i have a 2011 TR4 SR5 with 4WD with about 140K miles. Its in need of new shocks. I really have no idea where to start. I would like to maybe add a 1" lift to it but I dont want to have to do anything else. Can I buy new shocks that accomplish this or is this some separate that needs to be done. Also what brand and model would everyone suggest? Do I need to replace the springs as well? See lots of questions...a link to better instructions and options. Thank you in advance

You will get lift from either different springs or spacers for the stock springs. Shocks won’t give you any lift by themselves.

If you’re looking for only 1” of lift, I would recommend spacers. I don’t know about 5th gen suspension geometry, but for a 4th gen you will get 1” of lift in the front with 1/2” spacers. You might need longer studs to fit the spacers on top of the shocks. If you are also looking to lift the rear by 1”, again, for a 4th gen you need a 1” spacer to get 1” of lift.

If you’re trying to level your ride, you can just do the front lift.

I had a 2.5” front/1.5” rear lift with a Daystar spacer kit and stock shocks. I’m now running a 3” front/2” rear lift with Toytec springs, Bilstein 5100 (+2”) shocks and a 1” Toytec body lift (as shown below in my pic). I have been happy with both setups.

If you need new shocks get bilstein 5100 or a step up 6112. You can get a 1" lift with these.

See Replacement Spring Options?

For a small amount of lift, you don't need to get longer extension shocks. Use spacers as others have recommended. I got the Rough Country leveling kit (2" front, 1" rear spacers) with stock front struts and rear shocks. You don't need new springs for modern springs don't "sag", but the stock springs are s bit soft for some peoples taste. There are many quality shocks available. What I have used on my other cars (my 4Runner is too new to need shocks yet) are Eibach and KYB. I also like Koni shocks, but I don't think they make them for the 4Runner.

Hey ads2539, how do you like the Toytec?

I'm getting ready to buy my first TRD, and looking to have the dealer put on the Toytec. Just not certain what the best way to go is.

So far, so good! My stock shocks and springs were worn out, and I was getting a lot of body roll, and even some rubbing when just turning over small bumps with a spacer lift kit. I thought I needed a body mount chop, but with the Toytec springs and Bilstein 5100s, my suspension is a lot better. No rubbing, even with 33” tires! The new springs and shocks have made my suspension stiffer, but not too stiff.

I also did a Toytec 1” body lift, and changed my UCAs. I did all the labor myself, except for the alignment, and saved a lot of money. I bought everything directly from Toytec, and had them assemble the front shocks/springs.

Thanks to COVID, I’m only driving about 100 miles per month, so I don’t have a long term opinion yet.

If I were doing a minor lift I might consider something like this, shocks and springs...

Wheeler's 2010-Present Toyota 4Runner Suspension Lift Kit | Low Range Off-Road

Eibach pro truck , solves your problem !

Looks Good!