Lifting a 5th Gen

Hey everyone,

I’m looking at getting a 2017+ 4Runner, and the urge has been getting stronger lately. I currently have a 2017 Tacoma, and rarely use the bed or the features of a truck. I had a 2011 4Runner and loved everything about it and find myself missing a lot of aspects of the SUV.

Do the 4runners have any issues with the needle bearings as do the Tacoma’s when lifting? Do the same principles from lifting a truck apply to the 4Runner as far as driveline vicbrations and what not? I’ve been trying to find a lightly used Inferno 4Runner but I’ve either found them with higher miles (50k+) and/or heavily modded.

Thanks for any insight!

 

I would hope to be 2.5”-3” of lift, with some coil overs more than likely. 80% of my driving would be city but the other 20% would be on my weekends and getting out to do some exploring in the mountains. I’m an absolute noob to the 4runners so thank you sir!

 

Ahhh excuse me ma’am. Need to keep an eye where it says female

 

I’m running a 3” Ready Lift and so far I’m completely happy with it. I’m more a daily driver with occasional snow play.

 

Nice rig.! Good luck with your search for the 4runner... crazy how this is the second time in two days that I've heard of this issue... sounds like it has primarily hit the Tacomas' tho..?

 

Thank you! Yeah it is a really common issue with Tacoma’s and I really don’t want to have to deal with it in the 4runner so that’s why I’m trying to figure out what issues may come with lifting a 5th gen if I end up pursuing selling my truck for it.

 

I've had my lift for about 3-4 months now and I have had no issues and absolutely love the ride..

 

So short answer - no bearing or vibration problems when lifting a 5th gen 4runner. If you keep it low (Say 2" and below) you can probably stick with the stock UCAs. Any higher and you will need adjustable UCAs so that you can get your caster back into spec.

Then once you go to aftermarket UCAs, there is a good chance you will need either spacers or different rims to keep your tires from rubbing on the UCAs (Assuming you install taller and wider tires to go with the lift).

THEN once you install spacers and/or different rims, there is a good chance you will need to do a Body Mount Chop to keep your tires from rubbing on the body mount. Of course you will also have to trim the inside portion of the front bumper as well.

But no, no vibration or bearing issues. : - )

 

Good to know there are no vibration issues or bearing issues. I plan on doing 3” but it seems that even then the needle bearing on the 4runners doesn’t seem to be an issue which is good. I appreciate the insight gentlemen.

 

You made me lol.

 

I am at about 2 1/2"s on Kings, the performance on, and off road is great. I don't think the needle bearing thing is a problem, but my Falken MTs probably drown that out. Lol

 

I'm running ADS, and the ride is amazing.

 

How much did this set up cost you?

 

About $2700 for coilovers, rear shocks, rear springs and UCA's.

 

Thanks. Humor is always a risk as so many folks don't get it.

 

Think long and hard before you make the change.
Heres what I missed about my 2016 OR Tacoma
Back up sensors for tight turning on the narrow trails.
BSM
Black headliner!
Color Information screen with tire prssure for airing down, and all the other options of the color info screen between the tach and speedo. Instead of a monochrome 80's style ugly center info screen with virtually nothing to give.
Tacoma has a much bigger navigation screen, the 4runner screen is the siaze of my cell phone. WTF was toyota thinking on this?
Tad more horse power 278 over 270
Towing... Tacoma 6500lbs 4runner 5000lbs
Better gas mileage
Wireless phone charger
Under rear seat storage
LED DRL
Better stock stereo 4runner with premium sound didnt hold a candle to the Tacoma JBL system.
cup holders! Tacoma had way more accesible for the driver
Exhaust ran to the side of the tire. not sticking straight out back to catch rocks when wheeling.
Both rigs were lifted the same height and both ran toyo MT 285/70/17
These are of course are my opinions but something to think about.
What I like about the 4runner over the Tacoma
Better break over angle
Better butt dyno feel in the 4 liter over the 3.5
front end styling

 

I appreciate the post! I’ve definitely been giving it thought but probably should wait a little longer before I pull the trigger. I don’t wheel a lot so a lot of the off road features aren’t huge to me,but I agree the interior dash on the 4Runner needs a SERIOUS update. I love the style of the 4Runner and how they look lifted and how much smoother they ride in comparison to the Tacoma. Beautiful rigs by the way!

 

How much did you pay for your King lift?
Needing to put a lift on my runner.

 

Coming from someone who owned both for two years I will have to say that the 4 runner has none of the issues that the tacoma has. Got rid of the tacoma and do not miss it at all.

 

If no need for a separate bed (wet/dirty/stinky stuff) the 4Runner is your truck. Never had the 3rd gen Tacoma but like the 4Runner better than my 2014 Tacoma … seems roomier for sure and not as cheaply made.

 

Old thread but the needle bearing is absolutely a thing. I know from experience. Lift it and you're eventually going to have the issue... it's just how long "eventually" is. My 14 w/ 2.5" went 48k before it went. Numerous threads on t4r about it.

 

I would have to disagree on gas mileage....as soon as i changed out the stock 245's to 265's the gas mileage was exactly the same as my 4 runner. I owned them both at the same time for about 2 years and it was always the same after that.

other stupid issues with the transmission driving around town (freeway was just fine). Also if driving around town with the AC on it would ping like a MoFo and toyota of course said it was normal (Liars)

 

Just to update, ended up getting a 4runner.
I ordered some components, hopefully they make it to my door step here soon.
I have a full suspension lift that will yield 3” in the front and 2” in the rear. I’ll be stuffing some 295/70/17 Geolanders wrapping a -38mm Ray10 wheel. I’ll be getting a body mount chop done when lift is installed, push the fender liner forward, and also have SPC UCA’s to get proper alignment and push the tire forward. Hoping I don’t have to take a hammer to the pinch weld but we shall find out. Excited to get the build going and post pictures once it’s all installed and hitting the trails!

 

All the best on your build

lucky you... I'm waiting for everything to get back to normal so I could go fly from Kuwait to Dubai to get my 4Runner which hopefully I can manage to book/reserve until then.

 

It’s been a dream so far! I think I tapped out the reserves for now, but plan to do some more mods here soon with armor. Currently trying to find someone to du a custom fab rear tire carrier that can be mounted on top of the stock bumper. Aside from that, supper happy I made the jump and I’m sure you’ll be just as happy with it as I am!