With ride comfort foremost in mind, what is the best way to level a 200 Cruiser ?

[cc1999]

I have read where you can level or lift these rigs few different ways, adjustable coil overs, lifting spacers etc.

With maintain or possibly improving ride comfort foremost in mind, what is the best way to achieve leveling my 2011 LC.

I order some 18x9 +20 rims this week and a little concerned that even with stock 285/60/18s I could be faced with some rubbing issues, I am contemplating leveling options vs fender trimming options.

Also what effect does the leveling or even the installing of a said kits have on the KDS system if any?

 

[Markuson]

I have read where you can level or lift these rigs few different ways, adjustable coil overs, lifting spacers etc.

With maintain or possibly improving ride comfort foremost in mind, what is the best way to achieve leveling my 2011 LC.

I order some 18x9 +20 rims this week and a little concerned that even with stock 285/60/18s I could be faced with some rubbing issues, I am contemplating leveling options vs fender trimming options.

Also what effect does the leveling or even the installing of a said kits have on the KDS system if any?

It would help if you tell us what is out of level. Are you low in front? If so, there are coilover spacers from Toyota that can help that.
If you are leaning left/right, there are KDSS adjustments to help that & you can do that yourself...with a jack, if it's bad. If you mean leveling after a lift, that will all depend on weight of rear springs, adjustability of pre-load on coil-over...or the weight rating of non-adjustables.

I would suggest talking to a reputable shop about what you're after--in this case ride comfort. Only you know exactly what you seek. Most lifts will result in a more firm/planted ride, and the softness of the ride is often about spring selection/pre-load and tire pressure. My shop had WAY too much pressure and also preload when I first lifted my 200. Preload needed to adjust downward, and tire pressure was off the charts at 55PSI. Not sure why they did that... My preferred shop is SleeOffroad (and no, they were NOT the ones who screwed up my initial install!). They'll try to do what you want, rather than talk you into extra stuff you don't.

You should be able to run that tire size. If you do have rubbing, it's simple to remove front flaps & possibly behind the front tires as well. Most here do that when installing larger tires...and there's usually enough wheel well that they aren't missed.

 

[cc1999]

I am just thinking max I want to go would be to reduce the rake by raising the front, no more then level with the rear. I get the very occasional rub now, same size OE tire wit 1.25 spacer not enough to ever worry about. However the plus 20 on a 18x9 is somewhat likely to increase that occional rub to a more then ocasinal level .
Not sure yet.

I have no real plans or desire to removing the front flaps. I might consider some inner fender trimming sort of a last resort. That's were I occasionally get a rub at full lock in reverse off camber maneuvers . The left front tire rubs the inner fender on the driver side, just ever so lightly .

I am thinking I would rather see what options there are to rais the nose up 1-2 inches .

I really like the oem molded flaps and especially like how they keep the running boards relatively clean. I don't think they will come into play anyway with that wheel tire combo.

What's the Toyota part your referring too. That sounds interesting .

 

[Sandroad]

You may find handling will get squirrelly if you level the truck by just raising the front. The 100 series LC has a bit of rake on purpose to account for loads and I suspect (but don't really know) the 200 series is the same. The best way to level the truck is to load it up with expedition gear and head out! But seriously, consider leaving the unloaded rake in it or directional stability might be affected. And, of course, make sure the suspension components are not damaged/failing.

 

[Narkhelek]

Not to be argumentative but leveling the truck should not impact stability of the vehicle at all. Any issues along those lines would be due to either worn suspension components or an alignment issue.

 

[Chefz]

I have read where you can level or lift these rigs few different ways, adjustable coil overs, lifting spacers etc.

With maintain or possibly improving ride comfort foremost in mind, what is the best way to achieve leveling my 2011 LC.

I order some 18x9 +20 rims this week and a little concerned that even with stock 285/60/18s I could be faced with some rubbing issues, I am contemplating leveling options vs fender trimming options.

Also what effect does the leveling or even the installing of a said kits have on the KDS system if any?

I had the same goal, to level the front and to retain close to stock height and ride comfort. In addition to new TRD wheels and 285/70/17 KO2's I used the OEM LC strut spacer (P/N 43136-60020) which I believe is a 3/8 inch metal spacer that stacks on the front strut tower. I had it dealer installed and am pleased with the results for now. Gained almost an inch on the front, and with the recovery equipment I carry in the trunk (~120lbs) it actually leaves the front a smidge higher than the rear. The FIRST THREE PHOTOS ARE AFTER the spacer addition, and the LAST PHOTO WAS BEFORE THE SPACER WAS ADDED - sorry I don't have a perfect side shot of the rake before.

 

[cc1999]

Thanks

I have to say that, I am bit surprised Toyota actually has a level kit or spacer accessory part to remove the rake or to level the cruiser.

Looks like it works.

Makes me a little curious as to what Toyota calls it, or what they claim that part is for .

 

[arich]

Install the Toyota spacers. Search my threads for pics. I had the bronze TRD wheels at the time.
The rear is really soft. I'd consider airbags for those big Costco shopping trips otherwise you're riding on the bump stops.
I hated the stock suspension but it certainly was comfortable.

 

[cc1999]

I had the same goal, to level the front and to retain close to stock height and ride comfort. In addition to new TRD wheels and 285/70/17 KO2's I used the OEM LC strut spacer (P/N 43136-60020) which I believe is a 3/8 inch metal spacer that stacks on the front strut tower. I had it dealer installed and am pleased with the results for now. Gained almost an inch on the front, and with the recovery equipment I carry in the trunk (~120lbs) it actually leaves the front a smidge higher than the rear. The FIRST THREE PHOTOS ARE AFTER the spacer addition, and the LAST PHOTO WAS BEFORE THE SPACER WAS ADDED - sorry I don't have a perfect side shot of the rake before.View attachment 1388890 View attachment 1388891 View attachment 1388893 View attachment 1388894

If you don't mind me asking how much did the dealer charge you for the parts and labor to do the Toyota spacers?

Also what are the Toyota spacers made of ?

 

[Chefz]

If you don't mind me asking how much did the dealer charge you for the parts and labor to do the Toyota spacers?

Also what are the Toyota spacers made of ?

The spacers were about $72ish for two front spacers, made of metal, I would guess steel.

There was a little back and forth regarding pricing the installation, I had them locked at $300, but it ended up taking them a ridiculous amount of time so I caved and paid $450. They had never done it before, but they did it correctly and there was no KDSS lean and they did a full front alignment. I am in Marin County, CA so everything seems to be more expensive than average.

Your mileage may vary, just get them to commit to a cap on price from the outset.

 

[Markuson]

The spacers were about $72ish for two front spacers, made of metal, I would guess steel.

There was a little back and forth regarding pricing the installation, I had them locked at $300, but it ended up taking them a ridiculous amount of time so I caved and paid $450. They had never done it before, but they did it correctly and there was no KDSS lean and they did a full front alignment. I am in Marin County, CA so everything seems to be more expensive than average.

Your mileage may vary, just get them to commit to a cap on price from the outset.

Wow. I paid only 150 more than that (600) when my full suspension was replaced:
-Upper control arms,
-Front coilovers and reservoirs,
-Rear shocks and reservoirs
-Rear Springs
-Alignment

 

[cc1999]

The spacers were about $72ish for two front spacers, made of metal, I would guess steel.

There was a little back and forth regarding pricing the installation, I had them locked at $300, but it ended up taking them a ridiculous amount of time so I caved and paid $450. They had never done it before, but they did it correctly and there was no KDSS lean and they did a full front alignment. I am in Marin County, CA so everything seems to be more expensive than average.

Your mileage may vary, just get them to commit to a cap on price from the outset.

I am getting the quote process started for having these strut spacers installed.
I am seeing that part number advertised online at multiple Toyota parts websites for about 35.00 on average. I am assuming those are sold individually bringing that total more in line with what you had paid. If that is the case that part number is just for one and not a kit including 2 of them.

I am waiting on the Toyota dealer to call be back with their estimate.

Do you know if that part number = a pair of spacers or just 1 spacer.

 

[Narkhelek]

The Toyota part number is for a single spacer. You will need to order a quantity of 2. $35 per spacer is about what I paid for from Camelback Toyota.

 

[TeCKis300]

Not to be argumentative but leveling the truck should not impact stability of the vehicle at all. Any issues along those lines would be due to either worn suspension components or an alignment issue.

Sandroad is correct. Lifting the front actually changes the amount of caster. Not so much the caster set in the front axle, but the relative caster by changing the attitude of the car. Cursory reports seem to show that the 200 is not as sensitive to this, but lifting the nose certainly affects it to some degree.

 

[Narkhelek]

Sandroad is correct. Lifting the front actually changes the amount of caster. Not so much the caster set in the front axle, but the relative caster by changing the attitude of the car. Cursory reports seem to show that the 200 is not as sensitive to this, but lifting the nose certainly affects it to some degree.

Good point but I believe lifting the front-end would actually increase your positive caster angle which should make for a more stable ride. Even if that wasn't the case it would still be a matter of needing to get your alignment adjusted for how the vehicle is sitting now vs making the vehicle inherently less stable. I guess I should have said it should not impact stability assuming alignment wasn't negatively impacted.

 

[cc1999]

I am planning on an alignment.

I need to have it re-aligned anyway since the new wheels have a little less offset (pushed out more) then what I had with the 1.25 spacer setup I had with the OEM rims, which was what the alignment was setup for prior to the new wheels and tires. I am not off by much so I am going to wait till the spacers are installed to get the alignment done.

 

[Chefz]

Good point but I believe lifting the front-end would actually increase your positive caster angle which should make for a more stable ride. Even if that wasn't the case it would still be a matter of needing to get your alignment adjusted for how the vehicle is sitting now vs making the vehicle inherently less stable. I guess I should have said it should not impact stability assuming alignment wasn't negatively impacted.

When I added the front spacer I was pleased to find the ride became a slightly more stable, although I can't say if it was due to the increased caster or the front alignment that was also performed.

 

[WoodyCreature]

About $650 parts and all at dealership. Damn rip off but wasnt going to let anyone else mess with the front end of the 200.

 

[cc1999]

My local dealer never called back yesterday so I had to call again today and finally got a price.

They based their price on their book labor allowance of 2.6 hours to change the front struts, which is essentially what they are doing is pulling them off sticking that spacer on and re-installing them. That labor quote came to $350.00.

They said their parts department was not willing to give me a wholesale price on the parts 35.00 average at the dealers around the net.
The service writer said he would be happy to put them on for me if I wanted to buy them on line and bring them in, or his parts price was going to be list price which was around 60 bucks each.

So if I wanted a total turn key job from them with tax I would be looking at about $500.00-515.00.

Seems pretty high. So I looking at about 450.00-475.00 if I buy my own parts online, and depending on what the freight cost is.

I am going to check with the shop installing my Icon suspension system on my Colorado and see what they would charge to install them. I figure if they can change out total suspension systems including A-arms and rear lifting blocks for $550.00 they would surely be less then 350.00 labor to put in some strut spacers on the Cruiser.

 

[cc1999]

Got the Toyota spacers installed last Friday.
No rubbing going forward but still have some minor rubbing in reverse.
I think it definantly setting more level.

I had an alignment done after, I use to have a great alignment guy that could set my cruiser up perfect, or just the way I liked it. He use to take out some of the toyota recommended camber I think it was. That was to get the steering response slowed down just a little bit, so they would drive a little more free and easy so to speak. I think The new guy might have left a little too much positive camber in my setup . I think I going to have them take out some more of the positive camber.