Spacer Lift?

2021 5th gen sr5 with the front end lower. I like the more level look, especially when I put A/Ts on it.

Does anybody know the best options to level out the front of the truck? Do spacers lift work or will that cause damage?

I figure this is a common question

 

Stay away from spacers. Unless you're totally a pavement princess. Even then, I would do a proper suspension lift with springs and struts. Keep in mind the front down rake is designed by Toyota for a reason. If you lift the front end, for God's sake, adjust your fucking headlights properly.

 

You stole exactly what I was going to say to the OP, so I'll just say "Same". I think that's what the annoying millennials say now.

 

At first, I thought I'd just go the spacer route, but quickly changed my mind. Instead I settled on having a reputable nearby off-road shop install a pair of Bilstein model 5100 adjustable front shocks for me to raise my front a bit. I am very happy with the results in appearance, and the ride. I am not going radical off-roading with my truck. For me, it was a cosmetic issue to raise the front just a bit. I also installed a new set of 265/70 R17 Standard load AT tires in place of the factory Dunlops.

Keep in mind- when they say these shocks are "height adjustable", you can't just keep changing their height back and forth on a whim. They are adjustable OFF the vehicle, before you install them! Once installed, you lose the capability to adjust their height up or down, unless you tear stuff back apart to readjust them.

If memory serves, the Bilstein 5100s I purchased had 4 adjustment choices: Standard factory height setting, and then 3 more height adjustments above factory height. I had my shop set mine for the second from highest raise position. This left me with just a hint of front raked appearance with no weight in the back of the truck. I am running around empty / little or no payload a majority of the time anyway.

I may go back to them eventually and have them raise the rear a bit with new rear shocks, but I’m not in any hurry to do that.

Here’s a pic of my new to me (I purchased it as pre-owned / Toyota certified last November 2023, truck was built June of 2022) 2022 SR5 Premium 4WD with the appearance the Bilstein 5100s give to raise the front up some. I really like it.

My vote is go with height adjustable shocks. I had a professional off-road shop install my Bilsteins. Some guys (probably 200 years younger then me) install them at home on their own. My bill came to a bit over $800.00, including what I was told would be a mandatory front end alignment, which was fine with me. I don't know if that price is reasonable or bad. I didn't shop around. I found what I was told was a very good shop, close to home, so went with that. All the folks there were terrific. I'm sure my job was a cake walk for them compared to the tour they gave me of all the radical suspension modification stuff they had going on in their shop. LOL.

 

just you wait until you see what the bussin’ Gen Z (and a healthy splash of Alpha) have pulled out of their gyatt’s.

No cap.

Am I hip yet? (watch out, the youngest millennials are almost 30)

That said, leave spacers for vehicles without much aftermarket or for those looking for just a smidge of lift for light duty work on a tight budget.

 

I re-adjusted mine just yesterday WITHOUT removing them. I only had to remove wheels and sway bar end links. Not the easiest job, but doable. I adjusted the spanner nut 7 turns up each. AHHH wait mine are not Bilsteins...mine have threaded body and adjust with spanner wrench. I go away now...

 

Here’s my experience with spacer lift.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/shock’ing-discovery.26659/

 

I’ve got IMS dampers with threaded seats as well. Not sure if other brands recommend the same, but Dobinsons recommends adjustments be done without a spring because it can tear up the threads if you adjust with coil tension. Total pain in the ass, but it is what it is.

 

Rear shocks wont lift rear, new coils or a 3/4' spacer are required... and yes that's pricey for just the fronts.

 

do it right (no spacer kit). I have a Bilstein 5100 w/stock spring set up on my 2011 SR5 and a Bilstein 6112 w/600 lb springs (came as a kit) on my 2022 Trail Special. Both set at 2” of lift in the front, but you can set the lift height to your liking.

 

I just did 5100’s up front and Bilstein springs in the back for $500. Huge bang for the buck I think

 

Same- 5100 @ bottom perch w/Dobinsons 302’ 2.5” lift coils and 1.5” lift coils in back… rides awesome. Had same set up on my Tacoma with 314 coils

 

Here’s the Taco

 

Does lifting the 4runner reduce gas mileage?

 

if people are worried about their mpgs, you shouldnt be driving a 4RNR.

 

To me it looks like a bit of a squat, was the pic taken while loaded down?

 

Looks good! What springs did you use in the rear? I’m looking at the dobinsons IMS and can’t decide between the 325 or 505 spring on my stock 4runner.

 

These are Ironman 1.5 light load coils(couldn’t pass up Christmas deal).

 

Weird angle I parked at I guess…. My rear measures 3/4” higher…

 

There's nothing wrong with SMALL spacers. I'd say the max is .75"(1.5" of lift). If your only trying to level you 4r youll need .25" or .5" spacers.



Large spacer lifts you'll need to extend your bumpstops, but that's needed with any lift(2" or more)

 

Bilsteins aren't much more expensive. Same cost for a shop to install probably too

 

Soooo true