After some consultation with a ToyTec representative, we decided that an off-the-shelf suspension left wouldn't work well for me because of all of the additional weight I plan to carry and the type of excursions I like to do. He went ahead and pulled together a nice kit using several parts for the 4Runner but substituted the rear suspension for Land Cruiser springs and 4th Generation 4Runner ToyTec shocks. The reasoning was to handle the extra weight from the roof rack, spare tire carrier, armor, sleeping platform and camping gear.
We ran into a few issues during the installation; namely, rust. Originally a New York truck until I drove her across the country, most of the rust was a non-issue, but some of it made working underneath the truck a bit tricky. The top of the rear shock essentially broke right off, so there was a bit of PB Blaster, some pulling, twisting and tugging to get everything off of the truck. New shocks and springs are significantly larger.
Once on, the rear of the truck seemed sky-high, especially since the platform effectively raises the cargo loading area of the rear hatch. Some settling has occurred since the initial installation and the truck has also been leveled by a Lexology, my local go-to shop (more on this later).
Along with the suspension lift, the front brakes were upgraded to 231mm Toyota Tundra brakes. With larger rotors, pads, and 4-pot calipers, this is a serious upgrade for the brake system. Since we were also installing the suspension, extended steel brake lines were also installed at the same time. The 231mm Tundra brakes are the same as from a 2005 Tundra. I've always felt that the brakes on the truck was a bit squishy, and these brakes will certainly help. With more added weight coming in the form of additional armor, the timing of a new upgraded brake system could not have been better. And finally, the finished product (I can fit my head under the fenders):
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