So I read this on a website about the 96-02 4Runners:

"WARNING ûû 1996-02 4 RUNNER LIFTING LIMITATIONS
Toyota sold you a 4 Runner with Automatic Differential Disconnect (ADD) - shame on them! These vehicles are limited to approximately 2ö of suspension lift. These vehicles do not have manual unlocking hubs, consequently the front axles and CV joints spin 100% of the time the vehicle is in motion. Beyond 2ö of lift would put the CV joints on sufficient angle to buzz you out of the cab at highway speeds (not a problem in off road terrain where the speeds are very slow and/or the CV joints are constantly changing angle).None of this is an issue for 1996-02 4 Runners with manual locking hubs, they can be cranked-up to 3 of lift because they free wheel at highway speeds. This also does not apply to 2003-07 4 Runners, they can be cranked up to 3 even with ADD."

So does this mean the only way that I can lift my 4Runner more than 2" without messing up my axles or cv joints is if I get manually locking hubs?? and if that is true, then I'll pass cus I'm not willing to spend 800$+ on a conversion kit.

Thanks,

John

Yes, and no. Anything much over 2" will lead to premature wear of front end components such as CV boots, ball joints, and tie rod ends. But your CV's wont "buzz you out of the cab"

So 2" to 2.5" is the limit for SPACER LIFTS. You can still get more lift by other style lifts, such as IFS bracket lifts designed for the Tacoma (will fit 4Runner FRONT end) or a body lift.


Best thing to do is get a 2" spacer lift, and 2" body lift if your looking for 4".

What are you trying to accomplish with the truck?

Well, I'm thinkin 2" will be just fine. I'm NOT gonna be offroading it much if any at all. This 4Runner is my baby and everyday ride so I want to make it look pretty good without making a problem in the steering and such. 2" lift and some bigger tires (31-33's I don't know the max tire size to lift heighth specs) with some offroad style rims (20-22's). Probably the ToyTec 2" Front Coil Spacers, 2" OME Rear Coils, and maybe a ToyTec 1" Body Lift. ToyTec makes a 3" Suspension Lift Kit w/ a Diff Drop for a pretty dang reasonable price ($300.00) but I'm just afraid that's gonna be too much of a lift.

bump

Bump for what? I thought I answered your question pretty well <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Lift/tire sizes? 2" will fit you up to 33's fine for street driving.

I was thinking of going with the rev tek spacer kit for my 97 4runner limited....so what you are saying is that this is a bad idea?...the rev tek claims 3 inch in front 2.5 in rear...is this a bad idea or what? thanks

In all honesty I think its stupid to lift a truck and put bigger tires on if your not going to go offroad. It just causes problems. It will be slower, less gas mileage, and your suspension components will wear out faster. You yourself said its your baby and you dont want to cause problems. Guess what, lifting it causes multiple problems.


3" spacer lift is too much. 2" or under is all I would recommend. Read what I said again in the first post.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know.

I plan on doing some wheeling but not A LOT and not HARDCORE stuff like I use to with my previous vehicle. I do camping, fishing, and outings a lot. Pluss the occasional just wanting to go out and ride with the other guys. Thanks for the info