I can finally contribute to this thread!
2015 TEP with KDSS. Toytec 3" with 5100s.
Looks sweet!
How is your ride compared to the stock suspension?
Good question. It's only been a day, so still in the honeymoon period. I lifted/leveled my prior 4Runner, so there's a few things going on.....the performance factor and then the intangible driving differences with both a leveled and lifted 4runner.
Levelling - to me, this is a must. The overall drivability (for me) is totally different whether you lift or not. While it sound counter, I find it easier to know where the nose is sticking out. I also like the stance of the seat/wheel in relation to the front windshield. Slight difference, yet very noticeable when in the captain's chair.
Lift - Certainly like being above the action and adding some clearance, yet the downside is changing (slightly) how you get in/out of the truck. I'll ditch the Nerf bars at some point and add sliders.
Difference vs. stock - Still TBD. It feels stiffer. The 5100 would be an upgrade from stock. Also, I went up a tire size and changed the alignment slightly...so it's tough to comment on the lift as there are other factors to consider. Short version...it tracks better than my stock set-up (which was probably a poor alignment) even up to 80mph. Haven't gone any faster. There is a slight dive at high breaking speed, but that's more of the brakes than the suspension...just part of the deal.
Long story short, I consider this a performance upgrade from stock. I didn't want an adjustable suspension b/c I'd probably never adjust it (My off-road needs are basic compared to most people) and didn't want it to get stuck for later adjustments. i.e. my buddy has adjustable, but they are frozen. It wasn't a price issue, it was functional (or lack thereof).
