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Before the ribbing commences let me plead my case at least.
I do not go off road. Never plan to go off road. I’m short. I own a 99 runner limited in immaculate condition inside and out. She sits on 265/70/17 with OEM TRD Sema Pros which almost squeezes a 32 inch tire under her and that may be the fatal flaw in my plan.
I came from owning hot hatches and graduated to coupes then very fast capable 4dr Audi’s. This truck was originally cause I needed more room to lug my crap around for work. But the bug bit me hard and it’s been a joy owning and working on her. As you can see by my prior cars I love a vehicle that handles. After putting in tundra brakes, braided lines, larger sway bar, and tires with a massive contact patch she does not have the on road characteristics of your average Runner.
I wanna lower her just a bit. 2 inch may be too ambitious. I’ve looked at Jaos. Then I got to thinking. Everyone seems to want the 99 “tall” springs for a mild lift. What if I wanna go the opposite direction? And if so it seems by general consensus the spring heights go as follows:
96-98 med 99 tall 00-02 short
Anyone ever tried this?
Will I have trouble here without say a lateral arm upgrade?
Best shock for handling to accompany a shorter spring?
I would say go with the later years springs but with a 32" tire, you might get some tire rub. I would also go with the 4600 bilstein shocks and do poly bushings all the way around. I have them on my '99 and it handles pretty decent for an SUV.
I run that size factory tire on 2015 17" trail edition rims, no rub at all on all original suspension, blew a rear shock and just put 4R 5100 Billies and ARB 906 OME Coils on and it raised the back 1.5" rides and handles good. Although not what your after..
Ask around and see if anybody still has the later shorter springs and would be willing to trade. Since you have the more desirable tall springs you might have some luck. Also reach out to Bilstein and see if they offer the 5100 in a shorter configuration. Those have adjustable spring perches that add between 0-2" lift and if they offer a shorter shock you might be able to lower, just a thought.
You could also poke around the 2wd parts bin. I'm pretty sure they sit lower than 4wd rigs. The front suspension is going to be different, but if you're creative you might get lucky.
I think you are dreaming to lower the 4R without changing your tire size, that is the max tire size you can fit. A low profile tire with shorter springs will get you down there, could even try the 2.7L 2wd stuff, not sure where you'll end up though..
Hey I just wanted to say a big thank you to everybody for their insight. Gonna try some new OEM Tokico or Bilstein shocks and 2000 model springs and a little prayer. I’ll update with photos win or loose.
This is how she stands currently.
08-08-2018, 05:56 AM
