Is a lift, 285's and towing a bad idea?
10-14-2007, 11:10 AM
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Is a lift, 285's and towing a bad idea?
Would putting a Toytec 3" lift and upgrading tires to 285s be a bad idea if I am going to be doing a good amount of towing of my 3000lb boat? I dont want to regear. Any thoughts?
10-14-2007, 11:41 AM
#5
Personally, I wouldn't do it. Especially if I towed a good bit. That's not to say you can't do it, but both your power and mpgs will suffer. How much you ask, that depends on your driving habits. There a quite a a few guys on here running 33s w/ 4.10s, so hopefully they'll chime in.
Granted, I'd like a set of 33s for my '02 too, but I'm not getting a set until I regear. I just upgraded to a set of 32" Nittos and I can feel a small amt of power loss. I'm sure it would be magnified if I had gone straight to 33s.
Granted, I'd like a set of 33s for my '02 too, but I'm not getting a set until I regear. I just upgraded to a set of 32" Nittos and I can feel a small amt of power loss. I'm sure it would be magnified if I had gone straight to 33s.
Last edited by Rock Slide; 10-14-2007 at 11:42 AM.
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10-15-2007, 03:58 AM
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I have the exact setup you've described: 3+" lift, 33's and 4.10's. I tow a 5,000 lb. boat, which is right at the weight limit of the Runner. But, I keep my boat on a hoist, so I only tow it twice a year, about 100 miles total.
A few weeks ago, I pulled it to the marina for winterizing and it did fairly well. I was towing it against the wind and up several fairly long hills but kept it out of overdrive and it was fine. If I was towing the boat every weekend, I'd definitely regear. You can definitely tell that the 33's have a negative effect on the towing capability of the vehicle.
It really depends on how far and how often you'll be towing your boat. My last boat was ~3,000 lbs., but I was only running 32's and I was just fine. Since your boat is about 2,000 lbs less than mine, I would think your Runner should be okay. The only thing you can do is try it and see. Good luck!
A few weeks ago, I pulled it to the marina for winterizing and it did fairly well. I was towing it against the wind and up several fairly long hills but kept it out of overdrive and it was fine. If I was towing the boat every weekend, I'd definitely regear. You can definitely tell that the 33's have a negative effect on the towing capability of the vehicle.
It really depends on how far and how often you'll be towing your boat. My last boat was ~3,000 lbs., but I was only running 32's and I was just fine. Since your boat is about 2,000 lbs less than mine, I would think your Runner should be okay. The only thing you can do is try it and see. Good luck!
10-15-2007, 06:09 AM
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285s and 4.10s and rear springs that really cant handle the weight is NOT (fixed) going to be good. plus you will have to be in overdrive off most of the time, your tranny is going to freakin hate you!
get a tranny cooler, oil cooler and power steering cooler, then regear and get heavy duty ome 892 springs for the rear. then you should be alright.
get a tranny cooler, oil cooler and power steering cooler, then regear and get heavy duty ome 892 springs for the rear. then you should be alright.
Last edited by neliconcept; 10-15-2007 at 07:32 PM.
10-15-2007, 06:17 AM
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Tranny cooler is mandatory for any auto vehicle that will be towing. Regearing will not only improve your power and fuel economy but also allow the engine to stay in the powerband so that you can accelerate safely with that weight behind you.
10-15-2007, 05:29 PM
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A lot! Seriously though, gears and install kits will run about $500-$600 and figure $250 in labor for each diff.
I also tried to tow a U-Haul 5x8 trailer with my 4Runner with 285, 4.10's and a 5 speed and I also thought it was very sluggish. I was in 4th gear most of the time when loaded. I'm going to 4.88's soon too.
I also tried to tow a U-Haul 5x8 trailer with my 4Runner with 285, 4.10's and a 5 speed and I also thought it was very sluggish. I was in 4th gear most of the time when loaded. I'm going to 4.88's soon too.
10-15-2007, 07:42 PM
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i towed a 5000 lb boat with my 3.4, 33x12.50 tires, some suspension lift, 5 spd, and stock 4.10 gears. power was fine. braking was another issue
10-15-2007, 07:49 PM
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10-15-2007, 07:50 PM
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x2... and that tranny cooler is essential... Even if you didn't tow if you have higher gears and bigger tires a tranny cooler is essential! (When I bought Tippy with 35's and 5.71's (Auto) she did not have a tranny cooler. Drove her to Moab 1x and learned real quick a tranny cooler is essential!
10-15-2007, 07:51 PM
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10-15-2007, 08:05 PM
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Hmmm... My 4Runner 99 5 sp with 391's and 225 tires (go ahead and laugh, I'm poor) It tows prety good. rated @ 5000lbs. towing.Brakes are trash. 4lo is a must when yankin out the high maintence wraft.
