4Runner lift leveling question

I have a 2010 4runner.

I had a shop put on Bilstein 5100s

They set the front to the 3rd clip position (1.75” lift position).

The back is set to 0”/stock springs with the new Bilstein shocks.

I am worried the truck is lifted too much in the front. What effect will it have if I ask the shop to lower front to 2nd clip position (0.8” lift)? Would this look better? Is the current position to high to align the front end correctly?

 

Current stance

 

Check with @nimby - I believe he is running the Eibach (comparable to Bilstein) front shocks on the third clip with stock springs and no lift in the back.

I am running the same Eibach setup, but on the second clip. I am happy.

If the shop redoes yours, they have to remove/replace the shocks & springs for a second time.

 

How long would it take the shop to redo them? I asked them to put it at position 2, to begin with. But I also don’t want to be petty in asking them to redo something that is seemingly minimal. Am I over thinking this?

 

Probably and hour or so. I can't see them charging you, though, if you requested the second position for the clip and they didn't follow through. Have you spoken to the shop at all?

I considered the third position also, but after the fact, I am glad I did the second. I think mine looks level, to my eye. If I had done the third, I'd redo it. But I did it myself, so I would be the one to change it.

 

You could also add 1/2 or 3/4" spring spacers in the back. That would look great, IMO, and is less work than redoing the front shocks & springs. The shop might offer to do that for free (labor) since they didn't listen to your request for the front.

 

So originally I asked them to “level” it by installing the 5100s. They said no problem, I asked if they knew how to do it and they said yes.

It came back the first time at the 4th position with the front end at the ~2.5” lift.

At that point, I got specific. Told them I wanted it at 2 position and gave them a picture with a yellow arrow exactly where I wanted the clip.

So then now it came back at the 3 position.

I feel for these guys. I think they mean well. I’m also not an expert and want to make sure I’m not making a mountain out of mole hill?

 

This is what I showed them after their first attempt.

 

Bottom line is they still haven't done what you asked. The choices going forward are to have them do it again, put spacers in the rear, or learn to live with it as is.

 

What would you recommend?

 

This is very similar to my set-up.

If you don't like the look, as @glwood54 suggested, I would put a 1/2" spacer on the rear. That will give you the same stance as Pro, but slightly higher at each corner. It should be an inexpensive, easy install.

I'm actually doing the same on mine when I have a chance. Adding a heavy roof rack to my set-up has completely leveled my fender well measurements and I prefer a small amount of factory rake.

Also, a 1.75" lift up front causes zero trouble for alignment. You will be well within spec on all measurements. Mine rides great at that height.

 

i have mine set at .85 - i did a ton of research on it before deciding. Its level - the reverse rake you have isn't that bad but when you load up the back its going to be worse. Resetting the collar is the same as doing the whole job over again...the spacer in the rear would be the easiest solution. But at the end of the day they didnt do what you asked

 

Thank you for all the feedback. Very helpful

 

If it were me, I'd see if the shop would install rear spacers since they failed to accomplish what you asked them to do.

 

I think it is fine like that. If you load it up, it might not look good, but it would be fine as far as daily use goes. Mine settled over time too.

I changed the shocks myself. You basically just loosen up the lower control arm and drop the shock out, change the clip, and throw it back in. Mark the alignment cam beforehand and you'll be close enough.

I am not a spacer person, since you can get springs for just a little more.

Basically just decide how much headache you want.