Should You Lift a Toyota 4Runner? A Comprehensive Guide

Lifting your 4Runner may sound like a great way to increase your offroad capabilities, but is it really all it sounds like it is?

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to lift a Toyota 4Runner. The first question you need to ask yourself is what you plan on using your 4Runner for. 

Assuming you’re only going to be using it for occasional off-roading, then a mild lift should do the trick. After all, adding a lift kit can give your 4Runner a whole new look and provide additional performance capabilities. 

But is it worth the investment? Why would you want to do such a thing? Well, there are quite a few reasons. 

Should You Lift a Toyota 4Runner?

Lifting a 4Runner can help get it out of challenging situations if you’re stuck in mud or snow. If you plan on doing any serious rock crawling or trail running, then lifting your 4Runner is a great idea. If you use a 4Runner for your daily driver only, it’s probably not worth the investment.

The Toyota 4Runner is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Toyota. 

It was introduced in 1984 as a compact SUV and later became a mid-size SUV. 

The fourth generation of the 4Runner, made from 2003 to 2009, became one of the largest SUVs on the market, with its dimensions approaching those of full-size SUVs. 

It is now in its fifth generation.

The Toyota 4Runner has been available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Some of the 4Runner’s features include:

• Plenty of ground clearance
• Highly configurable (can be lifted, have different tires, etc.)
• Offers good fuel economy for an SUV
• Very capable off-road

The benefits of lifting a Toyota 4Runner

One of the main reasons people lift their vehicles is for improved off-road performance. 

With a lifted Toyota 4Runner, you’ll have increased ground clearance, allowing you to navigate over obstacles that would otherwise be impossible. 

Additionally, a lifted 4Runner will have improved articulation which will help it perform better on uneven terrain.

If you live in an area with a lot of snow, lifting your Toyota 4Runner can also be beneficial. 

You’ll increase its clearance by raising the vehicle and giving yourself more room to add winter tires, which will improve traction and help you avoid getting stuck in snowdrifts.

Besides this, a lifted 4Runner can help protect your vehicle from damage on poorly maintained roads. 

You’ll be less likely to bottom out and damage your suspension by having increased clearance.

Many people enjoy the way a lifted Toyota 4Runner looks. 

There’s no denying that a lifted SUV has a certain level of cool factor.

How to lift a Toyota 4Runner

Fortunately, there are several ways to lift a 4Runner. The most common method is by installing a suspension lift kit.

This will involve replacing the factory suspension components with aftermarket ones to provide additional lift.

Another popular method is to install body lift kits. This type of kit will raise the vehicle’s body without affecting the suspension. 

Body lifts are typically less expensive than suspension lifts and are easier to install. 

However, they do have some drawbacks. 

One is that they can sometimes create a gap between the body and frame of the vehicle.

Additionally, body lifts can adversely affect the handling of the car.

Are you looking for a more permanent solution? Then you can always have your 4Runner professionally lifted. 

This process involves cutting and welding the suspension components to provide additional lift. 

While this is a more expensive option, it does provide some benefits:

• It eliminates the need to install aftermarket suspension components.
• It provides a more seamless look since there won’t be any gaps between the body and frame.
• Professionally lifted vehicles typically have better handling than those lifted with kits.

Which lifts are best for the Toyota 4Runner?

For a suspension lift kit, we recommend going with one designed specifically for the 4Runner. 

Several companies offer these kits, and they vary in price and quality.

We’ve found that ToyTec and Total Chaos kits are both excellent choices.

If you’re looking for a body lift kit, we recommend going with Daysta

Daystar is a well-known company that produces high-quality lift kits. 

Their body lift kits provide a seamless look and come with all the necessary hardware for installation.

How to install a lift on your own Toyota 4Runner

Installing a lift on your own Toyota 4Runner is not as difficult as it may seem. 

With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can do it yourself in no time.

First, you’ll need to gather all necessary tools and materials, including a suspension lift kit, body lift kit, or professional lifting services.

Assuming you’ve already gathered the tools and materials needed, here are a few simple installation steps:

Suspension Lift Kit Installation:

• If you’re installing a suspension lift kit, remove the factory suspension components, including the shocks, struts, and control arms.
• Install the aftermarket ones that come with your lift kit.
• Reassemble the suspension and torque of all bolts to the proper specification.

Body Lift Kit Installation:

• Remove the factory body mounts.
• Install the aftermarket ones that come with your kit.
• Reattach the body to the frame using the new mounts.

Professional Lifting Services:

• remove the factory suspension components.
• cut and weld the suspension to provide additional lift.
• Reassemble and torque all bolts to their proper specifications.

Things you should consider before lifting your vehicle

There are several things you should consider before lifting your vehicle. 

The first is the height of the lift. 

You’ll need to decide how much additional clearance you want and choose a lift kit accordingly.

Another thing to consider is the type of terrain you’ll be driving on.

If you’re planning on doing any off-roading, make sure you equip your 4Runner by having a good set of off-road tires and a recovery kit.

Finally, think about the cost of lifting your vehicle. 

Kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

You’ll also need to factor in the installation cost and any other associated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to the matter of lifting a vehicle, car owners often have multiple questions. 

The following are a few of the more commonly asked questions.

Can I install a lift kit myself?

A: Yes, you can install a lift kit yourself. However, it’s important to note that doing so voids the warranty.

Do I need to register my vehicle if I install a lift kit?

A: No, you don’t need to register your vehicle if you install a lift kit. However, you may need to inform your insurance company of the change.

What are the benefits of lifting my vehicle?

A: The benefits of lifting your vehicle include increased clearance, improved off-road capability, and a more aggressive look.

What are the drawbacks of lifting my vehicle?

A: The drawbacks of lifting your vehicle include decreased fuel economy and a loss of warranty coverage.

Conclusion

Installing a lift kit on your Toyota 4Runner can be a great way to improve its off-road capability and give it a more aggressive look. However, there are a few things you should consider before doing so. This includes ;

• the height of the lift
• type of terrain you’ll be driving on
• cost of lifting your vehicle.

Keep all of these things in mind and you’ll be sure to make the best decision for your

runner.