ICON Stage 2 Suspension System for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 0-3" Lift Tubular UCA

The ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 Suspension System is a complete front-and-rear upgrade for 1996–2002 Toyota 4Runner (3rd Gen) trucks, delivering 0–3" of adjustable front lift via 2.5 VS Series coilovers and 1" of rear lift via ICON-engineered coil springs, paired with 2.0 Aluminum Series rear shocks and a tubular steel upper control arm kit with ICON's patented Delta Joint. The system ships as a matched set of five components tuned specifically for the 3rd Gen platform.

Shipping: ICON parts ship direct from ICON Vehicle Dynamics, mostly by UPS Ground. Lead times vary by part and some items are built to order, so please allow extra time. We email tracking as soon as your order ships.

Adjustable Lift With Vehicle-Specific Valving

The 2.5 VS Series coilovers provide 0–3" of front lift adjustment, so a 3rd Gen owner can dial in ride height to clear larger tires without committing to a fixed lift. Vehicle-specific shock valving means the damping curve was developed for the 4Runner's weight and geometry rather than adapted from a generic tune, with the practical result being controlled body motion on washboard and improved composure over sharp trail hits. The coilover body is CAD-plated for corrosion resistance and uses a 7/8" shaft; FK Rod End bearings reduce deflection at the mounting points for more consistent wheel tracking.

More Wheel Travel Through the Delta Joint UCA

The tubular steel upper control arm kit replaces the stock UCA and increases wheel travel beyond the factory range while correcting alignment geometry that stock arms compromise when lift is added. ICON's patented Delta Joint sits at the ball joint position: a zinc-plated, grease-sealed, metal-on-metal design that matches the articulation angle of a uniball while keeping moisture and debris out. That combination makes the Delta Joint more durable than an exposed uniball on a daily-driven or frequently washed vehicle. The greaseable design allows routine maintenance to extend service life.

Fully Serviceable Components

The front 2.5 VS Series coilovers and rear 2.0 VS shocks are both fully rebuildable and re-valveable. That means worn seals or a valving tune that no longer suits a changed build can be addressed without replacing the entire unit. CNC-machined 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum components are used throughout for dimensional consistency and weight reduction. A 700 lb/in expedition coil spring is available separately for heavier-equipped vehicles, and a bump stop spacer kit is also available if additional thread engagement is needed beyond the maximum recommendation.

Features

• Front lift range: 0–3" of adjustable height via 2.5 VS Series coilovers
• Rear lift: 1" via ICON-engineered rear coil springs; 2.0 Aluminum Series rear shocks included
• Delta Joint UCA: Tubular steel upper control arms with patented Delta Joint, zinc-plated housing, grease seal, and greaseable metal-on-metal construction
• Fully serviceable: All shocks are rebuildable and re-valveable
• CNC-machined aluminum: 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum components throughout
• FK Rod End bearings: Reduce deflection and extend longevity at mounting points

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

This system suits 1996–2002 Toyota 4Runner owners who want a matched, vehicle-specific suspension upgrade with 0–3" of adjustable front lift, increased wheel travel, and improved on- and off-road damping, whether the truck sees daily pavement, weekend trails, or both. OEM wheels and tires are compatible at the stated lift heights for a stock-equipped vehicle.

This system requires aftermarket upper control arms (included) and is not intended for use with stock UCAs. Coilover lift heights are calibrated for a stock-equipped vehicle; a heavier build may require the separately available 700 lb/in expedition coil spring. A bump stop spacer kit is sold separately if additional thread engagement beyond the maximum recommendation is needed. This system does not fit Tacoma or any 4Runner outside the 1996–2002 model years, despite shared component part numbers on some sub-assemblies.

Common Questions

Does this system work with stock wheels and tires?

Yes. The ICON Stage 2 system for the 1996–2002 4Runner is confirmed compatible with OEM wheels and tires. ICON Alloys fitments of 17×8.5" with 4.75" backspace, 18×9" with 5.00" backspace, and 20×9" with 5.00" backspace are noted as recommended aftermarket wheel options; tires up to 33×11.25" are noted as fitting, with larger sizes potentially requiring fender trimming.

Are the shocks rebuildable if they wear out or I want different valving?

The 2.5 VS Series front coilovers and the 2.0 VS NR rear shocks in the ICON Stage 2 system are both fully rebuildable and re-valveable. Worn seals can be replaced and the valving can be adjusted to suit a changed vehicle setup without purchasing new shock bodies.

What is the Delta Joint and why does it matter compared to a uniball?

ICON's patented Delta Joint is a high-angle ball joint used in the tubular steel upper control arms. It matches the articulation range of a uniball but adds a zinc-plated housing and a grease seal that keep moisture and debris out of the joint, providing a durability advantage over an exposed uniball on a daily-driven or frequently washed vehicle. The greaseable, metal-on-metal design is serviceable over time.

My 4Runner is heavily loaded or has added accessories. Is there a stiffer spring option?

A 700 lb/in expedition coil spring is available separately for heavier-equipped 1996–2002 4Runner builds. The standard coil springs included in the Stage 2 system are calibrated for a stock-equipped vehicle; owners running significant added weight such as a roof rack, bumpers, or a winch should consider the expedition coil upgrade.