Chasing the Shot: Zac Asato’s 4Runner Built for the Wild

For photographer Zac Asato, that challenge was part of the adventure. Determined to reach these remote locations with ease and comfort, he built his Toyota 4Runner into the ultimate overland photography rig—complete with Sherpa roof racks, C4 Fab bumpers, and a full load of camera gear.

When it was time to take the suspension to the next level with a 4runner lift kit, Ride Shocks was the clear choice to get him there. Zac’s journey with the 4runner lift kit has transformed his vehicle into a reliable companion for exploring the wild, making every off-road trip a possibility. Plus, the 4runner lift kit has provided him the height and flexibility needed for various terrains.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Premium with KDSS is the ultimate adventure-ready starting point. Built on Toyota’s legendary reputation for capability and reliability, it’s exactly the kind of rig you want when the road ends and the wild begins.

“I chose Ride Shocks because I wanted suspension that could deliver the best performance, no matter the conditions. The ability to dial in a softer or stiffer ride for long road trips can make all the difference, especially when you’re spending 8+ hours a day on the highway.

But, when I’m headed off-road, that’s when it’s most valuable. Whether I’m cruisin’ on forest service roads or tackling rocky terrain, I can utilize the compression adjusters to fine-tune the shocks to really maximize the performance.”

River Outdoors installing 4Runner suspension kit for Zac in Phoenix, Arizona.

“From start to finish, the ordering process was smooth and a great learning experience, getting to chat with the experts on the team. AccuTune has years of experience tuning shocks, and it’s reflected in their approach.

Ride Shocks takes their time to ask you questions about your specific setup, how you intend to use the shocks, what mods you have on the rig, and helped me determine what I’d need given the weight of my car, planned mods and specifically, the components that would be required given that my rig has KDSS.”

“I’ve really put the suspension to the test in a short time! I’ve driven 15K+ miles now with Ride Shocks, taking the 4Runner across 9 states and hundreds of miles offroad and the suspension still feels like it did on day one. From exploring remote campsites in the moody forests of the Olympic Peninsula, to chasing desert canyon views across the Southwest and fall colors in the rocky mountains of Colorado, I can venture out in confidence knowing that my suspension can handle it all.”

Investing in a quality 4runner lift kit is crucial for off-road enthusiasts. The performance improvements, coupled with enhanced aesthetics, make the 4runner lift kit a popular choice among adventure seekers.

Zac’s Ride Shocks 4Runner lift kit has transformed his Toyota into the ultimate adventure machine. With his 4Runner suspension kit, he can fine-tune the ride for maximum comfort during long highway drives, then quickly dial in performance for rugged off-road terrain.

Whether cruising forest service roads or tackling rocky trails, the ordering process for his 4Runner shocks was smooth and guided by AccuTune’s expert team, who tailored the setup specifically for his KDSS-equipped rig.

In just a short time, Zac has put his Ride Shocks 4Runner lift kit to the test, racking up over 15,000 miles across 9 states and hundreds of off-road miles. From misty Pacific Northwest forests to the sweeping canyons of the Southwest and the golden autumn trails of Colorado, his suspension continues to deliver brand-new performance and total confidence in every environment.

Follow Zac’s 4Runner adventures on Instagram: @zachasato

4Runner Build Breakdown