I am ordering a base model 4Runner sr5 with 3rd row (large family), 4x4. I think in red.

I would like to do the following mods and want feedback. Goal is off-road capable with good road manners. I currently have a 1995 Jeep XJ, manual, 3 inch lift and 32” tires.

• Eibach Stage 2 lift - ~2" in the front, back to level
• No UCA
• Toyo Open Country 255/80r17
• 17x8, 0 offset or 17x8.5, 0 offset wheel. 20-25lbs
• Some sort of low pro bumper with a hidden harbor freight winch. I could be talked into a better winch.

I don't expect to add a heavy duty front or rear bumper, or a roof top tent. So no huge weight additions.

I don't want spacers or to do a body mount chop. Some fender work fine.

I have looked at the iron man 4x4 lift with gas that includes UCA. I just don’t want to get into a spot where I mess with too much geometry and have to cut stuff up.

Do you have any feedback for this set up? I will spend most time on road with a trip out 5-6 times a year, and more when my kids get a little older. I want a capable, and reasonable rig.

Thanks,

I also have the 3rd row seat: the grandkids love it back there, but it is much too small for adults.

I had the same goals. Perhaps cost was more of a consideration for me that it may be for you.

Why don't you want spacers? Spacers are inexpensive and very easy to install. The Rough Country spacers, which sit just below the strut mount, doesn't even require you to disassemble the strut.

First thing I did was get rid of the OEM Dunlop tires and replaced them with BFG KO2 in the same size and same wheels. The only difference is I went with their load range E because I off road in western Colorado where the rocks are sharp granite, not the soft sandstone you find around Moab. Very happy with them.

I put in the Rough Country leveling kit: they advertise 2" front and 1" rear, but mine ended up being more like 2 1/2" to 3" in the front. No other mods; you really don't need them for that small amount of lift. I have had no problems at all despite some really gnarly off roading.


Then I added the OEM TRD skid plate. I like the design of that because the font of that skid goes up to the bottom of the front bumper; all others stop at the front fame cross beam. If you don't want to pay the OEM price, there are some copy cat TRD plates for less.

Finally, I put on the RCI full skid set in aluminum. You can get their front skid that integrates with the OEM TRD skid.

With this setup, there is no modifications to the body, fenders, or anything else.

Thanks for reply.

I feel spacers are an added point of failure, and I would rather get an affordable wheel with different offset to achieve the same effect.

I would prefer to upgrade the suspension components to increase height as opposed to leveling kit. Tinker Designs I believe says for 2 and under I can achieve max travel with minimal other adjustments, and get a good alignment.

All this to add that I want 33’s :-) - so I do want to go larger than stock tires.

I don’t want to body mount chop. I would do UCAs if needed.

I’ll check skid plates out, that’s a good idea.

Thanks,