The Toyota® 4Runner is a compact SUV that offers some mid-size options in various global markets. It was also known as the Hilux Surf when sold in Japan, although the vehicle was withdrawn in 2009.
If you have an original 4Runner, you’re essentially driving on a Toyota truck frame with a fiberglass shell. The different updates to this model have led it to become something closer to a cross between a mid-size and compact SUV.
Although the 4Runner is sold globally, they’re all made in Tahara or Hamura in Japan. It’s currently ranked fifth in longevity for American owners, with about 4% of them having more than 200,000 miles.
Toyota has sold some versions of the 4Runner since 1984.
3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQs
The 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner encompasses the model years from 1995 to 2002. It was developed under Masaaki Ishiko for five years, delivering a significant redesign for the body shell and chassis. Although it shares many parts and concepts with other vehicles, a lift kit can make it even more rugged for off-road drivers.
The third generation of Toyota 4Runners featured new engines that the automaker also put into their Tacoma pickups.
Unless you have a custom build, you’ve either got a 2.7L 3RZ-FE I4 with a maximum horsepower rating of 150 or a 3.4L 5VZ-FE that churns out 183 HP.
These engines replaced smaller versions from the second generation that delivered a similar output, although with less torque and horsepower.
Ishiko’s additional changes brought to the 4Runner included increased cargo space, more interior room, a longer body and wheelbase, and dual airbags. It comes equipped with APS, using a coil-spring suspension, and has a lift-up tailgate.
The models sold in Japan went to 16-inch wheels and got a center differential. That made it possible to use 4×4 drives on hard surfaces without potential complications.
As the years passed for the 3rd gen, it received color-keyed cargo covers, improved bumpers to have an extended crush zone, and headlight updates that included projector-style fog lamps.
In 2001, the 4Runner got a new front grille and transparent taillights. Toyota also moved to the five-spoke wheel design, including some limited-edition models outside the base and the SR5 models. Improvements were also made to the mirrors to account for potential aerodynamic issues from previous models.
If you have the last model year of the third generation, you have all the 2001 improvements with a chromed lift gate exterior trim.
◼️ What Is the Purpose of the 4Runner Lift?
Are you driving on the road with your 4Runner? Do you plan to take it off-roading in the desert, along a forest trail, or up in the mountains?
Each usage of a 3rd generation 4Runner creates a different set of circumstances to consider when looking at a lift. Not only does having a higher body and larger tires impact your gas mileage, but it also shifts the acceleration profile. You’ll notice alterations to your cornering and braking patterns because of the suspension changes.
It is possible to drive a lifted Toyota 4Runner as a commuter vehicle. Would it be economical to pursue those driving habits? Probably not.
The purpose of a 4Runner lift for most drivers is to add stiffness to the suspension. Since there are numerous variables to consider, each owner must think about their final goals. Longer shocks can improve comfort, but it is also possible to add spacers for more stability and a wider stance.
You can expect to lose about 2-5 miles per gallon with your fuel economy when pursuing a lift for your 3rd generation 4Runner. Those ratings can be higher if you use cheaper parts, make incorrect adjustments, or significantly alter the SUV’s aerodynamics.
◼️ What Are the Types of Lifts Available?
If you have a Toyota 4Runner, you’ll find that several lift types are available for the vehicle. Each one offers a specific set of benefits to consider, which means it is up to you to determine the best option for your particular driving needs.
Here’s a closer look at each one for your consideration.
| Spacers: | This choice is the cheapest way to lift a Toyota 4Runner. It preloads the spring that lifts the truck, delivering up to three inches of lift with the modification. You get the result, but it comes at the expense of limiting off-road use. They can also cause stock coils to start sagging prematurely. |
| Coil/Top Plate Spacers: | The coil spacer sits inside the shock-coil assembly. It compresses the spring more than usual to produce lift. That means you get the desired alteration without changing the factory setup’s geometric. If you have older springs, it can also cause a harsh ride. This option also tends to be more challenging to install, especially since you’re extending shock length. |
| OME Lift Spring: | Old Man Emu (OME) is a division of ARB. They make lift springs for the front and rear of the vehicle, which most drivers tend to use with the 4Runner for lift. They’re affordable, keep the ride quality high, and deliver a decent height. You can even add trim packers to the coils for a level aesthetic. |
| Coilovers: | You can lift a 4Runner to 3.5 inches when using an adjustable coilover and a lift spring. The result is one of the best ride qualities imaginable, and the setup is even reasonably flexible. This choice is also the most expensive for Toyota owners, with entry-level items priced around $1,000. If you want a complete set, expect to pay around $2,500 before labor. |
| FJ80 Spring: | A shortcut option for achieving the lift you want with a 4Runner uses an FJ80 spring from a Landcruiser. You’ll take the front and install them in the rear of your 3rd gen. Several different versions are available, which means the easiest way to identify them is to count the wrap number. You’ll get about three inches of lift with a 7-wrap, while nine delivers about five inches. |
| 99 Highlander Spring: | If you have worn-out springs or want to achieve a smaller lift, a better option might be to swap out what is on the 4Runner for a ’99 Highlander. They sit about one inch higher than anything on the 3rd gen design, and you can often order them at your local dealer or online. In return, you’ll get the OEM lift quality you want. |
◼️ One More Option for Your 3rd Gen 4Runner
If none of the other options are available for your 3rd gen 4Runner, you can use a TRD Tundra spring to create the results you want.
The front shock and spring from the 2000-2006 Tundra TRD are compatible to lift the front of the 4Runner. You’ll need to pay attention to the color and part number when using this option to ensure the intended result is achievable.
On the driver’s side, you’ll want to use the yellow/yellow product with part 48131-AF100. For the passenger side, it is a yellow/blue unit with number 48131-AF090.
These springs start out soft, but they get stiffer as they compress with their progressive rate design. That means you’ll get a 4Runner a gentle ride while having above-average handling in off-road conditions. You can add a Bilstein adjustable shock to get more lift if it’s needed with your setup.
You’ll need to watch for settling if you decide to use the TRD Tundra spring for your lift. Once the compression happens, the ride gets harsh. Its design elements also don’t have as many adjustment points for customization when compared to a coilover.
◼️ How Much Lift Is Possible with a 3rd Gen 4Runner?
Since the third generation of the Toyota 4Runner encompasses multiple model years, it is impossible to have a specific answer about achievable lift.
Toyota used different height stock springs in their 1999 models and before compared to what was released in 2001 and 2002. Since the age of the vehicle indicates that some sag is probably happening, you can use a baseline that measures 20 inches from the hub center up to the fender.
Most 4Runners can handle a 3-inch lift without too much difficulty. Anything above that could create stability issues, especially if you’ve got a lot of miles on the vehicle. Additional adjustments could be necessary unless you swap out parts from another Toyota model that achieve the desired result without needing more modifications made.
What Is the Cost of a 3rd Gen 4Runner Lift?
When you contemplate a lift kit or a similar process for a Toyota 4Runner, you’ll typically get what you pay for with this investment.
Although price isn’t the sole filter to use when choosing the best manufacturers, brands, or products, it shouldn’t be excluded.
Generally, you pay for quality. Even if a cheaper option with numerous positive reviews is available, the wear and tear will proceed faster because the overall production methodology isn’t as refined.
If you’re worried about the cost of lifting your 4Runner, here are the prices to expect for the work. Labor charges are on top of this amount, and you’ll pay more for OEM than used or third-party products.
- Adjustable Coilover Kits: Up to $2,500, with entry-level pricing at $1,000 or higher.
- Shocks and Coil Springs: Up to $1,000, although some brands are as low as $600.
- Coil Springs (Without Shocks): Expect to pay at least $300.
- Front Spacers: The job is usually around $300, although it can be a little more expensive with some brands when working on all four wheels.
- Rear Coil Lift: It’s usually about $200 for this work, although it can cost up to $350 on some 4Runners.
- Spacer Kits: You can pick up one of these for about $100. The high-quality options are usually around $200.
Several companies provide different lifting options for the Toyota 4Runner. The one you select depends on the overall needs you have for the vehicle.
If you want a body lift or a differential drop, 4Crawler products are an excellent choice. When your preference is for coilovers, Camburg, Icon, and ToyTec Lifts deliver a few options to consider.
Total Chaos Fab is great for long travel kits or upper control arms. I’d recommend using Daystar spacers if you need a budget-friendly choice.
Disclaimer: This information shouldn’t be considered a recommendation. It’s simply a review of the data that exists at the moment for lifting a 4Runner and the questions some people have regarding this process. You are solely responsible for deciding on the products to use, whether a lift is appropriate, and any other modification made to your vehicle.
A Final Thought on 3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQs
The benefits of lifting a Toyota 3rd generation 4Runner include better visibility, improved handling, higher ground clearance, and bigger tires and wheels. These advantages allow for improved traction, especially when operating off-road or in poor conditions. It also enhances the visual appeal of the vehicle.
When you complete the lift upgrade, I highly recommend taking a second look at your wheels. Once you’re higher off the ground, you can put on something better than the stock rims for stability and appearance.
I highly recommend using the TRD Pro matte black wheels. It fits all 4Runners from 1999 to the present, offering an 11mm experience with a 4mm offset to widen the overall track width by nearly an inch. That helps to create a more aggressive stance for the vehicle.
The wheels incorporate the proper brake clearance and weight to ensure that you achieve the correct fit and finish right away. In return, the reliability received from the drive is outstanding.
Instead of the stock 5-spoke design, the TRD pro matte black wheels use a six-point option to switch up the look. You’ll need to swap out the TPMS sensors with this product, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
Once I had these wheels on my 4Runner, I couldn’t stop admiring how great it looked! When you combine this investment with a lift, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds when getting behind the wheel of your Toyota.