I got my PP springs and Bilsteins installed last night with the help of some friends. The install was pretty easy and straight forward. We didn't run into any problems which is always a good thing. Didn't have a problem getting the rear shock off either; which I've heard can cause problems sometimes. Here are some pictures, if you want to see more go to:
http://community.webshots.com/user/aujwe1
My 'somewhat' official measurements before and after the lift go like this:
I measured roughly 10 7/8" rim-to-fender all the way around prior to the lift.
Afterwards: Front ~ 13 7/8" on both sides.
Rear ~ 13 1/2" on both sides.
So, as expected, I got a little bit more lift in the front than in the rear. 3/8" ins't that much of a difference to me but I may go with the OME trim-packers one day. If it bothers me enough.





I went a played around a little bit last night after the lift was put on. Talk about 'poser' shots:


I am happy with the ride quality so far. I haven't driven but maybe 10 miles or so. It is a little stiffer but that is more than fine with me. Thanks to everyone who answered my questions about this lift earlier. Gene, thanks for the springs. They live on! I apoligize to the dial-up guys about the size of the post.

Joey

 

Very cool! It looks great! <smile>

You mentioned the rear shocks weren't that bad; do tell! What was your trick or was the bolt just easy to twist off?

 

Lookin good.
Are your springs black??
I thought that all pp springs were yellow

 

Looks great, my color too!

Does anyone get alignments after a lift? Is it necessary?

 

Oh yeah. It's a must!

 

That's what I thought. The only direction I have gone in the past is down, and I know lowering definetly requires an alignment!

Thanks.

 

Gene,

About the rear springs. My friend took them off and I wasn't paying too much attention. Sorry. I was listening to the President talk. He just used an impact and a wrench and they came off. I had already told him to cut them if he needed to but he didn't have to. I was impressed to say the least.

About the springs being black. I had them sandblasted and then powder-coated black. I didn't want yellow springs. I guess that's just me. I dunno.

I plan to get an alignment within the next few days. When I drove it last night and would make a sharp turn I could hear/feel the tires doing weird things. I can just look at them and tell that they need an alignment.

Thanks for the positive comments. Keep them coming.

Joey

 

Looks Good Joey!

Dr. Z

 

Thanks. And another thanks for the Manik info. I appreciate the help. I will be getting 265/75/16 Bridgestone AT Revos about this time next week. Hopefully they will help fill up the fenderwells some. Thanks again.

Joey

 

You're welcome Joey. That size tire with that much lift should look good.

Good Luck!
Dr. Z

 

That is a sweeeeet looking rig. Cool dude! Now, time to hit the trail!!

Noel

 

I find it weird that you got mor lift up front then in the rear. I got just the opposite using the stock shocks. Do you know what the fully extended length is on the bilsteins vs. stock. I'm wondering if my front stock shocks are hindering the full range of motion that I could be getting if I was also using the bilsteins. Anyone know?

chris

 

looks good

 

Noel,

Thanks for the compliments.


Chris,

Keep in mind that my 4Runner is 2WD, so that probably has the most to do with the differences in the lift. I am running 4WD Bilsteins in the front, so that I could run the PP springs. A stock 2WD 4Runner(at least on a 2000) is 1" shorter than a 4WD from the factory. This is due to the difference in the springs. Or so I have been told by people more knowledgeable on the subject than me.
My theory is that with the front Bilsteins being for a 4WD and the fact that a 2WD is lighter in the front, there is more lift in the front. Or something like that. That is 'my' theory anyway. I don't know the numbers on a Bilstein vs. Stock shock though. Maybe somebody will chime in with the answer to that question.

Joey

 

Looks Great and your lift measurements are very close to mine!!!

My PP 1" coils and Bilsteins were installed back in October and I currently have 13.5" from rim to fender in front and 13.75" in the rear. So, not much sag yet either.

When I replace the stock Dunlop tires 265/70/16 I think I'll go for the 275/70/16 size.

Paul

 

Thanks Joey! That makes more sense now!

Chris