Lift 4Runner or Tacoma

[Sgb020]

I have a 2020 trd 4Runner and a 2021 Tacoma trd. Now that they are both paid off, I am going to do a 2 inch lift on one or the other. I have upgraded the tires on the 4 runner to cooper rugged treks and maxis razar AT on the Tacoma. In stock form I enjoy the 4 runner more. But for somethings the Tacoma works better. I plan on using the one I lift for some light off roading, camping and beach driving. I know i don’t want anything higher then 2 inches and I’ll go up a tire size. I’m just unsure on what one to lift and what brand lift to go with. I’m new to the Toyota world, after years of driving 4x4 f-150’s. Can soneone recommend a good shop in Dallas or the east Texas area
Thanks!
Seth

 

[GT0neX]

I'll ask the obvious question...why not lift both?

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[Sgb020]

Lol money and I want one to get decent mileage when gas hits 4 bucks a gallon.

 

[isabellamor]

You can find an extensive selection of suspension lift kits online. You can check out this article for a couple of options:

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[GT0neX]

Haha...gotcha. It just seemed like since they both serve you a good purpose it would be neat to have both of them lifted. For light off roading I feel like any of the bilstein kits are great bang for the buck (5100 or 5160/6112). The more expensive kits offer more lift but need upper control arms and usually have more frequent rebuild intervals. There are some good articles on trail4runner.com too on the subject.

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[d110pickup]

Lift both of them, that's what I did.
And I lifted the 110 Defender just for fun.
Mike

 

[B...]

The 4runner, because this is a 4runner forum.

For a more objective answer, assuming you do it right with a full suspension replacement, the 4runner parts will be about $500 cheaper (new coil springs vs. new leaf springs/bushings/u-bolts).

 

[Nalcyon]

Not a shop but...

If you're just doing suspension I'd be glad to help out, not sure where exactly you are in east Texas, (I'm near Tyler TX), but I've done a couple of these at this point and could possibly meet up with you if you need the help.

If you feel more comfortable with an installer I would recommend Woody's accessories and offroad in Tyler TX, (a little on the pricey side but good clean work), or Longview driveshaft and 4x4, (they stay booked up but are some of the best 4x4 mechanics in the area doing everything from classic to modern, motors to dif rebuilds and everything in between. I've used both multiple times and have been happy with both, (Woody's for wiring a couple of times, Longview 4x4 for re gears and locker installs).

I don't think you could go wrong with lifting either vehicle but word of advice, buy once cry once, doesn't mean you need a full racing set up from King or something but be sure you are getting the best quality for what you want from the suspension and not just trying to save a buck or two in the short term.

 

[FiveO4Runner]

My vote is the Taco, keep the 4runner "family friendly"...as others have said, whichever you do, dont cheap out!

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[John in NC]

I have always thought that a truck would be a better camping vehicle, especially with a camper shell on the back, assuming you don’t plan to sleep in the back of the 4runner then it would be the better choice possibly. 4runner is a better road trip vehicle so keep that stock would be my vote.

 

[Boort]

Sgb020

Depending on the type of off highway driving you are planning to do you may enjoy both at stock height for years to come. Both of your rides are new to you and you are new to Toyotas See where they can take you before you start making changes. Put the 1000+ you were planning to spend on your lift into the gas tank and see if you can do what you want to do with the mods you've made already. Some background on why I say this: for over 20 years I have driven a stock 1997 Tacoma with ATX Michelins all over Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, Eastern Utah, Eastern Idaho, and well into Canada. All on back roads, FSR's with a mix of Highway daily driving mixed in to ramp up the miles. Never let me down, Never got stuck, Still Drive her with ~350k miles on the clock.

When I started getting deeper into the back country and hearing a scrape or 2 going over big rocks. I, like you, reached out and started talking to folks about lifting my Tacoma. Advice was that my specific Taco model was some what more difficult to lift properly (Not likely an issue for you) and that combined with my desire to carry 4 people and their gear lead me to the 4Runner. I bought it with the intent to lift it 2.5 inches and build it out for the "overlanding" photography trips that I had started taking 4-5 years prior. I had the lift done by Slee Offroad (Denver area shop well known for their quality work on lifted Toyotas) MPG difference with the lift and larger BFGs was negligible, bigger hit to MPGs was the roofrack and mostly when driving on the highway at speeds over 80MPH and the extra 200lbs of my drawer/sleeping setup + Rocksliders. With the changes I see I'm down about 1.5MPG compared to the trips taken before the mods.

Overall I'm very happy with both of my rigs and that they get me where I want them to. My lifted 4th Gen V8 tows my A-frame popup trailer like it's not even back there all day long at 80 MPH, then un hooks and goes anywhere where I've asked of road in Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and California. Have not taken her to Canada yet but maybe this winter with the borders opening back up!

Boort