Hello all, I've never done a lift before on my previous Tacos or 4Runner, but on my new 5th Gen 4Runner I'm wanting to put 33" tires on it (specifically the 285/70/17 BFG KM3's), and beef up the suspension.

I think I've narrowed it down to the OME lift kit, but I'm not sure whether to do the 2" or 3" lift. If I can get by with the 2" for that size tire, I'd prefer it, as I understand replacing the UCA would not be necessary with a 2" lift (if that's correct?).

So my question is, can I get away with a 2" lift and no UCA replacement for that tire (stock wheels), or will I need the 3" lift and UCA? Thanks in advance!

I did not need aftermarket UCA’s or a Panard Correction Kit (PCK) when I did a 1.5/1” spacer lift on my Pro. This equates to an overall lift height of 2.5” up front, Pros are already 1”
higher up front than other 4Runners. The rear was 1” higher. With the factory 7” wide Pro wheels with, as I recall have a +4 offset, I had no problems with fit and clearance issues. The Pros come with the fender liner mod and I did not have to cut or mod anything. There is a variance in all the 4Runners, so your result may vary. Pics when stock except spacer lift and 285’s.

Now I have a 3” Radflo extended travel setup and needed aftermarket UCA’s and a PCK.With a 3” lift there are other things you may have to consider also. i.e.; bump stops, extended rear brake lines, sway bar spacers, etc.

I went plenty of places with my Pro just with the spacer mod and 285’s for 4 years until getting new suspension a couple months ago due to added weight. Something to consider down the road. Armor, RTT, etc.

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Thanks for the feedback and the photos! I ended up ordering the OME 2" lift instead of the 3", but I did order the OME UCA's as well. I did some more reading and a lot of folks said they regretted not getting UCA's at the same time as the lift, and that the vehicle has much better manners with the aftermarket UCA, even with a <3" lift, so I decided to just play it safe. Now I'm really hoping that the 285/70/17's will fit without rubbing. I should have mentioned in the original post, mine is a TRD ORP, not the Pro trim.

I think getting the UCA’s is a wise choice. You may want to check your panard rod angle after the lift to see that the angle is not to much. On the ORP you will probably have to do some lower front fender trimming and possibly push the fender liners forward. A simple mod. I didn’t have to do it, but as I previously mentioned, all 5th gens are a little bit different. If you get the right amount of positive caster, say 3-4 degrees, you should have plenty of clearance from the body mount. I still run my stock mud flaps. This is based upon using factory Pro or Trail wheels. Aftermarket wheels with large negative offsets will change everything. Good luck with your build and post up pics and results after.

For reference. Some comparison pics. Stock with 1.5/1” spacer lift and 285/70-17’s versus 3” Radflo lift with reservoirs and adjusters. Center of hub to top of fender measurement. Top pic, 22 3/8” and 23 3/8” rear. Latest setup, 23 1/4” F and 24 1/2” R. I currently have full steel armor underneath with Warn Lo-pro bumper, which, the factory Pro suspension could not handle, hence the change. I may lower my current suspension down a 1/2”. Proper alignment is very important.

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Suspension and tire setups is one of those things where you kind of have to do it and have the necessary budget left over to make it fit and have your vehicle perform to your expectations (whatever that is).

Honestly, if i had to do it again, i'd look into a suspension that gives you a 2.5F/2R lift. Keep some money left over in case you need a UCA and a BMC, and go from there.

I went with the 3in OME with JBA UCAs about two years ago. No issues, had stock tires and getting 285/70R17s put in today. We will see how it goes.

Thanks Gents, I appreciate the feedback and advice. Sully, I'd love to hear how mounting the 285/70/17's works out for you, if you get a chance to update us.

Well so far so good. It rubbed a little so I took off the mud flaps and the rubbing on turns went away. However, it rubs when I turn and go over a bump, so I will be doing to BMC this weekend maybe. I still have to do a flex check to make sure everything is all good.

They look awesome! Thanks for the update. I was REALLY hoping to avoid doing a BMC, but it looks like that might not be an option. We'll see when I get mine. haha

You might get away with the stock rims and skinny tires. I went with the wider tires and more offset.

Yeah, I think you may be right. I'm leaning towards my next tires being 255/80/17's, which won't rub at all, or if anything, only on the front mud flaps, which I can remove. That's all I had to do on my Taco to run them at least, and it had no lift at all.

ended up having to do the BMC. It rub on the body mount while going over bumps. I did it myself but bought the SRQ plates.



Obviously I am not a professional welder. The top was hard to reach and an awkward angle.

Thanks for the update! You're brave to take on a task like that yourself, that is WAY beyond my skill level. But nice that you are able to fit your tires now. I've decided that once these stock size tires wear out, I'm going to replace them with skinnies. Probably the new Falken Wildpeak RT tires that are releasing this month in 255/80R17.

Here's how the lift turned out. I'm very happy with it:

turned out sweet! btw if you fully flex IFS, and dont limit up travel via bump stop spacers, lift wont change whether your tires rub or dont rub. stock size with 285's rubs just like 2" with 285's. just matters if itll rub at ride height or when on the trail.