Once I finally find the perfect runner I plan on over time beefing it up and heard that if you go to big that it's tough on the engine. Is it common to upgrade the engine and transmission along with axles when lifting, or is there limits before that is needed? My plans are more for cosmetic reasons. I have no plans for compitition or climbing over huge terrain in general, just average 4 wheelin, nothing to big....comments...opinions...sugestions

 

you shouldn't have any problems ... i don't know what vehicle you have, but the biggest problem you'll run into is CV joint damage.

 

Might be a bit hard on the engine if you get huge tires though....

 

yeah, that too.

jokerswild, what kind of vehicle? 4runner? tacoma?

 

I will be getting a 4runner...not sure on the year, hopefully 95 to 99 depending on $$$ How big for tires is to big? Also, I test drove a 93 with 110k the other day and all seemed well other than a bit of what I thought might be valve tap and the trannie seemed to shift rough, not real bad but noticable. It also didn't have much gusto off the line accelerationm unlike my buddies 99runner that shifted like a caddie. Is that normal or should I be wary about buying it for problems down the road? The driv ejust made me a bit sceptical on purchasing it....what do ya think.

 

I would think you'd want to stick with something either in a 33" or smaller tire ... otherwise, you might need to regear. It'll take more work for your truck to power/turn the larger tires, and at some point, the loss of power is significant.

As far as what's normal or not ... I'm sorry but I don't know much about 1st-3rd gen. runners, but I'm sure a ton of people on here can help you out with that question.

 

i agree with rocky, 3" lift and 33's will fit with some minor rubbing, what motor did the '93 have? because both choices were not fast off the line, for example, i raced a guy with a reg cab 89-95 truck with the 3.0, and my taco with the 2.7 4 cyl. had no truble beating him. i would advise to spend a little extra and go with a 3rd gen (96-whenever the 4th gens came out)

 

(first year for the 4th gen. was 2003)

 

Personally, if it's just gonna be a street vehicle, and you're even thinking about speed, I'd advise you against lifting it. Stock, 4Runners are pretty high already, but Toyota has matched the components to handle reasonably well. I'd also point you toward a 2wd...It will handle even better than a 4wd, with better pickup and better gas mileage. The macho, lifted, 4wd driven fast on the street is dangerous. The center of gravity is way too high. That's why you don't see any lifted Indy cars.