I lifted a 1997 Toyota RAV4: A Project RAV4X4 tale

Thanks to an Old Man Emu lift kit, Project RAV4X4 is starting to live up to its name.
Be sure to read more here: leftlanenews.c...

[@BriansLegitEdits]

Just got a 96, going to be restoring and modestly building it. Thank you for the videos, keep them coming!

[@oandabelegger7966]

I like the information that you share and the level of detail you provide. You are getting me enthousiastic for a 2-door Funcruiser I saw nearby in the Netherlands. Keep up the good work and have fun doing it!

[@mayrolol]

Awesome vid man. You should pick up a set of some later wheels. The 99 5 spokes are pretty cool, there's also some sweet 3 spokes. You could sandblast and paint them and they'd look awesome with those tires!

[@martinjcamp]

The pure joy in your face when finally getting that back Shock off was worth the wait.

[@Zinger3030]

I just bought a mint 1998 RAV4 with 106k on it. Total score.

[@indianatone218]

So glad I bought a scissor lift after struggling for years ,my backs aching watching you !

[@indianatone218]

I love in America how the garages are so big ! Here in England there an average house for us cousins !

[@Martin-mp9lx]

Any website or part number for the lift kit?

[@joshuamorin2762]

You: "Why won't it come off?" Me: Lol. First time eh Good work showing the work nice and concise. :-) I appreciate someone who doesn't time lapse everything.

[@joel-hv8vc]

out of context but the color palette in the beginning shot is art

[@eduardmarian2459]

Link for suspension.🤙🤙

[@robdude1969]

I have a 1996 2 door I put the OME kit on. It's been on for about 10 years now... I am a huge fan. Also- if you want to get rid of those grocery getter rims and tires, Jeep Sahara take offs work well here.. same bolt pattern. I think I am running 225 Hankooks with no issues

[@xxxYYZxxx]

I have 15" Jeep wheels on mine, with 215/75 tires, which are 0.2" shorter than stock, but 0.4 more sidewall. RAV4 has no low range. Smaller tires = taller gear, so 215/70/15 or even 205/70/15 are options for zippier gears, and still gives a mild lift with the OME kit.

[@enriqueb4412]

@@xxxYYZxxx I have the stock steel wheels. 16x6 wheel size is the way to go. I’m using 205/70r16 and it feels much better for the underpowered engine and 4WD.

[@TheUltraazul]

Where did you get your lift kit?

[@Pizza64564]

Very nice man amazing license plate too

[@Rgh71fish]

Wife and I just bought a '98. Im excited about exploring trails with it.

[@williamperri3437]

Head gasket or transmission issues? I’ve heard the head gaskets go often on the first GEN and the transmission is problematic but apparently it’s just an ECU module and maybe a solenoid.

[@Rgh71fish]

@@williamperri3437 we just sold it a couple months ago and upgraded to a 2006 rav4 limited. The '98 was a good vehicle for us. It had 428,000 km on it when we sold it, and in the 2 years we had it I had to replace an alternator. That was it.

[@williamperri3437]

@@Rgh71fish wow! I don’t know the exact conversion but I’m pretty sure that’s over 300,000 miles 😮

[@Rgh71fish]

@@williamperri3437 it'd be around 267,000 miles. Ravs are super reliable vehicles that will run forever, with proper care. I think thats especially true for the original. If the world ever sees armageddon, the two things left will be cockroaches and 1st gen Rav4s lol.

[@williamperri3437]

@@Rgh71fish oh man, maybe I should buy one. I looked at one with 170,000 that had a super stiff nice suspension but a little bit more rust on the body zero rust on the frame and the other one had 266,000 immaculate body and frame but about 95,000 more miles.

[@christianjohnson4263]

can you give a link for the kit please?

[@spasticnapjerk]

Hello Drew, from another Drew! I might buy an old Rav 4 and your video helped!

[@OswaldoLeiva]

I recently got one and am looking forward to your lighting video so I can get some ideas. I’d like to update the rear lights but not feeling confident in the wiring. Thanks!

[@wickedmuffin76]

Your RAV has newer taillights (post facelift 1st gen). I have a 1999 I bought new and love it, a 2019 Tacoma has replaced it as my DD, but I am never getting rid of the RAV. I am trying to decide between a restoration or a restomod.

[@jamesfatula5824]

i do have he exact same suv same body nd color except its a 2000 model 244k miles still good 4x4 no issue driving in 3 1/2 foot deep snow ...kool

[@williamperri3437]

Head gasket ever go? Transmission?

[@gezegendebirgezginatravell6513]

is this shock absorber bigger than standarts.. ı wanna lift my rav 4 too but ı dont know how to do it..

[@curtrn]

The Old Man EMU is backordered do you have any other you would recommend ?

[@ruslantikhonov1387]

Hello from Russia! Good job! I own RAV4 1996 You can tell the numbers of the rear shock absorbers and springs, as well as the front struts assembly and the link where I ordered.

[@89FirebirdLT1]

They're not struts in the rear, they're called shocks. Struts are shock absorbers that also function as a suspension control arm, and are most commonly used only on the front suspension (with some exceptions)

[@TheDrewJohnsonExperience]

You have educated me. I legitimately didn’t know that. Speaks to how amateur my mechanics skills really are.

[@collinmcginley2033]

How does this lift kit effect the gas mileage?

[@saephan34]

Link to the lift kit? And how much lift is that? Also the highest they have on the market

[@juanmespinoza65]

Hello do you have a link for the lift kit??? The link you have doesn’t work

[@indianatone218]

Hope you remembered to get tracking done ! Since you disturbed all alighnment or tyres will be scrubbed .

[@victormassocha6206]

I'm happy to watch it I would like to modify mine

[@scoobygms210]

Like for Rav4 and the hilarious making fun of other Vloggers

[@marvensjoseph1943]

I know this video is posted 2 years but I’m hoping that i can get a link for the parts

[@eze8024]

Damn OME lift springs and new shocks only gave you one inch of lift before it settled? Did you lose any height after the suspension settled?

[@TheUltraazul]

Where did you get your lift kit man? I'm looking for one and can't find it.

[@darktolightpatriotapparel1219]

Needs more tire, but I dig it!

[@mabufinneser7208]

Can you do a Video on how to replace the 96/97 headlights with the newer facelifted ones from 98-00 ? I just cant do it on my Own hahha

[@andrewjones6970]

How much was the kit? Link??

[@nicholaskominski3746]

You need to drive it and then measure the height. Suspension settles after driving. Just fyi.

[@williamperri3437]

How’s the transmission and head gasket holding up?

[@Lurkur]

Loved your video! I´ve got a Rav4 1999 and I´m looking into pimping it up for some highland driving in Iceland. Can you tell me where you bought your lift kit?

[@tonikallinn]

www.rocky-road.com/ome-rav4-lift-kit.html Scrollaðu niður, og þú finnur fyrir 1996-2000. Skráð sem ''4-door''

[@TheDrewJohnsonExperience]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/npCsiGaDhdp4jpY

[@john-sw9fu]

We're all asking that question but no answers yet

[@gemarcelo23]

I have 1996 rav4 manual 4door 4x4. I wante to lift it. Do you still have the link of all the struts and coil you used?

[@yourdailylifecoachPH]

May I ask the part number of KYB Excelg front assembly that you installed?

[@enriqueb4412]

For anyone installing Old Man EMU Spring on KYB struts…. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT Order KYB part 334251 and 334252. Instead order KYB part 334241 and 334242 instead. Reason is 334251 and 334251 are impossible to install on the EMU springs.

[@user-jp6il2nz2x]

Great video! Any link to order the kit?

[@kevinc9934]

Dude I want one of these now lmao !

[@risingembersgaming7740]

Looks like you changed the taillights 🤔

[@john-sw9fu]

What are the name brand parts you used

[@tamarindodogs]

Looks like the suspension sagged 1 inch over time then you replaced it with OEM spec?

[@pvilhauer]

Where did you get the suspension kit from?

[@cheriemck]

Hi. I can't find the vid of you vinyl wrapping it.. can you point me in the right direction please

[@ronaldlan2150]

I have a 1996 RAV4 two doors where can I get a lift kit: Please let me know thanks

[@mercwithamouth5]

Hey you wouldn't happen to know the part number on that front shock would you? I'm looking to lift mine as well, but don't wanna spend so much on the prebuilt strut assemblies.

[@kelvingrandes4497]

Where u buy the parts

[@luiscaraveo1747]

Dude I love that intro

[@Lifebetweennaps]

Where do I get one of those hats?

[@bendavis8090]

Hey! How did you compensate for the higher rear? OME kits tend to be 0.5" shorter in the front. Do you think you need a leveling kit? Did the OME kit seem level regardless?

[@sergioherrera3029]

4x4 it's different than a all wheel drive ain't ?

[@reynaldoenriquez7596]

Awesome

[@mjserrata]

Great video. Looking to do the same on my pathfinder. Where did you purchase the lift kit from?

[@TheDrewJohnsonExperience]

Rocky Road Outfitters. Very happy with my purchase.

[@jayco9419]

Hi after you lift your rav4 did you wheel alignment?

[@markwitteman3775]

Where can I get this

[@huaraches5451]

What are the part numbers for the kby struts

[@randyd9414]

is this kit still available?

[@bigstillow91]

Has It running good so far?

[@joesgonefishin4789]

What tyres are those?

[@bryanheredia3374]

Where can I buy the parts I need the link please

[@levistrachan2212]

How do you tell if a rav4 has the lsd?

[@themanatee9276]

just show it bright colors and patterns and see how it reacts.

[@jmbwashi]

How is the ride after the OME kit install? I ask because I am interested in putting one on my SUV.

[@TheDrewJohnsonExperience]

Rides great! Also seems to corner flatter even though it’s slightly taller than before (probably because of the thicker springs than factory). I have a first drive review up of it you could watch for more details.

[@docoftheworld]

Amazing

[@enriqueb4412]

For anyone installing Old Man EMU Spring on KYB struts…. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT Order KYB part 334251 and 334252. Instead order KYB part 334241 and 334242 instead.

[@derekchisholm972]

Not sure if that was a vehicle virgins reference or autovlog reference. I like it either way.

[@hammerhead612]

do you have links to the products I have a 1998 Toyota rav4 with 1klbs of stereo in it

[@benzsheriff5569]

Toyota R4v you

[@808redeyejedi]

How much inches did you get on the OME? Was it the 2.5s? Thanks

[@xxxYYZxxx]

I have the same kit. It's 1" in front, and 1.25" in the rear. I don't suggest using bigger tires either, because there's no low range. I also suggest considering the "light duty" springs.The "med duty" lift springs are super stiff.

[@intwominds1943]

Fuck you're scaring me bro

[@keltonderkach9601]

1 inch hahahha was hoping for at least 2.5

[@josepaguilarv]

😂😂😂😂looks the same to me😂😂😂😂

[@David-qw2iv]

Aren’t they AWD? Not 4x4

[@john-sw9fu]

I have a 4 door and I want to put a lift kit on it 1997 Toyota rav 4

[@irlchristian9391]

I have a 96 have you found a lift kit yet?

[@cartermanning7260]

Is this Doug demuro or Chris fix

[@KingH734]

is this a fwd? or 4wd?

[@xxxYYZxxx]

The 1st gen 5-spd manual AWD RAV4's use a full time AWD system with a manual center locker. The 4-spd automatic versions have an "on demand" AWD system. FWD 1st gen RAV4's are more common tho.

[@geo4reels481]

What size mud tires did you put on?

[@xxxYYZxxx]

The RAV4 has no low range, so larger tires can be a handicap. 1st gear drive ratio is just under 19:1.

[@geo4reels481]

@@xxxYYZxxx what size mud tires did you have on?

[@oldschool64bus]

Those are NOT mud tires lol

[@xxxYYZxxx]

Unless you live on dirt roads or with heavy snow, 1st Gen AWD RAV4's are NOT good daily drivers; in that case get the FWD. The AWDs are excellent for camping or a as light overlanding rig. No low range means forget rock crawling or large ruts, but these are wicked in sand, snowy roads, and on typical dirt or gravel roads, and arguably better than 4x4 on many surfaces (rally car baby!). 5spd AWD's have a full-time AWD system, while the automatic versions use an "on demand" system. Both have uses, but the 5spd is more fun and ultimately more capable, tho not as good for daily use. Both the stick and auto get just marginal fuel economy, so expect about 20 mpg avg and 25 tops. Forget driving much more than 65mph for long stretches, as these are geared for trails more than highways.

[@JMunn55]

why is the 5-spd not as good for daily use? Everything else sounds exaclty like what I need

[@DonnieDarko1]

That's odd that you'd say that, I did recent long road trip on mine, northeast to down south, she easily went over 65 (85-90) and if I needed to pass vehicle up ahead, the dedicated ECT button on the dashboard came in handy just for that extra kick.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

@@DonnieDarko1 A 1st gen (edit, 4wd 5spd) RAV4 runs @ ~3200 RPM @ 70 mph, or ~3600 RPM @ 75mph. You can drive 90 MPH @ ~ 4700 RPM. That's not a highway vehicle or daily driver for highway driving. By comparison, my '07 Tacoma does about 2200 RPM @ 75 MPH.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

@Don Rosengouldschmidsteinbaumbergman This video shows how the Toyota All-Trac systems work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJq9on6mrdasgJo I've cued the video to the portion showing how the automatic transmission AWD system works, via a viscous coupling device. The video is old, but the All Trac system in the RAV4 is the same from the Celica. You may want to watch the whole video, as it also show how the system works on a manual transmission too. Only the 1st gen 5spd RAV4s had the full time 4wd, while all manuals and subsequent generations use the viscous coupler.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

@Don Rosengouldschmidsteinbaumbergman I like the 1st gen as a toy. To me, the later gens are too expensive to knock around in the dirt and they're not as good off road regardless. If the 1st gen 5spd 4wd RAV4 had a low range (like in my dreams), it would be pretty much as capable as a stock 2dr Jeep Wrangler.

[@vilanyvito7231]

បានឃើញរូបភាពដូបូមនិងរស័រ

[@dons1493]

I don't see any difference in height of vehicle...

[@LAactor]

Volume of music was waay too loud and voice portion waay too soft and also distorted. RIP eardrums of headphone users.

[@misapalok9105]

Красава американец

[@ratmirnikolayev6445]

For 1” not really worth spending the money on OME

[@TeoReSS]

100% lift? Lol more like 4%

[@samaddusti6229]

Waw

[@pizza2437]

STOP!

[@sibco96]

HAMMER TIME!

[@pizza2437]

​@@shondee7864I don't remember why I commented stop

[@carsonzhang5014]

still an ugly car