5th Gen 4Runner Long Travel Kit: What You Need to Know

Long travel. That’s a whirlwind of emotions and opinions captured in just two words. When everything is said and done, adopting a long travel setup feels like quickly going from zero to one hundred in the world of off-roading. The immediate reactions often range from “BROOOO!” or “THAT’S SOO SICK!” to practical questions like “how much does it cost?” and “what exactly do you need to do?”.

Enthusiasts are drawn to the aggressive stance, the robust lower control arms (LCAs), performance coilovers, and the necessary fiberglass fenders. The truth is, embracing a 5th Gen 4runner Long Travel Kit is akin to unlocking the next level in a video game – it requires a significant leap in both technical knowledge and off-road capability. It can also push you to understand your own limits as a driver. While this discussion will primarily focus on front long travel systems, it’s worth noting that rear kits are also available for a complete setup.

What Is Long Travel Suspension?

Long travel suspension is an aftermarket modification that fundamentally alters a vehicle’s dynamics, primarily by increasing the track width and, crucially, providing more wheel travel. To achieve this, you need to install long travel-specific coilovers and shocks. A key component of these systems is longer control arms (both upper and lower), which contribute significantly to the wider “stance” often associated with long travel. These longer arms reposition the mounting points for the front coilovers, angling them differently compared to the near-vertical orientation found in a stock setup to accommodate the increased length and travel.

The average long travel kit for a 5th gen 4Runner adds approximately +3.5″ of width per side, though some kits can extend the width by +4.5″ or even +5″. Dirt King recently introduced a +2″ option as well. To fully utilize this increased range of motion, you absolutely must upgrade to longer travel coilovers. It’s important to use the term “coilover” rather than struts in this context; while similar, coilovers are engineered for superior handling and dampening performance critical for demanding off-road conditions. More importantly, they offer greater adjustability, which is essential for fine-tuning a long travel setup to specific driving needs and terrain. If you’re planning extended trips, understanding best places to travel in the us in april might help in planning where to test your new suspension setup.

A visual cue of a serious off-road suspension setup is the presence of reservoir shocks. These look like cylindrical cans connected to the coilovers (and rear shocks) by a thick hose. Reservoirs hold additional fluid, which helps dissipate heat more effectively, providing consistent dampening performance over sustained, high-speed use. The faster and harder you push the vehicle off-road, the more beneficial the added fluid capacity and cooling of reservoirs become.

Finally, completing a long travel setup typically involves using long-travel specific axles (for 4WD vehicles), often necessitates running larger tires to fill the wider wheel wells and gain clearance, and usually requires fiberglass fenders to accommodate the increased suspension articulation and tire size without rubbing. While some might initially skip the fenders, they are generally necessary for full functionality. That’s the basic rundown of what goes into a long travel setup. It should be clear by now that this level of modification comes at a substantial financial cost. For deeper insights into long travel suspension, specifically how it applies to the Tacoma (which shares a nearly identical front end with the 4Runner), consider reviewing detailed resources from experienced builders.

Long travel equipped 4Runner driving at high speed on a desert trail

My Build Journey

My personal journey into the world of long travel suspension started after I moved back home to Las Vegas following college in Colorado. The desert landscape around Vegas, with its vast, flat dirt areas, offered a different kind of off-roading experience compared to the mountains. Coupled with my upbringing in the import car culture, which was focused on drifting, time attack, and autocross, I quickly developed an intense addiction to off-roading. It felt like being a kid in a candy store.

I acquired my first vehicle with the help of my parents – a 2007 4Runner SR5 2WD V6 in Galactic Grey Mica, with the agreement that I would be responsible for the car payments and insurance. Typical of an 18-year-old eager for speed and cool modifications, I received my first speeding ticket on a local trail called Cottonwood. I remember pushing that stock 4Runner hard, getting bounced around inside, frequently bottoming out, and the rear end feeling completely unsettled.

Cottonwood isn’t even a particularly challenging trail, perhaps rated 1/10 in difficulty. Yet, that afternoon, I went home and immediately started researching “fast offroading.” This was back in 2014, and I was completely new to the off-road community in Vegas, with no friends involved and limited knowledge. I began learning from my brother’s best friend, who owned a classic ’85 Toyota pickup SR5 with a 22RE turbo engine running on 40-inch tires – a true inspiration. As you plan off-road adventures, exploring best places to travel in february in the us could provide exciting destinations.

My desire to build a faster, more capable off-road vehicle grew rapidly. Before I knew it, I had formulated an elaborate “dream build list.” Over the years, I gained more confidence and speed, eventually getting involved in desert racing events like SCORE, BITD (Best In The Desert), Huck Fest, Mint 400, Baja 1000, and Baja 500.

I owned that 4th Gen 4Runner from November 2014 to November 2020. It was equipped with Dirt King LCAs, King Shocks all around, and other significant upgrades. A vast majority of what I know now about off-road vehicle dynamics and modifications stems from my experiences with that vehicle, my own trial and error, and the valuable insights shared by friends made along the way.
Modified 4th Gen 4Runner with Tacoma front end conversion and Dirt King long travel suspension

Key Considerations Before Installing a 5th Gen 4Runner Long Travel Kit

Deciding whether to add a 5th Gen 4runner Long Travel Kit to your build depends heavily on your research, your current skill level as a driver on trails, and your determination to fully commit to the process. It might sound dramatic, but it really is that significant a decision. For instance, it’s like spending $5k or more on a professional camera without knowing how to use it effectively – the potential is there, but requires skill development.

The prospect can be overwhelming, so the best approach is to start with the fundamentals and gradually build from there. Focus on increasing your confidence and proficiency as a driver on various off-road terrains first. This is a potentially tedious but absolutely critical part of successful off-roading – it’s the “make or break” element. As your skills progress, you will gain a much clearer understanding of what you truly need and want from your vehicle’s suspension system.

Key Takeaways Before Committing to Long Travel:

• Driver confidence is paramount.
• Thorough research is essential.
• A willingness to continuously learn is required.
• Understand that a heavily modified build is never truly done.
• It is undeniably expensive.
• Avoid getting overwhelmed or making impulsive decisions (“Don’t get lost in the sauce”).

Expect the installation and ongoing ownership of a long travel setup to be a very tedious and time-consuming process. While long travel systems undeniably look impressive, achieving their full potential requires significant investment of time and a very specific level of commitment beyond the initial purchase.

Extra Maintenance Requirements

Although many long travel kits are designed as direct bolt-on replacements, they introduce new components and stress points that demand increased maintenance. Be prepared for tasks such as regularly checking and servicing limit strap clevises, reinforcing spindle gussets (which often require welding), installing shear kits and frame plates, potentially adding cam tab lockout kits and bypass hoops, and frequently servicing bushings, heims, uniballs, coilovers, and specialized length axles (on 4WD models). You also need to be vigilant for premature wear on these specific long travel components, as well as related parts like wheel bearings and hubs. Uneven tire wear and accelerated rotor/pad wear (especially with larger tires) are also potential concerns if not properly managed. Planning trips that put these systems to the test, perhaps exploring best places to travel february usa, highlights the importance of this maintenance.
Close-up view of a Dirt King +3.5 long travel lower control arm on a 4Runner

Alignment Specifics

Finding a qualified technician or shop to perform alignments on a long travel setup is crucial and can be challenging. Standard alignment equipment and knowledge may not be sufficient. I am fortunate to have a friend who possesses a deep understanding of long travel suspensions and can handle my alignments. Not all shops will have the necessary expertise or capability. Yes, I do daily drive my modified build, with the full awareness and acceptance that I need to be prepared for any maintenance or repair issues that arise, as keeping a long travel rig running optimally is indeed a significant ongoing expense.

On-Road Manners

When driving a long travel 5th gen 4Runner around town, you will notice distinct characteristics. The suspension typically handles bumps and uneven pavement remarkably well. Under hard cornering, a properly tuned long travel setup can feel very stable and “hug the road.” However, many owners remove the sway bar for maximum off-road articulation, which introduces noticeable body roll during cornering on pavement. Despite this, with the +3.5″ wider track width, the 4Runner feels exceptionally stable overall. The increased width and altered geometry do result in heavier steering that requires more effort to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel may not return to center as quickly or easily as on a stock vehicle.

Off-Road Manners

This is where the investment in a 5th gen 4runner long travel kit truly pays off and where the setup shines. With shocks that are properly tuned and valved for the vehicle and intended use, the 4Runner adheres incredibly well to the terrain and can absorb a substantial amount of punishment at speed. The primary benefit is the increased wheel travel, which allows the wheels to remain in contact with the ground more effectively over uneven surfaces and obstacles, improving traction and control. While long travel kits are primarily engineered for high-speed desert running or whoop absorption, they can also be beneficial for rock crawling by improving articulation and keeping tires planted. However, high-speed performance is their main intention. It is important to always be mindful of the increased width of the vehicle, especially when navigating tight trails or obstacles, a factor amplified by aggressive wheel offsets and wider tires.

Build List & Maintenance for a 5th Gen 4Runner Long Travel Setup

Here is a list of the primary Dirt King products installed on my current 5th Gen 4Runner SR5P 4WD build, showcasing the components of the long travel system:

• +3.5 long travel kit (includes upper and lower control arms, steering extensions, etc.)
• Upper arm shear kit (Note: requires welding for installation)
• Spindle gusset reinforcement (Note: requires welding)
• King Shocks 2.5 coilovers specifically valved for the Dirt King long travel setup
• Complete long travel axle assemblies (required for 4WD models to accommodate increased track width)
• Optional bypass shock hoop kit (Allows installation of secondary bypass shocks for additional dampening control)
• Optional front frame plate kit (Reinforces the frame where suspension components mount)

For more details on these components, you can Find Dirt King Online: View Website

This is a list of common items on a long travel setup that require regular servicing and attention, often more frequently than on a stock vehicle:

• UCA bushings: These need regular greasing and are subject to more frequent replacement than OEM bushings, often developing squeaks if neglected.
• LCA bushings: Similar to UCAs, especially those made from materials like Delrin, they require frequent greasing and monitoring for wear.
• Wheel bearing replacement: The added stress from increased track width, larger tires, and aggressive offsets can significantly reduce the lifespan of wheel bearings.
• Coilover and shock rebuilds: Performance shocks, particularly those used in demanding off-road conditions, are considered “race parts” and require periodic rebuilding to maintain optimal performance.
• CV axle boots: As with any lifted and modified independent front suspension, the increased angles can cause CV axle boots to tear, requiring timely replacement to prevent joint failure.
• Steering rack and tie rods: Long-term, the increased stress and leverage on steering components can lead to premature wear on the steering rack and tie rods.

Author's white 5th Gen 4Runner SR5P 4WD build featuring Dirt King long travel kit

Final Thoughts on the 5th Gen 4Runner Long Travel Kit

Daily driving a vehicle equipped with a 5th gen 4runner long travel kit is certainly not for everyone. It demands a particular mindset, especially if you are new to heavily modified vehicles and the world of high-performance off-road suspension.

Front view of a 5th Gen 4Runner showcasing the wide stance from a Dirt King long travel kit

Having been involved in the off-roading community since 2014, I am personally comfortable with the realities of breaking parts, the necessity of frequent maintenance, and the inherent impracticality that comes with building a vehicle optimized for extreme conditions. For me, the satisfaction of looking back at my build, particularly admiring its aggressive stance, is something I won’t get tired of. If you are someone who enjoys pushing boundaries, experimenting, and embracing the process of “messing around and finding out,” then diving into a long travel setup might be exactly what you’re looking for.