ReadyLift 2.5" SST lift, 17x8.5 +35 Method 703 wheels, and BFG KO3 LT285/75R17 tires

[dirtwheeler]

TLDR: Heres' what a 2025 4Runner ORP Underground looks like with ReadyLift 2.5" SST lift, 17x8.5 +35 Method 703 wheels, and BFG KO3 LT285/75R17 tires.

Details for anyone that is interested...

The information and images posted on this site have been helpful for me in deciding if I want to get a new lift, wheels, and tires, as well as the types and sizes of these products. So, I thought I'd share my own info and pic in case it's helpful to others.

Here are the products I purchased, with links:

• ReadyLIFT 2.5” SST Lift Kit 69-55250
• Method Racing 703 17X8.5 6X5.5 +35 Matte Black MR70378560535
• BFGoodrich KO3LT285/75R17/E MSPN 30398

The work was performed by Bullhide 4×4 in Fort Collins, Colorado and we are really happy with how this came out. We just got it back today, so I don't have a lot to say about the ride or anything else yet. Obviously it's a little higher, so you notice that looking at it and when you get in. It feels a little more like a truck now with the angle of the vehicle tilted up slightly, looking over the hood.

My purpose for this change was to have a little more clearance for light off-roading, but I still don't plan to do any crazy rock crawling with this thing. I have other vehicles that are built up to take a little more abuse on the trails, so we wanted to keep this 4Runner comfortable, but still have some decent clearance.

I don't get too into the looks of these things, but I do think it looks better with the slight level/lift, slightly bigger tires (33.8" in theoretical diameter from specs but I didn't get the tape measure out), and the black Method 703 wheels. I got these wheels because I have the same ones on another vehicle and I've been happy with them. The Method beadgrip wheels supposedly make it safer to drop in pressure more, but I've only dropped down to 12 PSI so far in them in my other vehicle on 703s.

The pic just shows what a 2025 ORP looks like with this combination of products for anyone considering doing something similar (just throwing my pic in with lots of others on this site).

Some additional background if I haven't bored you to death talking about lifts, wheels, and tires so far...

I was reluctant to get this kind of lift before because I was more focused on increasing suspension travel along with clearance, but my use case for this vehicle changed when we built up my Wrangler. However, I still felt it would be advantageous to increase our clearance a little -- which coincided with wanting to upgrade the stock tires anyway. I wanted tires better for the ice and snow and it makes sense to consider lift, wheels, and tires at the same time (to me anyway).

I originally wanted to go with KO3s because I was happy with how they performed on my 1997 Wrangler for snow and ice traction, despite some worries about their load E rating. I talked myself in and out of several other kinds of tires and eventually came back to the KO3s, partly due to availability (you can't buy what nobody will sell you). I originally wanted to get "35s" but after some research, some concerns about various aspects of performance, and some talks with our local 4x4 shop that had a lot of experience and customer feedback, I decide to step down a size a little. 285/75R17 is theoretically 33.8" in diameter and 11.2" in width -- so they're probably within an inch of those measurements anyway.

For the wheels, I chose 17x8.5 +35 offset after seeing what others had done, reading information from various sources, and talking with the shop that would perform the work. I could have found something cheaper than the Method 703s, but again, I was happy with them on other vehicles.

The bigger tires and +35 wheel offset doesn't seem to have an overly aggressive wide stance, but they do appear to poke out a little more than the stock tires.

Eventually I'll do a chalk test to help me determine optimal tire pressure for normal driving, then -- assuming it's different than stock -- figure out if/how it's possible to reprogram the TPMS trigger point for tire pressure warning.

I'm a little concerned the load E tires will feel a little rougher, but I think I notice this a lot less in general than other folks on this site. I've seen numerous complaints about ride quality from other owners, but I've been super happy with the ride quality myself. I don't know if that's because there's something different with my vehicle or the way I perceive ride quality is different -- which in this case, ignorance is bliss. I'll also check my speedometer against GPS again (tested recently on stock tires and it was dead on at 60 MPH and below, but I didn't test higher). I'll also be mindful of whether the vehicle feels more sluggish or I really don't notice a difference. So far I've just gotten it up a little over 40 MPH in some city driving and I haven't noticed any differences -- but I was driving careful with the old wheels/tires in the back. Finally, I'll be watching to see how my fuel economy changes.

If I find anything interesting about any of these things, I'll add to this post later. For now, I just think it looks cooler and I'm really happy with it. Hopefully, I'll still be really happy with it a month from now after I've gone on some longer trips on the freeway and off-road rides!

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[ItsmeAlex]

That set up looks amazing! And real helpful info too. Would be curious to know how it affects steering feel too.

Would love to see more photos if you took any?

 

[dirtwheeler]

That set up looks amazing! And real helpful info too. Would be curious to know how it affects steering feel too.

Would love to see more photos if you took any?

I just got the one pic today. I'll definitely post some more later. The shot I posted was kind of funny because it actually needs a wash but the light was just perfect to make it look shiny. We're going to get it out on the trail this weekend, so I'll have a chance to get some good pics then.

It's also kind of weird how "Underground" color looks almost black in some pictures (like this one) and almost like a cement gray in others.

I plan to pay attention to steering too. I suspect it will feel a little different. Again, I didn't notice much on my short drive earlier today, other than the ride height and angle I'm looking over the hood. I'm mostly curious how it will feel accelerating and getting up to speed on our mountain freeways in Colorado. I'll have a chance to find out soon.

 

[Franco]

I have the 3" SST and love it but it feels like the back bump stops are too long. For example it often feels like it is bottoming out on dips in the road. Do you feel that at all? Thanks

 

[dirtwheeler]

I have the 3" SST and love it but it feels like the back bump stops are too long. For example it often feels like it is bottoming out on dips in the road. Do you feel that at all? Thanks

I haven't felt anything like that yet, but I also haven't driven it much since the mods. I'll be taking it off-road tomorrow, so I'll get my first feel for this configuration on dirt soon. I'm hoping I'll see some snow too -- but not too much!

 

[Hypogeum]

Beastly!

 

[dirtwheeler]

The shop that installed the tires set them to 40 PSI -- seems high to me, but I'll run them that way until I learn more or do a chalk test. I dropped to 20 PSI for a ride.

The only issue is that my TPMS stopped working today:

So I need to get that sorted out now. Not too worried about it though. The tires are not losing any air -- so I assume a bad sensor in one of the tires.

I got a bunch of pics on dirt with the new lift/wheels/tires...

 

[ECK]

Nice job and great looking truck! I’ve been looking at the same Method 703’s in +35 offset for my ORP. I’m thinking the +35 offset on the 17x8.5’s would net a flush-poke or put the bulge of the tire a little outside the fender. Whereas +25 would be about a 1/2” poke. Can you confirm?

Question: when you ordered your Methods did you specify that this was going on a 2025 4Runner (6th Gen) so the shop included the ring adapters for the smaller hub on the 6th Gen?

Also, were the lug nut holes big enough to accommodate the 14x1.5 lugs on the 6th Gen or did you have to get them drilled out?

At some point I’m upgrading tires and wheels on the 4Runner, but trying to get my head around the different wheel specs on the 6th Gen. I’ve always been a fan of Method wheels, I just want to make sure I order the right ones. I’ll probably go with a modest lift (1.5” front and 3/4” rear) and 285/70/17 tires. I haven’t settled on tires yet, but most likely an AT C-load.

I put a set of KO3 E-loads on my Sprinter camper-van this summer to replace the KO2’s that had ~50K on them. I’ve only taken the Sprinter out on one overlanding trip w/ the new KO3’s (approx 1.5K) but immediately noticed the softer/quieter ride while on pavement. Mileage was slightly better than the KO2’s.

Thanks!

 

[dirtwheeler]

Nice job and great looking truck! I’ve been looking at the same Method 703’s in +35 offset for my ORP. I’m thinking the +35 offset on the 17x8.5’s would net a flush-poke or put the bulge of the tire a little outside the fender. Whereas +25 would be about a 1/2” poke. Can you confirm?

Question: when you ordered your Methods did you specify that this was going on a 2025 4Runner (6th Gen) so the shop included the ring adapters for the smaller hub on the 6th Gen?

Also, were the lug nut holes big enough to accommodate the 14x1.5 lugs on the 6th Gen or did you have to get them drilled out?

At some point I’m upgrading tires and wheels on the 4Runner, but trying to get my head around the different wheel specs on the 6th Gen. I’ve always been a fan of Method wheels, I just want to make sure I order the right ones. I’ll probably go with a modest lift (1.5” front and 3/4” rear) and 285/70/17 tires. I haven’t settled on tires yet, but most likely an AT C-load.

I put a set of KO3 E-loads on my Sprinter camper-van this summer to replace the KO2’s that had ~50K on them. I’ve only taken the Sprinter out on one overlanding trip w/ the new KO3’s (approx 1.5K) but immediately noticed the softer/quieter ride while on pavement. Mileage was slightly better than the KO2’s.

Thanks!

It's about a half inch poke, but hardly noticeable to the naked eye. I've used a 48" straight edge to look at different angles. There's a little more poke in the front than in the rear. In the rear, I have more poke on the driver side for some reason. I'm not sure if that's the designed geometry of the vehicle, or something I should look into, but it seems to drive fine! It looks pretty stock to me -- not like the tires are setting too narrow or too wide. The part poking is just the sidewall.

AFAIK, I did not order ring adapters and the shop did not install ring adapters. -- and there is no need to drill the wheels for the lug studs. If it helps, the Method website indicates "vehicle verified" for 2025 Toyota 4Runner...

https://www.methodracewheels.com/products/703-matte-black?variant=39290134495293

 

[ECK]

Thanks, 1/2” of poke is perfect for me. +35mm offset it is w/ the 17x8.5’s!

I also appreciate you passing on your experience ordering the Methods.

Enjoy your truck and all the great backroads you have in Colorado!

 

[TurboGuy2000]

You don't really need the ring adapters. And @ECK where in ID you at Southside?

 

[ECK]

You don't really need the ring adapters. And @ECK where in ID you at Southside?

Nampa

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