2016 4x4 Limited lifting (dumb nube question alert).

Ok so I am new to 4Runners, Toyota's, and 4x4 in general. I drove a Volvo XC90 for the past 8 years and was in a sedan before that.

Ok now that you know that I KNOW NOTHING! I'll ask my dumb questions.

I love my 4Runner. I've been eyeing them for years and finally took the plunge. (Best decision ever!).

So far I've darkened the window tint, added full set of Husky Liners, and removed the "Limited" rocker trim and installed Shrockworks trim and sliders with full tread plates.

Now I want to Lift/level it and I'd like to bring the tires and wheels out a bit I think they look a little reseeded. (Well I want to have it done, I can't do it myself)

I've read a ton of your posts on here as well as on other groups I've seen good and bad about spacer lift kits read talk about "coil overs" "shocks" etc. unfortunately I'm more confused now that ever before.

Let's be honest, As you can probably tell from what I drove before, I'm not going off-road much if ever and if I do there is no chance I will be doing any of the crazy wild stuff that I have seen in some of your pics on here! Just call me chicken. . It does look fun and I might try it from the passenger seat some time but I don't see me driving into that kind of trail etc unless it's an accident.

Is there a place I can go where I won't get screwed or sold the wrong things. I want to keep the truck safe but updating the look would be nice. I've read that 4-Wheel Parts is not the best place. I found another place in the DFW area called BearTrax Off Road and they have some good reviews. What do you guys recommend? I don't know what I need to ask for. Honestly they are sales people there job is selling and making money. I don't want to spend a ton of money since I'm not ridding hard I'm sure I don't need the biggest and best stuff but I don't want to go cheep either and put myself or others in danger because of inferior parts or poor installation.

I guess I need a 4x4 Mod's for Dummies book. Anyone have one?

Here is my Runner befor any modification and after the few things I've gotten done so far.

Thanks for your help. I do enjoy seeing what all you have done to your trucks (but the more I see the more money I need). .

 

Thanks. I'll check them out.

 

Welcome bud! Nice 4runner!

I am not familiar with the Arlington area, I am closer to Houston.

Yes, I would stay away from 4wheel parts.

If you would like a nice, easy on the wallet lift, I would go for a bilstein setup for your 4runner. They're decent shocks at a good price.

 

4Wheel Parts did me well!! Ive never heard a valid reason to stay away from big box guys other than their sales techniques. They work on off road trucks for a living... they get a bad rap for no good reason. I have been doing my own work for about 10 years now but decided to pay someone this time around and I am NOT dissapointed. You must remember, wherever you go, once you start trying to get crazy good deals from a salesman, your are just screwing him out of his paycheck. Not saying dont shop around, but if youre not doing the work yourself, dont expect to get out with blowout prices.

I think the big box guys i.e. 4Wheel Parts, ORW etc are great because of the warrantees on their products. I got a full 3year or 32k mile warantee on my lift instalation, labor and parts included. When spending $ cash on your truck, peace of mind is always nice. Ask around wherever you go about things like that. Im sure im forgetting other tips, but hope this helps.

P.s. a simple Bilstein lift is quality and usually can be installed for around $700-$1000 at 4wp. Youll get 1-2.5inches of lift without messing with ride quality or cheaping out with just a spacer lift.

 

If you lift it you really need 17" wheels and larger tires. The 20" will just look "wrong" with a lift.

I'm not really Johnny Lift, so take my suggestion at face value, but I have a basic Toytec 2.5" front and 1.5" rear spacer lift and am pleased with it. For a daily driver / no off road or limited off road, I don't think you need to spend big bucks on a suspension lift. The spacer is about $250, plus whatever labor is involved (2-3 hours).

I have done some gnarly off road with the spacer and I haven't had any issues. I do plan on upgrading to a Toytec BOSS lift but that's because I am starting to get into a lot more true off road situations.

Any shop that handles suspension work can do the work for you. Most local tire places can do it. I had a local tire shop back in Ohio do it for me.

 

Thank you for the info. I have just heard that 4Wheel Parts is a little high. Also since I'm new to this and I don't really know what all of the parts being recommended it would be
Easy for a sales guy to over sell me something that is just useless for what I will need or use. (Not saying that only 4Wheel would or could do that. I'm sure there are lots that would do this.). This happens in many establishments. They see a "Sucker" and over sell. I once purchased a surround sound system for my house it did and does sound amazing. But a friend came over and was looking at it all and just laughing his head off and how much I paid and all the stuff I got sold that was not needed. I'm hoping to find an honest shop who will help me determine what I really need and not try to up-sell me on some major off roaring package when I'll mainly be driving on the streets of Dallas.

I have been learning a lot from the experts on this site. So hopefully I will sound a little educated when I go into a shop.

4Wheel may be a great place but from what I have seen about them they mainly work with Jeeps. Thank you for the info though. It's good to hear a positive comment About them.