I recently lifted my '02 4Runner SR5 with a Fabtech Performance lift. I cheated and used a set of new '99 rear springs to get a little extra since mine was so low to begin with. So everything is great as far as the lift is concerned however I notice that I have what feels like more drag. This in turn makes the truck shift more often and is slightly slower. I notice this at any speed wether it's around town or on the freeway. So what I think is that with the increased CV joint angle and the fact that they are rotating all the time that this is the culprit. I know that I'm about 2-3" higher but that should only come into play on the freeway. I haven't changed tire size or gearing either. I'm running 275-75-16 BFG AT. So I'm going to do a manual hub change over. I have purchased a set of axles and complete knuckles from a '99 Tacoma. I searched hi and low and could not find a set that had ABS so I settled for non ABS. My question is I would like to swap out the non ABS rotor on the hub with an ABS speed rotor. I have an exploded diagram of the front suspension, just not sure what's involved in replacing that ring and what else will need to replaced to do this modification. When I do the swap I'll also be replacing all ball joints.

 

Did you look into a diff-drop? That will help with the CV angles. If you plan on using it offroad then you will need the drop. Even with the new hub setup then angles are still extreme.

 

Its cheap insurance either way... Good posting!

 

Can someone please address the non ABS to ABS rotor swap question? I would like to know what's involved if anyone has done it.

 

I have two 02 4runners, one is lifted and the other is not. When driving them back to back I can feel now difference in them at all, except for the fact that the lifted on has lower gears and with that it feels quicker.

 

did you install a panhard bar drop bracket? if not, after the rear is lifted, the front tires and rear tires are not gonna be lined up.
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i'm not an expert on this, just my 0.02

 

for the abs if u take and have the spindles pressed out of the tacoma knuckles and the ones out of the 4runner you can switch them u will need new front and rear knuckle seals and a ring that can only be bought from toyota for each side and when doin the swap u need to take the abs ring of of the 4runner spindle and put it on the tacoma spindle in place of the spacer that comes on there from the factory u will also need new bearings

price wise the bearings are about $70 a piece and the seals are $15 each and u need 4 and the ring inside the hub assembly is $8 from toyota

it would also be smart to get new gaskets for the manuel hubs themselves too

 

Just a personal opinion here, but, I think changing out your CV's to hopefully lessen drag, will not be a solution. You're opening up a can o worms. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, you know?

The manual hub conversion isn't a BAD thing by any means.

First questions that run into my head for possible dragging feelings are:
Alignment
Proper drive-train lubrication
Rear thrust angle
Tires

What gears are you running? Auto or Manual trans? How many dead bodies in the back?

 

What about a caliper freezing up. I have had a few that began to freze up and there was no pulling associated with it. Kinda like driving with the e-brake on

 

Here is a thought... Have you taken it in for an alignment yet? When I installed my rev-tek 3" lift I felt a definate drag that I could easily observe. When I woul pull to a stop, I would feel my 4runner actually roll and then stop like my brakes were dragging quite bad, but was the product of the lift. When you lift a vehicle you really mess with the toe among other things. I dont care if your alignment was perfect, if you switched coils and the ride height moved up a half of an inch you would still need an alignment. I am just saying that it can't hurt to atleast have it in for a free check.

 

Thanks to all that have replied. I had it aligned right after installing the lift. Maybe I need to get it aligned again? I was under the understanding that if it's properly aligned there shouldn't be excessive toe or excessive anything, is that correct? I don't have excessive tire wear since installing the lift.
Well I don't know, I've already purchased the manual hub conversion so I guess I'm commited.

 

Yeah, I am 99% sure it is not "drag" caused by your CV's... I doubt you would notice the increased aerodynamic drag caused by lifting... What I would check is alignment as said (you can have bad alignment, but no shaking if not done 100% correctly). I would also check your rear brakes, make sure the e'brake is not too tight, and check the rear drums.

The manual hubs are not a bad idea, but are not the solution