Hey Guys, I need help deciding on the front lift for my 2003 V6 4runner. I plan on putting a Bull bar + winch after a year, and would like to get at least 2.5" lift with that extra weight. However, I need to install the lift now, and I've narrowed my choices:

a) OME setup with 884 coils (will it achieve 2.5" with bull bar + winch)
b) OME setup with 885 coils (will it be too stiff)
c) DR coilover (seems to be the ideal solution as it is adjustable)

For the rear I'm aiming for OME shocks and 895 coil. One vendor advised me that DR in the front and OME in the rear may not work well together.

Some more data to consider: about 90-100 lb of rock slider, and I off-road with reasonable cargo at the back and top, and carry 2 passengers. Love to drive fast over washes and bumps.

No hijacking please, and I can't make it to Pismo to see your outfit. Thanks.

Edit: thinking out loud, I can go with option a), and later add a 1/4" spacer from ToyTech if there is too much sag after adding a bull bar + winch.

 

sounds like you just answered your own question.... i'd still recommend showing up to pismo as you'll see a few different configuration and can also see it in person to get a better perspective of the different coils in action. this will help you get a firm idea on which one is better for you.

if you have family and are having a difficult time convincing them to show up, just remember that this will be a family friendly event so bring em all!

 

With the bull bar and winch I'd go with the stiffer 885 springs. My $0.02 worth. As for Pismo, I can say from my previous Death Valley Yota Tech trip, that this group of guys are great to hang with. All very smart, well-educated and diverse group of responsible guys...and as for the family, you can stay at one of the many pool hotels there and hang at Pismo for the afternoon. There will be no better way to make an informed decision than to see and test-ride in the variety of suspension setups that will be there.

 

Honestly your best option will be to get DR coilovers. This will allow you to adjust for the bullbar/winch combo. With OME's you will loose height when adding those. Just get OMEs in the back then. The back is easy to change a bit adn you dont have to do the wheel alignment again.

The DRs will be more expensive, but worth it. Keep in mind that if you change your height with them you should have your wheelalignment checked.

PS: And get down to Pismo so you can test those DRs out then. That is the environment where they should outshine the OMEs.

 

I thought the DR coilovers were performance-oriented and not about carrying extra weight, like the more "expeditionary" OME stuff? Wouldn't the spring compression rate be the more critical factor in carrying the extra load?

 

The DRs have a higher coil rate than the OMEs. The strut total travel also tends to be slightly better than the OMEs. They are also adjustable, so if you are not willing to replace coils when you add weight a coilover is the only way to go. ANy non coil-over strut will sag with extra weight. That is why OME offers different coils for different weights, to compensate.

The issue with coil-overs are $$$$ and that in general they tend not to flex as well as OMEs when going slow (read rock crawl)(also keep in mind with the front swaybar the 4R flex is very limited). They do travel full stroke when "Bajaing" on the dunes at Pismo though. RL Lemke will be able to give a far better account as he has them on his 4th Gen. Coil-overs also tend to require maintenance.

I was originally planning on getting DRs myself, since no OMEs were availible. I believe for my purposes OMEs will suit the 4R better. I am planning to upgrade the front coils in the future at some point when bumpers etc are availible. BUT if you are not willing to upgrade your coils and dont have coil-overs, you will have to comprimise at one end.

The problem is that there is no one size fits all and everybody needs to decide what will work best for them. I was happy with the Daystar kit with A/T tires (and this might be a suitable solution for most people). I needed something more beefy (weight wise) and that is why I upgraded to OME ( and am very happy I did). COil-overs are nice, but will not suit everyone. You can't have your cake and eat it

Each of these has been discussed at length on various boards. So it is just up to Rishi to make up his mind what he needs/wants.

 

I think if Rishi can make the Pismo trip, it'll be easier to decide since all of the options will be available for "visual" inspection!! Now that's what I'm talkin about. Especially thinkin about spending $$ on stuff, I'd like to see first hand what I'm getting myself into!

 

I can vouch for the Donahoe's holding up to an offroad oriented front bumper and winch. Mine haven't sagged since they were put on.

Granted I'm a lighter vehicle but just thought I'd throw that out there.

Go to PIsmo and check out all the various rigs. Steal them all at night while everyone is sleeping and go for a ride!