Upgrading your FJ Cruiser’s suspension can transform how it handles off-road obstacles, carry heavier loads, and look on the trail. You want a lift kit that fits your model year, preserves driveline angles, and gives the ride quality and tire clearance you need.
This guide helps you compare practical options—from full front-and-rear leveling kits with differential drop pieces to rear-only spacers and useful hood accessories—so you can pick the solution that matches how you use your FJ Cruiser and your budget.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | maXpeedingrods 3″ Front & 2″ Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit (with Diff Drop) | 95/100 |
| 💰 Best Value | SCITOO 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit (Poly Spring Spacer) | 82/100 |
| ⚡ Best Complete Kit | TASTONTUP Leveling Lift Kit 3″ Front 2″ Rear (Full Kit with Diff Kit) | 90/100 |
| 🔧 Best for DIY / Popular Choice | PraOents Leveling Lift Kit 3″ Front 2″ Rear (2003-2024 4Runner & FJ) | 88/100 |
| 🎯 Best Easy-Install Accessory (Hood Support) | LLKUANG Hood Lift Supports Kit (Hydraulic Struts) — not a suspension lift | 75/100 |
How We Picked
You want a lift kit that fits your FJ Cruiser year, gives the lift height you need, and doesn’t create extra drivetrain problems. We prioritized: fitment and vehicle compatibility; advertised lift height (3″ front / 2″ rear is a common target for level look and tire clearance); inclusion of a differential drop kit or recommendation to use one (to protect CV joints and driveshaft angles); build materials and machining quality; installation complexity and whether additional parts (shock extenders, new bolts, or upper control arms) are typically required; real-world user feedback on ride quality and wheel travel; and overall value for the price. We also included a practical accessory option (hood struts) because many owners appreciate small upgrades that improve daily usability even if they aren’t a suspension lift.
maXpeedingrods 3″ Front & 2″ Rear Lift Kit
If you want a clean, balanced lift that gives your FJ Cruiser more presence and a bit more clearance, this maXpeedingrods kit is a sensible pick. The kit uses 6061 aluminum front strut spacers to raise the front about 3″ and the rear about 2″, and it includes a differential drop to keep driveline angles in check.
For everyday driving you’ll notice a slightly more commanding stance and a touch more room for bigger tires, while on light off-road runs the extra clearance helps you clear rocks and ruts. Installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic tools, but owners have reported you may need rear shock extenders to keep full rear wheel travel after lifting. Note it doesn’t fit certain 4Runner Limited models with X-REAS hydraulic struts or 2018+ TRD PRO models.
If you want a modest lift for looks and improved clearance without a full suspension overhaul, this kit is worth considering.
What People Say
Buyers praise the build quality and clean machining, and many say the kit fits well out of the box. A common practical tip is to pick up rear shock extenders so you don’t lose rear wheel travel after installing the lift.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Jerry W.
Overall the kit is a great product but you will have to order separately rear shock extenders. The rear shocks with the kit installed or extended now as far as they will go so when you hit a bump or a hole the rear cannot go down any further because of the shocks being at the end of their stroke already and it will jar your teeth loose. Shock extenders 3 inches long are needed so you have your wheel travel back and is not included with the kit nor is it ever mentioned that it is needed.
🗣️ Leon Loera
La calidad de los materiales está increíble, he comprado otros elevadores pero la calidad del los metales y los cortes no se comparan con este. La presentación del producto me gustó. Tiene sus manuales, folletos sobre la empresa y calcomanía de regalo. Muy recomendable, solo falta instalarlo y espero que me dé las 3” al frente que busco para que mi FJ se vea grande
How It Helps
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Driving | Raises your ride enough to give a sportier look and modestly better approach angles without drastically changing handling |
| Weekend Trails | Extra ground clearance helps you clear rocks and ruts, and the differential drop reduces stress on the driveline |
| Tire Upgrades | Gives space for slightly larger tires so you can run more aggressive rubber without rubbing |
| DIY Installation | Relatively simple spacer-based design makes it approachable for a handy owner, but plan for possible rear shock extenders |
Versatility
Works well for street-driven FJs that want a tougher look and light off-roading. Not a full long-travel conversion but flexible for modest tire and clearance upgrades.
Key Benefits
- Balanced 3″ front / 2″ rear lift improves stance and ground clearance
- 6061 aluminum front spacers for corrosion resistance and durability
- Includes differential drop to help maintain driveline angles
- Compatible with many 4Runner and FJ Cruiser models (check exclusions)
Rating: 5.0 (total: 8+)
LLKUANG Hood Lift Supports Kit
If you want a simple, reliable way to stop propping your FJ’s hood while you work, this LLKUANG kit does the job. It replaces the factory hood prop with gas-charged struts and mounting brackets designed to match the original fit for 2007–2010 FJ Cruisers.
For everyday maintenance it makes checking fluids and doing quick repairs much less fiddly, and on weekend projects it keeps the hood steady while you work. The kit uses rust-resistant components and a sealed piston for longer life, installs with basic hand tools and no drilling, and comes with a lifetime warranty so you don’t have to worry about fitment issues. If you want an affordable, easy-to-install upgrade that just makes hood access less annoying, this is a solid pick for your FJ.
What People Say
Owners consistently note the easy swap-in fit and quick installation; a common tip is to attach the top ball clasp first and expect the strut to be impossible to compress by hand until installed.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Jim
The set I received didn’t include printed instructions, but a quick YouTube search showed how to remove the old clips and install the new struts. Fitment is spot on if you snap the top ball clasp on first, and even though the struts can’t be manually compressed at first, they install in about 10–15 minutes and hold the hood up reliably, saving a lot of hassle compared with the old prop.
🗣️ Kindle Customer
Super easy installation and works great, with good build quality and a straightforward swap-in fit for an 07 FJ Cruiser.
How It Helps
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Maintenance | You can open the hood and have both hands free for checks and quick fixes without balancing a prop rod. |
| DIY Repairs | Keeps the hood stable while you work on the engine or electrical bits, reducing the risk of the hood dropping or shifting. |
| Garage Storage | Less strain on the factory prop and a cleaner, more modern feel when you access the engine bay frequently. |
| Humid or Salty Climates | Nitride-treated piston rods and carbon steel brackets resist corrosion better than untreated parts, so you won’t be replacing them as often. |
Versatility
Best for stock or lightly modified FJ Cruisers from 2007–2010 that need a dependable hood lift. It’s not a universal strut for every vehicle, so check mounting positions before buying.
Key Benefits
- Direct replacement for the stock hood prop on 2007–2010 FJ Cruisers
- Gas-charged struts and carbon steel brackets for reliable lift and corrosion resistance
- No drilling required — installs with basic hand tools in minutes
- Lifetime warranty and seller support if you run into fitment questions
Rating: 5.0 (total: 26+)
SCITOO 2-Inch Rear Leveling Kit
If you want to level the rear of your FJ Cruiser without changing ride feel or doing a lot of cutting, this SCITOO rear leveling kit is a straightforward option.
It lifts the rear by 2 inches using poly spring spacers and preinstalled hardware, which keeps the setup simple and durable.
For everyday driving it simply reduces factory rake and gives you more clearance for slightly larger tires. On weekend trail days it helps prevent bottoming and gives a more aggressive stance without altering steering or comfort.
Installation is a basic bolt-on job — no strut preloading or modifications — so you can usually finish in a couple of hours with common hand tools. If you’re after a simple, durable way to level your FJ and make room for bigger rubber, this is worth a look.
What People Say
You’ll see owners calling out the spot-on fit and the easy bolt-on installation, plus that the kit keeps the vehicle’s original ride and steering feel while giving a cleaner, more aggressive stance.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Product Listing
The Leveling Kit reduces factory rake and perfectly levels the front with the rear of the vehicle. Gives a noticeably aggressive look and provides additional fender distance for larger tires while maintaining original OEM ride quality.
🗣️ Product Listing
The lift kits come with everything needed for 100% simple bolt-on installation. The process requires no strut pre-loading, cutting, or modifying any factory parts, and can be finished within 2 hours.
How It Helps
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Driving | Removes the factory nose-down rake so your FJ looks balanced and you keep the same ride quality for everyday commutes. |
| Weekend Trails | Gives a bit more clearance at the fenders to reduce rubbing and helps avoid scraping on rough trails. |
| Upgrading Tires | Creates room for slightly larger tires and wheels without needing other suspension changes. |
| Quick DIY Install | Everything needed is included for a simple bolt-on install that you can typically finish in about two hours with basic tools. |
Versatility
Designed for 2003–2024 4Runner and 2007–2015 FJ Cruiser 2WD/4WD applications; not compatible with 2018+ 4Runner TRD PRO or Limited models that use X-REAS hydraulic struts.
Key Benefits
-
- Levels the rear by 2 inches to reduce factory rake
-
- Allows extra fender clearance for larger tires without changing ride quality
- Poly spring spacer construction with vehicle-specific fit
- Complete bolt-on kit — no cutting or strut preloading required
Rating: 5.0 (total: 2+)
PraOents 3-Inch Front 2-Inch Rear Leveling Kit
If you want your FJ Cruiser to sit a bit taller and firmer without swapping out shocks, this PraOents leveling kit is a practical choice. It gives a 3″ lift up front and 2″ in the rear to remove factory rake, open up some fender clearance and deliver a more confident stance on and off the road.
For daily driving you’ll keep a comfortable ride while gaining the room for slightly larger tires; on trail days it helps reduce bottoming and scraping. Installation is mostly bolt-on, though some folks note the front can take longer and trickier effort than the rear, so set aside a few hours or get a shop to help if you’re not comfortable with suspension work. Small but helpful detail: lift height isn’t always the same as kit thickness because of suspension geometry. There’s also a two-year parts replacement service included, which makes it easier to feel confident about the purchase.
If you want a straightforward way to level your FJ and gain usable clearance without changing the whole suspension, this is worth considering.
What People Say
Owners highlight solid build quality and spot-on fit, noting the rear is usually an easy bolt-on while the front can take a bit more time — but the finished look and clearance gains are often called out as worth the effort.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Lunamar Electronics
Great construction and gave me the lift and leveling I needed. Fitment on point. Install for me was a breeze as I work on cars for a living.
🗣️ Troy Ashburn
Back was an easy install but not so much for the front. Took 6 hrs total because of minor difficulties in the front. End result looks great and I’m happy with it.
How It Helps
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Driving | Removes the factory nose-down look so your FJ rides more level while keeping everyday comfort. |
| Weekend Trails | Adds fender clearance and a little extra ground room to help avoid scraping on rough sections. |
| Tire Upgrades | Creates space for slightly larger tires without needing a full suspension overhaul. |
| DIY Installation | Most of the kit bolts on with included hardware, but plan extra time for the front strut work or consider professional help if you’re unsure. |
Versatility
Made for 2003–2024 Toyota 4Runner and 2007–2015 FJ Cruiser 4WD models; tailored fit means fewer surprises, though vehicle-specific suspension geometry can affect final lift height.
Key Benefits
- Raises front by 3″ and rear by 2″ to remove factory rake and improve stance
- Designed specifically for 2003–2024 4Runner and 2007–2015 FJ Cruiser 4WD for a close fit
- Helps increase fender clearance for slightly larger tires and reduces scraping on trails
- Mostly bolt-on installation with included hardware; expect the front to take more time
- Two years free parts replacement service for added peace of mind
Rating: 4.6 (total: 91+)
TASTONTUP 3-Inch Front 2-Inch Rear Leveling Kit
If you want your FJ Cruiser to sit taller and cleaner without swapping out shocks, this TASTONTUP leveling kit is a practical option. It raises the front about 3″ and the rear about 2″ to remove factory rake, give better fender clearance and make room for slightly larger tires.
The kit includes a differential drop to reduce the CV angle after lifting the front, and parts are made from billet aluminum and high-density polyurethane so they feel solid on the truck. Installation is mostly bolt-on and many owners finish it in a few hours with basic tools—plan 2–4 hours or a chunk of a weekend if you’re doing it yourself.
For daily driving you’ll keep a comfortable ride while gaining usable clearance; for trail days it helps prevent scraping and gives you a bit more confidence over rough terrain. If you want a straightforward way to level your FJ without a full suspension overhaul, this is worth a look.
What People Say
Owners commonly point out the solid fit and noticeable change in ride height—many didn’t need extra tweaks after installing. Folks who DIY also note the diff drop is straightforward and that the rear spacers keep the stock bump stop, which some appreciate for ride quality.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Jimmy Trejos Valverde
Me gustó mucho la altura a la que quedó el carro; no requirió hacer ajustes adicionales, calza perfectamente.
🗣️ Ian
Took me about 4-5 hours to finish this one myself. The diff drop kit was very easy to install and will save your CV boots from the harsh angle. Rear spacers let you keep the stock bump stop—looks great.
How It Helps
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Daily Driving | Levels the nose-down factory stance so your FJ rides more evenly on the road while keeping everyday comfort. |
| Trail Riding | Adds a bit of ground clearance and fender room to reduce scraping and give you more confidence on rough lines. |
| Tire Upgrades | Creates space for slightly larger tires without needing a full suspension swap. |
| DIY Installation | Most of the kit bolts on with basic tools; expect the front to be more time-consuming and plan for extra time or help if you’re not experienced. |
Versatility
Made specifically for 2003–2024 Toyota 4Runner and FJ Cruiser 4WD models; the vehicle-specific design minimizes surprises, though final lift can vary with suspension geometry and vehicle load.
Key Benefits
- 3″ front and 2″ rear lift removes factory rake and improves stance
- Includes differential lowering kit to reduce CV/axle wear after lift
- Billet aluminum and high-density polyurethane for durability
- Mostly bolt-on installation—many finish in a few hours with basic tools
- Creates room for slightly larger tires and more ground clearance
Rating: 4.7 (total: 45+)
FAQ
How Do I Choose The Right Lift Kit For My Toyota FJ Cruiser?
You should start by deciding what you want the lift to do: leveling for a balanced look and slightly larger tires, or a taller lift for serious off-road clearance. Check fitment for your model year and drive type, and pick a kit that explicitly lists compatibility with the FJ Cruiser. Look for kits that include or recommend a differential drop if you’re lifting the front 2–3 inches, because that reduces CV/driveline angles and prevents premature wear. Pay attention to materials and what’s included — some kits are just strut or spring spacers while others include differential hardware or spring spacers for the rear.
Read user feedback for common issues (for example, some buyers report needing rear shock extenders or longer diff bolts) and confirm whether you’ll need extra parts like shock extenders, upper control arms, or new bump stops before you buy.
What Are The Common Installation Issues And How Can I Avoid Them?
Installation can be straightforward if you prepare, but you should expect a few typical snags. Many kits require additional pieces not always included, such as rear shock extenders to preserve wheel travel, or longer bolts for differential drop spacers, so verify the kit contents and have these extras on hand.
Use proper tools like a spring compressor and jack stands, follow torque specs, and allow several hours if you’re doing it yourself. If a kit changes suspension geometry significantly, install longer shocks or adjust bump stops to prevent bottoming out. After the install you must get a professional alignment and recheck fasteners after a short break-in drive. If you’re not confident with suspension work, have a trusted shop do the install to avoid safety and drivability issues.
Will A Lift Kit Affect Ride Quality, Handling, And Other Vehicle Components?
Yes — lifting changes ride height and suspension geometry, so you’ll likely notice differences in ride quality and handling. A modest leveling kit often has minimal impact, but 2–3 inch lifts can increase body roll, change steering feel, and stress CV joints, driveshafts, and axles if you don’t address driveline angles with a differential drop or upgraded control arms.
You may need longer shocks or shock extenders to maintain proper travel and prevent harsh bottoming. Also expect a possible change in fuel economy and factory tire wear patterns; an alignment and, in some cases, upgraded upper control arms will help maintain even tire wear.
Always verify clearance for larger tires and aftermarket bumpers or skid plates to avoid rubbing or interference.
Customer Favorites
When choosing between the maXpeedingrods 3 front/2 rear, LLKUANG Hood Lift Supports, and SCITOO 2 rear leveling kit, you usually prioritize how much lift and balance you need for off-roading versus on-road comfort, plus ease of installation and parts compatibility with your FJ Cruiser. You’ll also weigh build quality, long-term durability, and price—so people tend to pick maXpeedingrods for a full lift setup, SCITOO for a budget rear-level solution, and LLKUANG when their main concern is easier hood access and sturdier supports.
Wrapping Up
Pick the kit that matches how you use your FJ Cruiser. If you want a balanced combination of lift, included differential drop, and strong user feedback, the maXpeedingrods 3″ front / 2″ rear kit is the top choice. For budget-conscious rear-only rides, the SCITOO 2″ rear spacer delivers noticeable clearance at a low price.
TASTONTUP and PraOents are solid complete leveling kits with strong reviews and are good if you want an all-in-one solution. Remember to check whether you need shock extenders, longer differential bolts, or upgraded control arms before you install—taking care of these details preserves driveline geometry and wheel travel so you get the benefit of the lift without premature wear. If you just want a small practical upgrade rather than a suspension lift, the LLKUANG hood struts make daily maintenance easier and install quickly. Evaluate fitment, included hardware, and real-user notes so you get the performance and reliability you expect.
| Product | Image | Rating | Maximum Lifting Height | Material | Included Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| maXpeedingrods 3″ Front & 2” Rear Full Leveling Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 2003-2024, FJ Cruiser 2007-2015 |
 |
5.0/5 (8 reviews) | 3″ Front, 2″ Rear | N/A | Full leveling lift kit, Differential drop kit |
| LLKUANG Car Front Hood Lift Supports Kit Fit for Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007 2008 2009 2010 |
 |
5.0/5 (26 reviews) | N/A | Polished | Pair of hood lift supports |
| SCTIOO 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit For Toyota for 4Runner for FJ Cruiser |
 |
5.0/5 (2 reviews) | 2″ Rear | Poly (spring spacers) | Rear leveling lift kit |
| Leveling Lift Kit for 2003-2024 4Runner, 2007-2015 FJ Cruiser, 3 inch Front and 2 inch Rear Strut Spacers |
 |
4.6/5 (91 reviews) | 3″ Front, 2″ Rear | Alloy Steel | Leveling lift kit, Strut spacers |
| Leveling Lift Kit for 2003-2024 Toyota 4Runner FJ Cruiser 4WD, 3″ Front 2″ Rear Full Leveling spring spacer Lift Kits with Differential kit |
 |
4.7/5 (45 reviews) | 3″ Front, 2″ Rear | Aluminum | Lifter kit, Differential kit, Spring washer |
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