So I've seen a whole bunch of lift possibilities, companys, products, procedures....etc. I'm thinking of lifting (2") my 2018 4runner SR5 Off Road for light duty trail riding (hunting..logging roads and such) and a slightly larger, better gripping tire. So for those that have lifted, what have you been satisfied/dissatisfied with your lifts and what are some of the better companys out there suppling these kits. Also when lifting do you have to level as well or do some lift kits require additional components for leveling? I know there are cheap, quick lift kits out there, but I'm concerned with long term ride quality and product durability. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, thank you.

I did a 2" lift on mine for similar reasons, I was hitting skids on a lot of the trails around here. I ended up doing a 2"/1" Dobinson's suspension kit on mine, just the entry level one with the twin tube shocks. I love it, the springs and shocks maintained the ride quality on our bumpy trails, but firmed up the front end just enough to get rid of some of the dive. I paired it with some 285/70/17 KO2s in a load range C, and have been very happy overall. On factory wheels I only needed to remove the front mud flaps and slightly trim the front bumper/push forward the fender liner. No rubbing even when flexed.

I got the Rough Country leveling kit which is 2.5" on the front and 1" on the rear. You don't have to level, just that it looks better, more purposeful if level.

The Rough Country leveling kit is spacers; front on the top of the front strut and rear on top of the rear spring. Since there is no change to the springs, shocks or suspension travel, the ride is the same as OEM which I prefer on very rough roads.

There is nothing to wear out so nothing to worry about on durability.
Also, it is very inexpensive compared to new springs/shocks. Only real cost is installation and a wheel alignment following installation.

I got KO2 tires in OEM size, load range E because where I go off road, there are lots of sharp granite rocks (not rounded soft sandstone rocks) and with the extra plys of the load range E tires, there is better protection from tire damage.

I also have the OEM TRD front skid plate and RCI integrated skid plates for the rest of the underside. I have never had any damage underneath, but I did put a big ding on the TRD skid plate once. Glad I had it.

I'm running Fox 2.0 Coilovers in the front and 2.0 shocks in the rear. The front is a 2" lift. I was going to put an inch spacer in the rear, but have AirLift airbags for towing that actually give me 1/2" or so of lift. More if I inflate them. Not ideal as a "lift kit," but I didn't want it to be so high in the back and it looks nice and level. if I didn't have the bags I would have done the spacer. I'm running 265/70r17 KO2s now, but going to be putting on 285/70r17 Maxxis Razr ATs shortly. I'm really happy with the settup.

With any of these 2" lifts, is there any angle change where the CV axles have to be considered? That's one of the reasons I'm hesitant on lifting, do I need to address cv axle angle change? I'm looking for a little bit of extra ground clearance, keeping OEM tire and wheel size. Like 'fkheath' my load rating for tires would be 'E'. Recently logged firelanes and somewhat abandoned firelanes can get fairly nasty. Tire of choice so far would be General ATX 3 (OEM size)or MasterCraft MXT 245/70/17, these are narrower but same height, so no inner fender or body issues have to be addressed.

A 245/70r17 is a smaller height tire than OEM, so I wouldn't do that size especially if lifting. It will look way off. You won't rub with an OEM size tire on OEM wheels, so I'd stick with a 265. CV axle angles won't be an issue at that height.

My vote is for Toyteclifts. I have the 2.5" Aluma on my 2018 and it rides fantastic to me. It drives like a truck now, no nose dive or weird cornering. The company itself is really responsive, was even so during "the covid" year when the rear shocks were behind in manufacturing. They called me, shipped what they could and kept me in the loop.