Lift and wheel suggestions

Hello

I’m looking for a lift, maybe 3 inches, and some ATs or MTs that will fit on the TRD black 17x7 rims. My SR5 is the base mode 4x4 with the blackout package. I want to keep my rims that came with it but I’m looking for a more aggressive look. Any suggestions?

 

There’s plenty of threads on here of cool builds! You can use the search function on the top right, or Google “whatever your question is” and put 4runners.com at the end to see if there is existing threads. Suggestion would be to browse through those, research the difference between spacer and suspension lifts, and possible fitment issues with bigger tires. Then decide what you’ll be using your rig for and get what suits your needs the best, or what makes the most sense to you.

 

Is the lift for a certain type offroading performance you're looking for, or mostly for looks? There are lots of different directions you could go depending on intended use.

 

Thanks. It’s my first 4 runner and I’m looking to add some mods.

 

It’s mostly for looks, I don’t plan on a lot of actual off roaring.

 

I agree with Mtbpsych, do some reading on here because it can get expensive.

 

Since it's mostly a daily driver I'll just assume you'll want a good ride quality with a more planted feel at each corner to eliminate nosedive, and will want good value. Check out something like this with the 3" performance load front coils and 2" performance load rear coils: https://ironman4x4america.com/nitro...oyota-4runner-2003-lexus-gx470-gx460-stage-2/ (the UCAs alone are $750)

Dobinsons and Eibach are also pretty popular, to get you started. You don't need to spend a fortune just for looks, unless you want to.

For tires, since you will be mostly on pavement I would steer away from a MT due to noise. Depending on where you live, if you need better traction on snow and wet roads, look for a 3 peak rated A/T tire. There are a lot of good A/T tires that will have a nice quiet ride but still look aggressive. Toyo OC AT3, BF Goodrich KO2, Falken Wildpeak AT3W just to name a few.

One more thing about tires, if you're not going offroad, a P-metric SL load tire should meet your needs. They will be softer and lighter than a LT tire in the same size, and will have a longer treadlife warranty.

 

Great thanks!

 

Welcome! I drive mine about 90% on the road, and I love my Toyo AT3s. They are quiet, and after about 12k miles, they are all at the same tread depth and wearing nicely.

 

Congrats on the 4Runner. I would say do your research and have a clear direction in mind before spending $$$. I am about $13k into modifications. But I will be using it all (waiting on my parts still). This vehicle can quickly become a money hog if you are not careful. Just know what you are after and focus on that.

If you want to keep it on the street and not actually take it off the beaten path my first question is why modify? If it is for looks then you have a one up on a lot of people because the 4Runner stock looks really nice and will last you a long time. You start modifying and your not just spending money on parts but now possibly voiding warranty, worse gas mileage, more wear and tear, etc. Depending on where you live a lift and tires may help you (ie: the States that got slammed with snow this year).

I hope you don’t take my comment as being rude but I chuckle when I see a ridiculous nice rig and I get to talking with the owner and they have never taken it off roading. I asked then why they bought 4x4 in Arizona then and they don’t provide any logical reasoning (because it is better they say). I ask them the last time they put it in 4wd and they say never. They have thousands of miles on the car 10k+ and it has never been in 4wd. They are shocked to find out you are supposed to put your vehicle in 4wd every so often to lube up the seals in the transfer case.

Anyways all-in-all I would go for practicality off what you need or will use the car for. Other than that it is your money and have fun spending. I know I am.

edit: I never answered your question.
Wheels:
I went with RRW racing wheels. Fair price and ready for off-roading (if you change your mind your vehicle will be more prepared)
Lift:
I went with Ironman 4x4 stage 3 foam cell pro. I would go with the nitro one if you won’t be off-roading.
Another option for lift is a pre-load collar lift kit. A lot cheaper than a new suspension. Westcott design has them and they are not expensive at all $280 each I believe. Here is a link:
https://westcottdesigns.net/store/suspension/

 

If you want comfort on road and and trails I really like ELKA 2.5 DC.

Like most I wanted to get Kings but I'm so happy my 4x4 shop advised me to go with ELKA since I was looking for the best regardless the price. It was slightly expensive than the Kings setup my 4x4 shop offers since I had to buy rear springs and uca and few other things extra vs the Kings setup had everything included. End of the day I'm extremely happy with the soft ride it gives.

Fox also offers dual speed adjusters like ELKA. I bet they'll provide similar comfy ride as well.

Also the shop told me the ELKA are aluminum so fits perfect for me in CO against rust and also I can run longer with better heat deception (as per the shop. LoL).

https://youtu.be/WCyzwYRZqwc

Update- If you want to run wider tires like 285/70r17 I advise to have 17x7.5 TRD Off-road wheels or any other aftermarket wheel. 17x7 TRD Pro wheels are not recommended by tire manufacturers for wider tires like 285s, you can go up to 275/70R17.


Here are some of the setup I was looking at for my buddy early this Jan. (Even though I'd love to have Fox 2.5 DC and Redflo in this list the 4x4 shop near us do not have them)



Even though OME also has good review for ride comfort we did not include as the adjusters are inside the spring and need supplied tool to adjust. So its not easy as others with a small knobs on the remote reservoir.

 

If you're not off-roading, I wouldn't bother with high end 2.5" coilovers. I would look at Bilstein, Eibach, or maybe a Fox 2.0 setup. Or, stick to a more basic setup (no reservoirs or adjusters) and it will be more economical.

3" lift can look weird with stock size tires, but you can pull it off with aggressive sidewalls. Personally, I wouldn't go more than an inch or 2 in the rear unless you're going with 285's or bigger.

 

Well said! Comments like this enhance my thoughts towards a Pro over being compelled to modify a TRD ORP.

 

Do more research before you commit to a TRD Pro.

Yes TRD Pro is a great option if you lease and not allowed to modify or if you want to keep your 4Runner stock.

If you are smart you can spend the same amount of money you spend for the TRD Pro towards a TRD Offroad with way more comfy & capable suspension + tires. Unlike TRD Pro you don't need to change wheels on a TRD ORP to have wider tires.

MPG doesn't go bad with just lift and tires. I live in mountain state Colorado and I have no complains on mpg even with lift + LT285s. TRD Pro comes with non LT (passenger rated non 3 peak snow rated 265s) same ground clearance as any other trim.

Many more reasons but this forum will help you to find you self than just one person commenting..
(Don't want to look like a TRD Pro hater. its a good trim.)

 

I'll be about $9k in mods/additions into mine, but most of that money would have been spent on the same things regardless of which trim level I bought.

$2400 Dobinsons lift kit & UCAs (installing myself)
$2300 full set of C4 skid plates & powder coating
$1100 tires (5)
$850 Shrockworks sliders
$800 ceramic tint
$250 air compressor
$200 KDSS drop brackets
$150 alignment after lift install
$150 cargo cover
$150 oem led fogs
$150 extra "Trail" wheel & tpms
$150 recovery mats
$150 welding
$100 eimkeith panhard correction bracket
$100 shovels

 

Depending on your needs/wants, you can save quite a bit over a PRO by modifying an OR. Or, spend about the same and have a better setup.

But if the PRO is exactly what you want, it makes sense.

 

I'm not mechanically inclined or tech savvy! I would waste too much time thinking what parts, what shop, etc! The opportunity cost for all of that would help offset the actual savings of a ORP versus the Pro! These are some of the factors I think of as I try to justify the cost of a Pro versus the ORP! The time I spent fiddle farting around with modifying the truck, I could be working which ultimately would allow for more time to play with the truck! I like the look of the skinnies or pizza cutters!

 

You will be happy with a Pro..

 

The savings from building an SR5 or OR vs. going with a Pro does add up very fast. I haven't priced anything since the 2019 model year, but I remember the Pros were selling at or above msrp, while you could easily negotiate a nice discount below msrp on every other trim. I seem to recall the 2019 Pros were stickered around $7000 higher compared to my OR with KDSS ($1750 option), and I was able to get $3k off sticker without much negotiating. That's $10k+ in savings right off the bat. You can buy a lot of skid plates, tires, lift, and other stuff with $10k, and end up with a much better suspension, armor and tires compared to what comes on a Pro.

Trying to learn about all the mods starting from zero was certainly intimidating for me. But I've also found it's been part of the fun. Having this and the other 4Runner forum as a resource has been absolutely awesome. I've PM'ed quite a few people here and there asking for advice and opinions, and people here are always willing to help.

 

I feel people here often overcompensate with fancy parts and big lifts. My 4Runner is sweet at off-roading, bone stock except for just changing the tire type. I bet it will be even better with cheap Eibach shocks and lift springs. I plan to go with high-end suspension only when I find myself quickly traversing over 100 miles in a day off-road. Otherwise, external reservoirs and 2.5" shock bodies, along with harsher bearings and more maintenance, are just not necessary in my eyes. It's not just about the price.

 

Around here, Pro's cost about $5k more. That lift is definitely worth 2k if you are happy with the height. The stereo IMO is definitely worth something. The color is the big ticket though, and if you want it, what's another 2k for something you really enjoy, and might keep for a decade or more?

Can't go wrong with either if the funds are right. I wish I had a Pro, but I'm young and broke (tongue in cheek lol.. many would be unhappy with me describing myself as "broke" with a brand new 4Runner). It was simply out of the budget... which was already greatly stretched for a 4Runner in general (dang these things are expensive!).

 

What a read I think I'm bleeding




jk