Best Lift Kits for Your Toyota 4Runner: Raising the Off-Road Bar

If you own or are planning to buy a Toyota 4Runner, then congratulations; you either own or are about to own one badass SUV. The 4Runner has all the comfort-enhancing bells and whistles you’d expect from a modern vehicle, but it’s also a more than competent off-roader and can tow an impressive 6,000 pounds.

No vehicle is perfect out of the box when it comes to off-roading work, though, and you’ll soon start thinking of ways to improve its overall performance while also making it look cooler. This is what a good lift kit can offer. Besides the extra ground clearance, a proper lift kit can also provide extra room to fit your 4Runner with even bigger wheels and tires. There’s a multitude of products available for the 4Runner, and we’ve assembled a list of some of the best lift kits for the Toyota 4Runner to help make it even more capable off-road.

RealTruck Superlift 3″ Standard Lift Kits

This kit is tailored for the Toyota 4Runner and will give it an additional 3 inches in height. It comes with all the components you need, plus detailed instructions for every step, so you can install it yourself if you’re the type who enjoys working on your vehicle. Just go through the instructions before starting to make sure you have all the tools you need. The extra ground clearance and space around the wheels make this kit perfect for those who want to upgrade to larger wheels.

Key specs:

  • Lift: 3 inches
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • What makes them special: Detailed instructions make it relatively easy to install at home

Rough Country 3″ Standard Lift Kit

This kit is also pretty straightforward to install, but the manufacturer strongly recommends letting a professional do it or at least taking your 4Runner in afterward for a post-lift alignment. Everything is laser-cut and will fit perfectly, and the kit includes upper control arms to help keep your wheel alignment after lifting. Besides improving off-road performance and making room for larger wheels, this lift kit also maintains on-road comfort.

Key specs:

  • Lift: 3 inches
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 32.1 pounds
  • What makes them special: They optimize on-road comfort and handling

Old Man Emu 3-Inch Heavy Load Suspension Kit

This kit is exclusively made for post-2010 4Runner models. Its coil springs are highly resistant to wear and tear, and the Old Man Emu shock absorbers are fine-tuned to provide excellent control both on- and off-road. The extra 3 inches of ground clearance won’t shrink even as you add weight to your 4Runner. These lifts can take up to 300 pounds of extra weight without losing any height.

Key specs:

  • Lift: 3 inches
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Weight: 76.8 pounds
  • What makes them special: They can take the extra weight of a modified 4Runner

Bilstein B8 6112 Suspension Kit

If you want a lift kit that will keep your 4Runner low for precise on-road driving but can also lift it when you get off the road, these may be your best choice. Their snap-ring grooves allow multiple spring seat positions, providing a lift between 0 and 2.75 inches. Their large 60mm digressive piston will improve ride quality and boost off-road control.

Key stats:

  • Lift: 0–2.75 inches
  • Material: Alloy steel and aluminum
  • Weight: 41.5 pounds
  • What makes them special: They allow you to control ride height

Fabtech 6″ Standard Lift Kit

Although 3 inches of extra ground clearance is a lot, 6 inches is a whole lot more. If you want to fit extra-large wheels on your 4Runner and push it to the limit on steep off-road terrains, this kit will give you the lift you need. It’s also extra durable, so you won’t have to worry about the possibility of the extra height damaging your vehicle. You may be able to install it yourself with the right tools, but it’s much safer to leave the job to professionals.

Key stats:

  • Lift: 6 inches
  • Material: Steel and aluminum
  • Weight: Not specified
  • What makes them special: The 3 extra inches of lift can allow for larger wheels and boost off-road performance

Skyjacker 3″ Standard Lift Kit

This lift kit is designed to provide maximum durability while maintaining smooth on-road performance and excellent off-road capabilities. It’s specifically made for a wide range of models, including the Toyota 4Runner, and will give you the extra inches you need to fit larger wheels. The kit comes with all the necessary components and detailed instructions, so you can install it yourself if you have the time and tools for the job.

Key specs:

  • Lift: 3 inches
  • Material: Steel and aluminum
  • Weight: 56.2 pounds
  • What makes them special: They’re highly durable

Tips for Choosing the Right Lift Kits for Your Toyota 4Runner

With so many lift kits to choose from, it can all get a little confusing. The good news is that there are no wrong choices as long as the kit you choose fits your 4Runner. You can refine your search further by following these tips:

  • Determine what you need the lift kit for: A good place to start is figuring out your exact needs. If all you’re looking for is a taller 4Runner, you may as well get a cheaper body lift kit, but suspension lift kits are much better if you also want improved off-road performance.
  • Figure out how much you’re willing to spend: It’s always a good idea to have a predetermined budget before shopping. Although cheaper models may be tempting, they may not be as durable as more expensive ones.
  • Double-check the compatibility and installation requirements: When choosing a lift kit, it’s essential to make sure it fits your vehicle’s exact make, model, and year. If you’re considering installing it yourself, check to see if you have all the required tools, or you may end up spending more on those than on the actual kit.

Disclosure: MotorTrend may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our affiliate links.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *