If I bought a stock 4Runner to replace my current 4Runner I'd have a LOT of things I'd do differently.
Lift-
I would buy the best I could afford the FIRST time. Not the 3rd like I did on this one.
On this one I bought the Toytec Boss kit and I thought it was SWEET until I started asking it to go fast on forest service roads and the like. After nearly bouncing off a road when I hit some washboards at around 25-30mph I parked the 4Runner, sold the Toytec stuff, and bought ICON coilovers, shocks, and Light Racing (SPC) UCA's. The next week I blew through that same section of road at well over 50mph. I was in love.
After I armored my 4Runner and bought my roof top tent I noticed that I really liked how it rode when loaded down, but wasn't too happy with how it felt when it was just me driving around (which it often is). The answer, for me, was the CDC Valving ICON offers. So I bought those, front and rear, with ICON UCAs. Now I can adjust the dampening in the rear to match the load I am carrying and the terrain I am running. The front is mostly just for looks, if I am honest.
Lesson learned: Before lifting your 4Runner think about how you'll use it. If you're the type of guy just driving around town and crawling over rocks on the weekend, the Toytec setup will be awesome for you. If you're looking to bomb down forest service roads, mess around in the dunes, or really just go fast off the pavement, I'd go with a 2.5" coilover/shock like Icon, Fox, King, etc.
If I were to do it again I think I'd go with Fox. I really like the stuff they're putting out. [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] is currently running a Fox group buy... Their prices have been crazy low when I have bought from them in the past.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/group-buys/218714-fox-racing-shox-spring-group-buy-save-big-ends-5-15-a.html
Where are you at in Washington? There are a lot of us in the Seattle area that would probably let you ride/drive in our vehicles to kinda try before you buy.
