I just purchased a 2001 Limited 4x4 4Runner with 79,000 miles, This thing was garage kept and even the leather looks brand new. I like it so much, I'm selling my FJ Cruiser and planning to do some minor upgrades to the 4Runner. I would like to lift the 4Runner about an 1" or maybe 1 1/2" and install some all terrain tires. Here's my question: I lifted & leveled my FJ Cruiser with Bilstein 5100 shocks. Can I do something like that with my 4Runner? I don't want to lift it too high because where I drive, I'm crawling under tree limbs as much as i am crossing creek beds. A suspension that can handle the off road, the camping gear payload is necessary. This will be a daily driver to and from the office and I do a lot of long interstate traveling as well... so I appreciate a nice ride as well. I know it sounds like I want my cake and eat it too, but is there a good product out there that will lift about an inch, provide a nice ride, and handle the payload? Thanks in advance for the advice.
2001 4Runner suspension lift advice needed.
- Thread starter OvrLand
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Old man emu...
Do 881 springs in the front, and 906, or 890's in the rear. N86C and N91sc shocks for comfort. The 906 will be lower lift, with less capacity, but still an upgrade over stock. While the 890's will lift a little more and be a large upgrade over stock.
Do 881 springs in the front, and 906, or 890's in the rear. N86C and N91sc shocks for comfort. The 906 will be lower lift, with less capacity, but still an upgrade over stock. While the 890's will lift a little more and be a large upgrade over stock.
How much are wanting to spend?
Yukon gave you one option...another would be to look at Sonoran Steel's kits. Their System 3.0 gives about 1" front and rear and uses Toyota parts from other model years. The System 7.2 uses a combination of Toyota/OME/Bilstein parts but would give a bit more lift than you wanted. Personally I use the a modified System 1.2 on my 2001 4Runner.
There are several other set-ups you can choose from but the big limiting factor is going to be the mild lift you want. Just have to do some reading. Some other places to read...Ultimate Yota and YotaTech.
Yukon gave you one option...another would be to look at Sonoran Steel's kits. Their System 3.0 gives about 1" front and rear and uses Toyota parts from other model years. The System 7.2 uses a combination of Toyota/OME/Bilstein parts but would give a bit more lift than you wanted. Personally I use the a modified System 1.2 on my 2001 4Runner.
There are several other set-ups you can choose from but the big limiting factor is going to be the mild lift you want. Just have to do some reading. Some other places to read...Ultimate Yota and YotaTech.
We have a height adjustable front bilstien shock that you could use or an ome 880/881 coil and also use a 906 in the rear. This would yeild about 2 inches of lift. you cant use both the bilstien and the ome coils together.
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- #5
Thanks to all! I had the Bilstein 5100's on my FJ Cruiser. I loved the ride on and off road. Eastern Offroad (ETA), in Virginia Beach has a conversion kit they build and use the 5100's on 3rd Gen 4Runners. I heard good things from one of their customers about it, and they are a reputable business in Va Beach. Anyone familier with 5100's on 4Runners?
I second the ToyTec adjustables. I got them on my 2000 and like 'em. For the back I used FZJ 80 coils and shock. This compo works great for 285/75 (~33") tires.
Go with the bilstiens from SS. Great shocks, worth the money.
Jump in and go for a full 3" lift. Most people think an inch or two is all they want. Years latter they have gone thru multiple sets of springs and are sitting 3" or more. I'm just under 3" in front with Tundra TRD coils and a top out spacer. My back is ~3.5" with OME 891 and a 10mm trim packer on both sides. I wish the front was up a little more but my CVs have been happy, no breakage in 6 years.
(rear coils) OME coils carry a load better but LC coils are softer and flex better. There are a bunch of different size/lift LC coils.
The ToyTec coilovers are nice because you can adjust ride height as coils settle.
(rear coils) OME coils carry a load better but LC coils are softer and flex better. There are a bunch of different size/lift LC coils.
The ToyTec coilovers are nice because you can adjust ride height as coils settle.
I recently installed Sonoran Steel's 1.2 suspension in my '01 4Runner. What an incredible difference it makes from my previous SAW/OME suspension both on and offroad. Steve's SS1.2 isn't the cheapest system available, but I'm quite happy with it and feel it's well worth the expense. If you decide to get one of the SS systems, I'd suggest, for a nominal fee, having Steve assemble the front suspension for you before shipping.
x10
I just did the Sonoran Steel 1.2 install over the Labor Day weekend on my 2000 4Runner. The extra $150 for two new top plates and preassembled coilovers is money well spent, take my word for it. I passed on that option and kicked myself for it when it came time to remove the shocks. I can just about guarantee that the top nuts on the shocks will be rusted solid so you will have to cut them off with the spring under compression (can you say BANG!).
Using the spring compression tool can also be tricky because you have to be careful where you place the spring hooks. Too far apart and you won't be able to remove the tool, too close and you won't be able to compress the spring enough to bolt up the new shock.
The preinstalled units are also assembled on a jig so everything is in the correct alignment. Doing it manually means you have to get the mounting plate, spring and shock all aligned correctly or it won't fit. The preassembled unit would have made my install much easier.
Good luck!
Matt60
KiSS of Death
whats wrong with using bilstiens and ome together?
The valving is different in the Bilstien and does not match well with the OME coils. When used together it can cause a bouncey ride. The coils and shocks are physically not designed to work together.
Thanks for the tip, went to their website and am considering their 3.0 set-up.
I could use a little lift but want a nice factory ride. At 103,000mi, it is starting to feel
like I need something.
Matt60
KiSS of Death
i've been using 5100s with 880s for a couple of years now with no problems seems stiff if anything.
I'm thinking the "bouncy ride" is not the result of using the bilsteins with OME (if your speaking of the adj bilies on toytec's site), it is b/c your using a tacoma shock on a 4runner. The dampening needed for a tacoma is different than that needed for a 4runner. I would suggest using the adj bilsteins made for the Tundra as they valved for the extra weight of the Tundra's V8.
but I'll admit I'm biased b/c I use the Tundra bilies with Tundra TRD coils and LOVE the way it rides.
I have SAW upfront and OME set up in the rear on my 01 4Runner. The springs are medium 2" and the front is 2.5. The rear has settled and sits a bit and the ride is way to harsh and bouncy in the rear. Hoping to go with OME softer spring or another company that is softer. Any ideas out there let me know. I am not rock climbing!!!!!!!!!!!
