To this day, the Toyota 4Runner maintains its status as a tough, highly capable SUV with some serious off-road prowess. For over 35 years and counting, the Toyota 4Runner has been conquering the off-road / SUV industry with attractive styling, articulate suspension, and the latest tech to give you the confidence to explore new terrain. The 4Runner is a more refined alternative to vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels. The Toyota 4Runner may be recognized as an SUV, but it has the same towing power as a truck. Ultimately, it’s the best of both worlds with comfortable seating for up to seven and a 5,000-pound tow rating. Also, while most SUVs today feature unibody designs, the 4Runner has retained its body-on-frame chassis.
As a Toyota 4Runner owner, you may be interested in testing its robust off-road design with at least a trail adventure here and there. One of the main elements of off-roading is the ability to tackle various terrain and weather. The trails and backroads are anything but the smooth and maintained side streets and highways you experience on your everyday commute. Your Toyota 4Runner will need to stay above water or mud to avoid drawing liquids into the air intake and keep the adventure going. While it’s already equipped with certain features and modes to ensure it performs at its best no matter the terrain, the aftermarket houses countless options for you to tweak your suspension for better looks and/or handling.
Depending on your needs, there are numerous suspension systems out there for you to choose from. Some are designed to improve your ride with added clearance, while others deliver a more fine-tuned suspension giving you more control over the miles of dirt roads ahead. Lift kits are a great way to increase ground clearance and improve off-road performance all while giving your ride that added rugged appeal. To alleviate some of the stress your search may bring, we have compiled the list below of the top 7 best lift kits for your Toyota 3Runner. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about any of the products below, please contact us at 1-480-966-3040. You can also browse all of our lift kits for the Toyota 4Runner right here.
#1 Icon Vehicle Dynamics Lift Kit
ICON Vehicle Dynamics is one of the top performance suspension manufacturers in the industry, specializing in aftermarket off-road components for SUVs and trucks. For the Toyota 4Runner, ICON Vehicle Dynamics offers a plethora of lift kits ranging from the basic Stage 1 Kit to the complete Stage 8 Kit. If you are looking for a relatively basic and affordable system that offers up to 3 inches of lift, then the ICON Stage 1 Kit may be a good fit for you. The entry-level kit works well in most on- and off-road scenarios by significantly improving the 4Runner’s factory body roll and overall driving ability.
Each subsequent kit includes the components of the previous one with some additions to provide a noticeable improvement in the off-road performance of your truck. If you want the absolute best performance you can get from your 4Runner, the Stage 8 Kit spares no expense and comes with everything you need for a full-fledged, upgraded suspension. The Stage 8 system includes everything that Stages 1-7 have but goes a step further in delivering ICON performance with the addition of rear suspension components for maximum off-road performance.
#2 Fabtech Lift Kit
Fabtech offers 3-inch and 6-inch lift kits for the Toyota 4Runner. Each system is expertly designed to improve your SUV’s off-road performance so that you can hit the trails safely and with confidence. The heavy-duty 3-inch lift kits include Fabtech’s stout uni-ball upper control arms and Dirt Logic shocks. This combination delivers a mild lift with increased wheel travel and improved suspension performance. The 3-inch lift system is a top choice among daily drivers that enjoy Overlanding on the weekends.
If you are looking for more clearance, Fabtech’s 6-inch systems can accommodate up to 35-inch tires. These lift kits are perfect for the more serious off-roaders. These suspension systems feature Fabtech’s proven IFS technology with extended-length ductile iron steering knuckles for proper electronic stability control functionality. At the center of this system is Fabtech’s prominent 1/4-inch thick steel cross-members, which provide your Toyota with the clearance and strength it needs to succeed out on the trails. What’s more, the integrated front differential skid plate adds protection to the 4Runner’s drivetrain during off-road use.
#3 Old Man Emu Lift Kit
Old Man Emu started out building suspension components for some of the toughest terrain in the world: the Australian Outback. After years of R&D, testing, and improvement, Old Manu Emu has manufactured an extensive line of off-road suspension parts that will help your vehicle not only survive rough terrain but also thrive in them. With Old Man Emu, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality and highly capable suspension system for your 4Runner.
Bring race technology to your adventures with Old Man Emu’s suspension kits, featuring revolutionary patent-pending technology that delivers unparalleled on and off-road performance. The bolt-on, big-bore, position-sensitive internal bypass shock absorbers have been developed and rigorously tested to provide exceptional ride comfort around town with significant amounts of end-zone damping for exceptional chassis control and handling for the off-road.
Old Man Emu lift kits are engineered for unparalleled performance with a rugged design and signature bold black-and-yellow appearance. The 3-inch lift kit from OME includes complete front and rear upgrades of your Toyota 4Runner’s shocks and struts. The kit provides increased ride height for improved ground clearance and remarkable damping performance for any off-road obstacles. With this kit, you will notice a significant difference in ride quality, handling, and overall comfort both on and off the road. OME systems are designed to handle any situation and give you the ability to adapt to and gain control when tackling the unknown.
#4 Skyjacker Lift Kit
If you want something fairly affordable but still more advanced than a basic budget kit, take a look at Skyjacker suspension systems. Skyjacker offers lift kits with relatively mild ride height (i.e. 2.5 inches and 3 inches), which prove to be great options. With these, you will experience a difference in suspension articulation and handsome ride height without the poor handling attributes caused by those larger lift kits. Skyjacker lift kits are well-known for preserving ride smoothness, providing reliable suspension, and ensuring longevity. What’s more, they are available for both 2WD or 4WD models.
Skyjacker lift kits deliver increased ground clearance and a more aggressive stance, giving your truck the ability to conquer on- and off-road obstacles while looking its best. The kits are fully customized to your specific year, make, and model of SUV or truck. Each kit includes all of the top-quality parts needed for a complete suspension lift (parts vary by vehicle). What’s more, Skyjacker’s exclusive “No Destruction Required” design for most vehicles means that no modifications are needed that may prevent you from returning to stock height at a later point. So go beyond the basic “lift kit” and get into a Skyjacker performance suspension package today.
#5 Tuff Country Lift Kit
Not everyone wants a high-end lift kit and, frankly, a lot of us cannot afford to dish out big bucks to get that aggressive off-road stance. That’s where Tuff Country comes in. All Tuff Country lift kits are engineered to deliver a blend of the finest materials and performance all at an affordable price. Don’t let the price fool you, though. Tuff Country suspension systems feature quality parts with top-grade steel brackets cut to precise dimensions via state-of-the-art computerized lasers. You can rest assured that you are getting a solid system, too, as all Tuff Country products are tested and proven on the transverse terrain of the Rocky Mountains and Utah’s southeast desert.
Tuff Country EZ-Ride Suspension has been manufacturing quality suspension lift kits since 1988. Its systems are designed to replicate your factory ride to not sacrifice any of your Toyota 4Runner’s off-road durability and performance. Tuff Country offers everything from basic budget lift kits up to 3-inch, 4-inch, and 4-inch lift kits. It should be noted, however, that lifting your Toyota 4Runner past four inches does not have many performance benefits; instead, it’s mainly for the looks. Simple installation and a great ride are a trademark of its kits as well. What’s more, these lift kits are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
#6 Revtek Lift Kit
Look into Revtek’s lineup of premium lift systems and see why the brand is first in its class for suspension products from Toyota to Hummer. Revtek lift kits are designed to improve your vehicle’s ability to tow and haul more weight, increase its off-road performance, and make it look more intimidating with a heightened appeal that also allows for a more aggressive wheel and tire package. The 3-inch lift kit, for example, can accommodate up to 33-inch tires. These systems are easy enough to install yourself and the included parts bolt right onto the 4Runner’s OEM components, giving you a surefire fitment that is built to last.
Improving your suspension gives your truck a better ride and can help with everything from rock crawling to navigating those pesky potholes in your neighborhood. Revtek lift kits retain your Toyota 4Runner’s stock suspension geometry and ride quality so that you never have to compromise either to achieve the look and handling you want. The complete lift systems include rugged cast aluminum preload and top-out spacers up front, polyurethane spacers, and longer shocks at the rear, plus all of the necessary hardware and instructions for a seamless installation process.
7. Eibach Lift System
The Eibach Pro-Truck lift kit combines a series of Pro-Truck Lift springs and Pro-Truck Sport shocks to create a fine-tuned suspension system engineered for on- and off-road performance. Built upon decades of off-road racing victory, Eibach is a top choice among SUV and truck owners looking for a quality lift kit that delivers maximum ride height and travel without compromising drivability or the integrity of factory components (i.e. ball joints, bushings). Matched with Eibach’s heavy-duty Pro-Truck Sport shock system, this combination can handle virtually anything thrown its way. Precision shock valving allows compliance over large obstacles and ultimate control through rugged terrain while also improving on-road comfort and performance.
Eibach lift kits offer two to three inches of lift or leveling for your Toyota 4Runner while providing an ideal balance of ride quality, control, and off-road capability. If you add winches or other armor and accessories, this system maintains proper ride height to allow for more clearance and full use of the available shock travel. Using the same spring technology found in the brand’s ERO off-road racing system, the block-resistant Pro lift kit springs can be taken to the limit mile after mile while guaranteeing consistent performance and ride height.
Summary
The Toyota 4Runner is a great option for those who want something with a little more attitude and presence than your standard everyday crossovers like the RAV4 and Highlander. The 4Runner doubles as a comfortable family hauler and off-road-capable utility vehicle. Adding a lift kit to your 4Runner brings with it many benefits, like increased clearance, the ability to install larger tires, a more aggressive aesthetic, and improved visibility. After all, there’s nothing like a large fresh set of tires, performance Coilover springs, and a lifted suspension to give your ride the ultimate attitude and advantage over any terrain.
So, what are you waiting for? We here at Vivid Racing did the homework for you so now all you have to do is decide which is the right fit for your application. Should you have any further questions or need help figuring out which system is better for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.
