Which lift gives us extra room for prams, picnic crates and muddy boots — without turning the school run into an off‑road expedition?
FAMILY ADVENTURE, NO COMPROMISES. We want the extra clearance, the tougher shocks and the tougher looks — but not a thumping ride or a constant workshop trip. Short climbs, car‑park kerbs and weekend camps should feel like part of life, not a punishment.
Top Picks
ReadyLIFT SST + Bilstein 5100 Kit
We consider this combination the best balance of on-road civility and off-road competence thanks to Bilstein 5100 dampers paired with the SST lift components. It suits families who want everyday comfort plus confidence on weekend adventures.
Why we like it
We favour the ReadyLIFT SST paired with Bilstein 5100 shocks because it upgrades both geometry and damping at once. That makes it a solid choice for families who need a comfortable daily driver and weekend off-roader without compromises.
Core features
Benefits in everyday use
We’ve found that the Bilsteins calm the ride more than many competitor kits, particularly when loaded with passengers or luggage. For example, a family road trip with full cargo shows reduced pitch and roll compared with basic spacer kits.
Considerations and tips
ICON Rear 3" Dual Rate Coil Spring Kit
We rate this ICON rear dual‑rate spring kit highly for its excellent ride quality under varying loads and improved resistance to bottom‑out. It’s an especially good choice for families who load the vehicle frequently or tow light trailers.
What the dual-rate springs bring
We appreciate ICON’s dual-rate coils for their ability to be comfortable on empty runs yet firm up as passenger and cargo loads increase. That adaptability makes them highly suitable for family vehicles that travel both unloaded and fully laden.
Key technical advantages
Real‑world benefits
Families who tow a small trailer or frequently carry bikes and cargo boxes will notice a steadier ride and reduced sag at the rear. For example, with mid-range cargo the springs hold height well and stop the rear end feeling wallowy on motorway lane changes.
Practical considerations
Rough Country 2" Kit with N3 Struts
We value this Rough Country option for pairing a reliable 2" lift with nitrogen‑charged N3 shocks that noticeably improve ride quality. It’s a well‑rounded choice for families who want comfort and a factory-like installation process.
What sets this kit apart
We like that the Rough Country 2" kit with N3 struts goes beyond basic spacers by including nitrogen‑charged dampers. That improves on‑road manners while keeping the installation bolt‑on and relatively simple.
Notable features
How it performs for families
This kit delivers a comfortable daily driving experience for family duties while offering the capability to run slightly larger tyres and tackle light off‑road tracks. We’ve seen owners praise the ride quality improvements compared with stock shocks, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and gear.
Installation and caveats
Skyjacker T4330STBB Suspension Lift Kit
We find Skyjacker kits to be well engineered with clear instructions and robust hardware. This kit is a strong option for families seeking a durable suspension upgrade that still rides well on-road and handles moderate off-road terrain.
Kit overview and user experience
We appreciate Skyjacker’s long history in suspension and the T4330STBB kit lives up to that reputation: precise parts, solid hardware and good instructions. Owners report a noticeably improved ride and a confident stance once fitted.
Features and applicability
Practical benefits and owner feedback
Many owners, including families who want occasional trail access, praise the kit for improving ride quality and clearance without excessive fuss. One user reported improved ride comfort on a 2006 4Runner with 275/70‑17 tyres after fitting and minor fender‑liner trimming.
Notes and tips
3" Front 2" Rear Full Leveling Kit
We like this full-kit approach because it gives a more level, factory-like look while remaining affordable. It includes differential drop spacers which help preserve driveline angles — useful for family vehicles with occasional heavier loads.
Why choose a full leveling kit
We prefer full kits for families who want a consistent look and predictable handling. This 3" front / 2" rear arrangement levels the truck front-to-rear and reduces the need for future tweaks or mismatched components.
Kit highlights
Everyday usability and examples
This kit works well for parents who alternate between school runs and weekend camping trips. One reviewer noted it took 4–5 hours with rented spring compressors and that keeping stock bump stops helped avoid shock bottoming when carrying kids and gear.
Fitment notes and tips
Rough Country 2" Bolt-On Lift Kit
We find this kit to be an economical way to gain modest ground clearance without complicated modification. It keeps factory ride quality while being straightforward enough for a DIY weekend install.
Purpose and who it's for
We see this Rough Country 2" lift kit as a practical choice for families who want a subtle lift for taller tyres and a smarter stance without a huge budget. It’s ideal for daily-driven 4Runners where usability and cost matter more than extreme off-road performance.
Key features and benefits
Practical insights and limitations
We appreciate the low cost and ease of fitting — many owners report completing installs in a single weekend. However, this is not the kit for families who routinely carry heavy loads, tow often, or expect aggressive off-road performance; the 2" lift and more basic components mean you’ll compromise on extreme-load handling and long-travel comfort.
Installation notes and examples
Daystar 2.5" Polyurethane Lift Kit
We find this Daystar kit offers a useful increase in ground clearance using high‑density polyurethane components that resist sagging. It’s a good middle ground for families needing extra clearance without heavy component replacement.
Overview and who benefits
We recommend Daystar’s 2.5" kit for owners of earlier 4Runners (2003–2009) who want an enduring lift without replacing entire struts or springs. The polyurethane construction offers durability and long-term height retention.
Key features
Real-world performance
Families who take their 4Runner on gravel roads or light trails will notice improved approach angles and less tendency for the vehicle to bottom out. However, polyurethane pieces can be firmer and may transmit more road harshness than factory rubber components.
Practical advice
FLYCLE 2" Front Strut Spacers Leveling Kit
We see this 2" strut spacer kit as a low-cost, easy way to lift the front without altering the rear. It’s perfect for families wanting a quick visual lift and modest clearance gains on a tight budget.
What it does for your 4Runner
We use these aluminium strut spacers when we want a straightforward 2" front lift to level the nose with the rear and fit slightly larger tyres. They’re often chosen by owners who don’t want the expense of full strut or spring replacements.
Features and what to expect
Practical benefits and common use cases
These spacers are great for improving approach angles and tyre clearance with minimal cost. For example, many owners report a noticeable ‘facelift’ appearance and improved ability to run 265–275 width tyres without rubbing.
Limitations and installation tips
Final Thoughts
For most families who split time between school runs, weekend camps and the occasional gravel track, our top pick is the ReadyLIFT SST + Bilstein 5100 Kit. Its blend of SST lift components and Bilstein 5100 dampers gives a noticeably smoother on‑road ride while still delivering capable off‑road control. In short: everyday comfort plus confidence on adventures — ideal if you want one kit to do it all.
If your 4Runner often carries heavy loads, a rooftop tent or tows a small trailer, the ICON Rear 3" Dual Rate Coil Spring Kit is our second recommendation. Its dual‑rate springs handle varying loads far better, reduce bottom‑out and keep the rear feeling composed. It’s the practical choice for families who prioritise load stability and towing behaviour.
FAQ
Not if you choose the right kit and have it fitted properly. We favour kits that preserve handling (like the ReadyLIFT + Bilstein) or improve load behaviour (like the ICON springs). Always carry out a wheel alignment after installation, check brake lines and steering geometry, and stick to reputable fitters for safety.
Some kits (bolt‑on spacers) are DIY‑friendly if you have the tools and patience. Full kits with struts, springs or differential drops are best handled by a workshop unless you’re experienced. We’d rather pay for a tidy install than risk a family car being off‑kilter.
Expect a small hit to fuel economy, mostly from larger tyres and altered aerodynamics. Ride comfort can improve or worsen depending on the kit: premium dampers like Bilstein usually help on tarmac, whereas cheap spacers can leave the ride harsher.
Often you can keep your existing wheels, but a modest lift opens the door to wider or taller tyres. We recommend checking for rubbing under full steering lock and load. If you do go bigger, upgrade wheel offsets carefully and recheck speedometer calibration.
A modification itself doesn’t automatically void the vehicle’s warranty under consumer law. However, any damage proven to be caused by the lift or its installation may not be covered. Keep paperwork, use qualified installers and ask your dealer if you’re unsure.
Front levelling (like a 2" strut spacer) gives a nicer stance and is cheap, but it can leave the rear sagging under load. For family comfort and predictable handling we prefer balanced options (full or 3" front/2" rear setups) that maintain level ride height when packed.
A sensible kit shouldn’t add much more than normal checks: track rod ends, CV boots, diff oil and brake lines. If you increase tyre size, expect faster wear on some components. We recommend a quick safety inspection at 500–1,000 km after installation.
Pick a kit that prioritises damping and composure — ReadyLIFT + Bilstein tops our list for that reason. It soaks up rough patches without turning the cabin into a bouncing cradle, which makes for happier (and less queasy) kids.