1985 toyota 4runner ,I will eventually be getting a 4 or five inch lift and buying Bilstein 5125 12 " Shocks.
Right now though I really, really need shocks. Can I run these shocks at stock height, until I buy the lift?

are you still using the stock shock tower?

yes, but will those shocks work if I get taller towers?

On an 85 you will have to run aftermarket shock hoops and cut the inner fenders to clear them even when set up for only 4" of lift. It is possible for you to run 12" travel shocks at stock height but you will have to cut the inner fenders and get extra tall hoops, which you could then cut down after a lift. IMHO it would be better to wait and do the lift and shocks all at once. Just get some autozone cheapies for now, they're $20 ea and will work fine. Think of it this way, you spend $40 now and not have to compromise when you do your build.

$40, I thought it would be $80, I need shocks for the rear also. Would those Bilstein 5125 12 " shocks work for the rear.

Thought you meant only in the front. Fitting 12's in the rear is way more work than the front, real fabrication unless you are lifting it like 6 inches. For sure wait til you lift, and I recommend having someone experienced help you out.