I have a '14 T4R Trail (KDSS). Stock, it sits with over 1.5" drop in the front. I see that some people level with Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to leveling with the adjustable shocks over just putting a permanent 1 - 1.5" spacer on the front. If I use a spacer, I will also be upgrading shocks while I'm at it to Bilstein or Rancho. I'm not looking for a rear/full lift at this point, just leveling.

Also, I won't be doing this myself. So cost is always a factor.

Thanks for your help.

If you are having the shocks replaced anyway it's cheaper and will likely be a better ride just to have them set the bilsteins to a higher setting up front.

More info here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...5-pic%60s.html

This might help as well:
5th Gen 4Runner Lift Buyers Guide

Like you I wanted to level...The very simple answer is this:

Get the adjustable front bilstien 5100s, I got mine from 4wheelparts, they were about $90 per, the rears wee a bit cheaper. Had a local shop install for $150ish. Then had the dealer align for $55 plus tax

Don't waste money on a spacer, set the billy's to the 3rd sot 1.75" this will give you a level stance, the .85 will give you a slight rake

just set billys at 1.75 and you will love it. improves ride and handling keeps nose dive to min.

Honest opinions^^.

This is also the route im going, 5100s.

Using spacers is an easy and economical way to level your 4runner. They won't make the ride harsh though I still suggest getting adjustable shocks. Shocks can improve ride quality and prevent sagging. Bilstein is a popular route since it is known for its longevity. Another brand option is the rancho shock. They also have adjustable shocks.

Just do all four in Bilstein, set your front to 1.75, and while you or someone else is underneath just have the 1" rear spacer installed. Many have reported reverse rake with 1.75 front and nothing rear when they have a load.

Here's mine 1.75 front and 1" rear spacer.

Attached Images

 

That looks great. Same color too. Are those the stock tire size (265/70)? Just tying to picture the look I'm going for.

bilsteins set to 2.5 and a 1.5" rear spacer or coils.... if you are gonna do it... then do it.

Stock tires.

Get the Bilsteins set the front to .85. No rear spacer needed. You will then have a slight forward rake.

All the above (is true)... You have to decide what type of ride you want, along with the desired stance. Just want to level only with a softer ride? Add a quick front spacer and be done with it. Want it to ride firmer? Go the Bilstein route and then decide how much lift you want... .85 front will leave you with slight rake but no more "squashed" look. 1.75 front and 1 inch rear spacer will look the same as .85/nothing, just a little higher/meaner.... 1.75 front/nothing rear will level your fenders, but leave about 1/4 negative frame rake. All of these settings will still look pretty much okay with stock size wheels/tires. @ST1FLER set-up is the highest/meanest of the bunch... But I probably wouldn't recommend rolling that unless you are up-sizing your tires too. But hey, to each his own. It's your rig, do as you please. There are PLENTY of pics for every single one of these settings on here if you dig for them. Each member here likes different set-ups... I would find some pics and just go with what you like.

So will a !" spacer will get you just shy of level? I wanted to level our SR5 up like I did my Tundra. The Tundra had to have more lift to get it level so I went with ProComps but if a !" spacer will get close I may just do that. This 4Runner rides so much better than the Outback it replaced and my 15 Tundra rides like a wagon so I really don't want to mess with it too much but the nose dive is a little weird to get used to. Thanks!