Suspension lift upgrade advice?

Hey everyone, I’m new here!

I just got a 2024 white 4runner trd off road premium about 4 months ago and I have been on a few off road trails. I added some RCI steel skid plates for protection since I was going on some trails. But I am now looking into upgrading the vehicle’s suspension to add some height clearances and a smoother ride on the trails. There are so many different types of brands to go with so I’m just asking for advice and personal experience people had on deciding which suspension lift to go with and how they like it!

I know a buddy was referring me to King but after doing some online research Bilstein seems to get a better rep on functionality and price point. Not too sure what to go with. Please help! Thanks!

 

The first and probably most important question is: does your 4Runner have KDSS?

Welcome to the forum!

 

Sounds like you have your answer already.

 

I've had my Dobinson's twin tube suspension setup for a year now and am absolutely satisfied with it. We've put almost 20K miles on it in just one year!

It rides a bit firmer on the pavement and totally eliminated the front end nose dive during braking.

In the dirt, it really shines. Much smoother and more controlled. Absorbs big whoops fantastic. We've run it in the sand dunes of Sand Hollow, the rocks of Moab, and the forest roads we have here in Upper Michigan.

Zero regrets! It was money well spent.

 

Yes I have KDSS. And thank you I’m excited to learn more and create my dream build!

 

I have an Ironman lift, but Bilstein is the popular “budget” choice.

what do you plan to do with your runner? Rock climb, high speed desert dunes?

 

Have you looked at eibach? Full disclosure, it's what i run. Their 2.0 kit with rear load leveling set up will give you full adjustment at every corner. So, if you add weight like after market bumpers, skid plates, rock sliders... You have adjustment to the ride height to keep it level. Don't recall seeing anyone else with adjustable rear springs, i would think there is. Do your research and buy once.

 

There are limits to how much you can lift a truck with KDSS. I believe one must stay below 3 inches of lift so as not to cause problems with the KDSS.

I have mine lifted just under 2 inches and very happy with it.

 

I have a 23 ORP with KDSS and I have had my OME BP-51 on for 50K miles. The OME BP-51s are a bypass shock with adjustable dampening and compression along with adjustable height up front.

The vehicle is my daily driver, that I also use for overlanding, camping, towing and in addition to completing several 3K mile road trips. I have a complete set of front steel skid plates, gas tank skid plate (steel), sliders, steel front covert bumper, with a hitch and light bar installed, sliders, and a Sherpa Crestone roof rack, and exterior window panel and a homemade rear storage draw system. All of my armor is from CBI off road.

I am very happy with the setup so far. They are comfortable on road, improved handling over the stock suspension, and has exceeded my expectations off-road, from overlanding with the roof top tent to difficult off-road trails. Keep in mind a lot of the roads I travel off road on, even for overlanding, are covered with 3-6in pieces of basalt and the suspension is fairly comfortable, and hasn't faded yet even after traveling on them all day. I would buy them again and recommend them to everyone I know lookin for a suspension upgrade.

 

The first and probably most important question is: what kind of terrain do you use your 4Runner?

Welcome to the forum!

Bilstein is probably your best bet, but the right suspension is usually relative to the terrain where you expect to use it. Bilstein is a pretty well rounded option, and works great with KDSS.

 

I'll second the Eibach input. I have their Stage 1 kit and I love it. Super wallet friendly and hasn't had an issue yet. That said, build for what you plan to use it as. I have a weekend warrior setup so it's perfect.

 

Belstein's are pretty good entry lvl but, you might end up wanting more if you decide to do upgrades in the future. If this is your daily driver and off road(trailing) 2-3x a year then, you good. I ended up with full Dobinsons IMS. It's reduced nose dive and runs more firm when empty but, feels great when loaded. I like how i have the option to adjust down the road if and when I decide on more mods. I overland maybe 4x a year (i wish more) and I hit the mountains to board every winter season. I maximize the roof and back for my travel equipment and have no intension on getting an RTT. I'm not rock crawling but, I would tackle some terrain when needed. Buy once, cry once lol