Okay, time to play "No Stupid Questions". If I were to go with the .85" setting and a 1/2" spacer on the front, netting about 1.35" of lift, would that give me a slight rake unloaded and a level look loaded?

I'm still considering the 1.75" route, but I'd rather achieve the lift with a new front coils. Has anyone here combined the 5100's with an OME 2883 coil? After reading it seems like that would get me close to the 1.75" lift and then I could install my 1" rear springs to level.

FWIWs, I went with 1.75" front and 1" rear with 255/80 and I think that combination is the perfect balance of functionality, performance and aesthetic. There is a slight rake but it's not pronounced and when loaded which is why we have these vehicle has the "perfect" level in my opinion. Do it once and do it right, it's $40k+ vehicle, take care of it. If you're building this for functionality and not just for looks, do it right with springs and shocks all around. I don't go rock crawling but use it to access back country for other activities so depends on what your need is.

I'm looking at the 2883's for the front struts and I have Bilstein 1" rears I picked up for cheap. I'm guessing that this will be the route I go, but I've heard some get 1.5" with the 2883's and some get 2". Not sure why there is a difference. Maybe KDSS? I'd prefer 1.5" to 2".

Out of curiosity are you just looking to give your 4Runner a lift or do you want to improve handling too? If you just want a lift then adding spacers is fine. Keep in mind that if you lift it you should consider getting a Panhard lift kit for optimal ride.

If you’re wanting to improve handling, then you want to replace the stock coils as well. In that case I would recommend you go with the Bilstein shocks since you already have the rears. Not only will it improve handling but also it’s adjustable which will allow you to tweak your height just to where you want it and you won’t have to fuss with spacer. Personally I think this is the better option especially if you want more than a 1” lift. If you just do an occasional off-roading and nothing too extreme you can get the 5100 but if you plan to adventure a little more off-road then I would recommend the 6112.

One last thing to consider. If you’re planning to add more than 100lb on the front by adding a bumper and winch then you definitely want to replace the coil to better maintain your lift and handling.

I'm looking to level it for now and eventually lift it. I have the 5100 shocks and just the rear 1" coils. I would prefer to upgrade the front coils as well, but I'm not sure if I'll need a rear spacer to level if I go with the OME 2883's or if it will sit where I want it to.

Yup, I opted for the 5100's as that's what I have for my 3rd gen and it works for what I need. I considered the 6112's but couldn't justify putting that much into it as I've already spent enough on wheels and tires. It's my daily driver with the occasional drive in the country. My 3rd gen is my designated off-roader and hunting vehicle so I don't have to worry much about keeping it stock.

I would LOVE to put a hybrid bumper up front, but it seems like the only way to get one now is to find one used. Most aftermarket companies quit making them for 2010-13 4Runners. If that were the case, I would go with the OME 2884's on the 5100's. I was just curious if it was worth it to skip moving the snap ring up a perch or two and just getting aftermarket front coils.

Well, I'm a month into the .85 lift install and I have to say it looks better. I still have a lean of about .75" with the driver's side being higher. I've tried the levelling method of opening up the bypass valves and jacking up the passenger side, but it doesn't seem to have any effect on the lean. It still .75" higher on the driver's side. Is it the 5100's putting too much pressure on the suspension and not allowing the sway bar shock to compress?