toytec body lift problems

[20005spd]

everyone here seems to be running 4crawler body lifts. i had to be different since i ordered a bunch of stuff and had no problems with toytec and get there 1" kit for a 3rd gen 4runner. i installed the kit on saturday and the bolts they gave were a hair to long. i tried them in every hole to make sure and then had to reuse a few stock bolts. then when i was going on its first ride the steering was extremely tight, long story short i need a steering spacer. toytec said nothing about such a spacer being required and does not offer 1. searching around looks like only 4crawler makes them but he is usually a month behind which i cant wait that long. i could make 1 at my dads machine shop but if i can buy one somewhere else id like to know. anyone else have this problem? anyone know where i could buy a .5" spacer for the steering besides 4crawler?

[BruceTS]

Loosen the bolt on the steering shaft and pull it out some, if I recall there's enough splines that a 1" lift didn't need the spacer, but I would still recommend putting one in.

[20005spd]

i just called toytec and told them of my problems. no surprise to me they say they havent had any problems with these kits yet. i dont see how they didnt have any problems. instead of telling me when i ordered the kit they now told me to either loosen the bolt and slide the shaft out to make up the difference, or to buy a new steering column which i told him i was most certainly not doing and never even heard of someone doing. im going to see if there is enough length to the splines to move it down the .5" i need tonight. all in all i am extremely dissapointed in toytec with this kit and them having no clue about these problems.

[calrockx]

Let this be a lesson folks, for 3rd gen 4Runner body lifts...stick with 4Crawler and be done with it. :thumbup:

Bummer about your issue, 2005. Good luck.

[20005spd]

well i always liked 4crawlers kit, but he always seems to be a month behind schedule so figured id get the toytec kit. and it obviously does not work.

[neliconcept]

should just be able to pull the shaft down a bit, we had to push it in when i installed 2" spacer on my friends 4runner and it made it tight as well.

[MillerPKA]

did indeed, all you have to do is loosen the clamp and lock your tires from side to side then tighten back up and you should be done with

[Good Times]

do what bruce said as he's right on the money. anytime you deal with body lifts you'll want to loosen the steering shaft sleeve regardless of how much lift you add. that should be in the instruction manual.

good luck :)

[ecchamberlin]

There probably is enough on the shaft to cover a 1" BL but why would TOYTEC skimp on such a simple part?

If that step is not in the instructions, I would have to agree that this is not very impressive.

[neliconcept]

just make it customer feedback, explain that they need to include this as well as a rad bracket too.

and they will include it later, and then business will be up for them on this sector.

[20005spd]

There probably is enough on the shaft to cover a 1" BL but why would TOYTEC skimp on such a simple part?

If that step is not in the instructions, I would have to agree that this is not very impressive.
:rofl: instructions :rofl: i didnt really expect directions with a 1"BL but it would have been nice for them to attempt to tell me where they wanted me to put the bolts that were to long for this kit. since they told me nothing over the phone and had no directions saying anything about a steering spacer or just looseing up the bolt on the shaft i assumed there would be no problem. having such good service from them before i figured id trust them, which i was very wrong in doing. toytec has ruined their reputation with me, especially since when i called them this morning they had nothing to say that would help me. i think i told him more about what was going on then he knew(who ever it is i spoke to). its like they never even installed this kit. i was planning on loosening the shaft and seeing if i had enough shaft left to feel confident in not using a spacer, but after working on cars all day. then doing an alignment on an 06 taco with a total chaos long travel kit i just installed for a friend im spent and wasnt crawling under my truck. so it waits till tomorrow..........fucking toytec

[Cebby]

Just playing devil's advocate...

How long have they offered body lifts? Are they physically producing the BL's or are they reselling a prepackaged BL?

Maybe they've made some assumptions that if you are installing your own BL, that you have read up on it and know about the steering issue (and other issues like the radiator/fan shroud clearance, shifter linkage, etc)

I'm sure this thread is some valuable feedback for them and that they'll improve their directions/education of their CS folks.

[MillerPKA]

I can personally attest to Doug and the rest of Toytec's customer service. It is their goal to ensure that every customer is satisfied, if you ever need them directly call them at (303) 255-4959 (mtn. time)-press 2 and you can receive the necessary info. I would agree, however, that instructions would be obviously practical.

The reason for selling a 1" body lift is to avoid multiple alterations...in turn offering a relatively simple lift. It is up to the buyer to have knowledge of what will be extended or strained as a result as our first hand work is a 'mod at your own risk' business. And at 1", you more than likely will not need the radiator brackets, removing the lower fan shroud would be just fine

[20005spd]

Just playing devil's advocate...

How long have they offered body lifts? Are they physically producing the BL's or are they reselling a prepackaged BL?

Maybe they've made some assumptions that if you are installing your own BL, that you have read up on it and know about the steering issue (and other issues like the radiator/fan shroud clearance, shifter linkage, etc)

I'm sure this thread is some valuable feedback for them and that they'll improve their directions/education of their CS folks.
im not exactly sure how long they have had them, but mine has been sitting in my garage for about 5 months and they had it at least 4-5 months before i bought it. i would like to think they are making them, but im not sure. the shifter linkage and radiator are fine on my truck. just the steering.



I can personally attest to Doug and the rest of Toytec's customer service. It is their goal to ensure that every customer is satisfied, if you ever need them directly call them at (303) 255-4959 (mtn. time)-press 2 and you can receive the necessary info. I would agree, however, that instructions would be obviously practical.
like i said when i called them they didnt even know steering was an issue. who ever it was said theyve never had to modify the steering, which is obviously a load of crap. his first response was a very unsure "maybe you should buy a new telescoping steering shaft" i was like thats something ive never heard of someone doing to a 96-02 for any reason, and its completely out of the question. then they said i may be able to get a half inch more out of the shaft.

[waskillywabbit]

Steering extensions are not required for a 1" body lift on a 3rd gen 4Runner as BruceTS posted up. Cheap insurance, sure. Nor radiator brackets.

Installation instructions for body lifts are ALL over the internet for just about every 4x4 vehicle known. Modding vehicles requires doing your homework and researching the mod and how to do it before you attempt it so you don't need to consult install instructions.

If you are having a problem with ToyTec, you need to call and speak to Doug and not the help. Doug is a stand up, first rate guy and will take care of you.

:guitar:

[20005spd]

last night i got under the truck to see if there is enough shaft to allow for a half inch for it to meet the rag joint again. there is NOT enough shaft. when you move the bottom part to the rag joint the shaft only has a tiny tiny bit left and it isnt enough to keep the bolt in. there is absolutely no way to run it without a spacer. i can only get maybe a 1/4" of shaft movement before it stops. if you remove the bolt you get more shaft to come out but like i said i cant get the bolt back in and there is basically no shaft left in the peice it goes into. i already gave my dad the dimensions to make me an aluminum spacer at his machine shop. he is going to make it while im at work today.

when i called toytec's tech support line i assumed i would get someone who knows what is going on. like i said before in these posts i never had a problem with them and had great customer service. but who ever i spoke to had no clue what was going on with steering on these trucks with the 1" body lift they sell. now i havent thrown them under the bus yet its just very frustrating as you can understand. im going to call toytec again today and try to talk to Doug. i called last night after i found there is no way i can do it without a spacer but they were closed.

if you guys dont beleive that i do need a spacer ill take pics just so you dont think im some idiot kid who has no clue what he is doing. or if you guys have pics of a 1" workin without a spacer id like to see it.

[Lee]

Just playing devil's advocate...

How long have they offered body lifts? Are they physically producing the BL's or are they reselling a prepackaged BL?

Maybe they've made some assumptions that if you are installing your own BL, that you have read up on it and know about the steering issue (and other issues like the radiator/fan shroud clearance, shifter linkage, etc)

I'm sure this thread is some valuable feedback for them and that they'll improve their directions/education of their CS folks.
im not exactly sure how long they have had them, but mine has been sitting in my garage for about 5 months and they had it at least 4-5 months before i bought it. i would like to think they are making them, but im not sure. the shifter linkage and radiator are fine on my truck. just the steering.


fyi, the fan shroud will be a problem if you hit it while wheeling. i did and it made a terrible slapping sound :laugh:

[d0ubledown]

i didnt realize those two things until after i had my 1.5" 4crawler lift on.

1: lower fan shroud. started her up, and cachuckacachucka...popped the hood and yep, there was the shroud. yanked her out and all was dandy

2: tight steering. i got the spacer with the kit, but didnt realize the tight steering and not returning to center was because i didnt loosen the rag joint on the splines. now with just a 1" lift and no steering spacer, im guessing it'd be cutting it close. definitely post a pic of how much room youve got left. you might have to pull the rag joint apart to see if you can get more off the shaft...its been a while since i did mine, but once i loosened the clamp screw, it seated itself proper, and steering was back to normal & centered itself...

good luck with your situation!

[20005spd]

my dad made me a spacer while i was at work.
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t107/20005spd/DSC00111.jpg

i put it in soon as i got home. all is good :thumbup:

[Vermejo]

First class work. Now you can sell them to Toytec

[20005spd]

First class work. Now you can sell them to Toytec
thats what my dad said. when i talked to doug from toytec on the phone he told me wabfab is who makes the BL. his words were "we assumed they did the homework". he also said they are working on a spacer now, which it seemed like they probably werent before i called. i also told him about the shank on the bolts being to long and he didnt know about that either. im not tryin to throw anyone under the bus but thats what i was told.

[waskillywabbit]

I emailed Doug and told him about the problem and he said he was going to PM you. I see you two got to talk. Doug and I do quite a bit of business together and yes, WabFab does make the body lifts they sell for the 3rd gens. We have also been talking about adding a steering extension off and on for quite some time in order to do taller body lifts but just have not had the time. Taller body lifts are a LOT more involved.

On the 3rd gen 4Runner 1” body lifts I have personally installed a dozen or so using my kit with no problems, including RockSlider and dragr1, and sold dozens more. This is the first case reported with any problems and I am in the process of verifying things so it doesn’t continue, if there is indeed a problem.

I have seen 2 bolts of the same grade, overall length, diameter, pitch, everything be in the same box and have different thread lengths. Do not ask me why but I see it all the time in buying bolts in bulk. Did this happen in your case? Don’t know. Did I just include too many of one bolt and not enough of another? Don’t know. For whatever the reason, I am sorry it happened.

I do know this. A 1” steering extension is not required to do a 1” body lift on a 3rd gen 4Runner. Is it probably a good idea? I think so and we will be adding it to the kit very soon.

Good luck with modding your vehicle.

:guitar:

P.S. From experience, if you have to say you are not trying to throw someone under the bus, then you probably are. :D

[20005spd]

well i understand things happen. but i was really pissed at the time this happened as you can imagine. as far as not needing a spacer, i dont see how you cant use one, i tried. show me some pics or something because there just isnt enough movement in my stock shaft to compensate.

[Lee]

he didnt throw anyone under the bus. he went back to the vendor of a product and asked for an explanation on why it didnt suit his needs. then he reported their answer to other customers. pretty typical for an internet forum of enthusiasts.

perhaps he saved someone from experiencing the same thing until the kit is corrected.

i had a steering spacer on my 1" BL from 4crawler, that's all i know.

[Ric]

ill take pics just so you dont think im some idiot kid who has no clue what he is doing. or if you guys have pics of a 1" workin without a spacer id like to see it.
Did you ever get any pics ? the reason Im asking, Ive helped install a few, and like others have said, there was no spacer needed. not even sure if mine has one, lol.

Installation instructions for body lifts are ALL over the internet for just about every 4x4 vehicle known. Modding vehicles requires doing your homework and researching the mod and how to do it before you attempt it so you don't need to consult install instructions.

So very true...

In the end, your rig is working the way is suppose to :thumbup:

[20005spd]

ill take pics just so you dont think im some idiot kid who has no clue what he is doing. or if you guys have pics of a 1" workin without a spacer id like to see it.
Did you ever get any pics ? the reason Im asking, Ive helped install a few, and like others have said, there was no spacer needed. not even sure if mine has one, lol.

Installation instructions for body lifts are ALL over the internet for just about every 4x4 vehicle known. Modding vehicles requires doing your homework and researching the mod and how to do it before you attempt it so you don't need to consult install instructions.

So very true...

In the end, your rig is working the way is suppose to :thumbup:
well nobody asked for pics so i never took any :D

there was no need to look into doing a 1" body lift for me. if it were a 2 or 3" ,which i wouldnt put on my truck, i would have done lots of research. only thing i wasnt sure of was a steering spacer. after seeing nothing included in the toytec kit i figured it must not be a problem.