What to do....

I love my 4Runner, she is plain Jane right now, but trying to figure out how I want to make her a fancy Nancy. Any suggestions? 2.5/1 inch lift? or 3/2? 285/70/17 tires? I really like the matte black wheels, but sooooooo many choices.

 

what do you like to do with her, that might help narrow down some suggestions also is there a budget you want to stay within?

 

Well I travel quite a bit to lakes for fishing trips, enjoy camping, and taking my very active golden retriever on hiking trips, haven’t really used the 4x4 except when parked in some grass at a tennis tournament...
Definitely a budget, 2-3k

 

do you like stiff or soft ride?

 

oh, and do you travel with heavy or lighter loads for camping/fishing?

 

Stiff, I try to travel with lighter loads, but it ends up heavy...

 

I personally feel that a 2-3" suspension lift is a much better option. my wife and I are vertically challenged but have no problem getting in or out at 2.5".
a 1-2.5 suspension lift will give you better ride but I think leaves you wanting more height.
a level kit is out of the question for me. offers no ride quality and not enough height.
(I know you didnt ask bout level but had to put it out there)
remember that a suspension system like icon or toytec (stiff) @ 3" will be harder almost jarring.
a slightly softer option would be Fox suspension maybe a King suspension @3" they wont feel so soft.
id go shocks w/res for smoothest ride.

for rear a heavy spring (your choice) will be best for towing/ loaded cargo.
I run icons no res stiff but I like it wife too.
remember opinions vary. not everyone likes icon (I do) king, fox, ome eibach.
also, remember to get upper control arms and adjustable track bar

 

More aggressive stock size tires, sliders, skids, better camping gear, better fishing gear, dog food....those are my suggestions.

 

That's the direction I'd be heading as well!

 

hello valerie good mornin.
I know you mentioned budget, but considered this. if you like me keep your vehicles for the long run. I recommend making the right investment in suspension. you're willing to go 3k, save a little more or put the rest on a CC. the investment will be worth it. if you'd rather pay cash (I do) then ride as is till you save enough.
also consider installing yourself, it's not too difficult.
at 2-3k in a shop you're basically looking at a level kit and tires

 

Honestly Valerie the only reason in your situation where you would need a lift and then bigger tires of course, is for looks only. The 4 is extremely capable in stock form and will do every thing you need it to do more economically and more reliably if you keep it stock and get more aggressive tires in the stock size. Then add skids and sliders for protection and all that is left to do is enjoy the places it will take you. The stock 4 in that configuration did the Rubicon Trail if that tells you anything.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/vehicle-reviews/129-0912-2010-toyota-4runner-review-rubicon-trail/http://www.fourwheeler.com/vehicle-reviews/129-0912-2010-toyota-4runner-review-rubicon-trail/

The only other reason for lift and tires is rock crawling but then you need to regear as well. May as well throw in a front locker when you regear. All this costs a lot of money. But again, if you are after looks get a lift and tires, good luck with your budget.

 

Wally makes an EXCELLENT point. stock runners are great as is.

 

But the lifted ones look real nice.