The 1986–1989 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular classic Toyota applications for an Old Man Emu suspension upgrade because these trucks use independent front suspension (IFS) with rear leaf springs. That means the front and rear gain height in two different ways: the rear is lifted by the OME Dakar leaf springs, while front ride height is set through the factory torsion-bar system.
This guide explains how the Old Man Emu complete 2-inch lift kit for 1986–89 Toyota 4Runner and 1986–88 Pickup 4WD IFS works, what is included, how to choose Medium versus Heavy rear springs, what changes on solid-axle or SAS-converted trucks, and what should be inspected while the suspension is apart.
Quick Answer
| Primary fitment | 1986–1989 Toyota 4Runner 4WD with factory IFS |
| Secondary fitment | 1986–1988 Toyota Pickup 4WD with factory IFS |
| Front lift method | Torsion-bar ride-height adjustment; the front shocks do not create lift |
| Rear lift method | OME Dakar leaf springs |
| Best choice for a stock or lightly modified truck | Medium Load |
| Best choice for approximately 440 lb of permanent added rear load | Heavy Constant Load |
| 1984–1985 solid-axle 4Runner | No — the complete IFS kit is not the correct suspension package |
| SAS-converted 1986–1989 4Runner | No as a complete kit — the front suspension has been changed from the IFS system this kit is built around |
| Alignment afterward | Yes |
What Does the OME 2-Inch Kit Include?
The Preserve Rad complete kit is built as a matched suspension package rather than a rear-spring-only lift. Each Medium or Heavy configuration includes:
- (2) OME Nitrocharger Plus front shock absorbers
- (2) OME Nitrocharger Plus rear shock absorbers, matched to the selected rear spring configuration
- (2) OME Dakar rear leaf springs
- (2) OME rear leaf-spring bushing kits
- (2) OME heavy-duty front torsion bars
- (2) OME bushing sleeve reducers
- (4) OME rear leaf-spring U-bolts
- (1) OME steering damper
- (1) OME greasable rear shackle set
Yes — bushings, U-bolts, shackles and the steering damper are included in the Preserve Rad complete kit. That is one of the main advantages of buying the complete package instead of assembling the suspension one piece at a time.
How Does the Front of an IFS 4Runner Actually Get Lifted?
A factory 1986–1989 4Runner does not use front coil springs or front leaf springs. It uses torsion bars. A torsion bar is the spring for the front suspension: it twists as the control arm moves and supports the weight of the front of the truck.
The OME torsion bars replace the factory bars with a heavier-duty matched set, but the bars themselves do not contain a fixed “2-inch lift” position. Front ride height is established through the factory torsion-bar adjusters. OME application guidance specifically calls for adjusting front torsion-bar height after the rear springs are installed.
This distinction matters because simply tightening the torsion bars as far as possible is not the goal. Excessive adjustment can reduce droop travel and increase operating angles through the control arms and CV axles. The truck should retain appropriate bump-stop clearance and then receive a full front-end alignment.
The front OME Nitrocharger shocks control suspension motion; they do not create the front lift.
Medium vs. Heavy 440-lb OME Rear Springs
The biggest decision when ordering the kit is the rear spring package. OME offers two rear spring options for these pre-1990 IFS Toyota applications:
| Configuration | OME Spring | Spring Pack | Spring Rate | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Load | CS009R | 4 + 2 leaves | 217 / 388 lbf/in | Stock-weight or lightly modified trucks; daily drivers; variable cargo |
| Heavy Constant Load | CS010R | 5 + 2 leaves | 285 / 445 lbf/in | Trucks carrying about 440 lb of permanent added rear load |
OME application data lists the Medium spring around a nominal 2-inch rear lift and the Heavy spring around a nominal 2.25-inch rear lift. Actual ride height varies with the condition of the original suspension, vehicle weight, accessory weight and how the front torsion bars are adjusted.
Which One Should I Choose for a Stock Truck?
For a mostly stock 1986–1989 4Runner or 1986–1988 Pickup, the Medium Load configuration is the better starting point. It is intended for stock-weight and lightly modified vehicles and generally provides the best balance between added support and everyday ride quality.
Do not choose the Heavy spring simply because it sounds stronger. A heavy constant-load leaf pack is designed to work with permanent added weight. On a lightly equipped truck, the heavier pack can sit taller and feel firmer because the suspension is not carrying the load it was designed around.
Which One for a Bumper, Tire Carrier, Drawers or RTT?
Choose the rear spring based on permanent weight actually carried by the truck, especially weight supported toward the rear axle.
- Stock truck, light recovery gear, occasional camping cargo: Medium is normally the better choice.
- Rear steel bumper and tire carrier: count the permanent bumper, carrier, spare and mounted accessories toward the constant load.
- Drawer system, permanently carried tools, water or recovery equipment: count that weight toward the constant load.
- Rooftop tent and rack: include their permanent installed weight and consider where that weight sits relative to the axles.
- Front bumper and winch only: these primarily add load to the front suspension. They are not, by themselves, a reason to install the Heavy rear leaf pack.
The Heavy configuration makes the most sense when the build is carrying approximately 440 lb of permanent additional rear load. Occasional passengers, luggage, trail gear or cargo that is removed after a trip should not automatically be treated as constant load.
Does the Kit Fit 1984–1985 Solid-Axle Trucks?
No as a complete suspension kit. Factory 1984–1985 4Runners and 4WD Pickups use a solid front axle with front leaf springs. The complete 1986–1989 OME kit is built around the later IFS front suspension, including IFS torsion bars and IFS front shocks.
Some rear OME components share coverage with the earlier solid-axle trucks, but that does not make the complete IFS kit correct for them. Read the 1st Gen 4Runner Suspension Guide: 1984–85 Solid Axle vs. 1986–89 IFS before ordering suspension parts for an early truck.
Does It Fit an SAS-Converted 1986–1989 4Runner?
Not as a complete kit. Once a 1986–1989 4Runner has been converted from IFS to a solid front axle, the front suspension no longer matches the system this kit was designed around. The OME IFS torsion bars and IFS front shocks are no longer the correct front-suspension package.
Some rear components may still be usable if the rear suspension remains in the factory leaf-spring arrangement, but the front must be selected around the axle, spring layout, steering, shock mounts and geometry actually used in the conversion. See the Toyota Solid Axle Swap (SAS) Guide for the fitment checks that matter on converted trucks.
Do You Need an Alignment Afterward?
Yes. Any meaningful front ride-height change on an IFS 4Runner or Pickup affects alignment geometry. After the torsion bars are set to final ride height, the truck should receive a proper front-end alignment so camber, caster and toe can be checked and corrected within the adjustment range of the suspension.
Do not align the truck before the final ride height is established. Install the suspension, settle the vehicle, set the torsion-bar height, then align it.
Does the Kit Include Bushings, U-Bolts and Shackles?
Yes. The Preserve Rad complete kit includes the rear spring bushings, bushing sleeve reducers, four rear U-bolts and an OME greasable shackle set. It also includes the OME steering damper.
These pieces matter on a 35- to 40-year-old truck because worn spring-eye bushings, tired shackles and reused rear U-bolts can undermine the benefit of installing fresh springs and shocks.
What Tires Are Commonly Paired With Approximately 2 Inches of Lift?
There is no single tire size guaranteed by a 2-inch suspension lift because clearance depends on wheel width, wheel offset/backspacing, alignment, body condition, bump-stop setup, tire brand and actual measured tire dimensions.
On first-generation 4Runners, common combinations include:
- 31x10.50R15: a conservative near-stock choice that works well with a mild suspension setup.
- 32-inch-class tires: commonly paired with mild lifts and a useful step up without automatically moving into a full clearance build.
- 33-inch-class tires: very common on modified first-generation trucks and often paired with roughly 2–2.5 inches of lift, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed bolt-on fit from the OME kit alone.
With 33s, wheel offset, fender and pinch-weld clearance, steering lock, suspension compression and additional front modifications may all become relevant. Tire clearance should be verified on the individual truck through the full steering and suspension range before hard off-road use.
What Should Be Inspected While Installing It?
A lift-kit installation is a good time to inspect wear items that are much easier to see with the suspension disassembled.
Front IFS
- Upper and lower ball joints
- Inner and outer tie-rod ends
- Idler arm and steering linkage
- Upper and lower control-arm bushings
- CV axle boots and joints
- Front wheel bearings and hub condition
- Bump stops and bump-stop clearance
- Brake hoses for age, cracking and adequate travel
- Shock mounts and hardware
Rear Suspension
- Front and rear leaf-spring hangers for cracks, elongation or corrosion
- Shackle mounts and frame condition
- Leaf-spring perches and axle seating surfaces
- Factory axle-angle/caster wedges from the original spring pack; OME guidance calls for reinstalling them in their original position where applicable
- Rear brake hose travel
- Driveshaft U-joints and slip-yoke movement
- Pinion angle and any new driveline vibration after the lift
- Rear shock mounts
The complete Preserve Rad package includes new U-bolts because this is the right time to replace old rear spring clamping hardware rather than reinstalling aged hardware around a new spring pack.
1986–1988 Toyota Pickup: What Changes?
The same core OME system also applies to 1986–1988 Toyota Pickup 4WD IFS. The front still uses torsion bars, the rear still uses leaf springs, and the same Medium-versus-Heavy logic applies.
The biggest practical difference is how the truck is used. A Pickup may carry large loads only occasionally. If the bed is normally empty and the added weight is temporary, the Medium spring is usually the more appropriate starting point. The Heavy constant-load spring is intended for trucks that carry substantial permanent equipment rather than an occasional payload.
Which OME Configuration Should I Order?
| Stock 4Runner or Pickup | Medium |
| Daily driver with occasional cargo or camping gear | Medium |
| Front bumper/winch but little permanent rear weight | Usually Medium rear; evaluate front load separately |
| Rear bumper, tire carrier, drawers, RTT and permanently carried equipment approaching 440 lb | Heavy Constant Load |
| 1984–1985 factory solid-axle truck | Do not order this complete IFS kit |
| 1986–1989 4Runner with a solid-axle swap | Do not order this complete IFS kit as a package |
For the matched suspension package, shop the Old Man Emu complete 2-inch lift kit for 1986–89 Toyota 4Runner and 1986–88 Pickup 4WD IFS.
If your truck has been axle-swapped, heavily modified, or has an unusual mix of suspension components, use Preserve Rad Fitment Help and include clear photos of the front suspension, steering, rear spring mounts and any existing lift hardware before ordering.