The 4Runner on the right is a 2014 Trail Edition (TE) with KDSS, featuring a Toytec 2.5″ front leveling kit and a Daystar 1.5″ rear spacer. The 2016 SR5 on the left is currently stock but will soon have a Pro Comp leveling kit installed. A 1.5″ leveling kit will match perfectly for a true front-level setup. If you’re exploring leveling kit options, we’ve compiled an overview to help you compare.
Note: Toytec seems to have discontinued their leveling kit, but the Revtek is a comparable alternative.
Once the Pro Comp leveling kit is installed on the SR5, we’ll replace the Toytec 2.5″ leveling kit on the Trail Edition with an Icon Stage 2. We chose the Stage 2 for its extended travel coilovers—definitely worth checking out if you haven’t seen it yet.
Front & Rear Leveling Kit Options
- Front & Rear: Check Price
- Front Option Only: Check Price
OEM Stance
The stock suspension on the 2016 SR5 4Runner left a lot to be desired. The body roll, loose steering, and noticeable nose dive were hard to ignore, especially after coming from a 4Runner with KDSS.
To address this, we opted for a Pro Comp Level Kit along with new wheels and tires. While this won’t fully solve the body roll or braking issues, it’s a start. For the blog, we’ll document the leveling kit install, followed by upgrades like coilovers, rear springs, and UCAs for improved stability and performance.
Leveling kits are a great entry mod, but they don’t provide the same benefits as a full suspension upgrade.
Toytec 2.5″ Level Kit
The Toytec 2.5″ leveling kit costs less than $200, making it an affordable and straightforward option. While we don’t have a step-by-step install for this kit yet, stay tuned for future updates on leveling kit installs.
You mention 1.5″ for the front to make you level on a 4runner. I have read that the from from center of wheel to bottom of fender is 19.5″ front/ 22″ rear. I have a 2016 Trail and I have the same measurements. That works out to be 2.5″. I am now confused. Was the 1.5″ you mentioned to leave a slight rake for a load? I am planning on doing a 1.5″ space lift in the front for now and running a 275/70r17 until I decide on the rest of the upgrades and path I want to take.
Thanks
No one responded to you. The reason is because a 1.5” spacer does not = 1.5” is actual lift based on what you are measuring. If I increase the bottom of an angle by .5 that does not mean the opposite end went up by .5 Depending on the length of the angle, the .5 increase at the starting point could equal a 1, 20, or even 500 increase on the other end….ok sorry for the attempted engineering analogy. 1” spacer should increase what you are measuring by approx. 2” and 1.5” might be closer to 3”///depending on how you measure and many other variables….bottom line…a 1” spacer is not going to equal 1” of lift from the pavement / wheel / whatever to the fender.
Brenan,
Im a rookie at this but have a nice 2016 4RUNNER Trail w/ KDSS. All I want to do for now is level the front. Without too much technical information, what is my best, safest, and easiest front leveling kit?
Thanks and great website!
LJ
Do you happen to know how high you can lift a Toyota 4Runner before it voids the extended 100k warranty?
I just bought a 2019 TRD off road Premium and defiantly need it leveled, not looking to go but the next size up on the tires, what front spacers do you recommend to level this vehicle out.
Thank you. Much appreciated information as this is my first mod and I want to keep it simple. I’ll stick to the 275’s.
Very helpful site.
I’ve read through comments so far but didn’t find exactly what I’m hoping to find out.
I’m installing the Daystar 2.5″ front/1.5″ rear lift kit (part # KT09134BK) on my 2017 4runner SR5.
I want to know if I can put 285/70/17 (32.7″) or 285/65/18 (32.6″) tires without running into rubbing issues.
You are probably going to slightly rub with both of those. Very minimal fender liner trimming and possible BMC.
Great info and website! I just picked up a 2019 SR5 premium with the XP Gunner package on it (it has 275/55/20 Nitto Grappler G2’s on it). I measured out the factory stance and my rear end is nearly 2.75″ taller than my front end. Would the 1.5″ spacer kit be undersized to level that? Almost seems like I need a 2″ kit to even it up?
I don’t mind there being a bit of forward rake but getting on three inches is playing havoc with my OCD!
While the install doesn’t look particularly difficult, is this something that most tire/suspension shops should be able to do?
2.75″ taller in the back is quite the rake. Without seeing the exact setup, hard to say but it sounds like a simple leveling kit should work, yeah. Just call ahead to a few shops or even bring your 4Runner by, most tire shops like Les Shwab and Big O Tires will come out on the spot and let you know what you need.
Brenan – You have a ton of great information here, so thanks! I am in the market for a 2019 Limited. It will primarily be a mall crawler with the occasional off-road adventures once every few months, so i prefer the creature comforts of the Limited. However, i would like to at least level, if not slightly lift it. The only option that I can find that is compatible with the XREAS suspension on the Limited is Revtek’s 432X kit for a 3″ front and 2″ rear lift. Toytec has a leveling kit (FJ3-RSP), but for whatever reason, they do not recommend it for 2018+ 4Runners. If I install the 3″/2″ Revtek kit, I am concerned that I would then have to also upgrade control arms to get proper alignment. Do you think that would be the case? Also, how would that lift look with either stock sized tires (245/60R20) or 275/55R20? Do you think I could squeeze in 285/55R20’s without additional modification?
Thanks in advance to any advice you may have.
Question- Just upgraded my 2016 SR5 with a new suspension
– 3” Lift
– Bilstein 6112 Coilover/5100 Rear Shocks
– 2” OME Rear Spring
– 285/70/R17 KO2s
My issue, it’s not level…exactly 2” difference in height from rear to front (rake).
Can I add a front only leveling kit to this set up…if yes shoul it be a 2” or 1.5” kit?
Thanks in advance…love this website and it has helped out 100% in this modification process.
Dean
Dean, you should have the option to set the 6112 at the highest lift option clip setting on the shock which should set your ride height at 2.65 or 2.75 in the front, can’t remember.
With that, you should not be at a 2″ difference. Are you saying your front is 2″ lower than the rear? If so, you need to adjust that clips to a higher setting. You don’t need a leveling kit now, that should be plenty for a close to 3/2″ lift.
Yes. Front end is 2” lower.
…shop is reviewing notes and will pull it apart over the holiday. Hopefully this is the issue…the shop says, that it was set on the highest level clip setting during the initial install, but it doesn’t make sense to me…after reading your lift/level section dozens of times- it should be level or 0.5” lower in the front compared to rear – not 2”.
…and the new Old Man Emu rear springs are probably not the causing the difference?
Thanks for the advice/insight!
Dean, yeah the OME spring should not make a 2″ difference unless you are at 1″ ride height in the front. Springs do need to settle in a bit, but never around 2″. See what the shop says, and let us know.
Talked to mechanic today…he set drivers side front at max height (C-clamp all the way up) and passangers side front C-clamp in the second groove from the top (according to Toyota, drivers side weight is heavier than passanger side). With those setting on the C-clamps, drivers side is sitting 0.25” LOWER than passanger side…and entire front end is 2” lower than rear end. He thinks it’s the 2” OME spring (hardness/stiffness) causing the difference…but not 100% sure…I suggested putting rear stock springs back on…but he said that could set front end higher than rear…any thoughts?
He doesn’t think there is enough room to add spacers to the front (given current set up) and could create issues with the PVC joint angles, UCAs, and/or tire rubbing issues as that would lift the front approx 4.65”. Right now current set up, has not required any trimming or BMCs (no rubbing).
I don’t know and don’t fully understand the “unless your at a 1” ride height in the front” statement, but guessing it may be the situation….since there is still a 2” difference. My 2016 SR5 is/was 100% stock with no mods when I purchased it…and I may have to live with the “rake” or contribute more $$$ to my midlife crisis fund – lol.
It’s purely a “look” issue (personal) and not a performance issue, as the set-up has greatly improved; roll, nose dive and general feel. So far, no one has noticed the rake, until I point it out.
Quickly learning that all 4Runner mods are not the same…can’t just cut/paste suggestions and get exact same result…baffling me as to why.
I just ordered a set of 6112/5100 for my ’16 SR5. My original plan is to raise the front by .85″ and keep the rear as is. I kept thinking, should I do a minimal lift in the rear by getting the coils between 1,1.5, or 2″ – there are few options out there. This is my DD rig and it’s an upgrade from a previous minivan. I wonder if it makes any difference in ride quality if I keep the stock spring, or go for new coil with the Bilstein 5100 on the rear.
Why not just keep the factory spring in the back for now and see how you like it. If you don’t plan to add additional weight in the back (bumper, tire carrier, drawer system, fridge, etc), then you should be fine. Nice upgrade from a minivan!
Thanks for the suggestion Brenan, I’ll keep the spring as is. Great website you have here. I accidentally discovered this when I googled for the recommended spots for Hope Valley photography, coincidentally found out you live in the area and has a passion for the 4Runner.
What about 285s with a Daystar 2.5/1.5 level kit? i have a limited, I didn’t want to rip out the xreas so i used that level kit. I ran 275/70/17 and they’re worn now, but im having 285 FOMO and i simply can’t get a good feel for if i’d have to get BMC done (which i’m not super interested in). Any thoughts
Just bought 2018 sr5 was thinking of of doing leveling kit but does does this effect the factory warranty in any way. Excellent site very informative.
Do you still recommend the diff drop if you only install the 1.5” levelling blocks in the front?
Not needed for 1.5″ in the front.
Thanks man! It’s my family wagon so I don’t really wanna lift it just yet…but that rake has to go!
I am planning to purchase the revtek 415 1.5″ front leveling kit. I want to upgrade my tires also too, (BF Goodrich KO2 285/70/17). Will they rub or do I have to do any other further modifications for it after installing the leveling kit ? I have a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium with KDSS. Also upgraded to the TRD Pro wheels.
Thanks Brenan
Steven, 285/70/17 (32.7″) tires will probably rub with a 1.5″ lift in the front. You should consider going to a smaller tire or a larger lift. Even with a 3″ lift in front, the 285/70/17s may rub. If you do need to trim, here is a reference and overview.
Hey, I just bought a 2018 SR5 4runner too and I´m planing to get some MT sidebiter|| wheels and Lt275/70R17 deegan 38 AT tires but someone told me it´s going to rub the front fender when I turn, do you think that a 1.5″ in the front would help with this? I wanted to get a front and rear one but reading this made me wonder if just the front one would do the work and still look good. Thanks and great work on the website, love it. I was
Thanks, Brenan
Spacers should help, yeah. 275/70R17s are 32.16″. It is hard to make any guarantees as every situation is so different. I would say you should be good with this setup as the stock tires should be 31.5″ tires. Going up .6″ should not be that drastic of a change but it could be just enough to cause some rubbing. Coil spacers are cheap and easy enough to install so you can surely test it out and see what happens and then go from there. Only you will know and see what is going on with the rubbing if any at all. You can either install a larger kit, upgraded adjustable suspension or start trimming at your leisure.
I just bought a 2018 SR5 4runner and am completely new to all of the different mods that I can do to them. Love the website by the way, it really gives me a lot of ideas. My first question is, i want to get a leveling kit for the front. Mainly to make it look more aggressive and get rid of the rake. I was curious though, if I did a 2″ or the 2.5″ would my stock wheels and tires look weird? I am saving up for the replacements but seeing as I JUST bought it and wanted to get some miles out of the stock tires before switching over. What would you recommend? Just leave it stock until I can get the more aggressive wheels and tires or would a 2.5″ on the front to level it out make it look better even though the wheels and tires are stock?
I’m getting a rev tek 1.5 inch level kit. What size tire can I run on a 2015 trail 4 runner with the stock wheels ?
I’m in a similar position as Jacob Murray. I have a 17 TRD Pro and looking for a little more aggressive look while maintaining the stock components (TRD shocks/suspension) as well as the TRD wheels/tire package. I believe they are a 265/70/17 by memory. How would the wheels and tires look on their with just the 2.5/1.5 leveling kit as shown in the above article? Thanks in advance for your help!
1.5″ in the front would level. It is all personal preference so a leveling kit in the front only would look nice if you want to burn through your factory tires before you upgrade. There is nothing wrong with that. But, if you go 3.5″ in the front and 2″ in the back, then your stock tires would look small. Front Option Only: Exactly Level: Price