Hello and Happy New Year.

I was referred to this forum from one of the other 4Runner forums and I hope I can find some advice....

I have a 2000 4Runner, 4x4, SR5 with sport pkg. I have only added 4 HD Bilsteins - otherwise the truck is stock. I recently removed the Borla cat back system because (yes) it rotted and cracked at the muffler. That's another story.

So my questions are:

I want to improve the off-road ride - right now it's not stiff enough. I rode in my buddy's stock wrangler the other day and it's unstoppable. With my truck I would have to slow down or risk bouncing and bottoming out.

I have stock 265/70/16 tires which need replacing now. I would not be opposed to getting a little more lift and adding some 285's in the process, but I don't want to go crazy adding brake line extensions, etc.

So, what do people recommend? Obviously it would be springs at the least, but what type/brand? The Bilsteins are about 5 years old, but I don't notice much difference compared to when they were new. Regardless, I can replace those too if warranted. How do you guys deal with the speedo being off with the bigger tires? Just ignore it?

Finally, since I reinstalled my stock exhaust and think it sounds whimpy - what are the recommendations here? Borla claims they can't make me a new one - How about a TRD? I have CA emissions.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co..._liftkits.html

 

I second Sonoran Steel

 

If you search some...like lift or springs or other key words, there are dozens of threads with tons of info already out there for you.

 

Excellent. System 7 looks like exactly what I want. Question: on the truck shown with stcok wheels in the system 7 photos - are they 265 tires do you think? Maybe i will email them. the only worry I have is that I have stock running boards which I would like to keep. Any issues there?

Jeff

 

From the FAQ on SS site

11. What size tires can I run? With System 1,4, 6 & 7: You can run 265/75/16 (32") tires on stock wheels or 285/75/16 (33") tires on stock wheels. With the 285 you may to trim a bit of the plastic liner in the rear of the front wheel wells. Nothing major and no big deal. With System 3: 265/75/16 (32") tires on stock wheels is what we would recommend.

 

Well, I did look briefly and thats just it - came up with dozens - I was hoping that providing a little more detail as to what my goals were would solicit some customized replies.

It looks like that worked, as I am interested in the system 7 kit from Sonoran.

 

Ah...got it! Thank you!

 

I just installed the system 7 two months ago and I am very pleased. I am quite picky it when it comes to driving dynamics because I expect my truck to do well offroad and I expect it to be a comfortable road tripper and daily driver. The ride is better than stock...a little stiffer initially but it no longer bottoms-out on medium and large bumps and the ride is considerably better when loaded. I haven't been able to get the caster (alignment) adjustment in spec, which is the only negative aspect I can think of. Some claim there should be enough adjustment.

If you choose to run 285s, be aware that some people have rubbing issues on the upper control arms and on the frame/inner wheel well without a 1" body lift. I am running 265/75R16 BFG ATs and have no issues. Here is a pic:



Good luck with your decision.

 

That's perfect for what I am looking for.

How far out is the alignment? I'll get that done after the install, when I get the tires. I'm gonna opt for 265/75/16.

I'll search the forums some, but any suggestions on the exhaust?

Jeff

 

Did you install that yourself? Any advice on that? I'm pretty good mechanically and have probably all the tools - air, etc. I may need a better spring compressor since the one I have is pretty cheap. Any recommendations on a good one ?

J

 

Pick up a set at Sears, they go for about $49 and they're strong enough for infrequent homeowner use.
I've been using them for a while and they work fine (although they went up $10 this year, mine were $39).

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

 

I did it with the help of a friend. If I could do it all over again, I would take the front coil/strut assembly to a shop and let them install the lift coil on the strut. The spring compressors are scary, and in our case, Tokico supplied the wrong nut for the top of the strut assembly and the unit blew apart as we were backing off the spring compressors. Luckily no one got hurt. I posted more details about this incident about 2 months ago.

Other than that, everything else was very straight forward and I would not hesitate to do any of it myself.

Ken

 

Ok, so I talked to Steve at Sonoran, and ordered my kit. Nice guy. Since I do most of my off-roading on soft sandy trails, we changed the System 7 a bit and went with the better TRD/Tokico Blue shock up front. The rear will be the green shock included in the kit. He seemed to think my HD Bilstiens I have now would be too stiff with the new springs. So thanks for the input here!

My tires are going to be the new Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo in 265/75/16. Getting a quote on those this afternoon.

Next is a stainless cat back exhaust, and I am soliciting opinions on another thread for that.

Jeff

 

Congrats! I am confident that you will be happy with the lift. And I agree that the Bilsteins would stiffen up the ride more than most people would like.

 

I noticed that my original rear springs have rubber cushions inside - Am I removing these with the new setup, or installing them with the new springs?

Jeff

 

Leave them out unless you want an additional 3/8" of lift. System #7 will sit closer to level without it.

Ken