Buying my son a 1999 4runner 2wd. Mechanic suggest the rough country 3 inch lift. I confirmed with rough country since it is a 6 lug, kit will work on 2wd.

Mechanic suggested I replace front struts while we are lifting. No issue buying struts, just need to know which ones. He suggested the stock Toyota parts, 165 dollars each. I found Bilstein 4600 for 90 dollars each.

Do I buy the OME parts, Bilstein or go another route? Kit has the coil over spacers for the front so I am guessing that the main rule is to stick with stock length?


I have read all of the search I can find and just managed to confuse my more.

 

Your son would be better off in 4x4 if your looking to lift it, he will thank you later, 4x4 does make one want to go offroading, and then the need for a lift becomes relevant. I wouldn't bother lifting a 2wd, its like lifting a street bike, don't bother cause it will only make the ride/performance worse. I always suggest Sonoran Steel in AZ when lifting, and he does offer 2wd 5100 Bilstein lift KITS, not just shocks and springs if your determined to lift a 2wd properly.

 

Malcom99


Kind of you to respond, but do you know the answer to the question I asked?


Not looking for advice on 4x2 vs. 4x4, I understand the difference.

 

Your question was answered but I'll try to focus on 2wd. You could buy OEM but it won't lift the truck, a lift with only spacers is pointless( pressing studs out for 3/4" spacer). Rough Country will be rough in 2wd and 4x4. I would buy 5100 Bilsteins tested and proven by many from Sonoran Steel or choose a different type from him, http://sonoransteel.com/index.php?ma...ndex&cPath=1_2 , I wouldn't do a half a lift I would buy everything from someone that has been doing this for years and put a compete kit together just for your truck, and since your taking it to a mechanic to do it, I highly advise you buy a kit since you and the mechanic won't fab the parts you will need on site without down time and lots of man hours, so buy a kit or buy his partial kit now knowing what you need to complete the lift..

 

I'm a big supporter of a simple body lift. They look great, and 1.5-2" doesn't really require any modification except the pucks and bolts. Low COG and allows you to run 285 tires. Also makes some maintenance easier because of the new clearance.

 

Good point, BL would simplify it and net the same gains for 2wd, in that case I would go for a Roger Brown BL (properly sized) you get the steering extension, front bumper relocation brackets, and don't bother with rad relocation just remove lower rad duct for clearance, Battery wire gets tight at 2" & lower rad hose will need to be adjusted. http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/BodyLiftKit.shtml but sounds like he is trying to get 2 birds down with 1 stone if the shocks are leaking.