looking for a lift for graduation present

[NavyMA57]

okay so i graduate in may and my mom wants to get me a graduation present so the first thing i said was LIFT!
im looking to keep the stock 31's because they are almost new but i want something that will flex out really well. i was looking at the ome kit. Someone help me out what do you recommend? pics are good too!

 

[cavemancaleb]

Unless your ready to dedicate yourself to a SAS, the best lift you can do for improved ride and articulation is factory land cruiser coils in the rear and ball joint spacers upfront.

Also if your happy with 31's You might second guess a lift and get yourself some body armor. Factory suspension performs really well for 31's. With a locker some gears and some armor youl be surprised how well your rig performs.

Order of mods should be as follows:

Body Armor

Gears

Lockers

Larger Tires

Suspension

While your at it junk those warn hubs and get some OEM Aisin's.

Sweet Runner, im a fan of the second gens.

But yeah ditch the lift idea and get yourself some sliders and bumpers.

Sliders: http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/yotamain/4runner/armor/rock-sliders-rocker-protection.html

front bumper: http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/inde...bumpers/rock-defense-toyota-front-bumper.html

rear bumper: http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/yotamain/4runner/bumpers/rock-defense-rear-bumper.html

 

[ridgerunner]

My requirements were a little different from cavemancaleb's sound advice, but if I was to recommend anything else to that setup go with some OME torsion bars in addition to the ball joint spacers.

I don't have the spacers but I wanted a bit more spring in my stockish height truck. Quite a difference and worth every penny.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Locker locker locker!!!!!!

 

[NavyMA57]

what do u guys recommend for a locker? i dont have enough money for an arb but that would be awesome. i was looking at loc rite or detroit

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

You can find E-lockers in the $400 range these days... It's very nice to have a selectable......

 

[NavyMA57]

Dont you still have to buy they compressor and stuff?

 

[pistolbob]

No compressor needed the E is for electric. If I had the extra cash I'd do an E-locker in the front. I'm waitin for the mege junk yard e-locker score. hahaha

 

[cavemancaleb]

if you cant afford an E locker Aussie lockers are the next best bang for you buck.

Avoid Lockright or any other lunchbox locker out there.

If you can afford it i heard Detroits new "soft" locker design is pretty b!t@*ing

 

[FJXX]

Speaking of an Aussie, I was just on Marlin's website & noticed he's selling a Spartan lunchbox locker. Has anyone had experience with one? They are $249.

 

[pappy]

Avoid Lockright or any other lunchbox locker out there.

x2. I have a No-Slip lunchbox in the FJ40 and almost hate it. I really want an ARB.

 

[H8PVMNT]

If you want a mild setup with a great ride for 31s or 33s you will not regret the OME suspension. I had it on a 4Runner just like yours and it was great. We had a detroit locker in the rear, some decent rock sliders and some skinny 33" BFGs and my wife could absolutley wheel circles around most of my buddies with way bigger trucks. Not huge flex or really very tall but the shocks are perfectly valved for the springs and it feels really well balanced overall.

-Also add poly sway bar bushings... They are cheap from energy suspension and really help eliminate the nasty body roll that the 90s 4Runners have.

-The ball joint spacers, while not really necessary are a good enhancement too that adds a bit more wheel travel and I would also find a idler arm gusset if you plan to wheel it or the slight bit of extra travel from the ball joint spacers will tear it up.

-The OME heavy rate rear coils will be a good match for ride height if you use the ball joint spacers, the mediums if you don't.

And really, seriously, add a rear locker too.

I tend to think a setup like this would probably be better all around for most people who wheel these trucks on moderate to difficult trails. I have a 1st gen with mild suspension, 31s and lockers that works better than most trucks around here, of course I have a way bigger truck too because, well, it's fun to have 3 feet of flex and massive low gearing...

 

[FJXX]

LC Rear Coils

One of the advantages you have with the 2nd Gen 4Runner, IMO is having rear coils. If I were in your shoes, I would closely follow what this guy did with his & put Land Cruiser coils in the rear. Personally, I wouldn't put a lot of money into it unless I was going to ditch the IFS for a SAS.

I also second what Caveman said about body armor. This lift will save some money & help get sliders.

Have fun & good luck

 

[NavyMA57]

thank you i think that is the path i will go ^^^^^