2016 4runner trail lift recommendations

[NWoverlander]

Hi all,
I recently made the switch from Jeep to 4runner. I am looking for recommendations as to brands and size of lifts. I am an avid hunter / fisherman and overlander. At the time of this message my upgrade list is short (cbi swing out rear bumper (Oct delivery), gobi rack (done soon), wheels and bfg 275/70/17 K02's (this week)). I am by no means into just the looks, but rather functionality and enhancing an already well designed package. Any input based upon experience would be greatly appreciated.

Mike (#1880)

 

[Chris Zawacki]

Id say the most popular ones are Old Man Emu, and they just changed their design that looks really nice. Also the Boss system from Toytec is popular and depending on what you want to spend ICON makes some really nice suspension kits.

 

[stoney126]

My plan was going to be the icon stage 2 kit.

 

[MVO]

I sure would like to hear some first hand reviews on lift kits. Anyone want to chime in?

 

[NWNavigator]

I sure would like to hear some first hand reviews on lift kits. Anyone want to chime in?

I installed the Icon Stage 2 kit this past spring on my 2015 Trail w/kdss. I have a Gobi rack, awning, cooler slide out, stove and TruckVault that I keep loaded most of the time so needed to beef up the springs in the rear at least. The truck was feeling a little mushy when loaded for the weekend with the stock stuff. I ended up with Icon's progressive "expedition" springs, rear track bar and UCAs in the front in addition to the rear shocks and front coil overs... When I first picked it up from the shop (I had some old racing friends do the install) it was a tad taller than I expected, but seems to have settled in at about 2 3/4 -3 inches taller from where I started. Getting the caster where it needed to be was iffy without the UCAs and the runner was a little flighty on the highway at speed. Nothing I couldn't handle, but bought the UCAs anyway. The line up is perfect and the truck handles great now. The more I carry the better it rides off road.

If you plan on carrying a bunch of stuff, the expedition springs are great, but if you travel off the beaten path empty they are a little stiff. I know a lot of people like the Swayaway springs or OME, but I wanted to stay with a setup designed to work together. My research pointed me to Icon. They seem to have it figured out...

On another note... I blew a front shock this summer ( bad O ring and a killer pot hole) and the guys at Icon turned it around in a day and overnighted it back. Great customer service. Stuff happens, deal with it. I used the need for a fresh line up to add the UCAs.

 

[1Louder]

OME is the best of the budget stuff. It's what I have on my FJ. Next level up is Icon. OME also has adjustable coilovers now.

 

[ColoradoPacific]

I will be installing the Toytec BOSS, Total Chaos UCAs, and OME Dakar leafs this winter. All of those come highly recommended!

As long as you stay with well-known brands, you're probably fine.

 

[NWoverlander]

Update: After all of your input and my own research, I went with the Icon Stage 7 with the overland rear springs. So far so good. I am very happy with the quality of product, customer service, ease of install and alignment adjustability.

 

[1derer]

Update: After all of your input and my own research, I went with the Icon Stage 7 with the overland rear springs. So far so good. I am very happy with the quality of product, customer service, ease of install and alignment adjustability.

Pictures?

 

[NWoverlander]

Some photos...

 

[Cottonwoody]

Also installed the Icon Stage 7 kit with Light Racing UCAs. Excellent ride on rough roads, Cadillacs nicely.

Sent from my XT1254 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Cavo]

I will be going with the BP-51 by OME this Summer. Love their stuff and they took years to develop this suspension. Can't wait!

 

[mase001]

Great lifts mentioned! Cool pics too. I went with the Toytec Ultimate Lift with Bilsteins and I did the Camburg UCA's! Hard to go wrong with any lifts mentioned in this thread!