Wanna Lift My 92 Surf

hilux_surfer · 10-11-2008, 09:29 AM

Hello all
I have a 92 surf (aka 4 runner with ifs) I want an inexpensive lift that will give me a little more clearance for my 33's and also even out the sag in the back. I found 2 2" kits on the Wabfab site.
Here is the link http://www.wabfab.org/products/IFSlifts/IFS.htm.

I don't really know what to look for in a lift kit. I'd like to keep my stock shocks because they are electric dampening and I'm spoiled with the ride quality.
I'm pretty new to 4x4 trucks. I eventually want to do a SAS swap or just buy a JDM Land cruiser and lift that.
Thanks in advance.

Hagen

4Crawler · 10-11-2008, 12:21 PM

A body lift is one option that would let you retain your existing shocks:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ft.shtml#GenII

Project_Woody · 10-12-2008, 07:54 PM

my brother bought a body lift and it works great for his 33x12.50x16
no rubbing at all

bigt · 10-13-2008, 06:21 AM

i love my electric shocks!

id leave the hilux stock and build a trail beast like i am... but i love my surf too much to mudd and tear it up lol

hilux_surfer · 10-13-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

A body lift is one option that would let you retain your existing shocks:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ft.shtml#GenII

If I do about a 2" body lift will I need to do anything with the steering?
What's the difference between a body lift and a spring/ spacer lift?
Would it be a good idea to do a combination of both?
I was reading a thread the other day about cheap lifts for the 2nd gen 4 runner. I wanted to contact you anyways. Seems ppl on here use your stuff alot.

I guess really what I want to do is get the truck about 2" higher without too much stress on my front end. Also want to level out the rear end.
Please let me know the most cost effective combination to get this done right.

Cheers.
Hagen

4Crawler · 10-13-2008, 08:31 PM

For steering at 2" lift, typically only need to extend the steering shaft a bit:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...irculatingBall

Body lift lifts the body off the frame, a spring/spacer lift lift the frame (and body) off the axle:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts

You can combine a body and suspension lift:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#FAQ14

A body lift adds no stress to the suspension or steering as that part is left intact. A coil spring spacer is one way to lift the rear and get rid of the normal sagging there:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ngSpacer.shtml

Or you can add lift springs in back.

hilux_surfer · 10-14-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

For steering at 2" lift, typically only need to extend the steering shaft a bit:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...irculatingBall

Body lift lifts the body off the frame, a spring/spacer lift lift the frame (and body) off the axle:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts

You can combine a body and suspension lift:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#FAQ14

A body lift adds no stress to the suspension or steering as that part is left intact. A coil spring spacer is one way to lift the rear and get rid of the normal sagging there:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ngSpacer.shtml

Or you can add lift springs in back.

Do you suggest using a higher lift or larger spacer in the back to make the truck level?
Will a spacer give me a rougher ride than a repalcement coil spring in the rear?
The truck is my daily driver. I still need to pound pavement 5 days a week.
I'd like it to ride similar to stock. I think I'd like to start with a suspension lift because I will need to do spacers or springs in the rear anyways. What's your opinion of the the toyotec kit? Is this a safe option for my front end?

hilux_surfer · 10-14-2008, 07:35 AM

Sorry forgot links

http://www.wabfab.org/products/IFSlifts/IFS.htm

Here's the thread i've been reading to get some ideas.

http://www.yotatech.com/f31/cheapest...trucks-124467/

I think i'd prefer a suspension lift for looks but I prefer function over look.

Cheers

Hagen

4Crawler · 10-14-2008, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilux_surfer

Do you suggest using a higher lift or larger spacer in the back to make the truck level?
Will a spacer give me a rougher ride than a repalcement coil spring in the rear?
The truck is my daily driver. I still need to pound pavement 5 days a week.
I'd like it to ride similar to stock. I think I'd like to start with a suspension lift because I will need to do spacers or springs in the rear anyways. What's your opinion of the the toyotec kit? Is this a safe option for my front end?

Yes, typically you would use a taller rear coil spring spacer (or taller lift spring) than you would lift up front, if you are planning to lift the front at all. For example the combination of the 1.5" front ball joint spacer and the 2" rear coil spring spacer, as noted below, is a popular option.
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...n-lineOrdering

A spring spacer will not change the ride because you still have the same spring as before, so the spring rate is the same.

Johannes · 10-16-2008, 03:37 PM

Don't do a body lift.

While it may seem simple and inexpensive compared to suspension lifts, you're really not helping yourself out in the long run if you're going to be doing any kind of off roading.

First, they make the vehicle's center of gravity change, which changes many of the handling aspects of your vehicle on or off road. Second, they look really stupid, that's just me. Third, if you do end up going with a prolonged off road build you'll just end up taking them off anyways.

If you want to get creative, look for some long travel IFS kits. They're spendy but you'll never want to drive anything else off road, they're the type of kits you've seen in dirt truck racing, or in the Baja race events. Again, they're spendy.

If you just want bigger tires...well I guess that's a solution, but don't cheat yourself out.

4Crawler · 10-16-2008, 04:05 PM

A body lift has the least impact on center of gravity of any sort of lift since you are only raising the fraction of the vehicle's weight that is in the body up:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts

With the assumptions stated on the page above, a 1" body lift would raise the COG by 1/4", a 1" suspension lift about 0.9" taller COG and putting on 1" lift tires (2" bigger diameter) adds a full 1" to the COG height.

But to each his own.

I do take my truck off-road and like the combination of a mild suspension lift and a body lift. A mild suspension lift keeps things reasonable with steering and drive line angles yet still flexes nicely and the body lift provides room to stuff the tires into the wheel wells (33s pictured below, but my 35s more than fill up the wheel well):

Johannes · 10-16-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

A body lift has the least impact on center of gravity of any sort of lift since you are only raising the fraction of the vehicle's weight that is in the body up:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts

With the assumptions stated on the page above, a 1" body lift would raise the COG by 1/4", a 1" suspension lift about 0.9" taller COG and putting on 1" lift tires (2" bigger diameter) adds a full 1" to the COG height.

But to each his own.

I do take my truck off-road and like the combination of a mild suspension lift and a body lift. A mild suspension lift keeps things reasonable with steering and drive line angles yet still flexes nicely and the body lift provides room to stuff the tires into the wheel wells (33s pictured below, but my 35s more than fill up the wheel well):

Wow, hey, I can't argue with that, I was def in the wrong, nice link!

I'm still going to stand by the idea that, b.) it's cosmetically not as gratifying as a suspension lift and c.) it's going to come off in the long run if you're building a pure off road vehicle.

Hey are you going to be trimming the wells? Looks like you already have a line traced out for that.

I'd much rather see trimmed fenders done right than a body lift.

bigt · 10-16-2008, 05:50 PM

dont you cut up a jdm surf... i fit 32.11.50s stock so 33s could fit with a body lift.. maybe get some new springs and coils in the rear...

if you want a bad ass solid axle crawler get one...

the best part about these trucks is the ride! i can BOMB through a trail or construction site and feels like a smooth road!

hilux_surfer · 10-17-2008, 09:07 PM

Thanks for all the input guys.
I ended up purchasing a 2" rear spacer spring lift and a 1.5" front spacer lift from 4crawler.
I do plan on doing a small body lift in the future if I need the extra clearance.
Again, thanks for all the help.

Cheers
Hagen

bigt · 10-18-2008, 06:28 AM

nice how do like driving the 5 spd on the right hand side??? my surf is an auto.. the first yota ive had with an auto and i kinda like it :O

hilux_surfer · 10-18-2008, 08:23 AM

I don't mind it. Took about a 2 weeks to get used to it.
I prefer 5spd to auto usually. I think it would be different if I had a RHD sports car cuz the shifting is much faster.
This is my first Yota. I also have a 81 pickup that is lifted on 33" baja claws. My brother usually drives that one. The surf is usually the rescue truck for pulling him out or winching on.
My next Yota will be a JDM Land cruiser. Just had another baby and I need the extra space. I'll keep the surf and use it for work and use the land cruiser for my wife and long trips.
Are you planning on converting your surf to run on veggy oil for some fuel savings?
Works super good.
If you are interested, I can help you get it going.

Cheers

Hagen

bigt · 10-18-2008, 08:33 AM

really?? problem is it get COLD in the winter!!!
i get so much saving over my 22re i love it anyways!!
where u located??
i want a jdm cruiser too ! i almost got one but couldnt pass up such a sweet surf!!

so far i dont offroad my surf at all ... its just too clean...
im working on getting the old 93 going today changing the fuel filter so might have a new trail rig !!!

hilux_surfer · 10-19-2008, 02:50 PM

Located just outside of Winnipeg Manitoba. Canada.
Winters are just as cold here.
My veggy kit has 3 heaters in it and I use an electric heater on the tank when I park outside in -30C.
Kit works great so far.
You should look into it.
www.plantdrive.ca

Cheers

Hagen

bigt · 10-19-2008, 02:57 PM

I WILL!!!
where do you get your oil!!
the kit for the toyota sez its SVO and only 1 heater??
this is a tow/street rig so it would be perfect!
i think winipeg is actually colder dude!

ROCK ON

these trucks rule as im sure you know

10-11-2008, 09:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
hilux_surfer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	Wanna Lift My 92 Surf Hello all I have a 92 surf (aka 4 runner with ifs) I want an inexpensive lift that will give me a little more clearance for my 33's and also even out the sag in the back. I found 2 2" kits on the Wabfab site. Here is the link http://www.wabfab.org/products/IFSlifts/IFS.htm. I don't really know what to look for in a lift kit. I'd like to keep my stock shocks because they are electric dampening and I'm spoiled with the ride quality. I'm pretty new to 4x4 trucks. I eventually want to do a SAS swap or just buy a JDM Land cruiser and lift that. Thanks in advance. Hagen __________________ 92 Hilux Surf SSR-X 5 spd. Hybrid Diesel & Veggy oil. 33x12.5x15 Cooper Discoverer ST's. AEM intake. Lots more to come.

10-11-2008, 12:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,288	A body lift is one option that would let you retain your existing shocks: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ft.shtml#GenII __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

10-13-2008, 06:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,988	i love my electric shocks! id leave the hilux stock and build a trail beast like i am... but i love my surf too much to mudd and tear it up lol __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

10-13-2008, 08:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,288	For steering at 2" lift, typically only need to extend the steering shaft a bit: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...irculatingBall Body lift lifts the body off the frame, a spring/spacer lift lift the frame (and body) off the axle: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts You can combine a body and suspension lift: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#FAQ14 A body lift adds no stress to the suspension or steering as that part is left intact. A coil spring spacer is one way to lift the rear and get rid of the normal sagging there: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ngSpacer.shtml Or you can add lift springs in back. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

10-14-2008, 07:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
hilux_surfer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	Sorry forgot links http://www.wabfab.org/products/IFSlifts/IFS.htm Here's the thread i've been reading to get some ideas. http://www.yotatech.com/f31/cheapest...trucks-124467/ I think i'd prefer a suspension lift for looks but I prefer function over look. Cheers Hagen __________________ 92 Hilux Surf SSR-X 5 spd. Hybrid Diesel & Veggy oil. 33x12.5x15 Cooper Discoverer ST's. AEM intake. Lots more to come.

10-12-2008, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Project_Woody Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 16	my brother bought a body lift and it works great for his 33x12.50x16 no rubbing at all

10-16-2008, 03:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 77	Don't do a body lift. While it may seem simple and inexpensive compared to suspension lifts, you're really not helping yourself out in the long run if you're going to be doing any kind of off roading. First, they make the vehicle's center of gravity change, which changes many of the handling aspects of your vehicle on or off road. Second, they look really stupid, that's just me. Third, if you do end up going with a prolonged off road build you'll just end up taking them off anyways. If you want to get creative, look for some long travel IFS kits. They're spendy but you'll never want to drive anything else off road, they're the type of kits you've seen in dirt truck racing, or in the Baja race events. Again, they're spendy. If you just want bigger tires...well I guess that's a solution, but don't cheat yourself out.

10-16-2008, 04:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,288	A body lift has the least impact on center of gravity of any sort of lift since you are only raising the fraction of the vehicle's weight that is in the body up: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it.shtml#Lifts With the assumptions stated on the page above, a 1" body lift would raise the COG by 1/4", a 1" suspension lift about 0.9" taller COG and putting on 1" lift tires (2" bigger diameter) adds a full 1" to the COG height. But to each his own. I do take my truck off-road and like the combination of a mild suspension lift and a body lift. A mild suspension lift keeps things reasonable with steering and drive line angles yet still flexes nicely and the body lift provides room to stuff the tires into the wheel wells (33s pictured below, but my 35s more than fill up the wheel well): __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

10-16-2008, 05:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,988	dont you cut up a jdm surf... i fit 32.11.50s stock so 33s could fit with a body lift.. maybe get some new springs and coils in the rear... if you want a bad ass solid axle crawler get one... the best part about these trucks is the ride! i can BOMB through a trail or construction site and feels like a smooth road! __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

10-17-2008, 09:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
hilux_surfer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up purchasing a 2" rear spacer spring lift and a 1.5" front spacer lift from 4crawler. I do plan on doing a small body lift in the future if I need the extra clearance. Again, thanks for all the help. Cheers Hagen __________________ 92 Hilux Surf SSR-X 5 spd. Hybrid Diesel & Veggy oil. 33x12.5x15 Cooper Discoverer ST's. AEM intake. Lots more to come.

10-18-2008, 06:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,988	nice how do like driving the 5 spd on the right hand side??? my surf is an auto.. the first yota ive had with an auto and i kinda like it :O __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

10-18-2008, 08:23 AM	#16 (permalink)
hilux_surfer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	I don't mind it. Took about a 2 weeks to get used to it. I prefer 5spd to auto usually. I think it would be different if I had a RHD sports car cuz the shifting is much faster. This is my first Yota. I also have a 81 pickup that is lifted on 33" baja claws. My brother usually drives that one. The surf is usually the rescue truck for pulling him out or winching on. My next Yota will be a JDM Land cruiser. Just had another baby and I need the extra space. I'll keep the surf and use it for work and use the land cruiser for my wife and long trips. Are you planning on converting your surf to run on veggy oil for some fuel savings? Works super good. If you are interested, I can help you get it going. Cheers Hagen __________________ 92 Hilux Surf SSR-X 5 spd. Hybrid Diesel & Veggy oil. 33x12.5x15 Cooper Discoverer ST's. AEM intake. Lots more to come.

10-18-2008, 08:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,988	really?? problem is it get COLD in the winter!!! i get so much saving over my 22re i love it anyways!! where u located?? i want a jdm cruiser too ! i almost got one but couldnt pass up such a sweet surf!! so far i dont offroad my surf at all ... its just too clean... im working on getting the old 93 going today changing the fuel filter so might have a new trail rig !!! __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

10-19-2008, 02:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
hilux_surfer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	Located just outside of Winnipeg Manitoba. Canada. Winters are just as cold here. My veggy kit has 3 heaters in it and I use an electric heater on the tank when I park outside in -30C. Kit works great so far. You should look into it. www.plantdrive.ca Cheers Hagen __________________ 92 Hilux Surf SSR-X 5 spd. Hybrid Diesel & Veggy oil. 33x12.5x15 Cooper Discoverer ST's. AEM intake. Lots more to come.

10-19-2008, 02:57 PM	#19 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,988	I WILL!!! where do you get your oil!! the kit for the toyota sez its SVO and only 1 heater?? this is a tow/street rig so it would be perfect! i think winipeg is actually colder dude! ROCK ON these trucks rule as im sure you know __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s Last edited by bigt : 10-19-2008 at 03:03 PM.