im looking for 3 inch lift. i do use my 4runner onroad quite a bit but do spend a fair amount of time in the dirt and in the mountain. i do tow quite frequently so i want something that will stand up to extra weight in the rear.
my budget is around 1500
Do you have any plans to add additional weight, such as front or rear bumpers? Have you decided what size tires you plan to run?
I have a couple different suggestions. They are ordered from cheapest to most expensive and what I'd consider good to best (this is subjective).
1). Bilstein 5100 shocks all around, OME 884/885 front coils (884 for v6, 885 for v8), a 1/4" top plate spacer for a full 3" of lift, and Toytec Superflex coils for the rear.
2). Toytec Ultimate Lift
3). Radflo or Icon coilover kit
Option 1 is good, it just doesn't offer the ability to adjust down the road. It's the cheapest, so you'd have money left for things like UCA's, extended links, extended brake lines, or skid plates.
Option 2 is slightly better because the fronts offer more adjustment options. It still is based off the Bilstein 5100 shocks, so not a huge step above option 1. With this you'd have enough left to buy UCA's and stay around $1500.
Option 3 is a step above option 2 because it uses better quality shocks. The Radflo or Icon kit includes rebuildable/revalveable shocks. If you order directly from Radflo, you can request the "Overland Warehouse" spec kit. This kit was fine tuned for our 4runners. Other kits are designed for the FJ Cruiser but work on the 4runner. This will push your budget and leave no extra money.
It's totally up to you. If you want to get just the lift and plan to add the other stuff later, then option 3 is probably the best. If you want to spend $1500 now and be done with it, options 1 or 2 would be my choice. All will have good on ride ride quality and do great off road.
A final note on towing. I would recommend air bags in the rear to support the added weight. You can get stiffer coils, but then it would be too stiff when not towing. By using the air bags you can have the support when needed and have a smoother ride when not towing. Either Airlift or Firestone kits would do well.
