Just Another Lift Kit Question...

Hey everyone, first off Im sorry to contribute yet another post to this topic. Ive been scouring and reading the board, and see plenty of kits recommended, debated, etc. I think this is just one of those things thats so personalized and based on individual situations to where it warrants a new post of my own. Forgive me if it seems otherwise.

Anyways, my T4R that I just bought about a month ago has a 3" rough country lift on it. Not the smoothest ride in the world, and I can see that its already pretty worn too considering its not that old/not a ton of miles on it yet. Not to mention that a newer CV boot has already torn, which Im almost certain is due to the lift. Seems about what Ive read about them, and at 3" at that. Not sure if any accommodations were made to the UCAs for the 3" lift by the previous owner, but Im betting not. So needless to say, Im looking ahead at replacing it with something better (and maybe more pertinent to my needs).

Im getting ready to buy some new tires for it, as a guy at my work has a buddy whose sponsored and can get me KO2s for about $500-600. But I figured before I jump on that, I better do something about my suspension situation so I dont wear on newly invested tires prematurely!

With all that being said...

What is a reasonable kit for the price? Im debating between Dobinsons and Eibachs, but is there more that Id need than whats included in their respective kits? Thats probably my main question here really. Or is whats included all that Id need to get back on track with healthy suspension and alignment? If not either of these kits, then which might I get by with for my needs?

My needs: I dont necessarily need a 3" lift, but I think 2" is minimum for my tastes, maybe more like 2.5 or 2.75. Dont mind some rake either, as I personally like height more than levelness as far as priorities goes. It just has the 3" right now to fit the 285/75 tires that are on it. But since Ill be replacing those anyways (probably with either 265/75 or 275/75 with hopes of slight bump to current fuel mileage) I probably dont need the 3" lift anymore. This will be my DD, and will see mostly highway driving since I live in a smallish town outside the city that I work in. Also, to get to my driveway I drive through a mud alley that gets pretty rutted from time to time. I am planning on doing some light/mild/novice off roading down the road, but mostly Im just going for looks and just plain capability given any situational need should it arise.


I look forward to hearing responses and getting some feedback, and thanks ahead of time for any and all help!

 

At 3" CV's should still be at an ok angle. Try take a pic of it. Mine at 3"



I think either kit you mention you will be fine.

 

Yeah I did 3” on my wife’s 19 ORP and the alignment shop told me no need to replace my UCA’s.

Both of those lifts seem to be well respected here. I just went through this same decision about two weeks ago. I chose the Old Man Emu lift with the heavier 885 front coils and couldn’t be happier with this setup. It rides fantastic to me and my OCD wifey.

 

You can get both if you want.

Get Dobinson coils for your lift and pair them with Eibach shocks for your dampening.

Or you can just go Dobinson coils and shocks all around. Customize the height in the front and in the rear to suit your wants/needs.

Or Eibach coils and shocks all around (the Eibach kit that they sell). You will still have some factory rake with this one, but maybe not as much as you like.

 

Thinking I might get this lift kit from Fat Bobs Garage. Ive seen it recommended on forums, and haven't really seen anything negative in general. Should hopefully be an improvement over my Rough Country lift anyways!

https://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-4-runner-vated-3-adjustable-coilovers-1996-2002-p26602.aspx

 

Hi everyone,

I just got a 2017 4Runner and I am looking to make some modificiations to it. I have been reading about varios lift kits and wanted to know any thoughts in the group.

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...stein-5100-coilovers-fj-cruiser-4runner-2010/

or

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...oss-3-inch-lift-kit-2010-2019-toyota-4runner/

main purpose of the car is daily drive and ocasional off roading.

plan to place an ARB front bumper no winch at this time.

thanks for the tips

 

You should check out When I called and spoke with Toytec about lifts and specifically the differences between the Bilstein lifts compared to Old Man Emu, they told me hands down the OME was much better. That’s what I went with recently. Also, Dobsons seems to be highly liked.

 

I have the exact same setup on our 98. I haven't had any problems with CVs. If your worried about CV angle you could drop the diff to compensate. In my opinion our 98 handles/drives 100 times better with the rough country kit than it did stock. Granted all of my vehicles are lifted and I'm used to driving something that handles way worse than the 4runner.

 

Still trying to decide which lift kit I want to go with. Seems more limited for anything older than 4th gen from what Ive been researching.

I love the sound of Dobinsons, but have only found them to have a 2" lift kit for the 3rd gen. I haven't found anyone mentioning or posting pics about running this on their 3rd gen, so am unsure. I think Id be happy enough with 2" if it were the right ride quality and flex potential for my rig. I ultimately had 2.5" in mind, as Im hesitant to stick with the 3" (more than I need or care to maintain at this time.

Anyone running Dobinsons 2" lift kit on their 3rd gen, or know someone here who is? Is it level, or with some rake? Hopefully an example can be found, as I think overall for my needs they sound the best. Its just so unknown and I hate to jump without better understanding...

 

Talk to Dobinson Mike. Email them from their webpage or give them a call. He will know exactly what a 2" coil will do for a 3rd gen.

 

Just found about him and found his email address. Ive messaged him and am looking forward to hearing what he has to say!

 

Just curious why you suggest Eibach's with Dob coils before Dobs coils + Dobs shocks.

 

Because the OP was torn between Eibach and Dobinsons.

I just brought up the possibility that you can do both........if you wanted to.

My suggestions were in no particular order or ranking.