Well, let's be 100% clear here - all the stuff Tinkerer does is for a 4th/5th/FJ and doesn't apply directly to a 3rd gen. There were significant geometry updates between the 3rd and 4th gen 4Runners. The approach is great and gives you reasonable assumptions to start from - but you will need to measure/prove everything on the 3rd gen chassis.

The stock upper ball joint is most definitely the droop limiter before the CV once the shock is removed on a 3rd gen. The travel numbers you quote are 4th gen stuff, not 3rd gen stuff.

With stock upper arms and stock bump stops, you are limited to about 8.5" of travel on a 3rd gen. Mess with bump stops for up travel and you have to be careful of shock compressed length. Replace upper arms and get long enough shocks and you can get more droop. Thin top plate spacers can 'even out' the travel available. Watch out for spring rates that are too high and limit articulation, like Tinkerer found out.

If you want front articulation, step 1 is to remove the front swaybar. The rear can remain and stay factory if you want:

Toyota 4Runner Handling Modifications Addco Sway Roll Bars

I personally have an Addco front bar, but disconnect it for offroading...

Lot's more details can be found if you search the forums.

-Charlie