My 4runner, I bought it brand new on August of 99. The dealer didn't have what I wanted so I ordered (re-directed) the rig I wanted. It is a 2000 Sport, 3.4L, 5 speed manual, 4x4, loaded.

The first few years I did nothing to it as far as mods, just maintenance and drive it, about 30,000 each year for the first two+ years.

I used to have a Jeep CJ5 back in high school and wheeled all the time. My world got busy and I stopped wheeling.

About 8 years ago I got the bug to start modding my rig.

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Suspension is where I started and went thru some versions.
Are we ever happy with our lift? doubtful
Do we want more lift? always

My first "lift" was a set of airlift bags in back. They were great but I realized that I wanted to lift the whole vehicle and not just get rid of the tail sag. I returned them after 2 weeks. Stock coils (~150#). I also replaced my shocks with "M" brand shocks, worst decision. Two weeks later I replaced those with a set of HD Bilsteins. Great shocks!

2nd lift. Tundra TRD coils (~595#) in front, OME 890 (190#) in back. Great ride and nice amount of lift.

3rd. Replaced the 890 (190#) with 891 (210#) for a little more lift with added weight.

4th. Added a ToyTec topout spacer in front and 10mm trim packers in back.

5th. swapped out the TRD coils for ToyTec coilover setup. (600#) and replaced my rear shocks new-bilstein-shocks-5100-test-and-review-t406.html with Bilstein 5100

6th. I just bought a pair of 9.25 wrap LC coils (160#) for the rear. I'm hoping that they compress to give me ~4.5" then I can bring up my COs if needed. They gave me ~ 4.5" of lift with my normal load. The LCs ride/flex great but compress too much with all of my wheeling/camping/ ExPo gear in it.

7th. OME 861 (220#). 11/15/11 The 861s are in and feel great. The fresh coils yielded an additional 1.25" of lift with my daily load. I'm sure they will handle my add-on gear/load better too.


I'm running Bilstein HDs in front with a ToyTec coilover setup mounted on them, 600# coils. I'm getting just under 4" of lift with them.


The back, I have gone thru 890, 891, LC 9.25 wrap and now OME 861 coils. I'm getting ~5" with them and my usual load. I running a Bilstein 5100 and are for the F-150 with a 6" lift, BE5-6528-H5. They are a stem mount on the top so there is no need for the eye adapter. Extended length is 21.5" and collapsed is 13.27". The valving is 389/94. They are stiffer than what is spec'd for 4runners (their valving usually is ~255/70).

With my usual load, the ride is firm but not harsh. I'm happy with the ride, flex and height.

I wish I started here first.


**As I have gone along I have replaced shocks to increase travel but only use Bilsteins!**

***If I was to start over I would start with Coilovers in front. Even if I only wanted a couple of inches. This way I could dial in the exact height/rake I wanted for the rear coils of choice. ***