5th Gen 4Runner Lift & Leveling Kits: Beginners Guide

5th Gen 4Runner Lift Kits

Suspension Lifts & Leveling Kits – Which is For You?

Below is a compiled list of links to other lift kit pages on the site. This is not everything but we do try to update it often. If you see a link on the site that needs to be updated here, let us know.

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What to Consider

Lifted 5th gen 4Runner Overland Build

Deciding on a lift kit is a big decision because of the wide variety of offerings on the market. If you are new to lifting your 4Runner or lifting an SUV – this overview should help you understand the different types of lift kits and leveling kits.

Cost, Options & Intended Use

You can lift your 4Runner at a wide range of prices but in most cases, you get what you pay for. Lift kits and leveling kits range from $100 – 10K+. Although you can lift your 4Runner for around $100 – it might not give you the results you’re looking for.

First, consider your intended use before shopping. Once you have determined your intended use, then set yourself a budget. Seeing how there is such a wide variety of options, narrowing down your budget and intended use will drastically reduce the number of options to choose from.

Wheels and Tires

One of the most important factors when lifting your 4Runner is wheels and tires. We get questions almost weekly on “What is the biggest tire size I can fit on my 4Runner” along with trimming areas in your wheel well. Please read those posts before asking that question.

If you have stock wheels/tires and looking to upgrade your suspension, you should look into getting a new set of tires to match your lift. If you are installing a 2″ or 3″ lift kit and leave it on your factory 265/70R17 tires, it’s going to look disproportionate. If you are upgrading to a 2″ or 3″ lift kit, you should consider 275/70R17 tires. This will give you a well-balanced look. Some guys prefer to reach the 285/70R17 mark, however, that does come with a fender liner push back and 285 trimming.

With a 1.5″ front leveling kit only, your 4Runner will look somewhat normal with factory tires, although I would still personally prefer at least 275/70R17 tires. Depending on the kit, your tires may look pretty small with the added height, so this is something to consider.

Types of Kits

5th Gen 4Runner Lift Kit - KINGS

Types of Lift Kits 

  1. Front Shim or Spacer
  2. Front & Rear Spacers
  3. Strut Lift (Coilovers + Rear Springs) – most common
  4. LT (long travel)
  5. 6″ Drop Bracket Lift Kits
  6. Body Lift
  7. SAS (straight axle swap)

#1 – Front Shim or Spacer (front only = leveling kit)

For the most basic options, you have front spacers and shim kits. These are small metal or plastic spacers that rest on top of your factory coilovers. These are cheap and often designed to level the front of your 4Runner only. This is what you want if you are looking to reduce driver-side 4Runner lean, KDSS passenger-side lean, or remove the factory rake. It’s important to note that a .5″ spacer offers 1″ of total ride height lift.

#2 – Front & Rear Spacers (front & rear = leveling lift kit)

Then you have front and rear spacer lift kits (front and rear spacers – metal or plastic). The only difference between these kits is that they come with both front and rear spacers. You are adding a spacer on top of your front coilovers and rear spring which will lift both the front and rear of your 4Runner. The most common is a 2″ front and 1″ rear (2″/1″) but you can go with 3″/2″ as well.

Rule of thumb for ride height: 1″ in the front is level (removes factory rake). So for example, if you want to lift 4Runner 1″ all the around around, you want to 1″ in the rear and 2″ in the front.

Leveling lift kits are great for people who want a lifted look without enhanced off-road functionality and the performance of an upgraded suspension system.

#3 – Suspension Lift (Coilovers + Rear Springs) – Most Common

The most common lift is a suspension lift. With these lift kits, you get new shocks and springs which are also known as struts or coilovers (coil over struts), upper control arms “UCAs”, rear springs, and rear shocks. The height of these kits ranges from 1″ in the front to 3.5″+. The actual ride height or “lift” portion of a coilover is adjusted by threads wrapped around the front shock body. You can adjust the ride height in the front to your desired setting by turning a collar on the shock body. The more you adjust this collar, the more it will compress the spring around the shock (adjusting the pre-load). The more pre-load you have – the higher your ride height. Keep in mind, that the more preload you have, the stiffer the ride quality will be. To lift the rear of the 4Runner, you do that with a certain size rear spring. Springs come in sizes such as 1″, 2″, or 3″, and in certain spring weights such as 550lb, 600lb, 650lb, and more.

#4 – Long Travel Suspension

Long travel suspension includes a wide variety of upgraded parts including long travel coilovers, extended upper control arms, extended lower control arms, extended CV axles, extended tie-rods, extended brake lines, and oftentimes an upgraded steering rack to support the larger tires. This provides more bump travel (up travel) and droop travel (down travel). Long travel provides any lift height (usually 1″ – 4″) but more important than the height is that you are gaining more usable shock travel for off-roading.

#5 – Drop Bracket Lift Kits

These types of lifts are controversial.

For drop bracket lift kits, you cut out your front cross member and weld in a new cross member (drop bracket). Companies like FabTech & ProComp make these kits – most are around 6″ kits. They are supposed to keep the factory suspension geometry in place. The lower control arms, upper control arms, CV axles, and tie-rods are supposed to remain close to the factory location while the bracket lifts the body of the 4Runner. The results are supposed to mimic close-to-factory ride quality all while allowing you to gain a lifted body appearance which also allows you to run larger tires. However, you sacrifice off-road performance in ground clearance as the new crossmember (provided bracket) will sit closer to the ground. The result is that you will end up bottoming out over obstacles quite often. Those bigger tires may get you over obstacles, but that lower crossmember will get you hung up.

#6 – Body Lift

Body lifts (usually 1″) separate the body from the frame. Body lifts are a touchy subject among many people in every automotive circle. Enter into a body lift at your own risk.

#7 – SAS (straight axle swap)

Straight axle swaps are you when you remove your factory IFS (independent front suspension) and replace your front CV axles with one front straight axle. This requires many expensive modifications and can cost well into the $10K-$50K+ range.

Real-World Options: What to Buy

4Runner Lift Kit (OME BP-51)

Pictured: OME BP-51 Lift Kit + 295/70R17 Cooper STT Pros

Shim Kit (driver lean or level front only)

  • Ekstrom Design Strut Shims (2005-2019 4Runner): Check Price
  • Street Dirt Track (2003-2020 4Runner): Check Price

TRD Pro Lift Kits

ProComp Leveling Kit

Bilstein Lift Kit

Eibach Lift Kit

OME BP-51 Suspension

Icon Stage 2 Suspension

These are the parts that make stage 2. If you buy all the parts separately, you will save almost $200 (depending on state tax) as opposed to buying from Icon directly. I wish I would have known this before we bought ours. We paid almost $3000 after tax buying directly. Parting these options together will get you closer to $2500, and yes these are all the correct part numbers regardless of what Amazon says.

Limited Edition XREAS front level

  • 1.5″ Spacer = Exactly Level: Check Price
  • 2.0″ Spacer = 1/8″ Higher than level in the front: Check Price

Top lift kit & leveling kits (non-adjustable):

  • Ekstrom Design shims: $20
  • Daystar leveling kit: $150
  • Rough County leveling kit: $200
  • Toytec leveling kit: $250
  • Pro Comp Nitro leveling kit: $350
  • Westcott Design Preload Collar Lift Kit (great for TRD Pro and more): $350
  • Dobinsons 3.5″ front 2″ rear: $1000

Top Non-Rebuildable & Adjustable with clip:

  • Bilstein 5100/5100: $400
  • Eibach Pro-Truck 2.75″ front 1″ rear: $779
  • Bilstein 5100/5100: $600
  • Bilstein 6112/5160: $1100
  • ARB/OME 3″ front 2″ rear: $1200
  • Falcon Tow Haul Kit: $1200
  • TRD PRO Bilstein Shocks w/ TRD-tuned Springs – $1500+

Top Rebuildable & Adjustable Threaded Shock Body

  • ARB/OME BP-51 0-3.5″: $3000+
  • Icon Stage 2 – 3.5″ front 2″ rear: $3000+
  • Elka 3.5″ front 2″ rear: $3000+
  • FOX 2.5 lift kit 3.5″ front 2″ rear: $3500+
  • KING 0-3.5″: $3500+

Long Travel

  • Dirt King Long Travel UCAs and LCAs: $3000+
  • Total Chaos Long Travel UCAs and LCAs: $3600+

All Brands

  • Daystar
  • Revtek
  • Readylift
  • Rough Country
  • Toytec
  • Procomp
  • Radflo
  • Bilstein
  • Old Man Emu (OME)
  • Falcon
  • Fox
  • Icon
  • KING
  • Dirt King (Long Travel)
  • Total Chaos (Long Travel)

Leveling Kit Vs. Lift Kit – Explained

Lifted White TRD Off-Road with Massive Negative Offset Wheels (Blue)

Below we are going to look at the lift and leveling option as well as suspension options.

#1 – Leveling Kit: Pro Comp Level Kit

Pro Comp Level Kit - 5th Gen 4Runner

A leveling kit is typically done through a set of spacers on top of your factory struts and springs. Spacers are made of metal, rubber, or a wide variety of other materials. Spacer kits offer a good introductory solution to getting your truck off the ground. Spacers come with benefits and downsides.

The reason why most owners install a leveling kit (front only) or a leveling-lift kit (front and rear) is cost. Spacer kits are cheap. With an average range of $100-$300, spacers offer an affordable solution to lifting your truck. Some owners might also install a leveling kit because that might be all they need.

With a leveling kit, you are not going to see an increase in on-road or off-road performance. If you buy a leveling kit, do not expect your 4Runner to handle any better (body roll, nose dive, etc.). This might actually get worse with a spacer kit. With the addition of a spacer kit, you may experience a more floaty feel, more body roll, and even more nose dive than stock. But, this all depends on what leveling kit you buy. Not all leveling kits are made the same.

For the most part, leveling kits and leveling-lift kits serve as an affordable alternative to a suspension lift but lack the important functionality of a true suspension (coilovers, rear springs, rear shocks, and UCAs).

#2 – Suspension Lift Kit: Icon Stage 2

A complete suspension upgrade is going to offer better on-road and off-road performance.

Coilovers (Front Shocks)

Icon Extended Travel Coilover Kit - 5th Gen 4Runner

In the picture above, you see a set of coilovers (coil spring over shock). These specific coilovers are adjustable which means you can adjust your ride height in the front. This is also known as preload (adjusting the height on your coilovers). In this case with the Icons, we can adjust our preload from 0-3.5″ and even higher but above 3.5″ is not recommended. Too much preload can make for a very stiff/bouncy/uncomfortable ride.

Aftermarket coilover suspension systems are designed to perform better than factory struts and springs for use on and off-road, although there is a fine line between the two. With an aftermarket suspension, you want to find a happy medium of increased on-road comfort (less nose dive, less body roll, etc.) while also offering better off-road performance (looser, more flex ride).

Shock manufacturers tune shocks differently. Shock tuning can be progressive, digressive, or linear. If you want to learn more about shock tuning, camping, and valving – see this video for an explanation of those three.

Digressive shocks are bad at small bumps and large bumps, but good at handling and g-outs (wash outs). Progressive shocks are good at small bumps and big hits, but bad at handling and g-outs. Linear shocks provide the best all around performance. – AccutuneOffroad.com

Icons, for example, are digressive – that means they will be a bit more stiff on the road. The OME BP-51, for example, is an internal bypass shock which is typically designed to be a progressively tuned shock – that will offer a more comfortable ride quality on-road. The Bilstein line of shocks is also progressive.. a very comfortable ride quality on the road with great performance offroad. There is nothing wrong with Icons, they are just a stiff shock on-road.

For the everyday driver with occasional off-road use, I would recommend the well-rounded and affordable Bilstein 6112/5160. If you’re an everyday driver looking for a threaded shock body for max adjustability the OME BP-51 Suspension is a great option.

Upper Control Arms (UCAs)

Delta Joint Retrofit on Icon Tubular Upper Control Arms

Then you have upper control arms (UCAs).

UCAs are a part that connects your suspension system to the frame. This articulating part manages the up-and-down range of motion that your wheels go through. Depending on the height/ preload on your coilovers, you may need UCAs.

With a height of 3″ on your front coilovers, most companies recommend aftermarket UCAs. Aftermarket UCAs combined with larger shocks usually allow you to reach that happy medium 2° to 4° of caster or return close to factory alignment.

If you are running 2″ of lift in the front, lots of guys still run aftermarket upper control arms in order to dial in their caster. SPC and JBA are both popular affordable options when it comes to aftermarket upper control arms.

Rear Springs 

Icon 4Runner Rear Spring Kit - 5th Gen 4Runner

In the back, you have rear springs. Springs handle your actual lift and can range in levels of load rate capacity. You have multi-rate springs, progressive-rate, dual-rate springs, and linear-rate springs. Each of these springs has their place in different suspension systems. Depending on the type of system you are going for will depend on the type of spring you will want.

Buying Rear Springs

Check Dobinsons PDF for fitment on rear springs

In the rear springs section, you will see KG (kilograms). Just convert these Lbs to understand how much weight that spring can support (100KG = 220lbs). Dobinsons is a great resource for rear springs. OME also makes great springs; their most common is the 889 (medium) and 898 (heavy).

If you are planning on an aftermarket rear bumper (200lbs) rear drawer system plus a fridge (300lbs), then you want a spring that is designed to support that much weight. You are not just looking at the lift height of the springs but the weight rating as well. You first want to decide whether you want 2″ or 3″ of lift in the back, then decide how much weight you need to support. If you know you are going to add 600lbs to the back of your 4Runner, get a spring rated to support 600lbs or in most cases – a “heavy” spring.

Rear Shocks

Old Man Emu Rear Shocks 5th Gen 4Runner (BP-51)

Rear shocks are simple, they range in travel (how long is the shock) depending on the ride height of your rear springs. Larger shocks allow for more travel (longer up and down range of motion). Shocks can come with remote reservoirs that have more oil. More reservoirs = more oil = more heat dissipation. The more heat dissipation you have, the harder and longer you can push your shocks. Think about a Baja trophy truck racing through the desert, you want large reservoirs to support that amount of abuse on the shocks.

Factory Suspension

Highway Tires on 4Runner

  • SR5 Stock or Shocks and Springs: You have a coil-spring, independent double-wishbone (upper and lower control arms) front suspension with a stabilizer bar in the front. For the rear, you have a coil-spring 4 link with lateral rod rear suspension with a stabilizer bar in the rear. (Comes on most SR5s) – Check out our post on the strut spacer leveling kit install for the SR5 for more information.
  • X-REAS Independent Counterpart Shocks: (Connects the Passenger Rear right to Driver Front Left and Vice Versa). X-REAS helps lessen body sway, pitch, and roll.
  • K.D.S.S. Great for On and Off-Road: OFF-ROAD: Hydraulic Oil flows in loops from the front and rear cylinder which means the cylinder is not locked. ON-ROAD: Hydraulic Oil flow against each other from the front and rear cylinder which means the cylinder is locked. (Comes on Trail and TRD Off-Road models).
    • Note: KDSS will limit your travel due to the KDSS specific sway bar. If you intend on going past 6″ of lift or want to run a long-travel suspension, KDSS may give you extra challenges.

What’s for you?

Bilstein 6112/5160 4Runner Lift Kit

Pictured: Bilstein 6112/5160 4Runner Lift Kit

Deciding which of these is for you will depend on how you drive.

If your 4Runner is a street princess or you are going for appearance only, you might want to buy a basic leveling kit. But a leveling kit might also make your on-road driving a bit more floaty than stock. A leveling kit is just a means to an end. Leveling kits typically do not solve common issues like body roll and nose dive that are commonly experienced with our factory suspension.

If you plan for mild terrain, you may want to look at a mid-level suspension kit with adjustable clip coilovers as this will have the most flexibility off-road. This would be the Bilstein 6112 front coils and a 5100 or 5160 (remote reservoir) rear shock. You would also need a rear spring like a Dobinsons, Ico or OME spring.

If you plan to explore aggressive terrain, you might want to look into a fully adjustable threaded suspension like ICON, KING, Fox, or Radflo. These suspensions will offer the most up and down travel all while being rebuildable when that day comes. Taking it all the way with long travel would get you Total Chaos or Dirt King.

Final Thoughts

OME (Old Man Emu) BP51 Suspension Lift Kit

Understand your components

If you have an SR5, the options are almost endless and going to much different than if you have X-REAS. Alternatively, if you have KDSS on your Trail Edition Premium (TEP) or TRD Off-Road Premium (ORP), your options are going to be similar compared to the SR5.

Keep in mind, KDSS does have a hydraulic stabilizer bar front and rear that prevents you from going too high. We have hit 4.5″ of lift in the front with KDSS and have had no problems. So unless you want to go with a long-travel suspension, you should be fine with KDSS under around 4.5″. KDSS does make working on your suspension a little more challenging which is also important to note. If you want to utilize the most shock and suspension travel from an off-road perspective, look at an SR5 or a 4Runner without KDSS. If you want to ultimate in ride quality, then KDSS is your best bet.

Most websites and manufacturers do a good job of categorizing their products so you will know for sure whether that kit is made for NON-KDSS or KDSS equipped 4Runners.

You can always rip off your X-REAS or KDSS suspension (stabilizer sway bars and hydraulic lines) if you want to go higher, but do your research before you go pulling parts off.

Research Companies

If you need a solid company that you can call anytime, call Metal Tech 4×4. They are super cool, incredibly helpful and always around to answer any of your questions. Whether you are just getting started or looking to upgrade your current system, they make it all pretty simple and easy.

Research Parts & Prices

If you purchase a $3000 suspension and plan on doing it yourself, you should plan on having the right tools for the job.

If you are looking at spending $300 on a leveling kit, you may want to increase that dollar amount and just buy a Bilstein 6112/5100 kit. A full suspension is typically under $1000 and will work for many owners out there. Read that article. Lots of details in there.

Determine Your Budget

You don’t need a $2000 lift kit if you intend on rolling around your local mall. Sometimes guys overspend thinking they “need” extended travel lift kits like FOX, ICON, or KING. If you are going to do mostly forest service roads, a $1000 Bilstein kit with nice UCAs should get the job done.

If you are spending $6000 on an Icon stage 7 or big money on a Long Travel (LT) system… have fun!!

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[…] Mods 5 – Lift & Level Kits […]

David England
David England
1 year ago

I’ve got a 2005 4Runner wanting to make into a off road fun ride for the ranch ? any suggestions ?

T Arthur
T Arthur
1 year ago
Reply to  David England

I would run fox or Icon suspension.. or look on Toyotecs website https://www.toyteclifts.com/complete-lift-kits.html

Julie
Julie
2 years ago

We have a 2022 trd sport and would like bigger tires than the 245/60r20. What’s the most economic way to achieve a more aggressive look?

C Rice
C Rice
2 years ago

I’m looking to lift my 2014 limited and initially was going to do a pro comp leveling kit, but I think it’d blow out the X-REAS suspension soon or later. Curious on everyone’s thoughts regarding a suspension change and leveling kit for most road and service road driving for a 2014 limited. Cheers!

Aaron Jackson
Aaron Jackson
2 years ago

Hey guys, new here. I bought a 16 TRD Pro with the factory bilstein suspension on it. I’m looking to do a 2.5-3in lift all around to make room for some beefy tires but don’t know if mine are adjustable. If they are, what else would you guys recommend to get? Thanks in advance.

blake
blake
3 years ago

any lift/leveling kits available for 2021 trail edition?

WAEK
drifter
WAEK
3 years ago

I understand leaf suspensions are drastically cheaper than many of the other options out there but as an aerospace engineer I find them incredibly outdated and often limit the vehicles capabilities in several ways not just off-road. As more and more electric off-road vehicles become available I would think the double wishbone although modified would be an ideal suspension for our throating, although admittedly my expertise is far from automotive. yesterday electric off-road vehicle uses hub motors this type of suspension would allow shocks and or coils to put a tremendous force towards the ground and also allow for an extreme amount of travel so when one or more of your wheels are either much higher or lower than the others The force pushing down on each separate wheel along with the long amount of travel would make an excellent off-road set up. I sorry I tend to go off on tangents there my main question is although I know it’s possible how much work and how much cost would go into completely revamping a 4runner or Tacoma’s suspension into completely removing leaf springs and switching it all out into more of a Baja kit with all four wheels having a long travel double wishbone suspension?

RayC
RayC
3 years ago

I agree, a near level 4Runner looks better than one with the factory nose low rake. The rake ensures proper handling throughout the loading limits(envelope). However we need to remember that, during R&D testing, proper handling characteristics are ensured throughout the entire lateral and longitudinal center of gravity(CG) envelope.

A levelled 4 Runner that’s towing a 5000lbs trailer(500lbs on the hitch) or with a heavily loaded trunk will have it’s CG considerably aft. The result is less weight on the front tires thus affecting steering and braking. Maintaining some rake is always preferable.

Josh
Josh
3 years ago

Local installer is saying I’ll need an adjustable track bar “RR” to install any of these lift kits with a KDSS system even with a minor (2.75″ x 1″) lift. Anybody have the same need for this?

Adam
Adam
3 years ago
Reply to  Josh

I know this is a little late but in the past 2 months of lift kit research I haven’t read or seen anything about that being required.

Sandross
Sandross
3 years ago

I drive a 2020 TRD PRO 4runner. do i need to change my suspension? or can i just adjust it?

Mike
Mike
3 years ago

I currently drive a stock 2015 4runner TE and am looking to make my first MODs with a lift and larger tires (285/70/17). I get off road a couple times a year in the Appalachian Mtns so i’m looking for more clearance but its mainly an on road vehicle. With the few times I get off-road, what is the lift/setup that you would recommend? The local 4wheel Parts store recommended the OME 3″ but I have read mixed reviews. I’ve also been reading up on the Bilstein 5100’s which seem like a good option for starters. Budget for the lift kit itself without labor is around $1k. If i’m going to do it, I want to do it right and ensure the ride quality isn’t compromised on the road. Thanks in advance!

Glad I stumbled across this page. Lots of great information

RayC
RayC
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike, based on what you’re saying, I would go with Bilstein 5100 on all four corners(raise them to the 3rd clip in the front(approx 2in lift)) and Bilstein 1.5 inch lift coils in the rear. A great moderate lift with great value.

Rick
Rick
4 years ago

Just install this Bilstein 5100 lift. Easy enough. My TRDOR is now set up at 1.7 front with stock springs, and 1″ lift springs in the back. Tires went to BFG 275/70R17 K02’s on the stock TE / TRD Off Road rims. No KDSS. Had to trim a tad (<1/8") off the forward inside corners, because the tires lightly tapped against it when hard-turning in reverse. Lots of room left for the alignment. Combo of tires and lift yielded 2.25" up front and ~1.5" in the rear (ground to top of fender well). I didn't want this to look far from stock, but hoping for what I'd call a "gentleman's lift". -Rick

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AJH
AJH
4 years ago

Great info all around here… I am curious about why I don’t hear more about Low Range Off-Road’s LRT 3″ leveling kit. Any thoughts, or reviews there?

JESUS QUINONES
JESUS QUINONES
4 years ago

I’m looking for info on OLD MAN EMU OMEKIT-001There’s only like one video on YT for this kit. $960 ish.

Carlos Mayer
Carlos Mayer
4 years ago

I have a 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-road Premium. I am getting mixed messages whether the PRO COMP NITRO 2 INCH REAR and 3 INCH FRONT LEVELING LIFT KIT – K65210K actually fits my car or not. Following your link above to check the price on AMAZON confirms the fit for my car but going on PRO COMP`s website and do the car specific check, it says that “there are no parts in this category”. I called the sales rep from PRO COMP who confirmed that it wouldn’t work with hydraulic shocks. He was pointing me to the lift kit K5156B which is much more than I want.

My car is still with all original parts from the factory. Could you please re-confirm if PRO COMP 65210K is a good fit for my car? Thank you! Carlos

Carl Badgley
Carl Badgley
4 years ago

I have a new 2020 4runner TRD Off Road with KDSS. I am on the Big Island of Hawaii and am looking for the best solution to go anywhere on the Island. Any Big Islanders here?

Carrie Kreiser
Carrie Kreiser
4 years ago

I have a 2019 TRD Pro, my question is simple. Do you recommend a level or a lift in my case. I do use it off road, somewhat aggressively. I want t do it right. It’s time for some upgrades.

IMG-0716.jpg
Sandross
Sandross
3 years ago
Reply to  Carrie Kreiser

following

Jeromy
Jeromy
4 years ago
Reply to  Carrie Kreiser

Carrie, I also have a 19 Pro and can tell you that you’d probably want a suspension system based on what you said about what you do with it.

If you travel fire roads with occasional ruts and brush here and there, you could get away with a front/rear level kit like what ToyTec has with a slightly larger diameter tire. If you want to bash on it and go places with some “interesting” terrain, and don’t want to play with the idea of high centering and getting stuck, then just get a suspension system.

The suspension systems will generally allow for a larger tire (like a 275/75/17 or 285/70/17) but you’ll have to consider regearing once you cross a certain diameter threshold. If you live near mountains, your vehicle will constantly be “gear hunting”. Nitro gear or east coast gear supply have options to remedy that and make it truly proper.

Cheers

Aria khosravi
Aria khosravi
4 years ago
Reply to  Carrie Kreiser

Following as well

Bertram Fukuda
Bertram Fukuda
4 years ago
Reply to  Carrie Kreiser

Following as I have the same question.

Jacobcaldwell94
Jacobcaldwell94
4 years ago

I am looking into getting a 4Runner and want to run a small Eibach 2.75” stage 1 suspension lift and get aftermarket UCA’s. Will I and or has anyone ran into traction control issues or lights being on or anything of that nature after installing a lift like this? I have a f150 and put a 2”spaced level on it and the traction control kicks on all the time going around turns. Very annoying.

Jeromy
Jeromy
4 years ago

Sounds like a problem that starts with an “F” and ends with an “ord”.

Dave Larson
Dave Larson
4 years ago

I’ve done quite a bit of searching all over the net and your info site. I went with the 6112/5160 (1.6 setting in the front) set up with keeping OEM rear springs. I was loaded up with gear and had quite a bit of sagging in the rear.

Are there replacements for the OEM rear shocks to keep stock height that are stiffer to avoid sag while loaded?

Mike
Mike
4 years ago

So as a general question, I bought a used 2016 TE w/out KDSS that had a “Spacer Lift” on it. It’s sitting pretty on 285/70/R17 but the ride is awful. Brake dive & unreal body roll. My hope is to replace the spacers with suspension but I am honestly not sure what is installed on it. I don’t want to buy parts and not have them fit as this is my DD. If anyone has any feedback on how I can tell what I need that would be graciously appreciated.

I think it already has had Body Mounts Chopped to fit the larger tires.

Christian
Christian
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

I bought my ’17 TRD Offroad used and just found out it has a spacer lift. Im not very particular with the ride quality, I feel its comfortable. But, I am also wanting to replace them with suspension lift. Ive been researching Bilstein 5100 and it seems appropriate to replace the front spacer…still doing more research and also would wait for feedbacks here…

Blake
Blake
4 years ago

Going with the Pro Comp leveling kit, I dont think I’ll do too terribly much off-road when I purchase my runner this weekend. However I would like to have an aggressive look to the tires/wheels. What tire size would you recommend for that kit? I don’t mind trimming the fender liners.

Charles Rogovoy
Charles Rogovoy
4 years ago
Reply to  Blake

I also would like to know this!

Gideon Ladd
Gideon Ladd
5 years ago

Curious if anyone has experience with simple level & lift (front and rear) on the TRD Pro suspension? Looking to gain only 2″ to accommodate slightly larger tires for what I do and not scrap the Bilstein setup as it otherwise seems fine for my purposes.

Jim
Jim
5 years ago
Reply to  Gideon Ladd

I did a revtek kit a few months ago on my 2019 about i’m about ready to pull it all out and get KING cause i wanted that awesome stock ride back that i lost with the revtek front/reaf lift/level kit but need a lift for my 33s.

shawn pfeiffer
shawn pfeiffer
5 years ago

I have a general question. I bought a 2019 TRD off Road Premium that the dealership installed a Toytec 3″ complete lift. My question is, should the front driver side and the front passenger side measure the same height? Right now the front driver side is 39 1/2″ from the bottom of the fender to the ground and the passenger side is 39 3/4″ from the bottom of the fender to the ground. I have taken it back to the dealership and they said that as long as it is within a 1/4″ then it is in specs. Is this a normal thing or should I raise some stink at the dealership

Jeromy
Jeromy
4 years ago
Reply to  shawn pfeiffer

If it’s adjustable, just raise the lower side or lower the high side. Done.

Don’t mess with the dealer if you can avoid it. I won’t let them touch mine for regular maintenance because I don’t trust them. You’ll get some 16 year old kid putting your oil drain plug and skid plate on with an impact…

RainGoat
RainGoat
4 years ago
Reply to  shawn pfeiffer

Do you have KDSS? This can cause a lean when lifted.

Andrew
Andrew
5 years ago

Great breakdowns always! I have been pretty addicted to your site since I bought my 4runner this January but I think I might be in over my head when it comes to suspension. I have a 2019 Sr5, currently stock tires (plan on upgrading once the stock ones wear down a bit) but we recently went camping and the stock suspension was weighed way down due to a loaded roof rack, rear hitch carrier, 2 dogs and a cooler inside the cab. I don’t plan on doing any major off-roading in this vehicle as its my daily driver, but it will see plenty of logging roads, gravel, sand etc. What would you recommend for daily driving, ability to handle a slightly larger than stock tire (285/70/17) and roughly 400-500lbs of additional weight for camping trips?

Thanks again for all your work. It is a such a great starting point for new 4runner owners!

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