If you’re the owner of a 5th Gen 4Runner, you likely didn’t choose your vehicle for its mediocre fuel economy or ancient features, but rather for its unrivaled reliability. This is an optimal platform to build for off-road and overland use, but the kind of people who choose a 4Runner aren’t likely to sacrifice their reliability when modifying their vehicle. It’s for this reason that 4Runner owners have turned to ARB’s Old Man Emu suspension lineup for over a decade when lifting their rigs. Specifically, their Nitrocharger lift kit has been the go-to suspension system for those looking to retain factory reliability, all with the added benefit of one of the lowest price points on the market.
Earlier this year, ARB released their newest take on this overland staple— the Nitrocharger Plus. Alongside a fancy new paint job, ARB has promised a handful of added features in the Nitrochargers’ newest generation, but seasoned off-roaders might be hesitant to believe this variant is as robust as its predecessor. In this article, we’ll compare the appearance, performance, reliability, and features of these two generations to determine if the Plus Lift Kit is worthy of the name.
If you’re interested in a different look, check out my install and review.
Table Of Contents
The Reputation
Before we look at the Plus, it’s important to understand the long-standing reputation it’s meant to uphold. The original Nitrocharger lift kit has been trusted by off-road enthusiasts for years as a means of improving both ride comfort and off-road capability without sacrificing the factory reliability.
It has historically been offered as a modest, 2-3 inch lift kit at a price point of around the $1000 mark– similar to other, less robust, entry-level kits on the market. This was sufficient to clear a ~33″ tire with minimal rubbing while avoiding many of the pitfalls of a more complex and dynamic suspension system. The original utilized gas-charged shock absorbers which balanced harsh off-road performance and on-road comfort.
The Plus was introduced to integrate recent updates in our understanding of suspension dynamics into the simple, reliable original. The intention of these upgrades was to optimize the performance achieved by the suspension system while remaining at an entry-level price point. ARB accomplished this by adding a handful of new features and design changes, which we’ll explain in detail in the following sections.
Appearance
Look behind the tire of many overland builds and you’re likely to see the signature yellow and black color scheme of an Old Man Emu lift kit. The original Nitrochargers are easily identified by a simple yellow shock sheathed by a black plastic covering. This simplicity was adequate for the mission at hand, especially considering that the shocks were almost always obscured by the wheel and tire, but still left much to be desired.
The Plus shocks adhere to the classic yellow and black design, but incorporate a couple of finishing touches that complete the aesthetic of the shock. The black sleeves now include the ARB logo and “Nitrocharger+” embossed in white. Beyond the suspension itself, owners have reported a more level stance with the newer generation, especially when loaded down with gear in the back. These details are certainly minute, but make an observable difference to those with a keen eye. Regardless, both generations allow for larger tires to be fitted, giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance and a massive improvement in appearance.
Performance
Toyota’s choice to use IFS across its 4WD lineup prioritized on-road comfort over sheer off-road capability. Aftermarket suspension has the potential to completely upset this delicate balance or enhance both aspects of driving. The original Nitrochargers, with gas-charged shocks, were known to have accomplished the latter.
Like with any lift kit, the increased shock length gave better articulation off-road which equates to better stability and traction on uneven roads. On-road, their superior shock absorption over OEM made for an improved ride quality. However, the softer dampening in the original Nitrochargers meant that they handled similarly to factory 4Runners in turns with substantial body roll. The Plus solved this issue completely.
This highlights the largest difference between the two generations. The Plus is equipped with a revised valving system that provides much more precise damping, which results in better handling on both highways and trails. The first time I took my 4Runner through a turn with the Plus installed, I was shocked by how well it handled; I could now flow through curves on mountain roads without worrying that my rig was about to tip over.
I’ve since had several others drive my rig both on and off-road, including an owner of a 4Runner equipped with the original set, and they’ve universally been amazed at the difference in performance on board.
Reliability
An Old Man Emu Nitrocharger coilover after 10,000+ miles of intense use.
If you’re looking to take your compatible vehicle well off the beaten path, chances are this is the most important category to you. After all, the reason to buy a lift kit with the Nitrocharger name isn’t for aesthetics or performance, but rather to trust that it won’t fail when you push your suspension to its limits.
It’s widely held that when building the originals, ARB held the shock to a standard of being equal, if not superior to factory suspension in terms of reliability. They’d need to be well-sealed to protect against dirt, debris, and moisture, and last for extended periods even under harsh use. With many 4Runner owners out there who have run ARB suspension on their rigs for over a decade without fail, it’s safe to say ARB lived up to their name.
This leaves the Plus with a difficult reputation to uphold, much less exceed. ARB built on their legacy of reliability with further advancements in construction, focusing on using high-strength materials and improved sealing techniques to enhance the longevity of the shocks. Additionally, the nitrogen gas chambers are better protected from temperature extremes, which prevents the common issue of shock fade during prolonged use in harsh climates.
Customization
There’s one last addition that ARB gave to the Nitrocharger Plus shocks that can’t go without mention–adjustability. The front struts can be pre-set to the owner’s desired preload before installation, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension for towing, daily use, heavily outfitted overlanding, or anything in between.
For reference, this feature wasn’t included with the effectively fixed-height original version. The added capability of adjusting the shock height gives owners the option to personalize their build to their use case and even change their suspension system as their mission changes.
Final Thoughts
My intention with this post is to determine if this updated kit is worthy of the title and the answer is a resounding yes. While it remains to be seen exactly how these shocks hold up over time, it’s safe to say that you can place your faith in ARB reliability. Moreover, the Plus integrate several new features that could theoretically extend their longevity beyond even that of the originals, all while massively improving handling in turns.
As ARB Old Man Emu and their U.S. retailer, Mudify, transition towards focusing their sales on this newer variant, off-road and overland enthusiasts can trust that the Nitrochargers Plus will outperform its already fantastic predecessor. ARB is, and will continue to be, the leading name when it comes to high-quality aftermarket lift kits that retain factory reliability.
