Clarification on lift kit "adjustability"
 

I'm still on my stock 4Runner TRD Offroad, but have always been looking into lift options. I see various terms for what some suspension options offer, and I wanted to know about adjustability.

When something is i.e. adjustable 1-2" lift, is that sort of something I can change day-to-day, month-to-month? Or do you basically have to bring it into a shop and changing effective lift is not "easy" once set?

Similarly, I've seen some mention being able to adjust the behavior of the dampening (and some the rebound too?). Are these also easily adjustable? I drive 95% on paved roads, and so I (think?) I like the idea of being able to set a more stiff ride for comfortable driving, but then adjust it for when I go offroad or on "overland" trips, etc.?

In a nutshell, I'm having some trouble understanding some of these options, and at the same time am clearly novice when it comes to all this - I want to lift my 4runner but, ideally, improve BOTH onroad and offroad performance.

If you are handy, you could adjust the suspension height yourself, but it is not as simple as turning a knob. You would need a spring compressor for the front coilovers, or do the “no spring compressor” method that’s explained elsewhere on this forum. It is a time consuming process either way.

As far as adjustability, very high end shocks are adjustable for compression and rebound. It is a simple thing to do. The hard part is figuring out the settings you want.

hey Kaitlyn,

Unless you have an "active" suspension that is adjustable from the truck, the suspension components that are advertised as adjustable are not done so easily. It's more of a "pick a setting" and leave it type deal.

I am going with an Ironman 4x4 kit, and they have options for the suspension stiffness. For example, I'm doing a 3" lift in the front and choosing "Performance mode" which is their standard spring. However they offer a "constant load" spring that is advertised as carrying 110-220lbs additional weight. You might choose that if you towed almost all the time or had a lot of extra weight from accessories on your Runner, but otherwise the Performance spring gives a better ride under normal conditions, which is what most of us do 95% of the time.

Considering what you say here, probably Bilstein 6112 with your choice of rear shocks is the best way to start. Tons of gain for minimum cost. You can then proceed to pricier setups as desired.

The 6112 on standard springs will improve on road performance and comfort tremendously. Off-road it will last longer than stock but you won't be able to drive much faster than stock. In rocks, it will feel similar. Using the same shocks on the stiffer springs improves offroad performance a great deal at the expense of losing the plush ride on road. But still very good.

As Southern_Runner said, it is more of a pick and leave it deal anyway when it comes to adjustments.

If you have kids, then the rear shock matters. If not, just a simple 5100 will do for a start or an Eibach rear shock. They are very cheap so if they are not enough you can keep them as spares and move up the ladder from there.

If you do have kids AND also do lots of offroading over harsh terrain, then there is no cheap option for the rear. The Dobs MRA rear would be an interesting option though I never tried it and went straight for the best instead. Again, this is only worth it if doing lots of offroading at some speed over harsh terrain.