Advice lifting a 99 4Runner

Good morning from Sunny California. I am an older geezer with a 99 SR5 four wheel drive 4runner. I've had the truck now for 18 years and with 312K original miles on it, I want to put a lift on it. I am going more for the look and ride than off road stuff - i do sand and snow - were both to old! I intend to have this vehicle until i can no longer drive - hopefully that's out a ways. People are always asking if I want to sell it - Nope! The best and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

I tend to approach things a little conservatively so am I'm thinking a 2" to 2.5" lift (and I'm told I will need a diff lift kit with this?). I've looked at the Bilstein package of coils and shocks ($850.00). This is supposed to be a good kit, but is the best one for my particular needs or are there better combinations out there that I may not be aware of? I'm looking for a reliable kit that will go the distance with me - that's why I am reaching out to more knowledgeable folks than I. One thing I dislike about the 4runner is how the back end sags with any weight put in the back. So I'm looking to level the truck and carrying heavy loads without it sagging. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

My second question is regarding tires - I've found a rim I like and it comes both in a 16" and 17" size. I want to run a 285x70 tire - my question is do I stay with 16's or go to a 17, and why?

One more thing and then I'll quit jabbering - I took the original running boards off and although I love the look, think I should put something back on for ease of entry for wife and grandkids. I tried Westin running bars with step pads - terrible. The pads were nowhere near the doors as far as placement - sent them back. By the looks of it online, there aren't many choices for the 3rd gen in this area. Again, any suggestions or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

That's all I have for now. I have been thinking about this for sometime now, so obviously not in a big rush to get it done. I want to do it once and do it right.

Thanking you all in advance for your thoughts and comments.

Take care

 

Welcome to the forum Mike, this is my 02 before i sold it a few yrs. ago. I had the Bilstien 5100’s set at 2”, and i was very happy with the lift performance and way les sag in the rear. It also has 16” wheels and tires, I don’t know your location, but I’m adding the shop that did all my work, and still does my work on my 2017. I am sure others will chime in to help you in your quest.

 

I only see one answer and I too have basically same questions As Mike from sunny California. Am I missing feedback? I haven’t been on in quite a while

 

You should not need a diff drop for anything under 2.5" from factory - bilstein 5100s with the appropriate OME springs front and rear are a great budget lift option. Toyos like being lifted around 2".

As far as wheels, 16" is a good size, of course you can put whatever size you want, but you'll sacrifice sidewall rubber for the wheel size, think of this in terms of total size of the tire/wheel. Anything over 32" total will likely rub without trimming - lift =/= bigger tires. 265 width will work, but moving to 285 may introduce rubbing unless you get 0 offset wheels and bend/trim a little.

IIRC factory rake is 1", so keep this in mind if you want to "level" the ride. Also, if you set yourself up for a "2" lift" you'll likely end over 2" just by virtue of having fresh springs reset the ride, this is ok.

 

Lift has nothing to do with tires.

Diff drops are also useless.

 

Welcome

One thing I tell people, and often, is that these vehicles are extremely capable in the right hands. For the average person, the vehicle is far capable than the person driving it.

With that said, do not for a second believe that a lift will make your vehicle off-road capable. Let me back track, it will absolutely help, but for someone that isn't a seasoned off roader, it makes no difference the same way a pair of Nike's or a pair of Reebok's makes no difference for the kid playing tag in the playground.

Now if you're looking to lift it because you like the "look" then by all means do it!

A 2.5" lift on an IFS vehicle is far from conversative, it's pretty much the max. I suggest 1" to maintain droop (down travel) as the more you lift it, the less you have to help dampen your vehicle's ride.

Keeping your lift at a minimum also ensures that you do not introduce added wear on such items as your lower ball joints and CV axle boots. Maintaining a small lift also means you won't need to address your rear panhard bar as a lift will cause it to remain at an angle, causing your rear to want to center itself constantly as you cycle through your suspension during travel.

Now with that out of the way, look at front and rear coil offerings from OME, Dobinsons, and a few others out there (easy to search). Personally, I always recommend OME as they offer a variety and I've personally had a few sets. They offer rears for specific payloads and/or desired lift over stock height.

Fronts are the same, with a few options available in the event that one adds a steel bumper, winch and so forth.

As far as shocks go, anything aimed towards a 'lifted' vehicle will typically give you a 'stiffer' ride than stock. This is because of the way shocks are valved; in an off-road environment your suspension is constantly cycling up and down. The goal of an 'upgraded' suspension is to help maintain traction, and this is done by keeping your wheel on the ground as often as possible. You have tons of options here and really it just depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go, and how much you're willing to spend.

Hopefully this information helps you along the way! I've had stock and modded vehicles, and have wheeled in plenty of environments with them from snow, mud, sand, rock, dirt...you name it.

Just like to share from experience!

 

Toyo as Toyota, not toyo the tire

 

Gotcha.

Your post reads as if you need to lift a vehicle for tires, which is incorrect but I read wrong so sorry.

 

I just bought the Eibach Pro-Lift going a a 1999 4runner 4wd, Could find no information on the the 3rd gen websites, But the 4th and 5 gen 4runner sites seem to love it. Will give a review as soon as it is installed

 

Finished installing the Eibach Pro-Lift Got exactly 2" On a 1999 4runner that already had tall springs on it. Install was easy Bought the assembled Lift for a extra $, I did have to add a set of
Whiteline W73404 Rear spring spacers to get level otherwise with out them I had negative rake, Starter out with 21 1/2 From center Hub to Bottom of flare Front and Back. Ended up with exactly 23" Front and rear from center Hub to Bottom of flares. Ride is SUPPLE for lack of better word. Takes Speed bumps like a champ. Has a Tiny bit of brake drive. But not harsh or bouncy.

 

Your not alone . i got the same ride ready to make the same decisions ..

 

I am running into an issue with a "recently" acquired 4runner with what I believe is a toytec 3" lift on it. Coils and control arms up front, 3" HD springs in back (based on part number). Toytec shocks all around. Rear's were blown so I put some OME shocks on. The OME's are great, but the ride is incredibly rough due to the rear HD springs. I am considering getting some non_HD 3" springs in back, or maybe even 2" springs. You seem to be quite familiar so I am running this past you for some advice I desire to soften the ride a little bit and maybe even bring the center of gravity down a touch. Also might help OP with his decision making.

 

I don't have much experience with other coils other than OME on the 4Runner.

I ran 906's for a small lift, maybe 1.5" with no additional weight -











Then I went to 890's when I added a dual rear swingout and full-sized spare -

 

LC80 is s cheap option for rear coil

 

LC80s suck

 

And you owned one, lol

 

Shhh