Intro/Beginner Suspension Kits and Wheel/Tires?

Hi,
I’m about to get a 4Runner probably a 2021 SR5 premium and I want to start modifications as soon as possible.
I want to start with suspension, wheels and tires.
I’m looking for suggestions of beginner suspension kits that are good off and on road and do give the car some lift so I can fit a larger tire maybe 33”? Maybe a 2” lift in front and 1” in back (I’m not sure though).
My biggest is $2-4000
What are your thoughts on at home installation of suspension kits? Or is it worth it to go to a shop?
What size wheel/tire should I pair with the suspension kits?
I want the car to look pretty big and truck like but nothing crazy, and I want to be able to perform on medium level trails.

 

Here's a comparison. The video is cheesy but the results are real world experience.
I have the Dobinson suspension and would buy it again. I do some hard core wheelin'. (see my avatar) Be sure to check if the suspension you decide to go with needs to be rebuilt at a given mileage. Some need a redo at 30,000 miles. Others will go 50,000. Some you simply toss in the trash when it wears out and buy a new suspension. My bottom-of-the-barrel Dobi sus has 60,000 and is still going strong with no issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s271Ln-6QI

Here's how to do the installation. If you can turn a wrench, you can do the install in your driveway. It will be very similar for all manufacturers. A helping hand will make the job a bit easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmjVHhuT1vU

 

Check out this guys stuff

https://youtu.be/LAYGdcKSA3o?si=nYemDAw4ZmamicOq

 

Blind test video is good info but not apples to apples. Tacomas have leaf springs in the rear vs. coils on 4Runners.

 

...but solid rear axle, which is similar.

@Olapierre I know this will sound counter-intuitive, but a lift doesn't really allow you to run bigger tires. The front wheel opening on a 4Runner and bumper/fender clearance is the limiting issue with bigger tires. If you think about tire size horizontally you'll see a 31" tire is about as large as fits without rubbing (the bumper/fender/mud flap). You can lift the vehicle and give the appearance of a bigger rig, and you can put the bigger tire on it, but the bigger tire will still rub, whether you have a 1" lift or a 3" lift. The opening is only as big as it is, and the stock-sized tire is almost as big as will fit.

I think the videos posted above, including the "Tacoma" video are really good. Tinkerer is a really good channel to follow. He objectively busts a lot of myths that you'll hear over and over, especially about control arms, lifts and tire size.

I really like Bilstein and I would suggest that. I think you'll get one of the best suspensions on the market and you won't break the bank. You won't have the street/offroad-cred as those that spend a lot more money, but you'll have a better suspension and more gas money in your pocket. Another way of putting it, you'll have better performance and a bigger bank account, but you won't have all the cool stickers to tell people how much money you spent on big-name suspension.

'twere me, and it is in a sense, I'd put a 265/70/17 BFG AT KO2 on with stock suspension and wheel the piss out of it. You'll go (almost) everywhere you point it, and keep up with most of the other 4Runners in the group. When you have the funds, I'd put a rear locker in it.

 

@Acesandeights I see.
So I'm ok with doing a bit of trimming only if its body I guess.
How much would a rear locker cost. I looked online at different options but wasn't exactly sure what to look for.
Is that a modification that's harder to do alone and may need a garage to install? or is it possible at home too?
Also why do you say those tires. How should I pick what tires I need/want. I am gonna have a lot of pavement time but also light weekend trailing.

 

I am 2 yrs. into the "should I get a locker" debate. I am able to keep up with with my buddies that have a locker. A-TRAC hasn't ever let me down, and I do some hard core trails. I call it FM, 'cause it's f'n magic. If I eventually decide to get a locker, I'm getting this one. I haven't been in a situation that A-TRAC hasn't gotten me out of. I've also cruised over obstacles that my locked friends had trouble on, much to their dismay.
If you have differential rebuild experience, sure you could do the install. I don't have that experience so I would have to farm out the install.


https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23993467-toyota-8-2-harrop-elocker.html

 

A rear locker...I'm only guessing, but maybe $1,500. I have tinkered with differentials, but I wouldn't do it myself, unless it was a complete third member...oh, who am I kidding, I'd definitely do it myself whether I f*cked it up or not. You'll need tools and space, gear oil, etc.

I say BFG AT/KO2 tires because they are the standard all-terrain. They are pretty good on road and pretty good off road. They aren't great at either, but what makes a better rain tire usually means it picks up gravel. A tire good in snow usually wears faster. A tire good for mud is loud. So, I would suggest the BFG AT/KO2 because it's a middle-of-the-road tire that should give you relatively good performance on road and off. With a 265/70/17 BFG AT/KO2 tire you will have the traction you need in most situations without a lot of the downsides of a more aggressive, condition-specific tire.

 

For parts, yes, although there may some cheaper options. If you don't do it yourself, it will be more.

 

An ARB is $1,100 (isn't it?), so it shouldn't be much more than $1,500. @backpacker what should it cost?

 

I'm seeing Eaton for about $1400 from multiple vendors. I'm not sure what typical labor is to swap it in. Some members have had it done recently. Someone will probably weigh in.


ETA: That's for e-locker vs. air. Unless the OP already has on-board air, an e-locker is going to cost less overall.