The Daystar 1.25" rear spacer for the 2nd Gen does lift the back by 1.25". I installed one on my Dad's '95 to fix the sag problem. The spacer for the 3rd Gen 4R is 1.5". It is a totally different spacer and they are not interchangable. The brake lines on the 2nd gen are a little tight. With the 2.25" spacer I would recommend shocks and brake line changes.
AllPro used to sell their own spacers. My understanding is that they are now selling Daystar. I haven't checked into what they've got now. Just to clarify, FOR REAR SPACERS, you get the amount of lift based on the thickness of the spacer. For the FRONT on Tacomas and 3rd Gen 4R's you get more lift than the spacer thickness because of the geomtery of the front end.
You have a 2nd Gen 4R and there are no spacers for the front. To gain lift you just crank the torsion bars.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Chinook - CNP
To: larsdennert@writeme.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 9:34 AM
Subject: 4Runner Coil Spacers
Hi Lars:
I was looking at your website and saw that you have tried the Daystar lift spacers.
I have a '92 4Runner, and I want to fix the rear sag. Daystar has 1.25" spacers for the '92, and I was wondering if this is a true 1.25" lift, as your chart states that the lift for your '99 was 1.25" with a 1.5" spacer. I'm even considering to try the 2.25" spacer, but that would probably necessitate new shocks and relocating the brake line (?) (does the 2.25" spacer seem excessive?).
All Pro Off Road states that their spacer lift is 2.5", but your site states they have 2" spacers. Does this mean that the spacers are 2", and that the rear is elevated 2.5" (meaning a 2" lift at the wheel well)?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Mark
The comfort OME shocks are firmer than the factory shocks but the vehicle still rides softer than your average pickup truck or sports car.
A mild lift with your 32's will look very sharp.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2001 6:13 PM
Subject: Your website & a question
How did the CV boot rubbing turn out? I am seriously considering
lifting my '01 4x4 Runner, but am very concerned about the angle
changes. The complete OME lift is a tad too expensive, so I was
considering spacers and OME shocks.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
Thanks,
Shane
'01 Jade Mica, SR5, 4x4, 275/70's
As far as I can tell the ABS is unaffected and functions in a normal manner.
Slightly more brake pedal effort is required due to the larger wheels but
nothing significant (and I'm pretty picky.) Theoretically there is a 3-4%
change in speedometer accuracy. I've been meaning to break out the GPS and
compare readings. Of course we're only talking 2-3mph at freeway speed so no
big deal. You will lose 1mpg from the bigger tires. With the speedometer
inaccuracy it will appear like 1.5mpg. Acceleration will be somewhat worse
and you will find it better to leave the ECT switch on to better match the
new tires. Actually, without the ECT on I lost an additional mpg. Strange
huh?
Nothing short of air shocks or air springs will prevent rear sag when
loaded. The danger is putting in too heavy of a spring and shock and then
regretting it 90% of the time when you drive it empty. Nothing will ride as
smooth as the factory setup. If you accept this up front, you won't be to
disappointed. The reason I lifted my truck was exactly your arguement. The
truck sags when you're on those adventureous trips because of the weight in
back and that's when you need clearance most.
My suggestions would be based on what you are trying to achieve and how far
you want to go. It is a balance between ride, lift, cornering power, load
carrying, travel and reliability. You'll give up one to get another. Where
the calculation falls is up to you.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2002 5:14 PM
Subject: Toyota Buff
> Hello,
> I stumbled across your website and have found it to be extremely
> interesting. I own a 99 SR5 4Runner V6 4WD AUTO w/ABS and 16" wheels. I
was
> wondering if I could ask you a question or two. I found your piece about
> your recent tire upgrade to 265/75 16 tires. I'm very interested in doing
> the same to my 4Runner as well as my most recent acquisition (2001 Toyota
> Tundra Access Cab V8 4WD).
> I would like to know 1st if you have experienced any alteration in
the
> performance of the ABS brake system? Eg: either lightening or
exaggerating
> the ABS activation? 2nd is if the speedometer has been affected in any
> way?
> I am also interested in replacing the 4 shocks and the rear coil
> springs in my 99 4Runner (which has about 32K on it now). I do not wish
to
> alter the ride height with the spring change. I have read about the
> progressive rate springs in Performance Products, but the seem to alter
the
> height by an inch or two in either direction depending on the spring kit.
> That is what I get out of it anyway. Their descriptions can be somewhat
> vague in the catalogue. I'm looking to prevent sag in the rear when the
rear
> cargo area is loaded up. If I have to go up and inch in the rear to
achieve
> this I will. I wonder if you have and information or product suggestions
for
> me.
> I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time. Any feedback you
can
> give me would be much appreciated.
>
>
> Thanks and God Bless America,
>
> Steve Bitetti
You probably need to reevaluate what you are trying to achieve. At a certain
point, more lift will start to hurt the offroad abilities of the vehicle and
general driveability will suffer. If you are just going for looks, then you
have a lot of leeway as to what you can get away with. Big tires will fit as
long as you don't offroad the truck. Fender trimming will get you quite a
bit of clearance too.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 10:01 AM
Subject: RE: Question
> Hmmmm... I think the front springs may provide the lift for the front end
of
> my 4Runner...
>
> Thanks,
>
> Doug
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lars Dennert [mailto:larsdennert@earthlink.net]
> Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 9:52 AM
> To: Doug Hoffman
> Subject: Re: Question
>
>
> I'm not familiar with the Jaos lift. You can keep the Jaos springs so long
> as they do not provide any lift. The Revtek lift is the very extreme you
can
> go with the Live hubs on the 4Runner. Personally I believe it is too much
> lift. To go beyond 2.5" of suspension lift you have to drop the front dif.
> The only setup for that is the one for the Taco (Tacoma) which would have
to
> be adapted to the 4R. I think Pro Comp (PC) makes one. The next problem is
> the rear. There is no production setup to do large lifts on the rear in
the
> US. 4wheelparts in Japan has a 6" setup but I don't think it can be gotten
> here.
>
> Lars Dennert
> http://www.larsdennert.com
> ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 8:57 AM
> Subject: RE: Question
>
>
> > One more thing...
> >
> > I was thinking about replacing my JAOS 2" lift components with the
Revtek
> 3"
> > lift (http://www.off-road.com/toyota/taco/revtek.html). Do you think
this
> > would work with my JAOS springs and JAOS/BattleZ shocks? I don't know
> much
> > about shocks and springs, but I'm hoping that my current JAOS shocks and
> > springs could work with a lift kit that was one inch higher. If not,
what
> > would I have to do in order to get the Revtek 3" lift to work with my
> > 4Runner?
> >
> > (By the way, what's a "taco"? I keep hearing this term in relation to
> truck
> > lifts.)
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Doug
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Lars Dennert [mailto:larsdennert@writeme.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2001 5:48 PM
> > To: Doug Hoffman
> > Subject: Re: Question
> >
> >
> > At this point a body lift is about all that's left. Adding spacers to
the
> > suspension up front is play havoc with the CV's.
> >
> > Lars
> > http://www.larsdennert.com
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Doug Hoffman <dhoffman@golden1.com>
> > To: <larsdennert@writeme.com>
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2001 4:11 PM
> > Subject: Question
> >
> >
> > > Hi Lars,
> > >
> > > I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 4WD. I also have a 2 inch JAOS lift
> (including
> > > JAOS springs and a JAOS lateral rod and JAOS/BattleZ Shocks.)
> > >
> > > I have BFG 285/75/R16 Mud Terrains.
> > >
> > > Do you have any ideas of how to get my truck lifted another inch or
two
> > > without removing any of the JAOS lift components? (I spent a fortune
on
> > the
> > > JAOS stuff, so I'm not quite ready to part with them.)
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > Doug Hoffman
Downey springs seem to sag from reports I've seen.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2001 10:04 PM
Subject: RE: 4Runner sag/JCW spacers
> Thanks for the reply--I'm sagging just under 0.5" with a full tank of gas,
> so 1" (or just under) would be good. My other option is to get some 2"
> Downey rear springs from Jeff, but I think that I'm going to pass as I
can't
> afford to raise the front to match right now. So I'll give the JCW
spacers
> a shot.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lars Dennert [mailto:larsdennert@writeme.com]
> Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2001 10:08 AM
> To: Paul Chillar
> Subject: Re: 4Runner sag/JCW spacers
>
>
> Thanks for the compliements on the web page!
>
> They provide about an inch of lift and you could probably make them last a
> year. I think mine are floating around the garage somewhere. My advice
would
> be to shave the grooves off one side so that they sit better against the
> body. If you don't shave the grooves off, the spacers are more apt to
squirm
> around. The raised area just compresses anyway so you wouldn't be loosing
> much lift from the cutting. They would probably level out your truck
> assuming you have no lift up front.
>
> My springs are sagging a little as well from repeated camping trips. Where
> did you go in Baja?
> Lars Dennert
> http://www.larsdennert.com
> ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 8:38 PM
> Subject: 4Runner sag/JCW spacers
>
>
> > Hey Lars,
> > It's been some time since I've checked out you're website and I'm
> impressed
> > that you've wired the ARB locker switch to use the RR DIFF LOCK light in
> the
> > dash--nice to see that my e-locker retrofit has produced some other side
> > benefits. Well, I just got back from a trip to Baja and I need to do
> > something about the sagging rear of my 4Runner. I had a full load of
> > passengers (but very light gear) and I think that I managed to piss off
> > every single driver coming the other way--they all thought that my high
> > beams were on but it really was just the sag pivoting the lights up a
> little
> > bit. So, until I can afford a real spring lift (OME perhaps) I am
looking
> > to find a temporary solution that will hold up at least a year
(including
> > occasional off-road trips). Cornbred and Daystar spacers are out of my
> > price range, but I'm thinking about the JCW spacers. Since you've had
> > experience with these, do you think that they will work if I can rig a
> > system together that will keep them from popping out when flexing? Even
> if
> > I did end up losing them it wouldn't be too bad since they are cheap. I
> > think the 5 person plus heavy climbing gear off-road trips have trashed
my
> > rear springs, but I still need to get at least a year of life out of
them.
> > Do you know about how much lift they actually provided on your truck?
Any
> > other solutions that I should look at?
> > Thanks,
> > Paul
> > 99 4Runner SR5 4WD
> > 5-speed
> > Retrofit Toyota e-locker
> > Bilsteins
> >
> >
>
>
I am perfectly happy with my lift. It did level out at 1.5" front and rear. The clunk seems to have dissappeared. People with other IFS lifts have had the same problem. The only thing I can imagine would be the ball joints on the rack and pinion being out of phase after the lift and binding. I'm going to be replacing shocks in the next week, so I'll give everything the one over. This last weekend I went wheeling and the shocks have had it. 30K on them.
Anyway, I have wheeled the CVs pretty hard with the lift and had no problems. The boot folds barely touch in one spot on each side. At this point I am not concerned about CV boot life and the CVs can take more angle than the boots. I think JC Whitney carries Daystar now. The price should be dropping rapidly. There are many reasons why I chose exactly the lift I have. CVs were just one issue. Suspension travel, ride and geometry changes were important. Catastrophic bottoming and extension droop are only issues that appeared as possibilities after I installed the lift. I think Daystar's 2.5" kit would have been bad news.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 4:31 PM
Subject: 4Runner Daystar Lift
Lars-
How do you like your Daystar lift. I think you have a good formula with the 1" and the 1.5" spacers. You ended up with around 1.5" of lift when you were done. This is correct? Have you even been able to track down your clunk? As you stated, all lifts will decrease the life of the CV's and ball joints. How much does this happen and are you concerned? I also have a 99 4X4 4Runner.
Thanks for your thoughts
Steve Schaefer
P.S. Your dif breather page is great. It's what I used to do mine.
The ARB locker model installed in my truck is an RD23. The differential is a
standard 8" V6/turbo dif. It is the same dif used in 1st and 2nd Gen
4Runners and trucks before '95. Any gear set that will fit an early 90's V6
4Runner (for instance) will fit yours. Unless you are experienced in setting
up ring and pinions, I would recommend you let an expert do it. You can save
money by pulling the third member yourself and taking it to a shop though.
Gears up to 5.29 are available. If you have a 4x4, then you would have to
change the front gears to match. The front dif is a 7.5" IFS dif which is
common in all years of IFS trucks excluding the RAV/RX300/Highlanders.
Hope this helps.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2001 3:11 PM
Subject: 2001 4RUNNER LOCKER
> Hi Lars
> I just bought a 2001 4runner and read your page on the ARB am vary
> disappointed that know one knows anything about these Rigs.! I think I
> have call every expert i could find about lockers and gears. Now i found
> you :).
> what is the part# of the arb you installed. did you put the locker in
> yourself? was it hard ? i think if i open the rear end i want to put
> 4.88's in also.
> if you have time drop me a e-mail
> thanks Dave Reiner
>
>
The axles are identical. Look for an installer who is comfortable setting up ARBs and you should zero problems. The other mod I would recommend would be extending the rear axle breather and using a non valved cap on the breather. The last thing you want is getting debris into the axle with ARB installed. Second, the factory breather is a one way valve that allows pressure out but nothing in, unless it gets fouled. This means there is a constant vacuum on the axle housing due to the heating and cooling of the gases inside the housing. With the ARB, this constant vacuum would always be exerted on the locker seals. Even though it is a very low vacuum compared to the 100psi pressure that runs it, I'm for having the least strain on parts possible.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Wayne Cui
To: larsdennert@writeme.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2001 5:59 AM
Subject: ARB
Thank you for the info on the ARB. I too only see people complaining 2nd hand about the ARB. I haven't seen you say anything negative about it AND you have a web page detailing the install. Since I've been having a hard time finding a 3rd Gen rear locking axle, I think I'm leaning towards the ARB route. I have a 2000 Limited 4x4. Are our rear axles the same? Will RD23 work for me too? I'm sort of using your site as a guide.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wayne Cui
IT Manager / Project Coordinator
Cole & Associates, Inc.
To dissassemble the dash, look at www.larsdennert.com/4runner/clin That
should be enough to get it done. I'm very happy with the Panasonic unit. I
like the stock look and the sound quality is superior than going the RF
method.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 12:26 PM
Subject: 4Runner CD Install
> I've been searching for info on how to disassemble the dash in my 97
4Runner
> when I came across your website. You stated that Crutchfield provided
> instructions, but it looks like you have to purchase from them to get
access
> to that info. Unfortunately I've already purchased my CD changer. Would
> you be willing to provide me with instructions?
>
> Also, the CD changer I purchased is an RF unit. . . maybe I'll swap
that
> into my wife's car and upgrade to the Panasonic like you did! Are you
happy
> with the one you installed?
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
> Jason Lininger
>
>
Thanks for the compliment.
33" tires will probably rub. A great deal has to do with the width of the
tire/rim combo and not the height. A wider tire will rub when turning. 2" is
very marginal to fit 33"s. By lifting the truck the tire is moved away from
ALL sides of the fender and this is what allows bigger tires.
Certainly you could not drive off road without rubbing. At full suspension
compression it would rub. People have done it with 2.5-3" lifts and gotten
away with it. They only had to do minor trimming. That much lift is really
going to mess with the CVs and suspension geometry. Spacer lifts, which are
what you are looking at, still allow full compression unless you change the
bump stops. Depending on the type of lift you will either gain or lose
travel. How wide of a tire are you looking to go? That may be more key.
Are you wheeling that heavily that 33's are required? To date I have been
able to keep up with 33" equiped 4Runners and that has been some nasty
terrain.
The wheel wells will fit 32" with no lift and no rubbing. If you are looking
for the 33's for show only, you could probably fit 10.50 wide 33s and be
alright on the street. You'll still feel the power loss though.
Personally, the lift by itself is worth it. Looks good, increases clearance,
travel, approach, departure and breakover angles. Negatives: slightly
harsher ride when unladen, slightly more vibration, possible voiding of
portions of the drivetrain warranty.
So lift and tires will be even better. Hope you are not short, my girlfriend
still complains (jokingly) I went with a mild lift of 1.5", though it looks
the same as 2.5" lifts I've seen on other vehicles. Maybe it's because I'm
still running the 31"s. I was looking for a compromise between street and
off road. I needed more ride height when carrying camping gear.
Hope this helps some.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 2:30 PM
Subject: tire size
> Saw your website, nice. I own a 2000 SR5 4Runner 4x4 and I've been or
> rather a friend an I have been researching lifts and tire size. The
> biggest question we haven't been able to answer is can you get 33" tires
> with a 2" lift. I'm currently have 31" on my stock truck. I would like
to
> go to 33", and am trying to figure out if the cost of a lift and tires
> would be worth it if I only get 32" tires.
>
> Thanks for your help!
> Carol
>
>
>
> /* The beatings will continue until morale improves. */
>
Thanks for the compliments. The transfer and transmission breathers are located on top of the housings adjacent to the shifters which is already pretty high. The front is raised to the wheel well.
Lars Dennert
http://www.larsdennert.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 8:41 PM
Subject: Extended axle breathers.
Dear Lar's,
I rummaging through your site (it was nice, thanks!) and want to install the rear axle extended breather on my 2000 4Runner. I noticed you said that the transfer case and front differentials have extended breathers already installed and I don't need to mess with them. Did I interpret this correctly? I want to do all the breathers if I'm going to do this modification to the rear. Thanks for your time and for your response, and thanks again for the web page!
David Vestfal