Need advise on 4runner lift
 

Hi guys,

I need some advise for my 97 4runner lift. Currently and due to an unwise decision I have the 2.5" skyjacker spacers (front/back), bilstein shocks (front) and Skyjacker platinum shocks (rear). First mistake was to leave my stock springs on the back. I loaded the truck with 3 guys, surfboards, rock climbing gear and all the other I needed for a trip to Mexico and the truck just when down, so low that my skyjacker shocks only had about 2" of travel and obviously were bottoming all out. My second problem is in the front, my axle boots are all ripped because of the extreme angle.

I am considering to fix the back problem by throwing the rear spacers to the trash and placing OME springs, my questions is. Should I get the heavy duty (OME891) or the medium (OME890) coils? I do not have a custom rear bumper, but I do load my truck with everything that fits on it whenever I travel.

Regarding the axle boots problem I've been reading about the ATS upper a-arms as an option to fix the problem. Does anyone has an experience or has heard from anyone using these ATS upper a-arms on a 4runner? Is there any other options I should consider?

I do use this truck on the freeway, but also I do several miles of very ugly dirt road on baja every year, I do not rock crawl or anything like that though.

Thanks a lot for your help, I really appreciate this forum.

what size tires do you run or are you lookin to run and do you want a better ride or more height.

Oh yeah, I forgot that part. I am running 265/75R16 PROCOMP (31.6) tires. Somewhat conservative, could have gone bigger but not need and wasn't sure if they would fit. I guess I am looking for a better ride on those annoying washers when my truck is loaded of gear, as it is it the shocks bottom out because of the soft stock springs and long skyjacker shocks. No need of more lift, clearance is good as it is when unloaded.

Thanks

If you use as much weight as you say and want it to it level with the front that you already have i would get the OME 891's and OME shocks.

I like the 891's but then again I have not owned the 890's. I can put five people in my truck plus skis/snowboards and gear with minimal sagging and still get a good ride empty on the highway. And when I want it to flex I can take it to the bump stops.

Check here for some options:
http://www.wabfab.org/96024Runner/96024Runner.htm

:guitar:

It doesn't matter what kind of arms you use as your problem is at the differential. You need to use the drop down spacers. Do a search on here and you will find a couple of suppliers. The best ones will be tapered but you can get away with the flat milled ones. as for the torn boots, don't even try a replacement boot kit. Head off to your autoparts store and pick up a couple of new shafts and make sure you have a life time warrenty with them ;-)

Happy trails!

Thanks mpavolka. Then it seems that the 891's aren't really that uncomfortable when not loaded as some people would say (including the guy at OME that I talked to earlier and tried to sell me the 890's). Can any one else that owns 891's confirm this ?

If you own 890's and have loaded your truck just with gear and stuff (you know like for camping a couple of weeks in the middle of nowhere). Do the 890's sag significantly?

BTW: I am not trying to stick just to OME, any other recommendations are welcome, it is just that I found that OME coils are the most used on this kind of truck.

I have the 890's and I load my truck to the max on a regular basis. I bought mine used so they were already broken in and they have yet to show any sagging. They give me about 2.5-2.75" of lift in the rear and ride pretty good. I think the 891's might be a little too stiff for me though. The OME 3" spring kit wabfab sells is pretty good and it'll replace all your spacers with springs. The shocks you have to do fine. You can probably sell off you old spacer to someone that wants a lift strictly for look or whatever.

Just call Sonoran Steel

If you read everything there is on Sonoransteel.com you will have a much better understanding of all the lifts, even though Steve doesn't like 891's.

Check out Gerdo's Profile, he puts 560 lbs of sandbags in the back of his 4Runner with 890's.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f79/...profile-85724/

I on the other hand frequently have five college buddies, gear, and an 800 lb SEADOO on mine, so I like the 891's.

Thanks again mpavolka, that is a very informative experiment that Gerdo's performed right there. I think I will follow the advice of 90vetteman and try to lower a little the front differential (unless I hear a better advice from someone else). For the rear, I am feeling inclined to get the 891's. My ride might be a little stiff during my normal life, but the truck will guarantee fun times when it comes time to play. Fun times are less frequent but the truck better be ready for them since that is what we live for ;-)..right?

Thanks again for all your help guys..