Check out my 4Runner after I installed a 1-inch spacer lift on the front end. The spacer itself is only 1/2 inch, but it gave me exactly 1 inch of lift as measured at the wheel well openings. I also measured under the front end at the tow loops and ended up with just over an inch more ground clearance. About 1 1/8 inch to be exact.

I wasnt sure if Iwould be happy with just 1 inch of lift because my 4Runner seemed to suffer from more than the usual dropped down nose that plagues all 4th generation 4Runners. So my buddy (a machinist) fabricated spacers from 5052 aluminum in 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch thicknesses. After careful measuring, I found that the amount of lift is double that of the spacers installed. Therefore, the 1/2 inch spacer nets 1 inch of lift, the 5/8 inch spacer nets 1.25 inches of lift and the 3/4 spacers nets 1.5 inches of lift.

As you can see from my pictures, the 1/2 inch spacers still leave my 4Runner a bit lower in the front than the rear, but I think it looks fine like that. The 5/8 inch spacers would lift the front another 1/4 inch and make the front end closer to the rear, and the 3/4 inch spacers would make it just about perfectly even. I might decide to try the 5/8 inch spacers in the future, just for the heck of it, but I will probably just leave it the way it is now.

All in all, I am extremely happy with the new look of my 4Runner. It seems to sit more aggressively and just feels bigger on the road. When I pull up next to my neighbors new Ford Exploder, I sit a bit taller than him now! Before the spacers, we were just about dead even. The ride and handling seem 100 percent identical to stock. I dont feel any difference at all on the road. This is by far the best modification I have done to my 4Runner!! By the way, this kit can be easily installed by one person using standard hand tools. I did have to get spring compressors and a tie rod puller, but my local Autozone lends these tools out for free, so it didnt cost me anything. I managed to install the spacers by myself in the garage in just a few hours.

If anyone is interested in buying any of my extra spacers, shoot me an email ([email protected]), but please dont respond to this thread. I am not sure that the administrators would appreciate me using their bandwidth to sell the spacers. I will ship out each set of spacers including all hardware, Locktite, and a full set of installation instructions anywhere in the U.S. for $110 shipped. Shipping to Canada will probably be a few dollars more. If you are in the metro NY area (including northern NJ) and want a hand installing the spacers, just let me know.

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Other side:

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closer angle:

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Before the lift (sorry, but I had to use an old picture because I forgot to take a \"before\" pic)

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Extra sets of spacers:

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That really looks great! Didn't realize how much the spacer helped until the before pic. This is a great setup for those wanting to keep it stock and not lifting. My dad just bought an 07 Sport and I did notice the front end sits really low.

Thanks! This is the way all 4th generation 4Runners should come from the factory. I love the fact that it does not seem to affect the ride or handling, but it still allows a bit more ground clearnace under the front end and gives the vehicle a better look from the sides.

It looks perfect with a slight rake to the front. Now put a set of 265/70/17 BFG's on it or what ever tire you choose in that size and will give you another 1/2" of overall lift and fill out the wheel wells and have a better looking stance ....you won't regret it it !!

Hey do you have to re aim your headlights ??? I don't have a front lift and still get flashed on occasion , not the kind of flashing I would like to see but ......

Looks nice

No, I have not adjusted the headlights at all. Nobody has flashed me yet, so I guess they must be aimed low enough that they are not bothering anyone.

I am selling a brand new 1.25" front lift kit, originally bought from Burtman Industries, Inc. I just received them in the mail today and decided I want a taller lift, so....I am letting them go at a loss. They were a custom order which added another $20 on top of the $135+S&H. I'll let them go for $100 + Shipping. By installing these, your rear end will be 3/4" higher than the front, instead of the 2" difference. If you are interested, email me at: [email protected]

Evensteven , are you going to upsize tires ? I would look excellent.

No, I have several good reason not to change my tires:

1 - My Discover ATRs are still practically brand new. I just got them last fall.

2- I have a factory navigation system which uses input from the speed sensor, so changing the overall diameter of my tires would probably be a bad idea.

3- I dont really like the way the 70 series sidewall looks on a nearly stock 4Runner. Might be a bit too \"bloated\" looking for me.

4- I would like to keep my tires as light weight as possible without downsizing them. Light weight means less resistance to turning. And of course that means better acceleration and better fuel economy. Oh, and the overall larger diameter of the 70 series also hurts the effective final drive ratio, causing slightly slower acceleration as well!

5- I like the wider look of the 65 series as opposed to the 70 series tires. If you actually measure the tread contact area, the 65 series tires are definitely wider. I know this goes against my rolling resistance argument above, but it is a very small price to pay for the excellent look of wider tires.

Question, do you need to take the front springs out and apart to use the new nut bolt combo?

I understand about not wanting to switch out new tire's and I would stick with what you have . I'm not sure how the Nav. would be affected.

The other stuff you mentioned , is so minor you would never know the difference . At 60 mph my speedo is off by 2 . weight wise , 70=taller 65= wider , weight of tire so insignificant again not an issue on acceleration ( maybe milage but was to close to even call). Final drive ratio again something insignificant you will never notice or ever hinder you . I'll give you the nod on the wider footprint of the 65 , but so small hardly noticeable.

A lot run 70's here , never thought they looked stuffed , especially in the rear and now you made the rear look like the front.

No matter looks real good with the front lift and thats all that matters. I do wish these trucks had 8" rims though or atleast a different offset / back space to pull them out a little more.

I would love a set of TRD 18's with a set of 32" BFG's. I don't think the wife will go for $2k in rims and tire mods though...... where the hell is her priorities !!!!!!!

You have to remove the strut assembly and compress the spring in order to remove the top plate and related parts. You never really have to actually remove the spring itself from the assembly.