2001 Toyota Highlander as an Expo vehicle

[LongbowMick]

My wife and I have one and I would like some ideas for using it as an Expo vehicle, will be used mostly for light trails and to get back into places where we'd go back in further on bikes or foot and camping.

I'd like to get a rack up top and and maybe add some ground clearance.

I like what you guys are doing with the Subies, so that's the direction I'm leaning.

Thanks

 

[ihatemybike]

Roof baskets will be very easy. My wife's Jeep has the Rage Products - Black Widow basket and we're happy with it.



Quick check on the web I wasn't able to find any kits or forum threads where someone has done a custom lift. Doesn't mean that it's not possible.

Will you be working on this yourself? Having a shop play till you find the solution that works best for you would get expensive.

Since your vehicle is older, the first thing I'd do is install new struts and springs. Most coil springs do sag with time and fresh suspension will give you a good base line.

Most independent suspension vehicle seem to be able about 2" of lift, but it would be wise not to start there. While not the most favored, the easiest method to achieve lift would be by adding spacer plates above the strut mounting plate. Whatever thickness spacer plate will be doubled at the axle, so 1/4" spacer plate will result in 1/2" of lift, 1/2" plate = 1" lift and so on. Using spacer plates may require replacing the studs in the mounting plates with longer ones.

Lifting with springs and longer struts would be the most ideal, I currently don't know if any exist that fit the Highlander though.

In my quick search I wasn't able to find bump stops for the Highlander, but they will need to be addressed. Don't want to destroy the struts by bottoming them out.

Another thing to think about is wheel camber, as the top of the wheels will angle out some, positive camber. From what I see a cam bolt is used to adjust camber. Depending on lift the stock bolt may not be enough to bring camber back into spec and custom parts would have to be made.

While there are some naysayers, Firestone's lifetime alignments are very helpful. With my wife's Liberty we've changed suspension set ups a few times and have had no problem getting the alignments done. Think we've had her Jeep done 6-7 times in the 4 years we've had the service. They know we do our own wrenching and if I'm not BSing with the tech the whole time, I'm out in the shop once or twice while the vehicle is on the machine.

 

[tradman]

Nothing you are describing sounds like an expedition to me. Should be fine.

 

[mapper]

An AWD vehicle like the Highlander is perfect for that kind of thing. It would be worth getting some A/T tires, including a full sized spare. Usually you can up size the tires a bit which will give you a little more clearance under the axles. I've done this, including some minor lift work, with a Volvo XC70 and an AWD Astro. Both are capable of getting more far more places than I actually have time to go. As long as you don't try to push things on the trail i.e. take on real 4x4 trails, walk it through boulder fields or cross rivers you should be fine. I'm the same way. I, mostly, like to use the vehicle for the approach, not the adventure. Soon enough the landscape entices you further and further though...bikes, feet, skis, kayaks, rafts etc. still work though. :wings:

 

[Kaisen]

Even though they're both all-wheel-drive, the Highlander and the Forester are quite different.

A 2001 Highlander is a front-biased (90/10) system that spins the front before mildly engaging the rears
A Forester is a 50/50 split that can transfer power fore/aft


However, based on what you've outlined, it shouldn't be a large issue. Just don't try to follow a Forester on a more challenging route