Smoother rides, bigger tires, and fewer ‘Are we there yets’ — which lift keeps the family smiling?
We won’t let a rocky trail or an overloaded hatchback steal our weekend. Picture the kids, the dog, and a trunk full of gear — and us wanting a little more clearance without turning the Cruiser into a harsh ride.
We love upgrades that add capability but keep comfort. A sensible lift should fit our weekend plans: school drop-offs, family camping, and the occasional trail. Small changes can make long drives easier for everyone.
Our Top Picks
ICON 3-inch Rear Dual-Rate Coil Spring Kit
We value the quality and engineering that goes into this dual-rate coil kit; it’s built to handle heavier loads and harsher off-road conditions while still offering a compliant ride for family passengers. It’s a premium option for owners who want capability and long-term durability.
Overview
We consider this ICON kit a premium upgrade when families need real capability—whether that’s carrying rooftop gear, towing, or tackling rough trails. The dual-rate design allows the springs to be compliant on the road and progressively firmer under load or off-road impacts.
Why we recommend it for adventurous families
This kit is more than a cosmetic lift: it’s engineered to maintain handling and support heavier loads without harshness. For weekend overlanders and families who take long trips with a lot of gear, the improved rear support translates to safer, more predictable handling.
Practical considerations and tips
Expect a higher price point and a more involved installation versus polyurethane spacers. We recommend professional installation and a full post-install alignment and inspection of brake and axle clearances. If your goals include long-term capability and a comfortable ride under load, this kit is one of the most well-rounded choices we encountered.
Rough Country 2-inch Lift with M1 Shocks
We value the inclusion of M1 shock absorbers paired with strut and coil spacers for a more refined ride than spacer-only options. It’s a balanced package that suits everyday family driving and light off-road where comfort matters.
Overview
We think this iteration is worthwhile for families who want the convenience of a lift plus meaningful ride improvements. The combination of coil and strut spacers with M1 shock absorbers reduces the trade-offs common with spacer-only solutions.
Features that stand out
Because shocks are included, we often see better handling, less top-out, and improved comfort when carrying passengers or cargo. Installation remains straightforward and most owners can have the work completed in a weekend with basic tools or by a reputable shop.
Practical advice and limitations
Expect to do an alignment after installation and check tire clearance with any aftermarket wheels or tires. For families who tow or off-road hard, a heavier-duty suspension package may be a better long-term choice, but for mixed daily driving and light adventure use, this kit hits a sweet spot.
Rough Country 2-inch Suspension Lift Kit
We like how quickly this kit bolts on and gives a reliable 2-inch lift that levels the truck. It’s a practical choice for families who want added clearance and a smoother stance without expensive modifications.
Overview
We see this kit as a straightforward way to add a modest 2-inch lift to a family Land Cruiser. The combination of coil/strut spacers and N3 shock absorbers is tuned toward daily driving comfort and added ground clearance for weekend camping or light off-road runs.
Key features and what we appreciate
We found that the included shocks make a noticeable difference compared with spacer-only kits. For many families, the changes are subtle but meaningful: improved approach clearance, less nose-down rake when loaded, and a stable ride when carrying gear or car seats. Installation can be done in a weekend by a competent DIYer or at a local shop.
Practical notes and limitations
We recommend budgeting for an alignment after installation and checking tire/wheel clearance with your chosen tires. While this kit improves clearance and ride quality for everyday family use, it isn’t intended for heavy-duty rock-crawling or extreme off-road setups. Overall, we consider it a sensible, cost-effective upgrade for owners who want reliability and simplicity.
DEALPAREX 2-inch Front and Rear Kit
We like that this kit gives a consistent 2-inch lift front and rear to preserve ride geometry and stance. It’s a practical choice for families who want a balanced lift without complicated suspension changes.
Overview
We treat this kit as a practical all-around solution when a uniform lift is desired. By addressing both front and rear coils, it maintains a level ride height that looks better and preserves handling compared with front-only spacers.
What’s included and why it matters
Families will appreciate the consistent stance and the straightforward installation process. The polyurethane material is resilient to repeated compression, which helps maintain lift height and ride quality over time.
Practical considerations
This kit is great for owners who want a modest, balanced lift without changing dampers. If you plan to add larger off-road tires or carry heavy loads on a regular basis, consider upgrading shocks or springs later to maintain ride comfort and vehicle control.
DEALPAREX 2-inch Rear Coil Spacers
We find these rear spacers to be a dependable and low-cost way to match a lifted front or to recover some rear ride height on older trucks. They’re a small investment that can make a noticeable difference for loaded family trips.
Overview
We view rear coil spacers as the simplest way to address sagging rear ends or to match a front lift. These are particularly useful for families who tow trailers, carry rooftop cargo, or want a uniform appearance after installing front spacers.
Key points
When matched with front spacers, the rear units help maintain proper geometry and load distribution. For routine family use—grocery runs, road trips, and campsite access—this is a practical, low-maintenance upgrade.
Practical considerations
Make sure you select the correct rear model for your specific Land Cruiser generation to avoid fitment issues. If you carry heavy loads frequently, monitor ride height over time and consider spring upgrades for long-term durability.
DEALPARTS 2-inch Front Leveling Spacers
We appreciate the simplicity and low cost for owners who want a small, reliable front lift. It’s a quick fix to level a high-mileage Cruiser or to gain a little extra clearance for larger tires.
Overview
We see this as a no-frills, economical front spacer set that’s ideal for older Land Cruisers and owners wanting a small, reliable lift. The polyurethane material is durable and resists compression better than cheap rubber inserts.
Features and benefits
Because these are front-only spacers, they’re best used to correct front rake or to allow slightly larger tires without expensive suspension work. We like them for simple leveling jobs and for families who want a straightforward improvement without breaking the bank.
Practical tips and limitations
Keep in mind that adding only front spacers can change the vehicle’s handling slightly and an alignment is recommended after installation. If you expect heavy loads, towing, or serious off-road use, consider pairing with rear spacers or a more robust lift package.
DEALPARTS 1.2-inch Rear Leveling Spacers
We like that these rear spacers are designed to pair with front 1.2-inch units to give a balanced look and feel. They’re an easy way to correct rear sag and keep family loads level without major changes.
Overview
We treat these rear spacers as the matching piece for a conservative front lift. Together they deliver a restrained lift that looks clean and helps with load-leveling for family outings and towing small trailers.
Features and use cases
For day-to-day family driving and occasional off-road exploration, this rear spacer is a practical complement to front leveling components. It preserves ride comfort and avoids pronounced handling changes.
Practical advice
As always, check fitment carefully for your exact model year. If you plan on larger tire upgrades or heavier towing loads, consider a more heavy-duty spring or full suspension upgrade instead of relying solely on spacers.
DEALPARTS 1.2-inch Front Leveling Spacers
We like these 1.2-inch spacers for owners wanting only a subtle change to stance and ground clearance. They’re particularly good when paired with minor tire upgrades and for owners who want a conservative, family-friendly lift.
Overview
We recommend these 1.2-inch spacers when the goal is a subtle, conservative lift. They’re easy to install and ideal for families who want slightly better clearance without changing ride height significantly or altering suspension behavior.
What to expect
This is a sensible option for commuters who occasionally venture off paved roads and for owners who want a better-looking stance without aggressive geometry changes. Installation is straightforward, but an alignment check after install is still a good idea.
Practical limitations
If you plan to run much larger tires or do heavier off-roading, a larger or more comprehensive kit will serve better. For everyday family duty and modest clearance gains, these spacers are an economical and low-risk choice.
Final Thoughts
We recommend the Rough Country 2-inch Lift with M1 Shocks as our first choice for family-oriented Land Cruisers. It gives a modest, level lift, includes upgraded M1 shocks for noticeably better ride comfort, and is ideal for everyday driving plus light off-road adventures with kids and cargo. It’s the best balance of comfort, clearance, and value for most families.
For those who tow heavier loads or regularly head into rougher terrain, the ICON 3-inch Rear Dual-Rate Coil Spring Kit is our second pick. It’s a premium rear upgrade that handles heavier payloads and preserves passenger comfort under load—perfect when we’re towing a trailer, carrying camping gear, or need long-term durability. Note: this is a rear-only kit, so pair it thoughtfully with front options if you want a full-vehicle lift.
FAQ
Not necessarily. Spacer-only kits can change spring geometry slightly, but a complete kit with upgraded shocks — like the Rough Country 2-inch with M1 shocks — is tuned to keep the ride compliant. We recommend kits that include shocks if passenger comfort matters.
Yes. Most of these lifts are meant to preserve load-carrying capability. The ICON dual-rate springs are explicitly built for heavier loads and towing, while the DEALPAREX/DEALPARTS spacers are better for modest stance changes without affecting payload dramatically.
Spacer kits (DEALPARTS/DEALPAREX) are typically straightforward bolt-on jobs and can often be done over a weekend with basic tools. Complete kits with shocks or coil replacements (Rough Country full kit, ICON springs) are more involved and may require coil spring compressors, alignment, and a professional install for safety and best results.
Short-term it may look fine, but mismatched front/rear heights can affect ride balance and handling. We prefer pairing front and rear spacers or choosing a matched kit. For modest lifts, matching 1.2–2 inches front and rear keeps the vehicle predictable for family driving.
A 1–2 inch lift lets us fit slightly larger tires (often one size up) without rubbing. Larger tires will change the speedometer and odometer reading — usually by a few percent. If accuracy matters, we recommend recalibrating the speedometer after tire changes.
Factor in alignment, installation labor if not DIY, possible new shocks or brake line adjustments, and any additional parts (swaybar links, bump stops). For full kits expect to add alignment and ~$200–400 in shop time; spacer installs are cheaper but still need an alignment afterward.
Higher loads and more aggressive lifts can increase wear on bushings, ball joints, and driveline angles. The ICON dual-rate springs are designed for durability under load, while budget spacers are low-cost but may transfer more stress elsewhere. We check suspension components more often after lifting.
Yes. Some states have rules about bumper height or total vehicle lift. We always check local vehicle codes and inspection requirements before installing a lift to avoid surprises.