In the end it's all the same thing. 4Runners are "built" over time with aftermarket parts because Toyota simply does not have an off-road enthusiast division. They don't really sell a complete package like Jeep, Ford, or Chevy from the showroom floor. However it's all just a bunch of bolt-on parts. So whether I get it installed by a shop or do it myself the end product are bolt on parts. I've done a lot of the work myself on my 4Runner and while it was a good experience, I gained knowledge from the process, and know how to fix things in the field if they do go wrong sometimes I wish there was an easy button for certain things and that the 4R came built from the factory floor.

Whatever my next vehicle is, and 99% will be a Toyota, if they came out with a 6th gen 4R with a "sasquatch" package I'd probably get it. The mods wouldn't stop but I wish the 4Runner had some legit OEM off-road parts and features that I could get from the factory and wouldn't need to rely on aftermarket parts. I actually like the approach Chevy did with AEV and I think the ZR2 Bison is the perfect example of an OEM+ style. Imagine if Toyota partnered with say ARB for their next Land Cruiser or 4Runner and came up with specifically engineered products and created an a la carte menu that you could just simply buy from day one. This isn't too different than what they do in Australia where you can simply buy and add ARB products right from the dealer.