This modifications FAQ for the 4th gen 4runner is designed to list the most common questions and answers that frequently get asked. The information found in this FAQ is a collection of everyone's effort to provide very accurate and detailed information. If you find any misinformation please contact the person that posted so it can get corrected and not mislead any members and visitors reading this FAQ. Please try and keep this FAQ the most accurate info to best serve everyone.

Thanks

Last updated thread on 01-24-2007

 

With the variety of lift applications available for the 4th generation 4runner how do you decide? The decision comes from within. What do you want to do with your 4runner? Are you simply looking for a means to look cool or give it a more aggressive look / leveled look? Do you want to take your 4runner places where you need that additional lift? How much do you want to lift? How big a tire do you want to stuff? Do you plan to add additional weight? What is your budget? Depending on many of these questions, your application can vary.

Keeping all this in perspective, here's a good point of reference. There are 3 different suspension lift technologies available: Spacer, Coil and Shock, Coilover. They all perform the same function... LIFT. The biggest difference is how each techonologies are applied to the existing stock system and the final cost.

Spacer Technology
This technology retains the stock suspension. Adding the spacer to the stock suspension will give you lift (height determined by size of spacer installed). Depending on which manufacturer you decide to use, some will utilize a combination of spacers that sit on top of the stock suspension called top out spacers and/or inside the stock suspension called preload spacers. The spacers looks like a hockey puck built out of polyurethane, steel or alumnimum. Depending on which manufacturer you go with, the material used will vary. They all perform the same function regardless of the material used.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc) I would stay away from this technology as you will experience a harsher ride due to the added weight. An average aftermarket bumper-and-winch combo will weight approximately 150-200# so bear this in mind.

Costs on this technology are very cheap (under $500). It is the cheapest solution available. This setup is ideal for those who want the quick-lift fix to add larger tires. Since you are essentially adding either a combination of preload spacer/top out spacer the overall ride feel will firm up. This is expected by the design of the technology applied.

Note: XREAS owners that want to maintain their XREAS system will be limited to the spacer technology. Unfortunately no other solutions are available. This means that the XREAS system can be removed safely and reinstalled at a later date with no negative effects on the system itself.

 

Coil and Shock Technology
This technology replaces the stock suspension. The look and feel is identical to the stock suspension as it replaces the coil and shock. Depending on which configuration you decide on, the ride feel will be near identical to stock.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc) I recommend you look into stiffer coils to accomodate for the addition of the weight. The ride should stay within the stock feel with the adjustments made to the coils. If you considering building an expedition vehicle I highly recommend the coil and shock as you need not worry about the complexity of the system.

Costs for this technology is average (approx. $750)

 

Coilover Technology
This technology replaces only the front stock suspension. The look and feel is similar to the stock suspension except you will have the ability to adjust the coil height to tune the height. This technology is ideal of high speed application but a growing number of low speed users are utilizing this technology. The ride feel will vary according to how you tune your coilovers. Many of the manufacturers pretune the coilovers to be very plush and feel exactly like a stock vehicle but better over the harsh terrain.

If you are considering adding additional weight up front (bumper/winch/lights etc), please make sure to adjust your coils for the added weight. This configuration is the ultimate setup for those that want to utilize every modern technology available. Highly recommended for high speed applications and even for slow speed application.

Costs for this technology is expensive (approx $750-1000 depending on size)

Note: XREAS equipped 4runner owners wanting to remove their XREAS system can safely remove the system will no effect. The system is safe to remove and reinstall at a later date with no ill effect.

 

Long Travel Coilover Technology
Utilizes conventional coilover technology to another level. The vehicle is widened approximately 3-5" depending on the manufacturer application. This requires heavy modification which includes replacement of the Upper Control Arms, Lower Control Arms and custom front fenders. 4WD vehicles require replacement front axles to reflect the widened specification. Wheel travel is greatly increased with the widened stance giving greater vehicle stability with better suspension control for your high speed pleasures.

Costs ranges anywhere from $2500~$5000 depending on manufacturer application.

Note: XREAS equipped 4runner owners wanting to remove their XREAS system can safely remove the system will no effect. The system is safe to remove and reinstall at a later date with no ill effect.
Of the 3 technologies available, spacers are the most popular due to their price points. Keep in mind that lifting your 4runner and changing tires can be a costly investment so do a lot of research prior to making your final decision. Once you get your lift, give it a few weeks for the components to settle in and retighten the bolts to ensure the suspension is intact and not going to fall off while you're on the road/trail. Also take the time to get an tire alignment for the front wheels only (no need to spend $ on the rears as no changes will occur from the lift). The look of all the various lifts available will be similar. Depending on the size of the lift, the look may change somewhat but for the most part they are similar. Be aware that adding larger tires will also increase your height so make sure to be selective in your tire decisions as well.

Note: Highly recommended to extend the rear brakelines with longer stainless steel lines available at your local offroad shop.

 

Jounce Shocks
Just when you thought 4 standard shocks aren't enough, here's an additional 4 more to compliment what you already have. These shocks will give you the ability to take your vehicle to the next level outside of getting a long travel kit. The key to utilizing the jounce shocks are using them at the last 2-3 inches of suspension travel. These shocks help to control the initial shock load much better compared to stock. It will not bounce back like rubber and keeps the spring from compressing as much thus making it possible for the bounce to return in a controlled fashion.

 

Misc Lift Upgrades
Once you lift your vehicle, it is highly recommended that you upgrade your brake lines as the stock length can get stretched out when you are flexing on the trails.

 

Body Lift
Body lifts are different from suspension lift in that this technology just separates the body from the frame. This modification is not highly recommended as a primary method of lifting your vehicle. I would highly recommend that you do the suspension lift first prior to attempting the body lift. Since a body lift furthur separates the body from the frame there are some safety concerns so please keep this in mind. Many users perform the body lift to help minimize the rubbing experience even after doing the suspension lift. Currently the maxmimum size you can install for a body lift is 1.5". With the 1.5" body lift, you do not need to make any adjustments to the fuel or steering. Installation takes anywhere from 2-4 hours.

 

Upper Control Arm
When aftermarket lifts are installed the OEM suspension design looses caster. By altering the factory caster, the vehicle lose onroad handling and performance and can have a tendency to wander when driving down the road. The aftermarket upper control arms add caster to the suspension when aftermarket lifts are installed. This increases overall handling and aids in the alignment of the vehicle.

Note: If you plan to retain your stock wheels and add larger tires (commonly applies to 285's), you will experience heavy rubbing at the upper control arms. By installing one of the available aftermarket upper control arms, you will be able to avoid the excessive rubbing experienced on the arms.

 

Wheels
What fits?...

Rubbing will vary due to various configurations of wheels and tires. Remember that no two tire manufacturer will have the exact same tire size even though they publish the same tire size. Real world sizes will vary slightly and can also vary due to wheel sizes. Adding larger tires on the stock wheels will experience rubbing on the stock upper control arms. Depending on your wheel specification and tire size, you may experience rubbing on the frame walls. When you do upsize to 285's (33 equivalent) or larger, please make sure to remove your front and rear mudflaps. If you plan to reuse your stock wheels, please look into purchasing some aftermarket upper control arms.

SR5 Grade owners:: Ideal recommended aftermarket wheels: 16 x 8, 0 offset, 4.5 backspacing, 6x5.5 lugs
Sports/Limited Grade owners:: 17 x 7.5, 0 offset, 4.5 backspacing, 6x5.5 lugs

Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are a quick and easy way to relieve some of the rubbing issues encountered with the front upper control arms. If you do not purchase any aftermarket wheels and experience rubbing on the upper control arms this is your cheaper alternative to purchasing aftermarket upper control arms.

 

Trail Armor Options
Armor is the single most important modification you must do if you plan to venture into the unknown. I feel that this is much more important than getting a lift or even better tires. With armor at your sides you will be better prepared for what the trails will offer with the ease of mind knowing that your vehicle's body will be protected. Lifting and getting upgraded tires will help you get to places you traditionally can't get to but this also means that the trails get incrementally more difficult. Difficult trails are a tall tail sign of body damages if you don't have armor so I highly recommend that you invest in some armor prior to anything else.

With this in mind, there are many vendors that offer welded and bolted applications for the sliders. Sliders aka Rock Sliders are armor that protects the side of the body panels from rocks and other large objects. This is the single most important armor that you can do to project the sides of your vehicle. These sliders will replace the running boards so please do keep this in mind. There are many different types of sliders ranging from round tubing to square tubing. All of the variable applications do what they are built for so there is no need to be concerned that one design is much more inferior to another design. This also applies for welded and bolted applications. Both are trail tested and both deserves the same recognition. I highly recommend any of the vendors listed below as all vendors comes highly recommended by many of the owners in the community.

Bumpers: ARB and Shrockworks are the only full production manufacturer that produces front bumpers for the 2003+ 4runner. Additional custom bumpers (one off designs) are available from other vendors. Aftermarket bumpers help to increase approach and departure angles which greatly give the drive the ability to take a more aggressive trail with their vehicles. The bumpers also offer the ability to add a winch for situations such as recovery or even for trail repair. These aftermarket bumpers also offer a more rigid protection vs the factory plastic bumpers. There is one vendor currently in the process of building an off-the-shelf bumper so stay tune for more info.

Skidplates: Downey Offroad is the only vendor that offers production aftermarket skid plates. These skid plates are direct stock replacement made out of 3/16" steel. These skid plates do not protect the transmission or the transfer case. Other skid plates are in r&d at the current moment by other vendors.

Sliders / Rock RailsBumpers (front and rear)Skid PlatesProduct Review ThreadSample Vehicle Applications

 

Offroad Modifications

As you venture deeper into remote areas, you will encounter less than desireable trails for your offroad vehicle. To be able to successfuly navigate through some of these difficult trails, you will need additional accessories specifically for these scenarios. Below are some common modifications done to get you deeper into those areas.

Gears and LockersHeavy Duty Rear Lower Control ArmsHeavy Duty Rear Upper Control ArmsReinforcing/Upgrading your driveshafts
Unlike other driveshafts the 4th gen 4runner driveshafts do not have cast ends welded to the tube. Instead they spin the two machined pieces together really fast and bond them. Therefore this is not the typical cut the welds and reweld the shafts together. JE Reel is one of the few driveshaft shops that can retube the driveshafts properly. When reinforcing/upgrading consider using thicker tubing.

For more information please visit JE Reel

Tire Deflation Kits
Here is a great article on the comparison of 10 popular tire deflator kits available. Read me!On-Board Air
Here is a great article on the comparison of some of the popular on-board air systems. Read Me!Bead Locks

 

Recovery & Repair Tools

When you venture out to remote areas you will encounter scenarios where you may get stuck. This is unavoidable as it is expected. Being prepared is can be a life saving scenario.

One of the most popular recovery tools are the combination of the use of a shackle and recovery strap. You can easily attach the recovery strap to the vehicle that is stuck to a vehicle that is not and carefully pull the stuck vehicle out. Shackles are highly recommended when using the recovery straps. Recovery straps comes in many flavors and using the straps with hoops are highly recommended. There are some straps that comes with hooks but those are not recommended for recovery use. Should the strap snap those hooks can become a flying projectile and injury an individual so please make sure to stay away from any straps with hooks. The same applies for chains.

Attaching a shackle can be very difficult on vehicles that do not have proper attachment points on the vehicle. Vehicles with a hitch can use the hitch as a recovery point by purchasing a hitch mounted shackle hanger. This item is relatively inexpensive ($20-30 range) and can be very valuable on the trail.

Winches come highly recommended but requires a custom front bumper. If you plan to purchase a winch in the near future, please make sure you purchase at least the minimum of an 8000# winch. Do keep in mind that the winch is a recovery device that is not used often so factor that into your budget. A 9000, 9500# winches can also be used but do keep in mind the cost factor as well as the mounting size for the appropriate bumper you plan to use. Most all winches comes with steel cable from the manufacturer which can be upgraded by purchasing some aftermarket synthetic lines. Many upgrade to synthetic lines as it is safer and lighter for your vehicle. Synthetic lines are safer compared to steel cables due to the fact that should the steel cable line snap during a recovery process the lines become a flying projectile. If you do not plan to upgrade your steel cable and use it often please make sure to use a blanket or towel on the middle of the steel cable to dampen the recoil force should the cable snap. Another reason why synthetic lines are recommended is should the line break you can easily repair the line and continue on.

Should your winch ever get to the point where it is unable to free you, using a snatch block will double your pulling power and effectively pull you free (if possible). Keep in mind that you will be length of your rope will be half due to the snatch block.

If you ever have to use your winch around a tree or any object, to protect the object and/or the line, please make sure to use a tree saver strap around the object.

How do I select a winch for my truck?

The most important thing to consider when selecting a winch is whether it is capable of pulling 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your vehicle. GVW is the total weight of your fully loaded vehicle (gas, tools, driver/passengers, etc). Do factor in that you will lose approximately 12% of your pulling power for every wrap of cable/rope on the drum of the winch.

WinchesSynthetic LinesWinch AccessoriesStraps, Shackles and Snatch BlockJacks and accessoriesTire Repair KitsFire Extinguishers
This item should be mandatory in all vehicles. Minimum of an ABC extinguisher in a 5# bottle.

 

Electrical and Lighting

Lighting ProductsDual Battery ConfigurationsInterior

 

Misc Exterior Modifications

Somethings you just need that extra bling to look different from many of the 4runners on the road...

Bull BarHeadlamp GuardJaos ProductsAppearance
Side Window DeflectorsStep Bar / Running Boards
Don't have a factory running board or want to upgrade to a stylish looking running board take a look at the various manufacturers that have aftermarket running boards for the 4th gen 4runner. By no means are these running boards offroad worthy but they do work well on the roads.Stone and Bug DeflectorSunroof Wind DeflectorTail Light Guard

 

Misc Interior Modifications

Interior - Floor MatsInterior - Cargo MatPet Barriers

 

Expedition / Travel Gear (Exterior)

Roof Rack
The most basic and fundamental modification you can do to support additional gear is by adding a roof rack basket or cargo box. They are highly popular in expedition vehicles and even those that just want to haul more gear. Remember that you don't want to build your vehicle to be top heavy so make that you place the lighter items on top. I've seen many throw tires up on top of the racks but do keep in mind that if you ever do need that tire you'll have to get it off of there (eek!)

Roof Top Tent
Coming soon...

 

Expedition / Travel Gear (Interior)

Interior - Refrigerator/Freezer
Ever wished you didn't have to get excess ice to keep your food and beverages chilled? Hate draining your cooler daily? Fridge freezers are the solution to keep your food and beverages chilled. It's ideal for your expeditions as it keeps your food and beverages chilled regardless of the external conditions of the fridge. This is not your ordinary 12 volt cooler rather this is a true refrigerator. (AC/DC Compatible)

 

Expedition / Travel Gear (Misc)

Fuel Containers and Accessories