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Get the Wide Stance & Maximum Suspension Travel You Seek
This Week’s Topic: Long Travel 4Runners
Holy moly, do we have some mind-blowing rigs for you this Feature Friday! We are cranking up the suspension dial WAY past 11 with these 10 phenomenal long-traveled 5th Gen 4Runner builds.
So, what exactly is long-travel suspension?
In a nutshell, long travel suspension is designed to maximize off-road performance, particularly for high-speed applications.
Lift kits, as you may know, enhance ground clearance by raising the overall ride height. But here’s the twist—most lift kits only require upgraded coilovers, extended rear springs, and perhaps some upper control arms for added lift. While these kits do boost performance to some extent, they don’t necessarily provide more travel. And that’s where most of us would stop and call it a day… but not the builders of these rigs.
Long travel kits take the concept of suspension upgrades to a whole new level. They utilize extended-length coilovers, and in some cases, secondary shocks with remote reservoirs to enhance compression and rebound damping.
By modifying suspension geometry, a long travel kit offers increased wheel travel over factory suspension, allowing for the use of larger tires. These kits typically start with extended lower control arms (LCAs) and upper control arms (UCAs) as the foundation for achieving “longer” wheel travel.
Moreover, long travel kits often come with upgraded, wider, and stronger axles with reinforced joints, extended tie rods, limit straps, extended-length bump stops, as well as strength enhancements like gusseted spindles and control arm mounts.
For the rear suspension, a long travel kit typically necessitates extended brake lines, upgraded trailing arms, taller springs, increased travel shocks, and extended length bump stops. In the case of long travel shocks, they often feature adjustable remote reservoirs to maintain optimal internal temperature during aggressive suspension cycling, allowing for personalized tuning of the ride.
Enough talking—let’s see these beasts in action!
1. Adam Wolfe (@builtbysquirrels) – 2018 TRD OR
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- LSK 4.5” Prototype Kit
- Boxed LCAs with Recessed Shock Mounts & 1.5” Horizontal Uniball
- Built-in Air Bump Pads & Delrin Bushings
- Boxed UCAs With Heims & Vertical Uniball
- Fully Boxed Spindle Replacement with Dual Shear Steering
- ADS 8” Shocks with Reservoirs & 600lb 18” Springs
- ADS 2.125X2 Air Bumps
- Sway Bar Delete
Rear:
- 12” Radflo Shocks
- Dobinsons 59-677V Springs
- DuroBumps Bump Stops
- 22” Brake Lines
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I absolutely loved collaborating with LSK Suspension to develop a 4.5+ LT kit for my 5th Gen 4Runner. From start to finish, they were amazing, promptly providing new parts to replace any that didn’t quite meet the build’s requirements. The final kit is out of this world! The build quality and customer support have exceeded my expectations. But enough about the company—let’s talk about the ride.
In a nutshell, it feels like driving on a cloud off-road. The suspension articulates flawlessly, while the wheels provide a solid and planted feel. I simply point where I want to go, and my 4Runner takes me there. One thing to note—it’s 9″ wider than stock. With 17×9 wheels sporting a -12 offset and 35×12.5 tires, the outside tire to outside tire measurement comes to a whopping 89″ wide. The kids these days would call it THICCC. That being said, this kit is unlike anything else on the market, and it’s the only one with upper and lower uniballs on the spindle for the 4Runner.
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Radflo Shocks/Coilovers
- Radflo Hydraulic Bump Stops
- Total Chaos +2 UCAs
- Total Chaos +2 LCAs
- CVJ Axles
Rear:
- Dobinsons Rear Arms
- Dobinsons Rear PHB
- Dobinsons Springs
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I adore how well my 4Runner rides with this Radflo suspension setup. The hydro bumps on all four corners keep the vehicle handling as if it still had sway bars. The 4Runner crawls with ease, allowing all four tires to maintain traction while the rig articulates. The increased track width also provides improved stability and stance off-road. And let’s not forget about the killer looks!
3. AB Castro (@Dj_ayybeats) – 2005 SR5 2WD
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Dirt King 3.5+ Long Travel Kit
- Dirt King Upper Arm Sheer Kit
- Dirt King Bypass Shock Hoop Kit
- King Shocks Long Travel Spec 2.5 x 8” Coilovers
- King Shocks Long Travel Spec 2.5 x 8” 3 Tube Bypasses
- Camburg 4” Performance Spindle
Rear:
- King Shocks 12” Triple Bypasses
- Califabrication Rear Shock Relocation
- Califabrication Adjustable Upper, Lower Links and Panhard Bar
- Dobinsons 3” Dual Rate Coils
- Locked Off-Road 2.0 x 2” Threaded Bump Stops
- Yukon 4:88 Gears
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I love that my vehicle is both a daily driver and an off-road beast. This 4Runner can handle any punishment I throw at it without a hitch. The setup is simple yet truly unique in its own way. Whether on the streets or off-road, heads turn when I roll by in this rig.
Jon’s Note: Yes, I know this is a 4th Gen 4R, but it’s SO SICK!!
And the List Goes On…
4. Tim Curley (@milk.wagon) – 2018 SR5
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Dobinsons MRR Rear Long Travel Setup
- Dobinsons MRA59-A575 3-Way Adjustable Shocks
- DuroBumps Extended 5.5″ Bump Stops
- Toytec 1″ Body Lift
- Sway Bar Delete
Rear:
- Dobinsons Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms
- Dobinsons Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms
- MetalTech 4×4 Extended Stainless Steel Brake Lines
- Dobinsons Adjustable Rear Panhard Bar
- Dobinsons C59-701V Variable Rate Rear Springs
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
Watching the Dobinsons rear long travel in action on rock shelves is almost as exciting as driving up to them myself. The 4Runner’s articulation with these bolt-on parts is truly impressive.
As my 4R is an SR5 (with open differentials), having both rear wheels firmly planted significantly improves crawling capability. Though it doesn’t replace the need for lockers, this modification takes the SR5’s off-road performance to a whole new level.
5. Richard Yan (@ryr_t4r) – 2019 TRD OR
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Total Chaos +3.5 Race Kit with King Coilovers & Triple Bypass Shocks
- Dirt King Double Shear Upper Gussets
- Custom Gussets For Main Hoop & Engine Crossbar
- Boxed In Lower Control Arms
- DRT Body Mount Relocation Kit
Rear:
- Custom rear end by AZWillis Fabrication with cantilever design achieving 18″ of wheel travel and featuring a custom 4 Link with no panhard bar
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
This setup provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Long travel kits are all about shock tuning and proper setup. You can spend a fortune on a suspension setup, but if it’s not dialed in correctly, it’s just money down the drain.
I went through a lot of trial and error, relying on the wrong people to fine-tune this setup. However, after making a few adjustments, everything fell into place, and I finally achieved the ideal long travel kit for my 4Runner.
6. Johnny Shin (@ramensavedmylife) – 2016 SR5
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- BTF 4.5+ Coilover LT Kit
- 2.5 / 8” King Shock Coilovers with Triple Tube Secondary Shocks
- 2.0 x 2” Hydro Bump Stops
Rear:
- 2.5 Stock Replacements with OME 899s
- Timbren Rubber Bump Stops
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
My truck definitely still needs some work, but I’m already enjoying how it handles. The limited travel and cushioning in the rear still bother me, but that will be addressed in a couple of months when I receive some new suspension components.
I’m glad I opted for long travel before considering mid-travel upgrades. Better to pay once and enjoy the benefits than to pay twice and regret it. The 4Runner has immense potential, and I’m still putting all the pieces together.
7. Nathan Krig (@trdlun4r) – 2021 TRD Pro
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Total Chaos 3.5” Race Long Travel Kit
- King 2.5” Long Travel Coilovers with 700lb springs
- Total Chaos Secondary Shock Hoop with King 2.5” Triple Tube Bypass Long Travel Shocks
- Total Chaos UCAs
Rear:
- OME 700lb 3” Lift Springs
- Total Chaos Rear Control Arm Kit
- 3” King Rear 2 Tube Bypass Shocks
- King Shocks 2” Stubby Air Bumps
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I carefully selected components that complement each other and offer a wide range of tuning options for various terrains. The inclusion of triple bypass front shocks allows me to run without a front sway bar while still maintaining excellent handling both on and off-road.
This build allows me to drive the way I want, take turns when I want, and tackle off-road trails at the same speed as on-road driving. The ease with which it achieves this is exactly what I was looking for.
8. Jacob Cutting (@mag4rnr) – 2019 SR5
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- BTF Fabrication +4.5” LT Kit
- 8” Coilovers with 700lb Springs
- 8” Three Tube Bypass
- 2” 2.0 Bump Stops
Rear:
- 8” Two Tube Bypass
- 2” 2.0 Bump Stops
- Dobinsons 701V Springs
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
This long travel setup allows me to navigate both on and off-road terrains swiftly and smoothly. My 4Runner floats over any obstacle with ease, providing excellent wheel travel while maintaining tire contact with the ground. This is particularly crucial for off-road traction since the SR5 lacks a rear locker found in TRD Off-Road models. Overall, this setup has been fantastic, and the added bonus is that my 4Runner looks awesome!
9. Chris Alexander (@shepherdrunna) – 2018 TRD OR
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Total Chaos +2 Standard Kit
- Total Chaos UCAs
- Total Chaos LCAs
- King Coilovers
- CVJ Extended Axles
- Gusseted Spindles & Cam Tabs
Rear:
- 12″ Stroke King Coilovers with Remote Reservoirs
- Metaltech Upper and Lower Links
- Dobinsons 677V Variable Rate Springs
- Icon Track Bar with Eimkeith PCK
- Extended Brake Lines
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
What impresses me the most is the performance this setup delivers both on and off-road. The front long travel kit excels on any terrain, offering a comfortable driving experience on highways and mastering various off-road challenges.
The price point for this setup is quite reasonable, and Total Chaos’ customer service is excellent. I’ve installed tried-and-true products on my 4Runner, and combining Total Chaos with King Shocks is a winning combination.
10. Clinton Saephan (@amg_t4r) – 2016 Trail
Long Travel Suspension Details
Front:
- Total Chaos +2 Long Travel
- Kings Shocks 2.5 with Remote Reservoirs & Adjusters
- 600lb Springs
- Total Chaos UCAs
- Total Chaos LCAs
Rear:
- Califabrication 3 Link Kit
- Fox 2.0 14” Coilovers with Reservoir
- 14”- 250 + 16” – 250 Top-Bottom Spring Rate
What Do You Like About Your Setup?
What I appreciate most about this long travel kit is the comfortable ride it provides both on and off-road, surpassing the stock/mid-travel experience. The Total Chaos LT kit performs exceptionally well during rock crawling, despite being originally built for racing—hence my initial attraction to it. Not to mention the aggressive stance it gives my 4Runner. It looks tough and mean.
The up travel and down travel capabilities are exceptional too. I am able to keep my rig’s tires firmly planted on the ground while traversing sketchy terrain. With the LT kit widening the track width beyond stock, I feel safer tackling tricky sections or unstable areas on the trail. You won’t be disappointed with this Total Chaos kit!
Final Thoughts
These next-level long travel 4Runners are an absolute sight to behold! Each owner’s choice of a long travel suspension kit is driven by their unique needs and preferences. Members of the SR5 gang opted for LT to compensate for the absence of a rear locker in their 4Runners—a consideration that hadn’t even crossed my mind. Yes, even I learn something new with each Feature Friday.
Other builds on this list are all about speed and conquering any terrain. @builtbysquirrels, @mag4rnr, and @trdlun4r have taken their rigs to the next level, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible off-road. Every build showcased this week is mind-blowing! I can’t wait to see what next week’s submissions bring.
If you’d like your build to be considered for our next Feature Friday, we want to feature AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS. We want to inspire our readers with a wide variety of rigs and products. Submit your build for Feature Friday, and you might just get featured. Include your setup details and a captivating photo that showcases your build.
Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
