Suspension lift 101

[frohbego]

I have a 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4V6 4X4
and i'm looking to add some new springs / shocks to it. Basically just a body lift..

I want to keep the rear from sagging and be able to carry heavier loads in the back.

Most of my driving is on road. Just looking to fit a little bigger tire and eventually to go up a tire size and get something like this - BFG AT KO 265/75/R16...

I'm not trying to break the bank but want to get away from the factory look
.
can anyone post some links where to get started and what to buy for this mod.

Thanks!
-JON

[Robinhood4x4]

I think your terminology is a little off. A body lift separates the body from the frame and lifts it an inch or two with some spacers. You don't touch the suspension at all.

You are looking for a suspension lift. I'll let the 3rd gen guys answer your questions.

Welcome to UY.

I've taken the liberty of changing your title to reflect what you really want.

[troyboy162]

i thought i new what springs were for heavier load on a 3rd gen but im not sure anymore. anyhow www.toyteclifts.com is one place of many to get a cheap spring lift. there customer service is cool if you call them with questions

[mastacox]

For a mild lift to get some bigger tires in there, a Sonoran Steel System 3.0 lift is a great way to go. It will probably result in something around a 1.5-2" lift for your 2002. Its relatively cheap, and proven to be a very robust combination.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_complete_liftkits.html#System_3.0

[frohbego]

thanks for the welcome and help!!

Yeah i'm defiantly look for a suspension lift.

i took a link at these links -

http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=71&Itemid=53

and

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_complete_liftkits.html#System_3.0

not reay sure what to go for or what i actually need to buy. Any idea how much labor is to have installed?

Thanks. very exciting!

[troyboy162]

you can install rear springs very easily, but you should bring your front shocks and front springs to a shop. they charged me 50 bucks to do it but if you have time im sure you can find a shop that will put the springs on the shocks cheaper. then you can just install them on the truck yourself.

[Seanz0rz]

all good suggestions.

labor, the lift can be done by a good home mechanic in a day. the front struts are easy enough to assemble, but require an impact gun.

where are you located?

[frohbego]

i'm located just outside philadelphia, pa

ive been going here for years - http://www.thejeepshop.net/

[frohbego]

So i'm still trying to decided what my best option is. And what exact parts i need to order.

I want to bring up the rear and be able to get larger tires.

So whats my best bet -

http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?opt...d=71&Itemid=53

or

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co...tml#System_3.0


if you could post what i should order id greatly appreciate it.

On the toyteclifts site do i just need front and rear coils and some spacers?

if i do with the sonoransteel 3.0 is that all i need?

Thanks. Sorry for being such a newbie

-JON

[troyboy162]

well im not totaly fimilier with 02 runners but the system 3.0 will be giving you basically stock shocks front and rear if your shocks are the same as my stock ones. your shocks may not be even worn out yet. double check but i think you would have the same effect if you just bought the springs hes listing.

the 3.0 will be all you need and any of the toytec front and rear coil package will be all you need. i would recomend the kits that come with 4 springs. some come with 2 springs and more spacers to save money. most people report issues of sagging when ushing just spacers to get the lift they want.

[paddlenbike]

Hi Jon,
I have no direct experience with the toytech lifts, so I will let those that do comment on their products. I have the SS System 7.1 and it works well offroad and looks good with either 265/75R16 tires (what I run) as well as 285/75R16s. It is a bit on the stiff side, especially if you do not have a front winch/bumper combination.

I can recommend the System 3 because it is basically the best of what toyota had to offer on 3rd gen 4runners. It offers a great compromise between on and offroad driving.

Personally, if I could do it all over again I would be interested in trying a modified version of my 7.1 lift. I think the rear OME 890s, Tokico shocks, extended panhard bar and new bumpstops are pretty good as-is. In the front I would like to try a stock 99 coil with a spacer, in place of the existing Tundra TRD coil. I think it would offer a better ride for those of us that do not have a bunch of weight hanging off the front end.

I think the system 3 might be the way for you to go. If you want an inch more lift later, add spacers and maybe an extended rear panhard bar.

Ken

[mastacox]

well im not totaly fimilier with 02 runners but the system 3.0 will be giving you basically stock shocks front and rear if your shocks are the same as my stock ones. your shocks may not be even worn out yet. double check but i think you would have the same effect if you just bought the springs hes listing.

The SS 3.0 system are factory spec springs and shocks off a '99 4Runner, the tallest stock 3rd gen 4Runners. A 2002 is the lowest stock 3rd gen 4Runner (almost 2" lower than the '99), they were lowered in 2000 and again in 2001 to reduce the chances of a rollover.

The '99 springs will be fine for clearing 265x75r16's ('99 4Runners can clear 265's no problem), and they will have good overall ride quality. I would go with SS 3.0 system and call it a day.

[troyboy162]

The SS 3.0 system are factory spec springs and shocks off a '99 4Runner, the tallest stock 3rd gen 4Runners. A 2002 is the lowest stock 3rd gen 4Runner (almost 2" lower than the '99), they were lowered in 2000 and again in 2001 to reduce the chances of a rollover.

The '99 springs will be fine for clearing 265x75r16's ('99 4Runners can clear 265's no problem), and they will have good overall ride quality. I would go with SS 3.0 system and call it a day.


the shocks are all the same through the years it was just the springs that gave us all differnt ride hights right? scooter25 actualy had some 99 stock springs he was trying to sell. you may want to see if he still has them. i hate to see you change out shocks that are still probably good only to replace them with essentially the same shocks.

[mastacox]

As far as I know the shocks are the same on 1996-2002 4wd 4Runners. You could buy the springs by themselves and get them put on your struts you have, assuming they're still good.

[frohbego]

sounds like if my shocks are ok i might just wanna go with 99 springs.

which one s are they on here- http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=71&Itemid=53

how much of a lift would i get by just getting the 99 springs?

thanks again!

[frohbego]

I really like this setup (see link below). Seems to be in my budget too. I think a 2 inch lift is plenty for me. So it looks like he just did a 2 inch lift front and back. what if i wanted to add a little more of a lift to he back end?

thanks for the other posts.. all have been very helpful!
-JON


heres is the link -

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/pics-my-02-se-4runner-121777/

"I went with a very mild 2" suspension lift from ToyTec. I'm running 265/75 MTs. Take the info here but also call ToyTec and ask them their opinion. They are extremely helpful and can put something together that fits your need."
__________________
2002 Sport Edition 4Runner
- Goodyear MTR 265/75/16
- ToyTec Coilovers
- OME 906/N86C
- Ashtray Mod!

[troyboy162]

the ome 890 coils give 2.5-3 inches of lift. that would give you a little stink bug effect.

[frohbego]

so i need these for the rear - http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58620&category_id=71&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
Rear OME 890 Coils (96-02 4Run)

What about the front?

[troyboy162]

i thought your were going toytec coilovers for the front? i may actualy have some 890's for sale if i can source some LC coils (3.5-4.5 lift)

[frohbego]

can you post the link to the toytec coilovers for the front.

these are the back correct?
http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58620&category_id=71&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
Rear OME 890 Coils (96-02 4Run)

[troyboy162]

http://toyteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58839&category_id=71&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53

this is the kit containing the coilovers and the 890 rear springs. similar set up to the truck you liked on yotatech.

[frohbego]

thanks troybou162.

about how much would labor be on the Ultimate lift kit for 96-02 4Runner?

[troyboy162]

it cost me 50 bucks to have the front shocks installed on my truck. the rear can be done with a hi-lift jack at home. id guess 100-175 to have it all installed. a local forum member in your area may be a better source to get the rear installed cheaper.

[frohbego]

Just wanted to get some more advise on here. I have decided to go with the Sonoran Steel lift - System 7.2 (2.5" Front & 2.5" Rear).

Any other parts i need to order with this?http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_complete_liftkits.html#System_7.2

Whats a nice size tire to get with factory rims with this lift?

Also whats the largest size tire you can fit under a class III hitch? Do you all own fu size spares when you get new tires?

thanks!
-JON

[frohbego]

whos make a good on/off road tire (265/75/16) with a nice looking tread on the sidewall?

[YotaFun]

Jon-
I am in Chadds Ford.
I haven't been up in the Philly area in a while but my Runner usually can't be missed
(at least I would like to think so)

I am running Sonoran's 1.2 kit (older version but still same basics)
I did the install myself, including the assembly of the front coilovers in a parking lot across the street from my friends place.
It is easy to do when you got two people working on it together.
And now that sonoran offers to put the front assembly together for you for an extra 50 bucks, I think that is well worth the money.

As far as tire size go, you can stick with the stock 265/70/16, or go with the 265/75/16 size like I have now.

A good on and off road tire that I like an am currently using is the BFGoodrich All-terrain KO's

They have not failed me yet in anything I have needed to do (okay that's an exaggeration, when I am on really really tough trails I get a little slip here and there lol)

Another tire that I have been researching for when I get another set of rims to use as a daily driver set is the General Grabber AT 2.
They come highly recommended off tire rack and I have talked and driven a few friends trucks that have them and must say they are very nice and they are in a very decent price range.

Another question, do you EVER plan on taking your 4Runner to the tails or are you doing this for strickly looks and and to get the ass end back up in the air again?

I am Avdian, Avi for short.
Got any more questions regarding your proposed set up feel free to ask, that is what everyone here on UY is here for.

Welcome :-D