5th Gen 4Runner Lift Buyers Guide

[Battle Wagon]

Sorry for the bump. Newbie here, got my 4runner SR5 last Friday.

I've been doing research and such before posting but I just want to get confirmation from other members.

According to what I've been reading, a 1.5 inch leveling kit is the most I should be going up front in order to level everything out and not have a reverse rake look. I found this kit, anyone have experience? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064U7IIW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1V9LE6R5M5Y7V&coliid=I3B7VH9YFSN1AS

Next question is, as a hobbyist off-roader, I want to be certain the stock SR5 suspension will be fine for my purposes. Not doing anything too extreme, mainly novice/intermediate trails that are riddled with smaller rocks. I just don't want to be throwing in time and money into a leveling kit if I will need to upgrade to coils in the future. I found this post http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/143767-stock-sr5-suspension-limits.html but it never really got into the capabilities of the stock suspension.

Any information is helpful. Thanks!

 

[3wbdriver]

You'll be fine. The 4Runner is very capable off road right out of the dealership. I only swapped springs after I began adding weight.

 

[Battle Wagon]

You'll be fine. The 4Runner is very capable off road right out of the dealership. I only swapped springs after I began adding weight.

Roger that, thanks for the input. Now I need to decide if 1.5 level kit will be fine or if I should rock 1.5 spacer in rear and 2.5 spacer up front.

 

[HKSJoo]

I installed my Bilstein 5100's. Fronts set at 1.75" and 1" cornfed rear spacers, on my stock trail wheels. I love the lift and the rake that it has (rear has .5" frame rake). Got it aligned and I had no rubbing issues whatsoever, caster is 3.1*

I then installed my FN wheels 17x8 -10 and I rub on full lock in reverse, L or R on the lower inner bumper, not the fender liner.

BC of that I now want to run front OME 884 coils and rear 895E coils to get me more lift.

So my ??'s are....
1.) Should I just set the fronts to the 2.5" setting or get the 884 coils? Pros and cons for 2.5" setting vs new lift springs? I.e., ride quality, flex, droop, etc etc

2.) I've seen mixed lift amount on the 884 coils from 2.5" to 3.25" what will those coils net me?

3.) How much lift is the front 5100's good for? I know the rear shocks are good for 2" of lift.

4.) What will 895E's net me in lift? I've seen mixed lifts on those too.
Thx in advance :cheers:

 

[kaatahdin]

.02$

I installed my Bilstein 5100's. Fronts set at 1.75" and 1" cornfed rear spacers, on my stock trail wheels. I love the lift and the rake that it has (rear has .5" frame rake). Got it aligned and I had no rubbing issues whatsoever, caster is 3.1*

I then installed my FN wheels 17x8 -10 and I rub on full lock in reverse, L or R on the lower inner bumper, not the fender liner.

BC of that I now want to run front OME 884 coils and rear 895E coils to get me more lift.

So my ??'s are....
1.) Should I just set the fronts to the 2.5" setting or get the 884 coils? Pros and cons for 2.5" setting vs new lift springs? I.e., ride quality, flex, droop, etc etc

2.) I've seen mixed lift amount on the 884 coils from 2.5" to 3.25" what will those coils net me?

3.) How much lift is the front 5100's good for? I know the rear shocks are good for 2" of lift.

4.) What will 895E's net me in lift? I've seen mixed lifts on those too.
Thx in advance :cheers:

Hello, I noticed you said it wasn't rubbing on the fender liner. However, after doing the liner mod you can trim a little bit off the inside of the front bumper. I had to trim a tiny bit off after I upgraded the wheels. I'm all for better suspension, glad I listened to guys here and got the Icon first, but you might be able to trim a little and fix it, if you are willing to trim. .02$ (not sure if that applies to your 2016)

 

[Knight-Errant]

I installed my Bilstein 5100's. Fronts set at 1.75" and 1" cornfed rear spacers, on my stock trail wheels.

Hello. So here is a really basic question for you or the group, and I'll preface that I don't know much about what is required to do a suspension upgrade but I'm trying to learn.

I see toytec sells adjustable 5100s (link below). If I want a mild lift (set at 1.75 like you mentioned), do I need to buy anything else or can I just show up at my local shop and ask that they install the kit? I'm guessing I can keep to stock springs? Thanks for the input.

Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

 

[HKSJoo]

Hello, I noticed you said it wasn't rubbing on the fender liner. However, after doing the liner mod you can trim a little bit off the inside of the front bumper. I had to trim a tiny bit off after I upgraded the wheels. I'm all for better suspension, glad I listened to guys here and got the Icon first, but you might be able to trim a little and fix it, if you are willing to trim. .02$ (not sure if that applies to your 2016)

I know it'll eventually wear away and stop rubbing or I can trim the bumper. its just something i don't wanna do. i'd rather lift a little more in the front, have more clearance, and better hopefully more travel. if it still rubs, then ill trim.

Hello. So here is a really basic question for you or the group, and I'll preface that I don't know much about what is required to do a suspension upgrade but I'm trying to learn.

I see toytec sells adjustable 5100s (link below). If I want a mild lift (set at 1.75 like you mentioned), do I need to buy anything else or can I just show up at my local shop and ask that they install the kit? I'm guessing I can keep to stock springs? Thanks for the input.

Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

all you need to lift 1.75" in the front is the 5100 set at the 3rd notch from the bottom.

remove old shock, set at ____ notch, and reinstall new 5100. nothing else needed.

 

[Battle Wagon]

1. Daystar

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/60228666@N02/13338470523/" title="1349185_1 by thebwlife, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/13338470523_9f74c0849f_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="1349185_1"></a>

• Daystar Comfort Ride Strut and Coil Spring Spacer Lift Kits are designed to improve ground clearance, allow use of large tires and enhance the performance of the vehicle. They are made from high density polyurethane that ensures long lasting durability. These kits facilitate easy installation.
  
• Current Price - $135
• Link to purchase - Amazon.com: Daystar KT09124BK Comfort Ride Strut and Coil Spring Spacer Lift Kit: Automotive

Does anyone know If adding these spacers lift will add extra wear and tear to the OEM suspension set up? If so I'm thinking it's better just to replace everything than go to the cheap route and get spacers.[/QUOTE]

 

[kaatahdin]

1. Daystar

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/60228666@N02/13338470523/" title="1349185_1 by thebwlife, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/13338470523_9f74c0849f_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="1349185_1"></a>

• Daystar Comfort Ride Strut and Coil Spring Spacer Lift Kits are designed to improve ground clearance, allow use of large tires and enhance the performance of the vehicle. They are made from high density polyurethane that ensures long lasting durability. These kits facilitate easy installation.
  
• Current Price - $135
• Link to purchase - Amazon.com: Daystar KT09124BK Comfort Ride Strut and Coil Spring Spacer Lift Kit: Automotive

Does anyone know If adding these spacers lift will add extra wear and tear to the OEM suspension set up? If so I'm thinking it's better just to replace everything than go to the cheap route and get spacers.

[/QUOTE]


I just went strait to coil-overs, but many guys here run Daystar and don't seem to have issues. My coil-overs ride & handle much better than stock. The last time I used a spacer lift it was mildly worse than stock, but that was a Nissan :biggrin1:

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

It wont really do anything horrible to the truck. The ride will be slightly stiffer and you will loose some suspension travel but it will help clear larger tires with will negate most of the bad effects on ride comfort. If you plan to offroad this is not the route to go and I would suggest Bilstein 5100s or similar performance leveling shocks.

We have the correct kit for the 2010+ 4Runner from Daystar, part number KT09134BK for less than Amazon right here - Daystar Comfort Ride Lift Kits - Total Automotive Performance - Your Source for Auto Parts and Accessories

Support forum sponsors! Please let us know if we can answer any questions regarding your suspension upgrades.

 

[Kyjoma]

of these options what would be the cheapest lift I can put on my 2016 sr5 without sacrificing quality?

 

[4runnahz]

Newbie wanting to lift his 4Runner

I just got my 2015 4Runner and I was wondering if it was okay to lift it? Even though it's a 2wd. ill prolly go off roading a bit but not much. I live on Hawaii. So there's mainly sand here. For me I just like how the stance looks on the 4Runner. Also will it be able to crawl on to objects? I'm a newbie. I would appreciate if I got some advice and what would be a good lift for it. Wanna go 3 inch and a comfortable ride.
Thank you.

 

[CoMtn4Runner]

I am in a similar boat. I have the 5100's but want to add coils to give it additional lift. Are OME 884 and rear 895E the only options you have looked into? What made you want to go that route?

I installed my Bilstein 5100's. Fronts set at 1.75" and 1" cornfed rear spacers, on my stock trail wheels. I love the lift and the rake that it has (rear has .5" frame rake). Got it aligned and I had no rubbing issues whatsoever, caster is 3.1*

BC of that I now want to run front OME 884 coils and rear 895E coils to get me more lift.

 

[Fireguy25]

Been searching and maybe have not found it yet. But does anyone have any knowledge about climate, humidity, salt, etc. effects on aftermarket suspension components. I had a guy at a off road shop try to tell me that its a waste of money to put aluminum (more $, ICON, Fox, BP51) suspension on my truck and just stick with the steel bodied components. He was pushing the OME yellow bodied shocks and OME coils. He said the more expensive are for dry desert type locations not for east coast humidity, snow, salt, etc. Does not sound correct to me. Please chime in if you have seen reliability compromised based on environmental conditions for the different suspension options.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

Been searching and maybe have not found it yet. But does anyone have any knowledge about climate, humidity, salt, etc. effects on aftermarket suspension components. I had a guy at a off road shop try to tell me that its a waste of money to put aluminum (more $, ICON, Fox, BP51) suspension on my truck and just stick with the steel bodied components. He was pushing the OME yellow bodied shocks and OME coils. He said the more expensive are for dry desert type locations not for east coast humidity, snow, salt, etc. Does not sound correct to me. Please chime in if you have seen reliability compromised based on environmental conditions for the different suspension options.

The Yellow paint on the OME gives way much faster than the CAD plating on these aluminum suspensions. We suggest coating either shock type with a thick layer of heavy duty carnuba wax before install and after rebuild to add an extra protection.

FK also makes coilover protection spray but its hard to find. Its just a thick waxy type spray.

 

[HKSJoo]

I am in a similar boat. I have the 5100's but want to add coils to give it additional lift. Are OME 884 and rear 895E the only options you have looked into? What made you want to go that route?

depends on what you're trying to achieve. i want a 3/2" lift and be done with it, my spring combo should net me somewhere close to that. Ill add shim/spacers if i need more lift from there.

 

[Fireguy25]

The Yellow paint on the OME gives way much faster than the CAD plating on these aluminum suspensions. We suggest coating either shock type with a thick layer of heavy duty carnuba wax before install and after rebuild to add an extra protection.
FK also makes coilover protection spray but its hard to find. Its just a thick waxy type spray.



Thank you for the response. And the pictures to show the rusting. I knew something was not right about what I was being told. Maybe he was pushing them for a different reason??? I am mainly wanting to get a very reliable overland type set-up that meets the following:
handles well on road,
soaks up bumps well on and off road.
plush ride that wont wake a baby when hitting dirt roads, and bigger dips on pavement,
a little extra load capacity.
And it give me a roughly 2in front and 1in rear lift.
This is what I told that guy and he pushed the OMEs, got me wondering his logic?

 

[DCTRAIL]

Driving a 2012 Trail with the standard suspension. I'd like to upsize my duratracs and add a steel bumper. A lift woulf be really nice for the occasional snow and some rock play. Do I need to spend a 1k+ for a decent kit? Don't want to sacrifice on road handling. Any suggestions? Couple friends told me to go rough country cheap but hesitant

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

of these options what would be the cheapest lift I can put on my 2016 sr5 without sacrificing quality?

Bilstein 5100 front shocks with DayStar rear spacers. Give us a call at 702.979.1577 and we can get you setup!

I just got my 2015 4Runner and I was wondering if it was okay to lift it? Even though it's a 2wd. ill prolly go off roading a bit but not much. I live on Hawaii. So there's mainly sand here. For me I just like how the stance looks on the 4Runner. Also will it be able to crawl on to objects? I'm a newbie. I would appreciate if I got some advice and what would be a good lift for it. Wanna go 3 inch and a comfortable ride.
Thank you.

We go places with our 2wd that most 4wd cant. Tires and traction make the biggest difference offroad. A lift will allow you the space to fit larger tires.

We are big fans of the Bilstein 5100 as an entry level lift, or the Bilstein 6112 as something on the next level up. It comes down to budget and needs, but you cant go wrong with a set of 5100s and a rear Daystar spacer or spring set.

Let us know if we can be of any help

I am in a similar boat. I have the 5100's but want to add coils to give it additional lift. Are OME 884 and rear 895E the only options you have looked into? What made you want to go that route?

Look into ICON 2" rears, they are very popular. Metaltech as well.

Thank you for the response. And the pictures to show the rusting. I knew something was not right about what I was being told. Maybe he was pushing them for a different reason??? I am mainly wanting to get a very reliable overland type set-up that meets the following:
handles well on road,
soaks up bumps well on and off road.
plush ride that wont wake a baby when hitting dirt roads, and bigger dips on pavement,
a little extra load capacity.
And it give me a roughly 2in front and 1in rear lift.
This is what I told that guy and he pushed the OMEs, got me wondering his logic?

He wouldnt be wrong, OME is the go to when overland is mentioned. Having said that, I think the 6112 ride much better over mid/high speeds bumps.

The OME kit is worth looking at although they all lift closer to 3" overall, Bilstein 6112 w/ 5100 or 5160 rear and spacer, Fox 2.0 (although not great at holding tons of gear) are all priced under 1000 and will give you the lift you want and improve the ride.

Let us know if we can answer any questions

Driving a 2012 Trail with the standard suspension. I'd like to upsize my duratracs and add a steel bumper. A lift woulf be really nice for the occasional snow and some rock play. Do I need to spend a 1k+ for a decent kit? Don't want to sacrifice on road handling. Any suggestions? Couple friends told me to go rough country cheap but hesitant

With a bumper that heavy you will want to make sure you have a minimum 650 spring rate and recommended 700#. OME will accomplish what you want to do, as well Bilstein 5100 / 6112 with beefed up springs.

 

[richyrich1988]

my questions is what about the ToyTec 3" kit? with the 5100s already ready to go pre-assembled? me and my wife have a 2016 SR5 Premium... not sure if we have KDSS or the Xreas or whatever...we want to lift it 3" but I don't want it riding like crap... and every truck I've riden in that had spacers always felt like it had NO suspension when hitting bumps... It was always really really hard..

Bilstein 5100 front shocks with DayStar rear spacers. Give us a call at 702.979.1577 and we can get you setup!



We go places with our 2wd that most 4wd cant. Tires and traction make the biggest difference offroad. A lift will allow you the space to fit larger tires.

We are big fans of the Bilstein 5100 as an entry level lift, or the Bilstein 6112 as something on the next level up. It comes down to budget and needs, but you cant go wrong with a set of 5100s and a rear Daystar spacer or spring set.

Let us know if we can be of any help



Look into ICON 2" rears, they are very popular. Metaltech as well.



He wouldnt be wrong, OME is the go to when overland is mentioned. Having said that, I think the 6112 ride much better over mid/high speeds bumps.

The OME kit is worth looking at although they all lift closer to 3" overall, Bilstein 6112 w/ 5100 or 5160 rear and spacer, Fox 2.0 (although not great at holding tons of gear) are all priced under 1000 and will give you the lift you want and improve the ride.

Let us know if we can answer any questions



With a bumper that heavy you will want to make sure you have a minimum 650 spring rate and recommended 700#. OME will accomplish what you want to do, as well Bilstein 5100 / 6112 with beefed up springs.