Best Budget Friendly Lift Kits For 3rd Gen 4Runner

Top Entry-Level Kits For Your 1996-2002 4Runner, Tested & Trail-Proven

We’ve been wrenching on 3rd Gen 4Runners for well over a decade, and one thing hasn’t changed... when it comes to entry-level suspension, the tried-and-true kits still hold their ground.

Whether you’re building a daily driver with weekend trail duties or dipping your toes into off-road mods for the first time, these four lift kits are what we keep going back to. We’ve installed every one of these in-house, tested them on our own rigs, and beaten on them through enough Florida sugar sand, North Carolina clay, and Utah rock to speak from experience.

Bilstein 5100

This kit’s been around forever, and for good reason. It’s dead simple, affordable, and just works. If you’re on a stock setup and want a no-drama 2.5-inch lift, Bilstein 5100s with your choice of rear springs (we’ve run them with OME 890s, 891s, and even some old Icons) is about as plug-and-play as it gets. You get better damping than stock, a firmer ride that cuts down on the nose dive, and a clean stance.

Downsides? Not much travel gain, and it’s not a shock you’re going to push hard off-road. But for daily driving and mild trail runs, it’s a workhorse. No preload adjustments up front, so your ride height is locked unless you get hands-on with different springs.

Bilstein 6112/5160

Step up to the 6112/5160 combo, and you’re getting closer to what we’d consider a "serious" entry-level setup. We’ve had this kit on a few different 3rd Gens, and the difference is noticeable—especially if you swap in an aftermarket UCA. The 6112s offer adjustable ride height via snap-ring settings, which gives you some flexibility if you’re adding weight later (like a bumper or winch).

Paired with 5160 rear reservoirs, the whole package is smoother over choppy terrain, holds up better under fast compression, and has a bit more control when things get unpredictable. Still digressive valving, so it’s not buttery like a high-end coilover, but it’s a nice middle ground. Good for owners who daily their rig but want confidence off-road without dropping a couple grand on Kings.

Dobinsons IMS

Out of everything on this list, the Dobinsons IMS surprised us the most. These are monotube shocks that bring a lot of the performance feel from the higher-end setups but without the price tag. We’ve installed the IMS with various UCAs and their variable-rate rear springs, and the result is a seriously composed 3rd Gen. Less body roll, way less brake dive, and a ride that feels planted even when you're picking up speed on fire roads.

On-road, it’s a bit firmer than stock but not harsh. Off-road, the progressive valving helps soak up washboards and small chatter really well. You can feel the added control over the twin-tube kits. If you don’t need external reservoirs and want a set-it-and-forget-it setup, IMS is the move. We’ve run this combo on customer builds that still haven’t needed a rebuild after 20K+ miles.

OME Nitrocharger Plus

Old Man Emu kits have been around forever, and ARB has this formula pretty dialed. The Nitrocharger Plus kits are the latest affordable version. The front coils are standard, but you can adjust the height/weight capacity with adjustable spring seats. You pick the spring load for your rear springs.

The ride is stiff compared to stock, especially unloaded, but it never felt harsh. It’s predictable, and that’s something a lot of entry kits can’t claim. The body roll is cut way down, and you don’t get thrown around on uneven pavement.

Off-road, this kit holds up fine for anything short of high-speed or repeated big hits. It’s also a great option for budget-minded folks who want a matched spring/shock combo without fiddling with preload or external adjustments. Just bolt it in and go.

Final Thoughts

We’ve built enough of these trucks to know what works—and what doesn’t. The Bilstein 5100s still earn their spot for being a simple, affordable upgrade. The 6112/5160 combo is what we recommend when someone wants a little more range without going full send. Dobinsons IMS gives you a premium feel without the premium price tag, and the OME Nitrocharger Plus kit rounds it out with reliability and off-road predictability.