Top 4 Coilovers For 3rd Gen 4Runner: Trail-Tested Picks That Perform

Best Adjustable Coilovers For Lifting Your 4Runner & Maximizing Performance

When you’ve outgrown entry-level suspension and want more travel, better control, adjustability, and rebuildable components... coilovers are the next logical step.

We’ve run each of these systems on our own 3rd Gen 4Runners and customer builds, and while they’re all solid performers, they each offer something a little different in terms of ride quality, adjustability, and long-term support. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of three of our favorite extended travel setups: Locked Offroad, ADS, King, and Radflo.

Locked Offroad 2.5 Coilovers

Locked Offroad is relatively new in the Toyota space, but already proving itself with a strong product lineup. Their 2.5” internal floating piston (IFP) coilovers are built with beefy materials—black zinc-coated steel bodies, 4130 chromed shafts, and deep black anodized 6061 aluminum components. It’s a no-frills setup (no reservoirs), but it’s designed for abuse. These are 100% bolt-on, tuned for the 3rd Gen platform, and they deliver up to 25% more wheel travel over stock. They also come with a 6-month warranty.

Ride height is adjustable, and they recommend using limit straps to preserve the seals and protect your investment. We’ve installed these on a handful of rigs running ASC4231 and ASC4243 rear springs, and they’ve held up well through everything from Moab ledges to wet and muddy conditions in Florida. Not the softest ride out there, but definitely one of the most affordable options that still punches above its weight.

Radflo 2.0 & 2.5 Coilovers

Radflo’s been doing high-performance shocks for decades, and their 2.5” IFP coilovers bring a lot of that race-bred DNA into a rebuildable factory-fit package. Everything’s built to order. Valving, travel length, and even spring rate can be tuned to your spec. If you want to take advantage of the full custom experience, you can even send in your rig specs, and they’ll tailor it accordingly. Expect a 10-day turnaround.,

We’ve run this setup on everything from stock-width 3rd Gens to long travel builds. With Radflo’s velocity-sensitive valving, the ride is predictable on-road and smooths out well off-road, especially in the mid-speed zone. These are rebuildable, serviceable, and run quality internals like PTFE-coated guides and CNC-machined pistons. Paired with Eibach springs and Nitro Steel shafts, the whole system is designed to last and take a beating. Bonus: factory mounting hardware keeps installation clean and straightforward.

ADS 2.5 Coilovers

If you want to do it once and do it right, ADS is the top-shelf choice. Their 2.5” series products are built with desert performance in mind, and everything down to the seals and shafts screams quality. The optional compression adjusters are a game-changer for anyone who wants to fine-tune their ride on the fly, especially for rigs that shift between loaded and unloaded configurations.

ADS builds this kit specifically for the 3rd Gen 4Runner with a focus on increased travel, plush valving, and long-term durability. We’ve tested it with OME 890s, 891s, and even the 861s for heavier loads, and it feels composed across all terrain types. You’ll want aftermarket UCAs to unlock full travel potential, and ADS does recommend pairing with supporting mods like extended brake lines, a diff drop, and bump stops if you’re going full droop.

On-road, the ride is controlled without being overly stiff. Off-road, it eats up rough terrain with ease and feels bottomless when tuned right. This is the setup we recommend for anyone doing moderate to heavy wheeling who wants rebuildable, tunable suspension that performs every time.

King Shocks Coilovers

A brand that almost needs no introduction... King Shocks. That characteristic blue is hard to miss, and just about everyone has seen or heard something about these. A ton of satisfied customers.

King has a long and extensive background in shocks. They're one of the best for a reason. Their kits come custom tuned for your 3rd Gen. Heavily tested, you can rest assured all the real world testing done on these over the years with offer a killer experience.

These coilovers are 100% bolt-on, offer more wheel travel, are height adjustable, a comfortable valving setup, are fully rebuildable, and offer the same approach and materials seen in Pure Race shocks. The adjustable reservoirs are a big upgrade and allow a large range of compression adjustment. If you want one of, if not the best - go King!

For a bonus, these are available for custom color orders. Contact us for more.

Final Thoughts

If budget is your main concern but you still want the benefits, Locked Offroad is a killer deal with solid construction. Radflo brings customization with a proven track record, perfect for those who want something dialed in from day one. And if you’re going all-in on performance and want a kit that can take abuse and still ride smooth, ADS is the top-tier package that’s worth every penny. The same can be said for King.

We’ve run them all. We’ve serviced them. And we’ve tested them on real trails. No gimmicks—just real suspension that delivers for 3rd Gen 4Runner owners who want more than stock.