need small lift advice (1.85" front, 1"rear

I got a new 21 ORP, my first 4Runner. I'm retired and don't thrash my vehicles. I have changed the tires and wheels and want to raise it up a bit. I have KDSS. I have done a bit of homework. This rig will not be used for anything extreme (desert roads to explore, snowy roads in winter), it won't be loaded down with equipment, it's daily life will be in the city hauling my dogs and or my granddaughter and wife. The tires are now 275's (no rubbing), I know I can lift it .85 in the front using Bilstein 5100's, but I'm thinking about going up 1.85 in front and could use the Bilsteins for that, so the cheap way to level the rear is a 1" spacer but now I am reading to never do a spacer but instead save up for a true lift kit. Tonight I looked at Dobinsons for the first time. The 4 Bilsteins are $500, the cheaper Dobinsons lift kit is just under a grand (I can budget for that), a pricer one was $1400 , they both go 1.85" fr/1" rear. Is a true lift kit the way to go for my needs ? The "lean" issue that I just read about is making me think twice about spacers. I don't want to be cheap but don't want to spend unnecessary money. Anything wrong with the $1000 Dobinson kit ? Just doing Bilsteins and .85 in front and leaving the rear alone still may be my choice. I don't want to go any higher that the numbers I listed. I'm loving this forum and thank you all for your input.
thx,
Tom

 

If you're only after a small lift, why not look into the Cornfed spacers? I did the 2/1 on my '20 and it looks great. Also, your shocks are new so why replace them.

 

A suspension lift like the dobisons will give you a better ride on and off road than spacers. It should also improve the handling of the vehicle, and fix any nose diving if you’ve noticed it when coming to a stop.

You can do spacers though if you want to save the money and don’t mind a potential change in ride quality or don’t care for a true suspension lift. You can still get the drivers side lean with any lift you do, which is usually remedied by installing a .25” spacer on the drivers side (I have one).

 

What's included in the 'cheaper' Dobinsons kit?

My goals were the same as yours - I went with the Eibach front struts @ .85, and their rear shocks, for no rear lift. I am very happy with the results, and it is perfectly fine for the use you stated. I'm on the edge of retirement also, and the front lift is just about right for my not-so-spry self...

 

Thanks for the reply's, I went with the Bilsteins mainly for the ability to lift it without using a spacer, I have read a bit about spacers and I'm sure that spacers would be fine for my application but having a better than stock set of shocks is ok with me. The more expensive Dobinson kit has better shocks that are rebuildable, something I really dont need. The shop I'm using is really cool, they are busy and I'm scheduled for late April which is fine, I ordered the Bilsteins and can't get a delivery date yet, the owner said that he will install the Bilstein's at what is supposed to be the 1.85 setting then add a block to the rear to put the height where I want it. Check out Yodaman on YouTube, turns out his shop is 15 min from my house

 

A spacer in the rear is probably fine for minor off-road use.

Another option is to do the Bilsteins and get lift coils for the rear. They're generally about $200 a set, and will give you a true suspension lift in the rear.

 

Keep in mind that the Bilsteins are happier and will ride and perform better the lower they're set at.

I'd only use the bottom two settings on adjustable shocks, but maybe that's just me. I don't think I've ever heard or read of one guy that said his truck drove great with the springs on the top perch. Why is it even there, I wonder?

If you really want a lot of info regarding a slight lift, all of my thoughts have been exhausted in my thread "5th Generation 4Runner Suspension Options Thread" .. it's just a bit down the main page.

 

I agree with your assessment of the top two clips. If I wanted any more lift out of Bilstein or Eibach, I'd personally go for their springs, and the spring seat set on the bottom setting.

To me 'cheap' is Bilsteins/Eibachs set on the top snap ring setting using oem springs, and 'necessary money' is replacement springs for lift, at least for 2"+ worth of lift.