I think we can agree that suspensions are on the list for many people including myself. I myself will probably end up getting suspensions some time this year if I do get any which is where I need some help from you guys who personal experience with the different lift options and frankly to keep it real with me as this is fairly all new to me still and I rather not spend money on something I don’t need.

Originally I wanted to go with Icons because I saw rigs that I liked that were using them but after doing some reading and researching, it didn’t seem like the right fit for me as it sounds like they are a stiffer ride than the stock Trail Premium suspensions. I won’t be doing much off roading if any other than maybe when I’m feeling adventurous with some buddies. So I think we can rule out, Kings, Total Chaos, OME, etc as options. Mine will be used mostly as a daily driver and for fishing (summer and winter), camping and hauling mountain bikes/canoes and small boats. For the times I do go fishing and camping, I will have heavy loads in the back and cargo on top. (My friends have been buying canoes/bikes waiting for one of use to get a SUV and I was first… lol) I also want to rock some 275 tires as well.

I’ve talked to some other 5th gen 4runner owners and some with older and the answers as to what I should get are mixed. Some of the owners of older models say just get a level kit, maybe spacers or Bilstein 5100 front and rear or leave it stock as they say the stock suspensions are plenty capable for my needs and I agree but the newer 4runner owners tell me get a lift.

From what I’ve read, it sounds like if I go with a level kit, I can get away with running 275 tires with no rub and should be good for the heavy loads I’ll be carrying. So the question is, do I go with a lift or a level kit or say neither and just throw on the 275 tires and mod the fenders if I have any rubbing and save my money for a roof rack and other mods?

I also live like 3 minutes from Toytec and could always go there and talk to them but we all know how that goes sometimes so I wanted some opinions from here first. I’m also a firm believer in “better to have and not use it than not have and wished you had it” but does this apply with suspensions?

Thanks all!

Do you mind a little rake, with the rear higher than the front similar to the factory rake? With the right coils that would help you achieve double-duty of having a nice on road ride when unloaded but offering enough spring for the times you carry gear. I had Radflo 2" rear coils in the past and thought they were great when unloaded.

If price isn't a huge concern there's no reason not to go with coilovers up front. Fox and Radflo both offer a smooth on road ride from my experience but everyone has their favorite. Any of them can be adjusted down to 1.5-2" of front lift. Toytec stuff is fine too, as is the blistein strut option that lots of people run here. With the right coil and valving, a true coilover will outperform the cheaper options all day.

Either way, I'd recommend a 2" rear coil so you have some room to sag into when you're truck is loaded down, just don't go with any of the "heavy duty" coil options. Hope that helps.

Well... if you dont want a stiffer ride then you probably dont want a 5100 either.

Those shocks also have digressive valving similar to those ICON shocks. They start off stiffer and get softer as shaft speed increases.

Considering you are looking for a street shock, digressive is something a lot of people like, its why ICON is popular for builds that see a lot of road travel along with off-road. Its not always stiff in a bad way, it stays flatter though turns and generally has less roll. Spring rate plays a roll in all this as well but so does the valving from one digressive shock to another. That said, they can be a bit more "chattery" on a gravel road or not give that plush soak-it-up sensation over something like a driveway when compared to progressive shocks.

Its really a matter of preference, but digressive valving feels more like a sports sedan than a caddy.

Personally I would consider an entry level ICON stage kit before going with a 5100 is you can swing the cash. That would be a nice setup for the street and give you some headroom to be a weekend warrior.

Rake is a good thing... If you carry a load, you want it level when loaded. So if you intend on leveling for looks when you are setting yourself up with bad geometry and poor performance when loaded up... severity just depends on how much weight you pack on.

If you have the time, go visit Toytec lifts in Northglenn. They are a CO Company and specialize in lift kits for Toyota vehicles. Super awesome guys, and I'm sure they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. It's also fun to see what gear everyone is running on their rigs too!

With what you describe you probably don't need a lift, you could add some bfg ko2's in 275 and call it good for now. In that form you could easily hit some nice trails here in Colorado or even around Moab. Also, you would not have a problem carrying camping gear and a few bikes on top. Just drive it like that for the summer then decide what you need, it would be better than taking some very subjective recommendations from on here that might make the day to day drive bad for you.

If you really want that lift, Bilsteins would still be the most cost effective place to start and allows for more upgrades later if you add more weight like racks and armor, etc. at that point you can then swap out springs as well and keep the shocks.

Good luck and the guys at Toytec are good, I don't think they will steer you wrong.

This is the answer you seek.

I would also suggest Bilsteins over spacers any day.

I got the Toyotec 3" lift and I love it. I think it was about $850 or so, and it feels better than the mushy stock suspension. Billstein struts are fantastic. I added upper control arms to make sure my alignment was in spec. Just get the adjustable billstein struts and do a mild 2" lift and you should avoid having to add upper control arms which will save you $400 or so.


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Hey there. I have a 2 week old 16 Trail. I live at 97th and Sheridan. If you're 3 min from Toytec, we've got to be no more than 10 minutes away. All this to say that next week, Toy Crawlers in Broomfield will be installing the Toytec Boss kit, SPC UCA's, 285 BFG's and 17" Method wheels I've ordered. You'd be welcome to take mine for a spin after I get everything installed to see what it's like and go from there. I know you aren't after a full suspension, but it will at least allow you to feel what one is like knowing it should only be more softly sprung the closer you get back towards stock.

And yes, the guys at Toytec are awesome. If you want an installer, I'd highly recommend Jacob over at Toy Crawlers (Toytec recommended him to me). 15 years or something as a tech at Boulder Toyota. He helped me chose my components based on my intended uses for the 4R. Also reasonable labor prices.

Thanks for all the input everyone! It is truly appreciated as this is all new to me.

I don't mind the rake that much as it seems like it would work in my favor for when I do haul gear. There is plans in the future of picking up a boat as well so if I do go with a lift, I'll have to take that into consideration as well.

I think I may just do that this weekend as I'll be able to pick their brains and ask questions.

I will probably throw some the 275 bfg ko2s and keep the suspension stock for now. I like the way the ride feels now but if getting a lift can improve the ride even more than I would consider getting one but i'll see how things go once I start hauling gear.

Please let me know when you get everything installed. I may have to take you up on this offer so I can compare the differences.

Coilovers>bilstein 6112>bilstein5100>spacers.

I have fox 2.5 in coils front and rear and I love them. Its actually smoother on road than stock. My dad has 5100s on his explorer and it rides like a tank. That's my only experience with them. Look at your end goal and go for that not temp setup. It'll cost you more $$$

I too am about 5-10 mins from toytec....group field trip? Lol
I just bought 5100's for mine front and back and debating whether or not I would need springs or spacer in the back for 285's.

Anyone know who has the best prices for Kings?


I will be doing the install myself.

This is something I've been thinking about myself... I know in the street performance side of the auto industry harder/firmer, spine shattering suspension is ideal for some reason, but in an off-road oriented vehicle you'd expect the ride to eat up the bumps and potholes. It seems most the suspensions and lift/leveling kits out there firm up or stiffen the ride. I too am looking for something to make the ride more compliant. With KDSS, body roll is managed quite nicely. I'm not looking for a lift, at most a leveling effect, but #1 priority is to soften the ride significantly.

You're local to me. Where did you purchase your kit from?

Will do.

Haha, I'm down for a field trip. Places like Toytec are like Toys R Us to me. Actually, that entire business park has some cool shops.