Level and suspension questions

Disclaimer, I am learning as I go. I love this forum. I have already picked up on so much already. But I want answers specific to my situation, so I apologize if these questions have been answered elsewhere.

I've got 2018 TRD Offroad w/ KDSS with the 2017 TRD Pro Blistein shocks on it. I believe they are the 5100's? 5160's?

I was told by a friend of mine to get the Toytec 1" front lift to level out my rig. The spacer replaces the spring perch (lower end of the spring) versus the more common upper spacer. It's the only one I have seen like that. Apparently it gives the front lift without overextending the ball joints. Do you see any detriment to replacing the stock spring perch with the one that adds 1" of height in the front?

Also, I've got a Southern Style Offroad slimline bumper on the way. I was wondering about what adding the front weight to the bumper will do for my setup. Eventually I'll be getting a roofrack, sliders and possibly other rear weight accessories...but need to spread out the buying . Is adding all that weight going to require better support in the form of springs, coils, shocks, etc? I am learning...bare with me.

 

Oh, one last thing. After changing out the stock shocks my truck now leans to the passenger side. I tried fixing it via opening the shutter vales on the KDSS
three turns and shaking it, re tightening. Also followed these instructions:https://www.project200.com.au/kdss-balance-lean/ . But it's still leaning. I have been offroad with it since the lean and it still drives fine on and off road. Any suggestions??

 

Since you're planning on adding weight down the road, I would pass on the 1" spacer lift because it will do you no good in the long run.

Instead, add up all the weight of the accessories you plan to add and buy the appropriate coils that will support that weight and the height you're after.

I would check out Dobinsons springs because they have a lot of good options for different heights and weights.

 

If your vehicle didn’t lean before installing the 2017 Bilstein’s, I’d fix that problem before adding to it. I have a 2018 ORP w/KDSS and it has no lean. You’re fearless experimenting with your KDSS system, and I’m not knowledgeable about it, but make sure you’re using the correct procedure to balance it out. I know some guys have lean that they say is normal, but I’m not sure that is the case, or needs to be accepted as normal.

 

The lean is hit or miss. I've had 3 runners and they all leaned, no kdss. Many others have had zero lean

 

I've spoken to a number of techs and they've said all 4runners have leans...Before modifying my suspension, I believe my truck was level (no lean). After making changes to the suspension, adding sliders, and a full length roof rack, I noticed an ever so slight lean to the passenger side. I would correct it, but it would always reappear. As the springs settled, the lean became more apparent. When I added additional weight to the front end, it really started dipping towards the passenger rear. To accommodate the extra weight on the front end, I changed out the front coils, and the truck leveled out.

 

While this would be great planning, I wouldn't necessarily do this without knowing how soon you'd be making the mods. If you set up your rig to accommodate an extra 300-400 pounds and not have the weight, you'll end up with a less than desirable riding truck until those mods are installed. While I don't know the cost to install a set of spacers, maybe $200-300 including installation, it may be a little less than changing out the springs. You may want to go with the suspension setup you like and spend the $300-400 to change out the springs after making the mods. This way you'll have a nicer riding rig

 

Yeah, there’s so many variables, on an alignment machine I’m sure nothing is level, haha. Your increasing lean could also have been a faulty spring. It happens. The important thing is to try to keep everything in balance and level as much as possible, as the vehicle handles better that way.

 

it definitely wasn't a faulty spring. The KDSS system is very sensitive. It could be a matter of having a full or empty tank when making adjustments that could make the difference.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

I do have a shock issue I’m ironing out. Long story short, I’ve got a stock shock on the rear passenger side right now. So I’m going to wait until my bilstein is rebuilt and I may try to level it again. When I posted I was unaware of my shock issue.

 

I went ahead and bought the spacers. I’m pulling the shocks and taking them somewhere to have the spacers installed because I don’t like the idea of trying to compress the coils, even if I did have the right equipment to do so. It’s such an inexpensive and easy install for the time being. I will most likely upgrade to accommodate for the weight as I go. That’s why I was asking all of the questions. I’m trying to figure out the best components and timeframe. As much as I want the bells and whistles I tend to lean toward function first. My next purchase will probably be sliders and skid plates. I just read another thread here that has me leaning toward RSG skids to go with my KDSS. Still not sure which way I want to go on sliders.

 

I’d like to think it shouldn’t have a lean. Why should that be normal?? I have a friend that used to work for Toyota in the TRD division. If replacing/rebuilding my rear shock doesn’t Fix the issue, I’m hoping to pump him for info.

Although it leans slightly in the front on the passenger side I don’t notice it while driving. So at least there’s that.

 

Hey Buster562, I guess it depends on how much OCD you have, haha. I want level and flat, maybe an ever so slight rake. It’s ok for a 15 year old landscape truck, loaded up with mowers and junk to lean, but not an expensive vehicle like an almost new 4 Runner. If that was mine I’d definitely have to fix it. My .02 point of view.

 

I'm still waiting on my front bumper, which will add extra weight, but I wonder if upgrading the coils would help the lean, while accommodating for the weight coming. I blew out the rear passenger shock shortly after installing them and before taking them offroad. It kinda makes me wonder if adding the 2017 pro shocks was a good move. Maybe Toyota knew something about the Bilsteins the reason they switched to Fox....?? Which has me wondering if I should get new shocks and coils all around. I feel overwhelmed with information and opinions. But I welcome them because I'd like to make an informed decision. I absolutely love that there are so many manufacturers of quality after market options for off roading/overlanding, lift, suspension, etc. But trying to figure out what would be right for my situation is daunting. I guess it's not much different than most on these forums...I want a daily driver that has the off road capability. I find I'm drawn to the look of a good lift on a 4Runner, but I don't want to lose the comfortable ride. I really try hard to lean more toward function than looks. But a lifted truck with big tires and coils peeking out is so appealing to me. I hear that if I don't want to lose my ride or affect the KDSS I'd need to stay at 3" or under. I think that is my end goal. Now add in bumpers, sliders, roof rack, skid plates... what suspension mods would I need to do? Springs? Would the coils on the "lift" accommodate for the extra weight? And if my tires get bigger, what kind of re-gearing will I need? All of these questions swirl through my mind all the time...haha. It doesn't help that I want to know all of the "why's" behind each component either. I want to know why I should or shouldn't do something before I pull the trigger on anything. And then I circle back around to my current problem with my shock and my lean. Yikes...that was a mouth full. But really, that's where I am at. I need info.

 

Hey Buster562, that’s where I’m at as well, haha. I’m thinking ELKA 2.5 IFP suspension, and maybe Eibach medium adjustable springs on the rear. I don’t want too high, and I like stock tire sizes. I don’t want to regear. I have a winch, two Victory 4x4 bumpers (front aluminum), and a front runner roof rack. I’m trying to keep the components high quality, and the mods simple and functional for what I do. I generally don’t off road for its own sake, but as a means to an end to get into some remote places where I can hike or swim/dive. I take it easy, and don’t challenge the off road gods. Slow is best for me. I rarely damage anything, and I go to some wild places.
Weight is a big deal for me. I keep track of what I’m carrying and really travel light, except for some tools and recovery gear. I see the heavy, heavy vehicles and I don’t envy them.

 

So whatcha think between Elka or King? I do more on road than anything although Chicago streets may qualify for off-road!
I looked at one vendor and the Elka with UCA runs a few hundred more.

 

Yeah ForRun, I’d say they’re equivalent from my research, maybe ELKA a tad better, in terms of engineering, not sure about that, though. Both are good. Neither are made in Asia, both made here in North America. ELKAs are a total custom shock, and if you buy directly from them, you can talk to an engineer and they’ll build them however you want them for their use.

 

Thanks, I need to save some pennies. Last year I went Toytec on my 19 and thought they were junk compared to previous rides I had Fox 2, 6112s. Went Eibach based on reviews so this time went with Eibach stage 2. They are better than stock...anything is but in comparison not as good as the toytecs I did not like! Unless someone makes a decent offer for the stage 2 I'll just suck it up and save for the top shelf stuff

 

Yeah, that’s what I’m doing.