What lift would you install ?

New here, but not to Toyota or the brother forum. My ORP with KDSS should be here in a couple weeks and I’ve been doing my reading but I haven’t purchased a lift since 15 on my now totaled Tacoma. I Moab at least once a year, travel back roads, mountain passes, live in the high desert of Oregon, and over all travel in the boonies as well as live there. Do the normal hunt, fish, camp, kayak and outdoor stuff. Let’s start with a $4k budget to purchase, not including install. What kit, specific parts, etc., would YOU install in this situation and why. It doesn’t need to be what you have for whatever reason, but what is your personal idea of the best for this particular situation.

 

Old article but still relevant. imo

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/1508-top-tier-shocks-for-your-4x4/

That said, am relatively certain these are next in line for me (KDSS kit available)

unless something better comes along?
.

 

Another data point. If you look at my build thread in my sig below, you'll see how I went about it with a budget-oriented Dobinsons setup. I may upgrade to a higher-end package at some point, but for my use (similar to yours) it's an economical solution. I was in (hardware only, self installed) for less than $2K.

 

https://www.readylift.com/sst-lift-...MI8eDhyvLq8wIVdBatBh37ZQwTEAQYASABEgK9VvD_BwE

 

@Chris In Milwaukee Post #34 in your build thread. What is the deal with the 6003 vs 4135 airbags? I’ve never lifted rear coils so I’m unfamiliar with that type of bag as I’ve always used the straight axle type.

 

The 4135 airbags are for stock height. Since the rear was lifted 1.5”, those bags are taller to match the new spring height. That’s really it. No magic.

 

Lol. Not even if that was the only option.

 

Kings.

 

OP had KDSS so this is not an option. OP has to go with KDSS specific lifts only.

 

Ironman 4x4 stage 1 if you just need the height. Stage 3 if you’re also upgrading to larger/wider tires, among other things. I self install, so I’m not sure how much shops charge these days.

Not sure how far in Oregon they are from you, but you can try to pop into their shop. I don’t know if I’m misremembering the manufacturer, but I thought there was a discount for buying local.

 

Kings

 

Elka, King, ADS, or Dobinsons MRR

 

I'd go with the Dobi or OME kits. Yeah your budget may be 4k, but why spend more than what you need when the performance is going the same...
Add some UCA's to the below kit and you are set with a world class suspension set up.
Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" MRR 3-Way Adjustable Lift Kit Toyota 4Runner 2010 – Dobinsons Direct

 

Have spent hours on more reading and as of right now, those 2 manufacturers are where I’m leaning. Probably going with SPC for the UCA again. My plan is to have my mind made up for lift, skids, sliders, etc. and have all the shopping carts ready for after I step out the dealership door to hit send. A week of Moab, then another week of NP sights is scheduled for April.

 

If $4k is your budget why not fox or kings. Just go for the top stuff.

I went a hair over $4k because I did the brake lines too with a fox 2.5.

 

To me, it looks like Dobinsons has gained a great following with many happy customers. A big thing, is that the $ goes a lil farther for a very comparable kit, but the biggest benefit looks to be the variety of choice to dial right in on how I personally like a rig to drive. The OME brand I like because of personal experience. I’ll be calling Dobi up to verify that my choice of parts would be the same that they would recommend. I’m young retired and plan on having this rig for years. It won’t be a daily, but more of a vacation or travel rig. Already have a Cummins to tow heavy and run errands in to rack up miles on and I truly believe in buy once, cry once. I’m happily single and can’t take my $ with me on my final off-road trip

 

Dobinsons is well loved and for good reason, they've earned it. By the way @Crikeymike is on this forum and he's one of the larger (only?) distributors of Dobinsons in the country. He can help you dial in exactly what you want, and he's also a wheeler, so he's good about steering you towards whats best, not just what makes him more $$$

 

If you want something comfy than Kings (as per my 4x4 shop) look at ELKA 2.5 DCs. There's a thread somewhere in this forum. I think the spring rate and adjusters help improve the comfort the way you like. I like very soft ride vs some like firm sporty ride. So everyone's definition of good ride may vary.


This is how mine look-
https://youtu.be/WCyzwYRZqwc

 

I recently got the Dobinsons MRR with SPC’s at the end of October. No complaints at all. I gotta play around more with the adjustments and see what this babies got but so far my best purchase on the 4Runner.

I suggest Dobinsons MRR or Elka’s for sure!!

 

That is a tricky question !! Depends on what I can afford and what I want to do with the vehicle. Firm believer in you get what you pay for.

 

Yezzir, Ironman Stage III Foam Cell is what I am running, it's a fantastic setup and probably best "Bang for the buck" setup out there for the Runners/Tacos/Prados in Dresses. Ive run my rig on the Ozark Overland Adventure Trail (Along with a 4th gen Runner and a 2021 Taco on the same Ironman Stage III) and Outside of the most severe of trails, this suspension can stand on its own.

Of course, the suspension is subjective so I'm sure anyone can find a way to either agree or disagree.

 

What’s sitting at the top of the front shock? It looks to have a bleeder valve of some sort. I assume it’s for some type of adjustment on the coilovers?

 

I believe it’s just a rebound adjuster knob.

 

Nice setup Dobinsons MRR ! When I added up hehe did not match my budget.

 

Thanks! Yaa… I didn’t install this one at home as I wanted it professional done… so the cost was higher than I planned it to be. But completely worth it in the end. I wanted something more than a levelling kit as I tow my quad and gear and didn’t want the rear sagging. That’s where I find the adjustables are just immaculate in these types of suspension systems.

 

I’m still waiting on the Eibach springs for the 21 TRD pro!!

 

KING 25001-278A-EXT and KING 25001-125A-EXT

 

Yep I have the stage 3 on my 2019 ORP and am very happy with it. I would highly recommend them.

 

it all depends on what you plan on doing. Will you be hitting trails at 30+mph and looking to spend over $5k? If so, then Kings is what you'll want. Good luck getting those anytime soon! If you want the best bang for your buck, you should look into Bilstein 6112's and 5160's. Add some UCA's and you're set to hit the trails (at lower speeds lol)