers are the most popular due to their price points. Keep in mind that lifting your vehicle and changing tires can be a costly investment so do a lot of research prior to making your final decision. Once you get your lift, give it a few weeks for the components to settle in and retighten the bolts to ensure the suspension is intact and not going to fall off while you're on the road/trail. Also take the time to get an tire alignment for the front wheels only (no need to spend $ on the rears as no changes will occur from the lift). The look of all the various lifts available will be similar. Depending on the size of the lift, the look may change somewhat but for the most part they are similar. Be aware that adding larger tires will also increase your height so make sure to be selective in your tire decisions as well.

Note: Highly recommended to extend the rear brakelines with longer stainless steel lines available at your local offroad shop.

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Jounce Shocks
Just when you thought 4 standard shocks aren't enough, here's an additional 4 more to compliment what you already have. These shocks will give you the ability to take your vehicle to the next level outside of getting a long travel kit. The key to utilizing the jounce shocks are using them at the last 2-3 inches of suspension travel. These shocks help to control the initial shock load much better compared to stock. It will not bounce back like rubber and keeps the spring from compressing as much thus making it possible for the bounce to return in a controlled fashion.

Manufacturer(s)
Lightracing (http://www.toyteclifts.com) JounceShock System Part# 25780 (complete), #25762 (front) and #25784 (rear)
Donahoe Racing (http://www.donahoeracing.com) (utilizes the Lightracing Jounceshock System but revalved to Donahoe's specification)

Donahoe Racing
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_jounce.jpg

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Body Lift
Body lifts are different from suspension lift in that this technology just separates the body from the frame. This modification is not highly recommended as a primary method of lifting your vehicle. I would highly recommend that you do the suspension lift first prior to attempting the body lift. Since a body lift furthur separates the body from the frame there are some safety concerns so please keep this in mind. Many users perform the body lift to help minimize the rubbing experience even after doing the suspension lift. Currently the maxmimum size you can install for a body lift is 1.5". With the 1.5" body lift, you do not need to make any adjustments to the fuel or steering. Installation takes anywhere from 2-4 hours.

Manufacturer
Roger Brown (http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/BodyLiftKit.shtml) Body Lift - Available in 1 ~ 1.5" of lift. Highly recommend the heavy duty hardware kit (option add on kit)

Product Review Thread
SR5 4x4 - 1.5" Body Lift (http://www.chaosedition.com/modifications/vertical.asp)

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Upper Control Arm
When aftermarket lifts are installed the OEM suspension design looses caster. By altering the factory caster, the vehicle lose onroad handling and performance and can have a tendency to wander when driving down the road. The aftermarket upper control arms add caster to the suspension when aftermarket lifts are installed. This increases overall handling and aids in the alignment of the vehicle.

Note: If you plan to retain your stock wheels and add larger tires (commonly applies to 285's), you will experience heavy rubbing at the upper control arms. By installing one of the available aftermarket upper control arms, you will be able to avoid the excessive rubbing experienced on the arms.

Manufacturer(s):
Total Chaos Fabrications (http://www.chaosfab.com) Part Number 3500T-AP-A-ARM-05
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com)
Camburg (http://www.camburg.com)
Donahoe Racing (http://www.donahoeracing.com) Part Number 5-8550

Total Chaos Fabrications
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/totalchaos_uca.jpg

All Pro Offroad
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/allprooffroad_uca.jpg

Camburg
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/camburg_uca.jpg

Donahoe Racing
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/donahoeracing_uca.jpg

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Heavy Duty Rear Lower Control Arms

ManufacturerDesign
All Pro Offroad (http://www.allprooffroad.com)Adjustable 1.75" X .281 wall DOM tubing, Johnny Joints
Man-A-Fre (http://www.man-a-fre.com)1-3/4" x .250" wall DOM tubing, Polyurethane Bushings
Sonoran SteelRubicon Express Super Flex Joint, 1/4" wall DOM tube


All Pro Offroad
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/allprooffroad_lowerlinks.jpg

Man A Fre
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/manafre_lowerlinks.jpg

Sonoran Steel
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/sonoransteel_lowerlinks.jpg

Heavy Duty Rear Upper Control Arms

ManufacturerDesign
[url=http://www.allprooffroad.com]All Pro Offroad (http://www.sonoransteel.com)Adjustable 1" x .156 wall DOM tubing, Johnny Joints

All Pro Offroad
http://www.ultimateyota.com/pichost/tech/allprooffroad_upperlinks.jpg