Best Suspension For 4Runner: Shocks and Lift Kits Compared

#1 · Best Overall

1. Bilstein 5100 Front & Rear Shocks

• Material Type: Metal
• Weight: 40 lb

Best for: 2010–2024 4Runner shock refresh.

Why it ranks #1: Specifies 2010–2024 4Runner compatibility, includes four shocks, and states a 0–2.5-inch front lift with 0–2-inch rear lift.

Vehicle-specific fit for 2010–2024 4Runners with 0–2 inches of rear lift is the key distinction of this Bilstein B8 5100 set. Four shocks cover both axles, and front lift adjustment up to 2.5 inches gives owners a way to tune the front stance.

Velocity-sensitive digressive valving reacts to changing road conditions, helping the shocks balance a controlled feel on rough terrain with smoother paved-road behavior. The set includes two front and two rear shocks, so buyers can refresh both ends together rather than assemble an axle-by-axle package. Its stated fit range is specific: 2010–2024 4Runners with 0–2 inches of rear lift, with 0–2.5 inches of front lift available as part of the setup.

Skip it if you own a 2003–2009 4Runner without X-REAS; Bilstein’s B8 5100 kit for that generation lists the relevant application.

This set suits owners of a 2010–2024 4Runner seeking a four-shock refresh and adjustable front lift. Keep the listed 0–2-inch rear-lift range in view; it is not specified for every suspension configuration.

Listed on Amazon as: Bilstein Set of Front and Rear B8 5100 Series Shocks Compatible with 2010-2024 4Runner with 0-2" Rear Lift | Provides 0-2.5" Front Lift | Easy Installation | Smooth Performance | Built to Last

#2 · Best Remote Reservoir Kit

2. TrendsAuto Bilstein 6112 Kit

• Material Type: Steel, Zinc

Best for: Reservoir-equipped trail upgrades.

Why it ranks #2: Pairs 6112 front shocks with 5100 rear shocks; the listing cites increased ground clearance, wheel travel, and reservoir cooling capacity.

A remote reservoir on the Bilstein 6112 front shocks adds cooling capacity and wheel travel, supporting more demanding trail use than a traditional shock absorber. The kit pairs those fronts with 5100 rear shocks, while its leveling-kit design targets added ground clearance and room for larger tires.

Multiple snap-ring grooves in the 6112 shock body let you adjust the front ride height, giving owners a way to tailor the stance without changing the kit’s front-and-rear shock pairing. The remote reservoir supports increased cooling capacity and wheel travel, which are relevant when rough terrain puts more demand on the suspension. Direct-fit installation and included hardware can simplify the bolt-on workflow; the kit includes a pair of rear shocks alongside the front suspension components.

Skip it if you need a complete 3-inch lift with struts, springs, and shocks; Freedom Offroad’s 3-inch 4Runner kit supplies those components.

Choose this kit if you want adjustable Bilstein front shocks, remote-reservoir cooling, and 5100 rear shocks for an off-road-oriented upgrade. Its stated benefits center on the front 6112 setup, so account for the different rear shock series when selecting your suspension.

Listed on Amazon as: TrendsAuto 6112 Series Front Suspension Kit with 5100 Rear Shocks

#3 · Best Lift with Control Arms

3. Rough Country M1 Lift with Control Arms

• Material Type: Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Zinc
• Weight: 95.9 lb

Best for: Lift with forged upper arms.

Why it ranks #3: The three-inch kit for 2010–2024 models includes M1 struts and shocks plus forged aluminum upper control arms with pre-installed ball joints.

Forged aluminum upper control arms with pre-installed POM ball joints set this Rough Country 3-inch kit apart for 2010–2024 4Runners. The arms are paired with M1 struts and shocks, coil springs, and hardware for a lifted setup that also targets improved suspension geometry and articulation.

The 3-inch lift adds ground clearance and changes the vehicle’s stance, while the forged upper control arms and pre-installed POM ball joints are specified to improve geometry and articulation. M1 monotube struts and shocks provide a matched set of dampers, and coil springs are included to complete the package. Rough Country says the kit aims to preserve factory-like ride quality, linking the off-road-oriented lift to daily-driving comfort rather than clearance alone.

Skip it if you do not need upper control arms and want only front-and-rear shocks; Bilstein’s B8 5100 set for 2010–2024 4Runners is a four-shock package.

Choose this package if your 2010–2024 4Runner needs a 3-inch lift and you value included upper control arms with pre-installed ball joints. Its full component set is more involved than a shock replacement.

Listed on Amazon as: Rough Country 3" Bolt-On Lift Kit w/M1 Struts & M1 Shocks for Toyota 4Runner (2010–2024) – Red Upper Control Arms, Increased Clearance & Level Stance

#4 · Best for 33-Inch Tires

4. Rough Country M1 3-Inch Lift

• Material Type: Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Zinc

Best for: 33-inch tire clearance upgrade.

Why it ranks #4: The 2010–2024 kit includes M1 struts, rear shocks, and coil springs, and its listing says it fits tires up to 33 inches.

Room for tires up to 33 inches gives this Rough Country 3-inch lift a clear off-road purpose for 2010–2024 4Runners. Its front lift levels the stance with the rear, while included M1 monotube struts and shocks make this a broader suspension package than a shock-only swap.

The 3-inch lift increases ground clearance, while the stated capacity for tires up to 33 inches gives buyers a concrete target for a larger-tire setup. M1 monotube struts and rear shocks are included with coil springs and hardware, so the package addresses more than dampers alone. Rough Country says the kit maintains factory-like on-road manners while adding suspension travel for trail use, balancing daily driving considerations with the clearance-oriented change.

Skip it if you have a 2003–2024 4Runner and want a full 3-inch lift; Freedom Offroad’s 3-inch kit lists that broader year span.

Pick this kit for a 2010–2024 4Runner when 3 inches of lift and space for up to 33-inch tires are central goals. Its full spring-and-damper package is a larger change than replacing shocks alone.

Listed on Amazon as: Rough Country 3" Lift Kit w/M1 Struts & Shocks for Toyota 4Runner (2010-2024) – Levels Stance, Fits Up to 33" Tires, Complete Suspension Upgrade

#5

5. Bilstein 5100 Shocks for 2003–2009

• Material Type: Metal
• Weight: 27 lb

Best for: 2003–2009 non-X-REAS shocks.

Why it ranks #5: Specifies fit for 2003–2009 4Runners without X-REAS and includes four shocks, with a stated 0–2.5-inch front lift range.

This Bilstein B8 5100 set specifically targets 2003–2009 4Runners without X-REAS suspension, with front lift adjustment from 0 to 2.5 inches. Two front and two rear shocks make it a four-corner replacement package, subject to its stated rear-lift range.

Velocity-sensitive digressive valving is intended to react to changing road conditions, supporting a controlled ride across paved roads and rough terrain. The set includes two shocks for each axle, letting owners replace front and rear dampers together. Its fit details matter: the 4Runner must be a 2003–2009 model without X-REAS, and the setup requires 0.5–2.5 inches of rear lift while offering 0–2.5 inches of front lift.

Skip it if you have a 2010–2024 4Runner; Bilstein’s B8 5100 set for those model years lists 0–2 inches of rear-lift compatibility.

This set is for owners of a 2003–2009 4Runner without X-REAS who want front and rear Bilstein shocks with front lift adjustment. Its required rear-lift range is a key setup boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: Bilstein Set of Front and Rear B8 5100 Series Shocks Compatible with 2003-2009 4Runner w/o X-REAS Suspension and Provides 0-2.5" Front Lift & Requires 0.5-2.5" Rear Lift

#6

6. ASAPE 18-Piece Suspension Kit

• Weight: 64 lb

Best for: Older 4Runner steering refresh.

Why it ranks #6: Fits specified 1996–2002 4Runner engine applications and includes control arms, tie rod ends, and steering rack boots for a broad refresh.

This 18-piece ASAPE suspension kit combines steering-linkage parts with control arms for select 1996–2002 4Runners, making it a replacement-parts package rather than a lift kit. Its listed contents include inner and outer tie rod ends, rack boots, and upper and lower control arms.

The assortment brings front inner and outer tie rod ends together with steering rack boots, addressing several steering-linkage components in one kit. It also includes left and right lower control arms plus upper control arms, broadening the refresh to suspension connection points. The stated fit covers 1996–2002 4Runner 3.4L models and 1996–2000 2.7L models, so buyers can use the engine and year details to assess the listed application.

Skip it if you want added ground clearance rather than replacement steering and control-arm parts; Rough Country’s 3-inch N3 lift for 1996–2002 4WD models serves that purpose.

Choose this kit for a parts refresh on a listed 1996–2002 4Runner when steering linkage and control arms are the focus. Its specified engine-year coverage is narrow, and it does not provide a lift.

Listed on Amazon as: 18Pcs Suspension Kit Fit 1996-2002 for Toyota for 4Runner 3.4L

#7 · Best N3 Lift for 2003–2009

7. Rough Country N3 Lift for 2003–2009

• Material Type: Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Zinc
• Weight: 74.9 lb

Best for: 2003–2009 front-leveling lift.

Why it ranks #7: The 2003–2009 kit includes lifted struts, shocks, and coil spring spacers, and is described as leveling the front with the rear.

Front leveling is the defining aim of this Rough Country 3-inch kit for 2003–2009 4Runners: it raises the front to match the rear. N3 lifted struts, coil spring spacers, rear shocks, and hardware form a package intended to add ground clearance while retaining factory ride quality.

N3 lifted struts and coil spring spacers work with the included rear shocks to create the lift, while the stated leveling effect brings the front in line with the rear. Rough Country describes the kit as maintaining factory ride quality and supporting on- and off-road use. Hardware is included for bolt-on installation, but the safety information recommends a certified technician, emphasizing that suspension procedures and post-install checks are part of the installation workflow.

Skip it if you want replacement coil springs and M1 dampers for a 2010–2024 4Runner; Rough Country’s 76640 kit lists those components and model years.

This kit fits 2003–2009 4Runner owners seeking a 3-inch lift that levels the stance with N3 struts and rear shocks. Account for the coil spring spacers and recommended professional installation.

Listed on Amazon as: Rough Country 3" Lift Kit w/N3 Struts & Coils for 03-09 4Runner/07-14 FJ – 76031

#8

8. Freedom Off-Road 3-Inch Lift

• Material Type: Steel
• Weight: 77 lb

Best for: Full 3-inch lift package.

Why it ranks #8: Offers a complete three-inch front and rear lift with loaded front struts, application-specific rear springs, and rear nitro twin-tube shocks.

A full 3-inch lift at both the front and rear distinguishes this Freedom Off-Road kit from front-leveling packages. Loaded front struts, application-specific rear lift springs, and rear nitro twin-tube shocks work together to raise the 4Runner while targeting consistent lift and factory-like ride quality.

The loaded front struts arrive as an assembly, and the product specifies bolt-on installation, which can streamline fitting compared with assembling front components separately. At the rear, application-specific lift springs pair with nitro twin-tube shocks featuring a 40 mm piston; those components are described as suited to lifted vehicles and intended to support consistent lift and ride quality. The kit’s stated 3-inch lift applies to both ends, creating a uniformly raised setup.

Skip it if you want shocks and a 0–2.5-inch front lift instead of a full lift; Bilstein’s B8 5100 set for 2010–2024 4Runners matches that approach.

This kit fits buyers seeking a complete, evenly lifted 4Runner setup with loaded front struts and rear springs and shocks. Its stated application spans 2003–2024, so check that the vehicle falls within that range.

Listed on Amazon as: Freedom Off-Road 3" Lift Kit w/Struts, Springs & Shocks for 03-24 4Runner

#9

9. Rough Country N3 Lift for 1996–2002

• Material Type: Alloy Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Zinc
• Weight: 39 lb

Best for: 1996–2002 4WD trail lift.

Why it ranks #9: A 3-inch kit specifically listed for 1996–2002 4-Runner 4WD, with N3 struts, rear shocks, coil springs, and stated 31-inch tire clearance.

For 1996–2002 4-Runner 4WD models, this Rough Country kit pairs a 3-inch lift with N3 lifted struts and rear shocks. Strut extensions do not preload the coil spring, and the package is aimed at owners seeking added clearance for on- and off-road use.

The kit includes coil springs, two N3 lifted struts, two N3 shocks, and mounting hardware, providing a coordinated set of components for a 3-inch lift. Rough Country describes the shocks as suitable for on- and off-road use, while the strut extensions avoid preloading the coil spring. The product also specifies recoil cut-off construction for the rear shocks. Installation is bolt-on, though the supplied safety information recommends a certified technician for lift-system installation.

Skip it if you have a 2003–2009 4Runner and want a 3-inch lift; Rough Country’s 76031 kit lists that generation and includes N3 struts and shocks.

This kit suits owners of a 1996–2002 4-Runner 4WD seeking a 3-inch lift with N3 dampers. Rough Country recommends certified installation, so plan for the required suspension knowledge and post-install checks.

Listed on Amazon as: Rough Country 3" Lift Kit w/N3 Struts for 1996-2002 Toyota 4-Runner 4WD – 77131