HOW to figure out a lift option?

Some preliminary details:

• I've got a Canadian 2020 4Runner TRD Off-road w/ KDSS
• I am NOT interested in "looks" or anything like that.
• It is my only car, my "daily driver"
• I'd want improved on-road AND off-road handling
• "off-road" for me is everything from gravel roads to more rocky and rutted forestry roads, almost exclusively used to access hiking trailheads. No "rock crawling" or otherwise overlanding in an attempt to challange/have fun doing that specifically.
• Primary goal is better handling as stated above, and improved ground clearance/angles.
• Planning to almost certainly put 275/70/17 falken wildpeak AT3w on
• I will NOT be doing the install myself

Now I guess I could ask for recommendations, but I'll probably get all the answers anyway. I guess moreso... HOW do I actually pick what I want/need? Between springs, coils, remote resevoir or not, dealing with KDSS, replacing or not replacing the UCAs, a "kit" vs mix+matching... and who knows what else, it's more than a little confusing (despite the amount I've tried to research) for someone who has done and knows basically nothing about all this!

I talked to two local shops. One recommend (or rather that mostly install) OME and Dobinsons. Didn't get to the point of talking about specific options, yet. The other recommended Dobinsons, specifically the IMS kit.

In my initial research, I seemed to come across the Bilstein kit a LOT. Then heard names like Kings, Icon, Fox, but didn't really look into these too much.

So... yeah, how on earth do I go about actually select a kit that's a good fit for me, without worrying all day if it's just a cheap kit that either is worse than stock or won't offer much, or is so far beyond what I need that it's a waste.

 

Pick on what your budget is based on. Research the companies you mentioned and what they make their products for. A quick search for kings you’ll see their off road racing shocks, so if you don’t plan on doing high speed dessert racing that would cancel them out. If you go above 2 inches of lift you might need UCA’s, closer to 3 inches the more of a guarantee that is. Your best bang for the buck for what you want do is is bilstein 5100’s paired with OME coils front and rear, or bilstein 6112/5160 combo which is a little more.
If you get expensive coilovers, they will ride amazing on and off road, but a draw back is one their money, and two they require to be rebuilt ever 30,000mi-40,000mi based on how much they’re used. That’ll be a couple hundred bucks every time to get them done.

 

There are definitely enough options to choose from!

A big factor for me was height. Some lifts are adjustable, and some are a predetermined height.


Once you figure that out, you'll eliminate some options. Then, decide how much you want to spend. That will narrow it down more.

Then, read reviews of the specific options you're looking at. Chances are, someone on this forum has used whatever you're looking at.

Also, there are different types of shock valving. Progressive, digressive, and linear. They have different characteristics, which may help you choose based on the ride you're looking for. This is worth googling and reading about.

I'm not sure if this helps, but these were the things that helped me choose.

 

The good news for you is this:
95% of what you need has all been done For You Already.
Between this forum and the other major 4Runner forum...
Nearly everything you need has already been gathered, compiled and compartmentalized for your benefit.
W/o these resources already gathered together and commented on, one would be truly starting in the dark.

Personally, when I got my 4Runner I started an on-line favorites (primarily YT's) folder and then a local-to-my-computer folder.
As I researched, I just kept adding subfolders to them and categorizing everything, piece by piece.
And I wasn't in a big hurry, just as time permitted, a little each day.
Now, I have quite expansive folders and subfolders and it all fits together and 'makes sense'.
Whether you just want to 'make it happen' and move on, or it develops into a more intense interest...
You're going to have to devote your time and attention to it, at least some, at least for a time.
But with these forums and the information already gathered, it has Never Been Easier to 'get on board'.
As you take each individual step forward, the path begins to light up and make more sense.
You will start to see a bigger picture as you walk forward with each step.

Cassie may have something for you.
Her groove is Jeeps, but that's OK.

 

I can empathize with you, kaitlyn2004! I have a 2018 Off Road Premium w/KDSS as well and mostly I use on the highway with forest trails occasionally. I’m not a hard core off roader. You can find the thread about my choice under ELKA. I went with a high quality Canadian manufacturer who makes an excellent product built to withstand severe Canadian driving situations. I’ve been really happy with them. Good luck!

 

There’s a *super* “Getting Started” collection on Trail4Runner.com that I constantly refer to when I’m considering my next project. Here’s the section on lifts and levels.

https://trail4runner.com/2017/06/14/5th-gen-4runner-mods-lift-kits/

 

If you:
-don't care about looks
-not a rock crawler
-you're getting a good set of all terrain tires

My only suggestion would be to leave everything else stock. I would say we have similar life style needs for this vehicle. I frequent popular hiking spots, I like to go off road and explore northern Montreal mountains, and I daily my vehicle.

 

Good advice, Fanimus, however if you want to improve the handling of your off road KDSS 4 Runner it can be done. The stock suspension is quite anemic. Sure, it’s ok as is. But the vehicle dramatically improves with a good after market suspension. For both on and off road driving.

 

I went with Bilstein 6112/5160 and Goodyear Duratracs. Still my daily driver, but the XREAS is from 2005 and has to go. It was time to upgrade and I didn't want to suffer in my wallet or have a stiff ride. Only undecided on what rear springs to install.