Hi I recently hit a deer, and although minimal cosmetic damage was done to my 02 4Runner, the insurance company totalled it out. I bought it back and am wanting to use the settlement funds to build up my 4Runner. First off, I want a bumper with a bull bar/cow catcher so that next deer i hit, maybe might not cause as much damage. Second, I want to add a suspension lift and potentially 33's. I want a bulkier look, but still want to feel comfortable at highway speeds. I live in the high Rockies in Colorado, so snow and ice is a concern as well. In other words, I would like to go as big as possible without adding extreme modifications. I am unsure of where to start looking to see what my best options are, as far as how tall the lift should be to be able to accommodate 33", 12.5 tires on a 16"rim. What kind of lift? I live in an area with a great deal of snowfall, and a lot of moderate 4x4 trails. So rubbing is a concern as far as the tire/lift combo, and I want it to be still somewhat "safe" to drive on ice and the highway. Any suggestions to get me started?
Thanks!!

 

First off welcome to Yotatech. There are tons of options for the build direction you want to go, 3 inch lift is about the max for this particular style truck, that said you should be able to clear the tire size you desire with that much lift and minimal trimming, a lot of folks opt for a 285/70 roughly a 33 10.5 because it demands little to no trimming.
I would recommend either OLD MAN EMU, or ToyTec rear springs and the same for the front except running ibach coils and bilstiens in front, Sonoran Steel offers a great kit as well.
Check out some of the build threads on here just like your wanting to do, do your research and save your coin. Good luck and post up some pics.

 

Welcome to Yotatech. I would go thru build threads and see what others have done to save you from spending on things you may not need. It doesn't take much to total a truck out nowadays. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of your progress.

 

Thank you! I am completely new to this so in advance sorry for my questions that might seem as common sense. Here's what I've got to work with:

 

Both Jason and Terry have the right ideas, start with build threads and pick and choose what's right for you. It may seem overwhelming at first but the more you read the more it will all fit into place. Find threads of 3rd gens that do what you have in mind.

Love me a blue 4Runner, lots of potential there and keeping it daily driveable yet able to do moderate trails is not unreasonable at all. That's what I've built mine for and it's fit the bill very well, morphing every year as experience and needs progress. There's a bunch of 4Runners out there built in many different ways, a rich database of information to pull ideas and information from.

I have 285/75r16. Running them has required modification to the pinch weld with a big hammer, some trimming of the bumper valance, 1" wheel adapters and a 1" body lift with a Sonoran Steel 1.2.
Not what you're thinking about, pizza cutters- 235/85R16 are an option to search on too.
We could do this all day. Time to study!

 

Welcome to the board!

Also look at powerblocktv & powernationtv .. extreme 4x4 for build videos, Ian seems to be quite the fabricator!

Find what you like, & go with it!

 

Hi. There is also a lift guide for 3rd gen 4runners on t4r.org. Find it