Let's See Your Mid Travel Set-up (5th Gen)

At least a couple inches.

I got kdss because I wanted it’s handling characteristics. Unconnecting the system would be kind of silly.

 

Does going with a mid travel setup have any draw backs? I heard it limits up travel? Also, how hard is it to adjust the pinion angle and things like that? I would have no idea where to start.

 

If you have adjustable length links (both upper and lower ideally, but lowers alone could get you going) then its pretty easy to adjust the pinion angle of the rear axle. That being said I wouldn't do it unless you really know what you are doing. If you adjust it too much shock mounts get rotated and you'll have issues there that would bind and limit travel and prematurely wear out your shocks.

What are your goals for your truck? Mid travel gets a better ride over rough terrain than a stock system but does sacrifice some pavement around town performance.

 

It’s going to be my wife’s daily, but we live in AZ, so there’s a lot of trails out here, and we’d take it to Moab maybe once a year. So I’d like to have it behave good on road primary, but try to get as much as I can for the trails.

I just found out about this whole mid travel stuff, so I’m not really sure what’s what, or how replacing arms make it allow for more travel.

 

Sounds like you have a good idea of what you want/need, that's a good start!
For the rear end, I would recommend these two products. Total Chaos claims 1.5" more droop than factory arms (with extended travel shocks). Lower link mounts can get boogered up pretty easily so the little skids are a good idea too.
http://www.chaosfab.com/2010-2017-4Runner-Adjustable-Rear-Links-86400
http://www.chaosfab.com/2010-2017-4Runner-Lower-Link-Skids-48650

 

Oh cool! That’s not bad at all.

It says you need longer shocks, which makes sense. I’m thinking of going with the Bilstein 6112’s up front and either the 5100’s or 5160’s in the rear. Do you know if those shocks are longe enough for the TC links?

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

 

I'm not sure of the stock shock extended length, but Down South Motorsports (or any good shop) could probably answer that for you. Here are a few of the measurements I could find on their site.

If you are going to get the 6112s up front I would recommend a higher quality rear shock than the 5100's but to each his own.

For the rear 5100s
Collapsed Length: 14.91" / Extended Length: 23.50"

Fox Racing Shock (2-3" lift) made for lift, a lot longer on full extension, and a little longer on full compression than the 5100s, might require larger bump stops.

• Length of Travel: 9.6"

• Extended Length: 24.8"

• Compressed Length: 15.2"

https://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-....html#!year=2016||make=TOYOTA||model=4-RUNNER

Fox Racing Shock (0-1.5" lift) slightly longer on full extension, and shorter on full compression than the 5100s

• Length of Travel: 9.1"

• Extended Length: 23.8"

• Compressed Length: 14.7"

https://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-....html#!year=2016||make=TOYOTA||model=4-RUNNER

 

Would it be weird to run two different companies shocks? I thought you would want to match them up or they’ll handle different (I know the 5100 is in a different league than the 6112’s, but I’ve seen then packaged together ‍♂️).

Thanks again for your time!

 

It isn't that out of the norm. I ran fox coilovers with Eibach coils and OME rear shocks and springs on my Tacoma before the solid axle and it rode great. The rear of the 4Runners has a lot more weight than the Tacoma, so while the Tacomas can get away with a lower quality shock on the rear (because the shock has less dampening to do) I don't personally think that's the best route for the 4Runners with the extra weight in the back (meaning more dampening work the shock has to do, more heat generated)

I'm jealous you get to build yours now though, I'll have to wait a few years.

 

That makes sense.

I’ve waited a few years to get the 4Runner, so I feel your pain. Lol

 

What are your guys thoughts on the front diff drop in regards to the cv boots when lifting it? I’ve seen some people say it’s not necassary and others say it’s a must.

 

< 3” I wouldn’t be worried about it

 

And what if you’re at the 3” mark? ADS, king, icon, etc.

 

I’m running 6112’s with 5100’s and the ride is noticeably better than stock on the road. I haven’t pushed them too much off road yet, but seem to perform really well on easy to moderate trails.

 

Forgive my ignorance but what is considered mid travel and long travel?
Thanks!

 

Mid travel is what most aftermarket shocks are rated at, from what I’ve seen.
You have mid/standard travel (can be run with stock components usually), extended travel (require aftermarket UCA’s), and long travel (require lots of $$$). Usually mid travel to extended travel is only stopped by a small spacer/washer in the shock body limiting how much movement there is. Then long travel is it’s own endless opportunity animal. Not an expert, just my understanding.

Here’s a good thread to get a basic idea:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/considering-long-travel-read-here-first.180457/