I am relatively new to these forums and to exterior mods. I have done a good bit of electrical work in mine, but have always been afraid of getting under the hood or the car because my knowledge outside of electronics is very limited.

After reading and seeing so many people's rides on here, I feel like I have been in the dark ages with my 4Runner, and I have to get a lift!

Problem is, I know nothing about them. I'm sure there are other somewhat-newbs out there that are in the same boat as me, so here goes:

I am looking for a 3"-3.5" lift and have seen many different options/setups.

I don't know much about suspension or what is required to lift the car. Moreover, the prices range from 2-300 to 2000+. What are the differences in the types of lifts: coilovers? spacers? shocks? struts? tundra coils?

Is it possible to get a decent lift for around 4-500?

What do I need to complete this project?

Can I do this in my driveway, or are special tools/equipment required?

Really what I want to know is what the options are. I want a reliable, strong setup for a good price.

Thank you for any replies, I know this is a noob question.

 

Have you read through these?
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...ion-faq-73612/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...mation-121264/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120/toyota-faq-66255/
They will make a good start. Also, post your vehicle specifics or put them in your signature so folks can give you more appropriate info, though judging by your screen name and the section you posted in we are talking about a 3rd gen runner

 

You ask some good questions and welcome to Yotatech. But I suggest you do lots of "searches" on yotatech to help clarify what you might require. Secondly, do you want a lift for looks or a specific purpose? ie. Rock Crawling vs. Mud Bogging vs. Expedition Rig vs. Simple/Moderate Trails vs. Bling etc., etc. As you stated the prices range from a little to a lot. Use "search", it's there to help you. Once you figure out what kind of rig you want in terms of its use, then figure out what kind of lift you need via the search. I know you mention you want something reliable and strong, but the lift you go with depends on its intended purpose. Rock Crawling is very different than Mud Bogging which is very different than Expedition Rig lifts. Are you going to carry a lot of weight in the back? Do you want a soft ride, harsh ride?

As for tools, it depends on what lift you go with and whether or not you need to weld/cut/grind etc. I recently did a Sonoran Steel #1.1 lift on my 4runner which would have required no cutting or welding if it wasn't for the fact that I live in a city that uses lots of salt on the roads = rust. I had to cut off lots of bolts with a grinder/torch due to rust. Fortunately for me I did the lift in my friends garage who has every tool necessary. If it wasn't for his grinder, torch, and welder it would have taken me a lot longer (not to mention the air tools, got to love them!).

I'm sure some other might chime in...

Good luck, cheers

 

Thanks very much for your replies, and sorry, I posted this thread twice accidentally.

To answer your questions:

First, I have a 98 SR5, Taupe, great condition. Rear bumper has a couple dings (looking to replace after lift), has 120k on it, just got timing belt and water pump replaced. Also had rear axle seals replaced about two months ago. Had whole engine checked over and all fluids replaced with timing belt change.

This car was bought used from the original owner and has only ever been taken to the dealership. In the last year or two I have made many interior/electrical mods (wood grain, head unit, subs, speakers, cb, lights, etc.) I have also installed hids, clear bumpers, corners, and tails, tint.

My car is a daily driver.
That being said, I am looking for a lift (3"-3.5"?) that will allow me to fit 33 inch BF Goodrich All Terrain TAs. I want something that I can take on moderate trails and minor bogging. We mostly go down dirt roads and woods areas, not real rock-crawling or deep bogging. I want a lift that I don't have to worry about being a daily driver on, but that can withstand some off-roading here and there. And, I want it all for a good price. Is this too good to be true? Tell me what you know. Thanks!

I want to also eventually replace/duraline front and rear bumpers, and many more things.
My family has 5 4Runners and I want mine to stand out!

 

WOW 99sr54runner, family of 5 4runners? get a pic out here with all 5, that would be nice...

 

Moving this to the newbie section.
98SR54RUNNER,
Welcome to YT.
I can't help but wonder about your original thread title...
"Lift info for Newbs - For those who dont know much about it!"

That implies you have some new write-up and/or knowledge when in fact you have none.

I changed it to the actual topic. "Lift for a Newbie - help!"

Heres a good start...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...ion-faq-73612/
http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co..._liftkits.html