How much suspension lift before I have to do stuff?

[Beej]

Hey folks,

I think this is my first post on GX470. Im coming over from the 80 forum. I'm seeking to build something less aggressive/involved than the my 80.

One of the things I got right on my 80 build was that I got 3 inches of lift and only had to do caster correction.

My question becomes, how much lift can I get without having to do too too much stuff. The GX has a better departure angle than the 80 so Im not planning to do bumpers on this build. Ive got the truck on 255 / 75 / r17 on stock rims. The new build will have drawers and carry tools and equipment for recovery/camping/etc., which can get quite heavy in the rear.

Even though it seems like I might be trying to keep cost down, Im actually not. I do my own work; Im trying to keep effort managable. I have Dobinson progressive coils and King Shocks on the 80 and I like that set up quite a lot.

I do WANT lift because I feel like the fuel tank hangs low on the GX and I know the breakover angle is not as good as the 80.

I understand lift is a common topic but im specifically interest in what stuff needs doing as you go up, not the lift brands or ride quality.

I know diff drop comes at just 2". Is that right? What about brake lines? UCAs?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Happy trails

-- Beej

 

[OG Zuninja]

I'm no expert by any stretch but I have been doing a lot of researching. Take what I say with a grain of salt but I'm sure the more experienced folks will chime in and either beat me over the head (well deserved) and/or offer better advice.

I understand lift is a common topic but im specifically interest in what stuff needs doing as you go up, not the lift brands or ride quality.

With IFS, depending on the mileage of the CV axles, there's a decent chance of tearing the boots after lifting. You can replace the boots or upgrade to GX460/5th gen 4Runner front axles. The latter is generally recommended. Not trying to scare you but giving something to keep in mind.

I know diff drop comes at just 2". Is that right?

Diff drop is not recommended. All it will do is create clearance issues with skid plates and such. This video has some good info: More Harm Than Good? Toyota Diff Drop Truth vs Myth.
In fact, that channel is loaded with good info.

What about brake lines? UCAs?

For a 2" lift, the OE brake lines are sufficient. Same thing goes for UCAs. 2" lift is generally the limit before you need to consider new brake lines, UCAs, sway bar links, etc.

Hopefully that helps.

 

[Jstawgn]

Above 2" lift, you need to start adding
1. Upper control arm. A must in my opinion.
2. Panhard correction.
3. Upgraded bump stop if you run longer rear shocks.

The Dobinsons variable rate rear spring is really nice. You can get their normal 12.7" rear long travel shocks if you don't have KDSS. Driveshaft would rub on gas tank skids with this long trsvel rear shocks. Most people get away by trimming the skid and flipping the driveshaft.

 

[Beej]

With IFS, depending on the mileage of the CV axles, there's a decent chance of tearing the boots after lifting. You can replace the boots or upgrade to GX460/5th gen 4Runner front axles. The latter is generally recommended.

Hey, thats a good heads up! I do have one torn boot already. Ill see about the upgrade since Ill be in there.

And Ill check out the video. Already something that doesnt need doing. Ha! Thanks.

Above 2" lift, you need to start adding
1. Upper control arm. A must in my opinion.

But not a must AT 2"? This one was making good sense to me for ease of alignment and such but if its not going to help, I will happily do without Thanks!

 

[Rednexus]

UCAs aren't terribly expensive if you get a bundled lift kit. And, your OEM UCA bushings are probably pretty worn out anyway. So, IMO it's worth spending the extra $300-600 to take care of them.

However I would recommend extended rear brake lines. They might not rip at 2" but they are awfully taught when you flex the rig out. MUSA Metal Tech rear lines are only $75. On the flip side, my front lines feel just fine despite being at nearly 3" of lift.

For CVs, I've had good luck with All-Pro high-angle boots, re-booted on my OEM GX axles with 197K on them. I've gotten around 3 years between re-boots, which is not bad for a lifted Toyota. But, you'll never have the boots last 6-7+ years like they do on a stock-height rig with OEM Toyota boots on it.

 

[Beej]

Thanks for replies.

Sounds like, if Im staying under 3" of lift, I wouldnt be facing too much additional support work...

1) UCAs
2) Axle boots (poss upgrade 5th gen 4r/gx460)
3) Extended rear brake lines
4) Bump stop drop
5) Panhard correction

Anything else?

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Just so you know, the gx470 front IFS reduces your droop (downtravel) for every inch you lift (increases uptravel that you can’t use).

Lifting the front 2 1/4” with aftermarket shocks and removing the front sway bar gives you the best front articulation.

3”+ front lift keeping the front sway bars gives you the worst articulation.

 

[Beej]

Just so you know, the gx470 front IFS reduces your droop (downtravel) for every inch you lift (increases uptravel that you can’t use).

Lifting the front 2 1/4” with aftermarket shocks and removing the front sway bar gives you the best front articulation.

3”+ front lift keeping the front sway bars gives you the worst articulation.

This is extremely useful info! Thank you

 

[Hornd]

I'd watch these Videos before Spending a Dime.

 

[Beej]

@Hornd , nice to see a familiar face from the 80 forum

Yeah, I'm not trying to make a monster out of this one. That's how come I have to move on from the 80; its too much for my needs.

But, I was momentarily encouraged because that video shows a "Tundra swapped" 200 series. However, looking around, I'm not seeing any swappable LCAs for GX470. I'm glad Total Chaos is out there but... I'm never going to be able to spend $2500 on just LCAs

 

[M3GX]

However, looking around, I'm not seeing any swappable LCAs for GX470. I'm glad Total Chaos is out there but... I'm never going to be able to spend $2500 on just LCAs

SuperPro makes some decent LCA's to swap out with. Regular and offset. Installed the regular ones on mine to replace the worn out OEM

Front 4x4 Complete Lower Control Arm Kit - Double Offset

Durable component designed to suit your vehicle. Perfect for demanding conditions and everyday driving. Shop Now!

superpro-suspension.com

 

[Jstawgn]

You can run stock suspension with 4" drop portal nowadays .

Portal Pros are going to test their 100% stock GX with portal at this year king of the hammer. 4“ drop and 1.25 gearing.

If I have to do over. I would run 2" lift front and rear, 1" body liff, long travel rear and offset LCA.

 

[Hornd]

@Hornd , nice to see a familiar face from the 80 forum

Yeah, I'm not trying to make a monster out of this one. That's how come I have to move on from the 80; its too much for my needs.

But, I was momentarily encouraged because that video shows a "Tundra swapped" 200 series. However, looking around, I'm not seeing any swappable LCAs for GX470. I'm glad Total Chaos is out there but... I'm never going to be able to spend $2500 on just LCAs

Added an 05 GX so been Light Stalking in the GX Forum.

Total Chaos has other GX Suspension Vids on his Page.

Is yours KDSS? Mine is not. I may be alone in this; but if I wanted to add Capability I would add Winch.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

You can run stock suspension with 4" drop portal nowadays .

Portal Pros are going to test their 100% stock GX with portal at this year king of the hammer. 4“ drop and 1.25 gearing.

If I have to do over. I would run 2" lift front and rear, 1" body liff, long travel rear and offset LCA.

1” body lift? What’s the gain with this?

 

[Jstawgn]

1” body lift? What’s the gain with this?

I have to add, to run 35. That way you do not need to add spacer to your bumpstop to prevent hitting the top of the fender. Maintain more wheel travel and better suspension droop.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I have to add, to run 35. That way you do not need to add spacer to your bumpstop to prevent hitting the top of the fender. Maintain more wheel travel and better suspension droop.

Got it….i stopped at skinny 34s (34.1” by 11.1”) and I’m good for now.

Problem with adding a body lift of 1” is that my hybrid front bumper and my rock sliders are gonna have a gap…I think…so you are right it has to be planned from the start to avoid rework

 

[M3GX]

Got it….i stopped at skinny 34s (34.1” by 11.1”) and I’m good for now.

which tires? I'm currently on Geolander 255/75/17 and feel they could be a size taller, but I like the skinny tire benefits. I only have a 1" lift with the Eibach Pro Truck coilivers. But feel there's still room for a larger tire.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Yokohama Geolandar G003 M/Ts 285/75R17, but I had to do BMC, hammer pinch welds, trim and cut around wheel well and liner!

I’m also on 17x7.5 zero offset Foxtrots, but I did poison spider and a leg of Golden Spike in Moab Utah and only remember banging my skid plates and rear tire swingout carrier on its hitch which is pretty high up there.

So, I was happy about tire clearance. I did like 3 trails in SoCal (Miller Jeep, Gold Mountain, Old Dale Road) to test tire clearance and cut/trim when I got home.

 

[Rednexus]

Articulation is good, but I also like clearance. Without enough clearance the rig won't be able to physically make it up an obstacle without winching, and it also increases the potential of damaging the rig. I'm at around 13" of clearance under my front skid (3" front lift and 285/70R17s), but have still smashed the transmission skid plate, bent the transmission crossmember support bar, and nearly ripped off my front and rear bumpers . Needless to say but my next investments will be better armor and a winch.

 

[Beej]

Added an 05 GX so been Light Stalking in the GX Forum.

Total Chaos has other GX Suspension Vids on his Page.

Is yours KDSS? Mine is not. I may be alone in this; but if I wanted to add Capability I would add Winch.

Nice! I've only been on here for a few months but there are some great build threads to salivate over.

I'll watch some of the other vids from the account

Mine is not KDSS.

I have a winch on my 80 but stacking rocks has been ... more fun? Safer? The only thing I've really used the winch for is pulling out hedge stumps lol. Worked like a charm though!

If I have to do over. I would run 2" lift front and rear, 1" body liff, long travel rear and offset LCA.

This thread is getting good! @Jstawgn, what size tires do you think one could run if they skipped the offset LCAs? Again, SuperPro has a set for $800 but I'm just trying to run 255/75/R17. Larger than that and, it seems like, you gotta start doin' stuff.