Lift and Leveling Kit Install Video

Installed a lift and leveling kit on the 2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD (4thGen). Also got new TRD rims and Goodyear Wrangler (255/75x17).
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#toyota #4runner #4thgen

[@JimzOnDroid]

Hey man. Good job, you got it done. Here’s just a few notes if you do it again, upgrade or help someone else. For the front: You don’t have to remove lower control arm from the knuckle / lower ball joint. Just the bolt on the bottom of the strut & the ball joint cotter pin and bolt holding the upper control arm to the top of the knuckle. This way you will not have to touch cam bolts. Much more efficient. Remove control arm link top bolts if you need additional droop. Always remove abs bracket from upper control arm to avoid stretching it, or possibly breaking it. It’s one 10mm bolt on the UCA. The rear-most bolt on the strut assembly top hat can be accessed from the engine bay with a box end ratcheting wrench or better yet a ratchet with extension and swivel adapter on the socket. For the back The bottle jack method used to lower one side works, but it is easier to use your floor jack to jack up the other side. This will lower and relieve tension on the working side and is much safer than the bottle jack. If that little guy slips when your buddy was under there, wow that could have been bad. Use a support of some kind under the rear diff, as to not let the real axle droop to the point of stretching your brake lines. In fact please go back and check for swelling / cracking in the front and rear lines Incase they were stretched. Final product looked good, but you need to replace stock length rear shocks ok.

[@9to5Escape]

Good to know. Thanks for the tip!

[@9to5Escape]

After running the kit on the stock rear shocks for about a year on this leveling kit, the rear original stock shocks blew their seals.

[@ThomasCochran127]

Wow great camera angles and lighting. This video gives me a lot of confidence to do this!

[@tusakai3971]

Putting a 3 inch lift on my 03 4Runner this weekend. This video explains it so well. Love the camera angles as well. Thank you every much 👌🏻

[@trevorlandrum473]

Great video! The best part is that you guys are using Harbor Freight tools and not a bunch of high priced specialized tools that most people don't have or can afford to buy and use once. I'm getting ready to install this lift, '09 FJ 4WD springs, and Bilsteins. This video will save me a bunch of money by not having to pay someone to do it for me.

[@ourantlers]

Trevor Landrum How did your install go? I’m about to do mine next week. Any recommendations if you were going to do it again? Thanks in advance.

[@nordicpride9708]

Great video. Only one criticism. Use a breaker bar to remove bolts, not a torque wrench. A torque wrench is a precision tool which should be kept indoors(temperature affects torque settings), at zero setting, and only used to “torque” fasteners.

[@letsgoracing78]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw this. I paid a lot for my torque wrench it only comes out of it box when it needed lol

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Glad I'm not the only one that saw that don't have to mention it because you already got it covered

[@Bt26x]

Great video! It gave me the confidence to install the 1.5” rear Daystar spacers on my 5th gen today. Thanks for sharing. Keep the content coming!!!

[@artdewerk2192]

Thank you for this excellent production. It is very clear and easy to understand. I also appreciate the low-key background music. Most other videos include loud, distracting music. I plan to start my 2007 4runner lift project soon with the help of your video.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great camera angles and lighting guys as well as audio the Time laps came out sweet

[@caprisun6969]

I just want to say thank you for the video. You made it look so easy while the other videos really know how to complicate the fuck out of their videos. kudos and props!

[@teewuane]

Great video! I feel confident installing my dobinsons lift this week!

[@lukewenger7616]

hey just a heads up next time you upgrade suspension you can access that last top strut bolt through the engine bay!! found that ot and helped me alot!

[@SkeletorDali]

Pay attention to your brake lines when you are doing the rear. You can stress/break them while jacking the axle down to reinstall coils. Good luck all and be safe!

[@isaacbrasser1494]

Please note rear strut needs to be unbolted before you jack down the rear axle. As you can see in the video his strut was still attached and was over extended past the safety indent by about 2 inches. Incredible he didn’t yank the rod out of the strut.

[@altstuder]

it was unbolted

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very good informative install Video Nice work Looks Nice and level

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Don't look to bad Little big more in the rear looks nice

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Looked excellent afterwards, but I also spied a Subie Hatch(Which is in dire need of tail light vinyls lol) to the side.. Edit: I also subscribed!!!

[@robertpyles9289]

Another point of advice here. When tightening the pivoting parts like the lower shock bolts and lower control arm bolts don't torque them down until the full weight of the vehicle is pressing down one them. This is because rubber bushings tightened down on without the full load on the pivoting points will break free from their surrounds inside the the shock or control arms. This is a must on any replacement suspension parts coming from me an ASE certified steering and suspension expert. So don't follow these instructions to their fullest.

[@erikbalanza]

Super high quality install vid 👍👍

[@9to5Escape]

Thanks! Hope it helped!

[@erikbalanza]

It will be for sure. Just picked up a 04 v8 4runner for my wife, thinking daystar lift might be OK for her since it won't be off reading, then just upgrade to bilstien or dobinson when it needs new shocks

[@9to5Escape]

@@erikbalanza This is the exact approach I took. My rear shocks went bad so I ended up taking the Daystar kit off and installing Bilstein 5100.

[@PrisonerOfHistory]

Great video, great explanation. Great tutorial pal. Keep up the good work!

[@9to5Escape]

Glad you liked it!

[@MagicMikeSin]

Great video. The only thing that that made me cringe was when you were calling the front sway bar links tie rods. My Daystar kit should be showing up today, this video gave me some great tips!

[@7SixteenPodcast]

great video! going to do a full lift kit soon and this video helped give me the confidence to do it my self.. thank you!

[@jimborambo958]

You should torque the alignment bolts and shock absorbers when the truck is on the ground otherwise you’ll preloading the bushings

[@teewuane]

So loosen them in air, set back down so they’re at the resting position, then torque down? Would you need to do this to the rear control arms as well?

[@jimborambo958]

@@teewuane yes must be torqued down in resting position. I haven’t done the rear control arms but most probably yes. I did the front about 6 years ago with OEM LCA and didn’t know this so it didn’t last long only about 20K miles. I just replaced it last month.

[@robertpyles9289]

Just for future reference the very first thing this guy loosened wasn't the tie rod it was the sway bar end link.

[@team_ivy1276]

We are lifting a Toyota forerunner this week!

[@user-rr6eb2wi2l]

DoritoHead103 S How did your lift go? Doing mine this weekend. Any advice?

[@hassanahmedalhabib8032]

Great video.. it’s the clearest video I’ve seen ever regarding lift kit 4 gen 4Runner. Thanks a lot. I got a question. It is ok to lift kit my Toyota 4Runner 2006 to 2.5 in front and 1.5 rear as you did with keeping the same 16inch tires ? Thanks in advance bro

[@9to5Escape]

No need to change the tire size when you lift. I installed the lift so I could fit bigger tires on this rig.

[@jamesedmonds2266]

Bruh you got mad views. Respect...let's get into it

[@MrT1-b5f]

Just did mine! Thanks for the video!

[@jesussanchez18]

Great video straight to the point.. thanks

[@burliestmaxman]

Super helpful video. Any rubbing from this set up? Looking at doing practically the exact same thing to my 06 V6 soon and just worried about the tires rubbing. Thanks in advance.

[@9to5Escape]

Minor rubbing on the mud flaps and the fender liners. I heated up the mud flaps and bent them back to clear. For the fender liners I just moved them forward and drilled new holes.

[@dustinondrick7778]

Great video! What year Toyota wheels are those?

[@edgardosabinay1138]

Good job guys,i realy appreciate your help....

[@keltonderkach9601]

Stacking some washers on top my spacer for a little extra lift 😂

[@tervanun24]

Nice vid! Btw On the front, those were “sway bar end links” not “tie rods” that you removed

[@teewuane]

Yeah that was confusing me for a minute!

[@heberlara6079]

Good job man! Loved it

[@9to5Escape]

Thank you!!!

[@bradbeckett]

Looks really nice!

[@OffroadNova]

Did you use a torque wrench as a breaker bar and regular duty ratchet? I wouldn't recommend doing that. It might work in a pinch but you don't want to strain the internals of it as that might make your torque readings off. I've had it happen to me before. Always best to use a purpose built breaker bar to crack tough bolts and a regular ratchet to back them out the rest of the way. Great job on the video though!

[@9to5Escape]

Noted. This was a $10 Harbor Freight breaker bar that was the best we had at the time.

[@tannerstauter26]

Great video. I appreciate the help!!

[@Climaster]

What size tires are you using ?

[@AnythingMike]

I have a 06 4runner with a v8, it wouldn't go past 20mph, revs up but feels and sound muffled...the radio, Air condition and blinkers won't turn on.. what might be the problem? Any help will be appreciated..

[@dagabriel9416]

I purchased new shock mounts and the had to cut the bolts so the bolt extended seated properly. Steel bolts are hard to cut by hand.

[@bruceclark406]

Awesome video!! Thanks!! Have you noticed any rubbing with the bigger wheels and tires?

[@9to5Escape]

Yes, the wheels were rubbing the fenders and had to move the fenders up.

[@wh7758]

Did you take pre-lift height? From center of hub to the fender? Just curious of how much of actual lift you got.

[@9to5Escape]

These are the measurements recorded from ground to fender on flat ground: Before lift: FL- 32 15/16" FR- 33 1/8" RR- 35 3/8" RL- 35 3/8" After lift: FL- 36 11/16" FR- 36 13/16" RR- 38 1/16" RL- 38 1/8"

[@wh7758]

@@9to5Escape ... Thanks for the info!!!

[@ktpala5029]

Which direction on camber bolts do you turn to adjust negative camber to Zero degrees? Cheers

[@thehenryayakwah-report6629]

This is awesome Guys. I just purchase a 2006 Hylander. I plan to completely transform it and would need some guidance from you - you mind sharing an email? Thank you

[@cesaroliveira5061]

What measure do I have to place on the elevators of a 2004 toyota 4runner for 285/70/17 tires

[@kakhaberseturidze]

Great video... Good job...

[@radius8283]

You should torque the alignment when the vehicle is on the ground not on jack stands

[@9to5Escape]

After much debate, we have found that anything with a bushing should be torqued with the wheels on the ground. This vehicle was going to an alignment shop right away so it didn't much matter.

[@hondar6777]

Thanks for sharing! Does everything up front seem ok? I thought a differential drop kit needed to be installed if you go 2inches or more. I’m uncertain though.

[@aaronvogt8820]

The drop kit is "needed" if you go 3" or more. Opinions are divided on if you need to drop it at all though.

[@9to5Escape]

If you're uncomfortable with the angles of your CV, I would install one. I think the jury is out on whether a diff drop helps or not.

[@zacharystout2371]

Hey I'm grabbing a similar setup! Where did you happen to pickup your TRD wheels from? I know there are some replica ones out there and I'm trying to find genuine grey TRD wheels aside from buying off of marketplace or something. Did you use a website? thanks!

[@9to5Escape]

Bought OEM from a local dealer. Try parts.toyota.com

[@frankslavitsky7092]

Thanks for this, do you have a link for the kit you got, my 04 could use an extra few inches

[@9to5Escape]

Please see the Amazon link in the description.

[@lanajacknichols8397]

my7 03 sport v8 has X-RAES SUSPENSION can i put spacer kit like yours without deleting my X-RAES SHOCKS?

[@9to5Escape]

I believe so. The spacer shouldn't interfere with the shocks. Might want to check online first.

[@victorlucena6707]

Hello how did you trim your from bumper ? I have the same rings that you have but whit 285/70/17

[@9to5Escape]

Hi. I did not have to trim the bumper but I did have to move the fender liners forward and roll my mud flaps back.

[@izzyc.4746]

Love it

[@oswaldopacheco9582]

Hi, I have a 2008 4runner and I bought a 2.5-inch OME suspension, I want my 4runner to be level front and back since it comes a little lower in the front part of the factory, which I should buy to make it level, I hope you can help me, thanks you!

[@9to5Escape]

Typically the rear is about 1" higher than the front so you might have to go up 1" to 1.5" in the rear with 2.5" in the front.

[@Ariguelo1]

If my 4Runner 06 has these tires 265/65R17 and I want to Lift it 2.5”, Do I have to get bigger tires? Thanks for sharing the video.

[@ThomasCochran127]

William Ortiz I don’t think so. Most people do this to get bigger tires, but it’s not at all necessary. With the stock wheels/tires that you have, it will look like a 4runner body on a stock Tacoma frame- which is the look I personally prefer. Many like to do wheel spacers to even out the sway and have a less narrow appearance, but again, not necessary.

[@manilaicecream625]

well done

[@stefanb8511]

Question is it bad if you don’t realign the lower control arm bolts???

[@9to5Escape]

Your alignment may not be great and you might induce premature tire wear

[@otbb-los2116]

How are they holding up after almost 3 years?

[@9to5Escape]

After about a year I ended up replacing the springs and shocks. The shocks were original and were starting to lose their damping ability. Up until then, this kit held up wonderfully.

[@lukevaughn9613]

whats the name of the rims you put on? i really like those

[@9to5Escape]

They are the TRD rims by Toyota.

[@erikbalanza]

Do you think it would be level with just doing the front 2.5" and not installing the daystar rear spacer?

[@9to5Escape]

It would be really close to level with just the front spacer. You might only be about 0.5" higher in the front. With the front and rear spacers on it was still a hair higher in the rear.

[@erikbalanza]

@@9to5Escape thanks, installed front last night and putting new wheels and tires on it today. It looks pretty level as is. I guess if the rear sags I'll throw the rears in, hopefully by then I'll just buy a real lift 😁

[@9to5Escape]

@@erikbalanza Good luck! I had issues with the rear sagging so I ended up buying new shocks and springs ultimately.

[@Runescapeluvr4]

Does this setup rub much with those tires?

[@9to5Escape]

Minor rubbing on the mud flaps and the fender liners. I heated up the mud flaps and bent them back to clear. For the fender liners I just moved them forward and drilled new holes.

[@unodfredy]

Did you have to get an alignment after this? Or did the vehicle trail forward for the most part?

[@9to5Escape]

Yes, I got an alignment after the install.

[@teewuane]

@@9to5Escape did they mention your bushings in front lower control arms were seized or anything?

[@9to5Escape]

@@teewuane Yes, the bushings were shot after having 180k miles on them.

[@lowlowsandclothes9923]

4:17 ahhhhhh

[@julianvandersteen2303]

What size are those tires? Did you have to do any cutting or did they fit without rubbing?

[@9to5Escape]

255/75x17 Had to adjust the fender liner and the mud flaps for the front tires.

[@julianvandersteen2303]

9to5 Escape thanks. Are you familiar with the similar lift made by rough country? I believe it’s 3” in the front and 2” in the rear. Would you recommend the daystar lift over this?

[@508Adventures]

Does this set up rub at all?

[@9to5Escape]

Had to adjust the fender liner and the mud flaps for the front tires.

[@508Adventures]

@@9to5Escape thank you sick rig i love the light bar in the bumper

[@juanu8431]

Would a leveling kit like this work on a 2wd 2006 4Runner?

[@9to5Escape]

Yes, the kit fits 03-09 4runners both 2wd and 4wd. Please see the description for a link.

[@Climaster]

The 265/70/17 with stock control arms won’t rub ?

[@9to5Escape]

Might require a bit of trimming.

[@Climaster]

What size tires are those ? What it’s the biggest size that I can go without spacers ?

[@MrT1-b5f]

265/70/17

[@9to5Escape]

These tires shown at the end of the video are 255/75x17. I wouldn't go any bigger than 265/70x17 on stock ride height (might require a bit of trimming).

[@nateete6182]

How long did it take you guys?

[@9to5Escape]

It took us around 6 hours but it was our first time doing this type of install.

[@rudygp4l435]

What size tires did you use

[@9to5Escape]

Ended up going with 255/75 x 17

[@brianwagner9291]

Any change in ride quality?

[@9to5Escape]

Not much. Feels a little more "top heavy", but the damping feels the same.

[@JuanGarcia-dd5eu]

What tire size is the new ones?

[@9to5Escape]

255/75x17

[@JoshForet]

Was really considering something like this until a body shop buddy pointed out all the panel gaps in my 07. Now it's all I see. Thinking about selling and picking up another 07/08 4runner and then I think that'd be so stupid considering it's the same thing just no panel gaps. I'm assuming the panel gaps were the result of an accident in the carfax..car wasn't disabled or towed and carfax rated it as minor damage but man, it must have thrown all of those panels out of a wack. Think I should sell or just deal with it?

[@9to5Escape]

If it runs fine, no frame damage, and has been maintained then keep it. If you're going to be driving it off-road things are going to get dinged up, scratched, and separated anyways. If it's a 12 year old car - the body and paint won't be in perfect condition.

[@vadimnesen8060]

Honeslty my car was in the smallest of all accidents and put together in a non professional manner and the panel gaps were serious. But its no worry because I know it was a minor corner hit

[@immortaljatt05]

Ive gotta 05 4runner. V6 and the 6th cylinder is fouling the plug continually by getting wet all the time. I was told needs a head gasket, anyone facing the same problem?

[@brianwagner9291]

My 04 has been doing it for 3 years. Head gasket repair is $4K. When it gets hot and I have to do something I’ll just buy a motor from LKQ for $1500 and be done with it.

[@immortaljatt05]

@@brianwagner9291 Thats what i was figuring. Im in colder climate so its never a crazy scare just the head cycling isn't great while idling. ive seen engines for 3500 thou, thats why i was on edge about it. Freakin truck isnt even worth 3500 plus the engine install. Im probably gonna run it til it dies. lol

[@9to5Escape]

@immortaljatt05 Just had issues with a bad exhaust valve on this truck in the video. Check out the videos on our channel for a DIY head gasket replacement.

[@trinayang7661]

Please help, if I wanted to put those trd pro rims on my 08 4runner. Do I need to do anything special to the car?

[@9to5Escape]

No, should be the same bolt pattern.

[@trinayang7661]

I mean do I need to lift the car up? I’ve seen many video who put these rims up and almost similar tires that it rubs on the car

[@9to5Escape]

If you put the same tire size as stock it will not rub. If you increase the tire size you will have to lift the car otherwise you will rub.

[@trinayang7661]

Ok thank you

[@MaliciousSRT]

@@trinayang7661 I put them on my 06 and the fronts rubbed bad when turning sharp (TRD Pro's with BFG K02 265/65/17) so I lifted the front 2" and it leveled it.

[@hikmstafghan5571]

How much im in dubai

[@moves1112]

Can anyone help A 2005 4runner sr5 with 29k miles For 18k it has the same suspension as this video. Is it worth the money

[@9to5Escape]

If it's 4wd that's probably worth the money. You sure you don't mean 129k miles?

[@moves1112]

@@9to5Escape 4wd and there's ton of mods

[@9to5Escape]

@@moves1112 Prices are pretty inflated right now with chip shortages so might not be the best time to buy. But if you're in the market and need a car it's a good one to have.

[@moves1112]

@@9to5Escape he a private owner. Steering wheel is moded and many more. What u think

[@hondawilky]

Bro, are you seriously using your torque wrench as a breaker bar?!?! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@9to5Escape]

It's a $10 torque wrench from Harbor Freight. It's the best we had at the time. 😬

[@torchoffroad]

Great video! We would love to do a collab with your channel using any of our kits if you're interested! -TORCH

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That is one cheap kit there all poly plastic

[@9to5Escape]

Definitely cheap but gets the job done.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@9to5Escape hey if it gets the job done and there still holding up after all these years then thats a win win to me

[@richlucero3536]

What size are the new tires?

[@9to5Escape]

Tire size is listed in the description but the size is 255/75x17.