2025 6th Gen 4Runner Mods That Actually Matter (Lift Kit, 3/4 Roof Rack, Sliders & Ladder)
The all-new 2025 6th Gen 4Runner is here and if you’re like most owners, you’re already planning the first round of upgrades. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you the four mods that deliver the biggest real-world gains. A Westcott Designs™ Preload Collar Lift Kit, a low-drag 3/4 Roof Rack, Rock Sliders, and a Rear Hatch Ladder that makes rooftop storage usable every day. We’ll cover practical tire fitment, wind-noise & MPG realities, why sliders are non-negotiable, and how a ladder changes your daily workflow—all with direct links to the parts you’ll actually install.
The Shortlist (and why it works)
Westcott Preload Collar Lift Kit (TRD Off-Road/compatible trims)
Gives you the stance and clearance you want without replacing your factory shocks. Geometry-friendly, rides like stock (or better), and typically installs faster than full coilovers—so you’re back on the road quickly.
→ Browse lift solutions: Westcott Lift Kits
→ 6th Gen platform hub: 2025 4Runner Parts & Accessories3/4 Roof Rack (Low Profile)
Aero-conscious crossbar layout and a shorter deck length reduce wind noise and drag compared to many full-length racks. Still hauls RTTs, recovery boards, cases, and skis with smart crossbar placement.
→ 6th Gen 4Runner 3/4 Roof RackRock Sliders (Bolt-On, Optional Kick-Out)
Real underbody insurance. Adds usable steps for daily in/out, doubles as stable Hi-Lift/Jack points, and protects doors and rocker panels from the hits that happen on real trails.
→ 4Runner SlidersRear Hatch Ladder
Daily usability upgrade: access the rack in seconds, lash down cargo, clean a windshield, or mount a light bar/antenna. You’ll use it more than you think.
→ 4Runner Ladders
Want it installed right the first time? Book the Westcott Built™ team in Phoenix.
→ Schedule your install
Start With Stance: The Westcott Preload Collar Lift Kit
If you do one mod first, make it the 6th gen 4Runner lift kit. Westcott’s preload collar approach preserves the factory shock/strut bodies and valving while adding measured preload to achieve height. That means:
Factory ride quality, improved stance – No harsh, mismatched valving or cheap spacer vibes.
Geometry-friendly – Mild lift targets keep CV and ball-joint angles within sanity.
Faster install & alignment – Fewer parts to replace; easier to return to spec.
Budget-smart – Bank the savings for armor, tires, or recovery gear.
Tire-Fitment 101 (practical, not theoretical)
Fitment depends on tire size + wheel width + offset/backspacing—not just lift alone. Use these real-world guardrails as you plan:
Stock wheels / mild A/T: A preload lift and careful alignment typically clears a ~32–33″ equivalent (e.g., 275/70R17 or 285/70R17) with minimal trimming depending on offset and tire profile.
Aftermarket wheels: Aggressive negative offsets push the tire outward and can increase fender liner/bumper contact. If you want 285s, target conservative offsets and be prepared for minor liner heat-gun work or a tidy trim.
Daily driver? Prioritize true size (many 285s run “big”), sidewall construction, and tread aggressiveness. Your MPG and road manners will thank you.
Not sure? Message our team with your wheel specs and tire choice. We’ll sanity-check your plan and suggest the cleanest path to the look and clearance you want.
Carry More, Hear Less: Why a 3/4 Roof Rack
Full-length racks are great, but for many owners the 3/4 rack is the sweet spot: usable deck space with less aero penalty and less wind noise. Westcott’s low-profile design tucks close to the roofline and uses slotted, channel-based crossbars for flexible mounting.
Real benefits you’ll notice:
Reduced drag & sound vs. many full-length setups (especially at highway speeds).
Strategic crossbar spacing to support RTT rails, Pelican/ROAM cases, fuel/water, skis/boards.
Low profile helps with garages and tree limbs while keeping CG in check.
Clean cable routing for light bars and chase lights using the rack’s channels.
Wind Noise & MPG: How to Keep Both in Check
Run the fairing and match its angle to your windshield.
Move crossbars under a light bar (flush to the housing) to reduce whistle.
Pack soft goods behind hard cases; smooth the leading edge.
Mind speed—aero forces scale fast, and your ears (and fuel bill) will notice.
Sliders: The Mod You Only Notice When You Need It
Ask anyone who’s kissed a rock with an unprotected rocker panel—it’s a bad day. Rock sliders are high on the “best 4Runner mods” list because they:
Protect the sills and doors from trail strikes and ledges.
Serve as a step for passengers and gear loading on lifted trucks.
Provide stable jacking points on uneven ground.
Improve exit angles with kick-out designs that help pivot the rear around obstacles.
Westcott slider highlights:
Bolt-on where the platform allows (no guessing, no welding at home).
Dimple-died top plates for traction in rain/mud.
Kick-out option for added protection/step surface.
Durable finish that stands up to trail abuse.
Building confidence matters. Sliders mean you’ll try that line you’d otherwise skip—without gambling your bodywork.
Rear Hatch Ladder: Daily Usability You’ll Love
You don’t truly “own” a roof rack until you can access it quickly and safely. A rear hatch ladder gives you reliable access for:
Strapping cargo before work or school runs.
Cleaning glass (and camera lenses) after dusty trips.
RTT workflows—open/close the tent, manage bedding, and stage gear.
Light bars/antennas—easy checks and cable management.
Westcott’s ladder is designed for secure mounting and sure footing, with thoughtful rung spacing you can use in boots. It’s one of those upgrades that quietly saves time every single week.
A Smart First-Build Order (so you only do things once)
Lift kit + alignment
Set stance and geometry first. This dictates tire choice and keeps trimming minimal.Wheels/Tires
Choose width/offset that supports your tire and prevents avoidable rubbing.Sliders
Protection before the first trail day pays for itself the first time you hear a scrape.3/4 Roof Rack + Ladder
Dial in your cargo system and lighting after you know your roof clearances and ladder needs.Accessories
Recovery boards, cases, traction aids, shovel/axe mounts, and lighting based on real usage.
Pro Tips
Torque, then re-torque. Check all hardware after 250–500 miles (and after your first trail day).
Alignment spec sheet. Keep a copy from your shop; it’s invaluable baseline data.
Payload awareness. Even modest roof weight adds up; use the rack’s crossbars intelligently.
Plan wiring (switch panel, light bars, rear lights) when the rack goes on to avoid re-work.
Why Westcott Designs™
USA-made engineering built for precise fit and trail durability.
CNC-driven production with experienced welders and meticulous finishing.
Real support from enthusiasts who install and wheel these parts.
Faster ship times on core products—so your build doesn’t stall.
Prefer turn-key? Westcott Built™ in Phoenix handles design, parts, and install—end to end.
→ Book your install
FAQs: 6th Gen 4Runner First-Mod Decisions
Q: How much lift do I actually need on the 6th gen?
A: For daily drivers that see weekend trails, a mild preload lift delivers the stance you want and the clearance you need, while keeping alignment and ride quality in check. If you plan heavy armor and larger tires, we can advise on the right height and supporting parts.
Q: Do I need upper control arms (UCAs) with a preload lift?
A: Many mild lifts don’t require UCAs, but it depends on final ride height, alignment targets, and tire choice. We’ll review your goals and recommend the cleanest path.
Q: Will a 3/4 rack hurt MPG?
A: Any rack adds drag, but 3/4 low-profile designs reduce the penalty compared to many full-length systems. Pair the rack with a fairing, smart bar placement, and tidy cargo packing for best results.
Q: Are sliders worth it if I’m mostly on fire roads?
A: Yes. They’re a step every day and an insurance policy the one time you need them. Even a small rock at parking-lot speeds can dent thin rocker metal.
Q: Why a ladder if my rack is 3/4 length?
A: Because speed and safety. You’ll secure loads faster, with less risk of slips and scratches. Once you have a ladder, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Q: Can you ship fast or install for me?
A: We stock core 6th gen parts and ship quickly. If you want turn-key, our Westcott Built™ shop in Phoenix can handle install and alignment.
→ Contact the shop