Did a small front end lift by adding 1/2" top plate spacers, along with new shocks.
I went with KYB KG9025 Gas-a-Just shocks, basic OEM replacement. Here they are side by side:
To install the top spacers, I replaced the original top plate studs with longer studs:
Here is the shock assembly with the spacer on top:
After driving around the block, I rechecked the hub to flare distance - it went from 21.25" to about 22.75", a bit more than I planned for. Hopefully it'll settle in a bit after driving some more (otherwise I'm going to have to raise the rear to make it level, not sure how my wife is going to like that). Here's a comp photo:
Also did an open heart surgery on the temperamental lift gate light switch, using [MENTION=5345]habanero[/MENTION]'s thread -
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 22 - YotaTech Forums
All the details on how to remove and open the liftgate switch are in her post above. When I opened mine though, I didn't find any bugs or obvious corrosion:
So I removed the contacts and the plunger:
Cleaned all contacting surfaces with 600 sandpaper, then applied some dielectric grease:
Put it back together, hit it with some Trim Black, and called it done:
Really nice having the light come on with the liftgate open, and no more getting auto-locked out!