austriker's limited 'dadmobile' build thread

A

austriker

New member
Howdy folks!

I just joined 4runner nation recently (replaced my FJ, which I loved) and love it already. I hemmed and hawed over which model/trim to buy - I love the look of the TRDs but eventually decided on the family cruiser trim, aka limited. (Because this vehicle will be for mostly family hauling not slaying mountains - hashtag dadmobile life)

I hated the chrome on the limited but that didn't stop me from finding and acquiring a lovely white limited with the rare redwood interior. So first steps on my mod list are blacking it out!

Todo list:
  • chrome delete (currently wip)
  • get roof rack or cross beams
  • new wheels (downgrade from the huge 20s to reasonable 17s
  • tint front windows
  • canvasback cover for dog in the back
  • new suspension probably
  • remove the limited side skirt
  • Add some side steps, probably like the stock TRD ones

What I've done so far (with forum links):

I'll try to keep this thread updated as I (slowly) go about upgrading my limited!
 

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First "mod" - all weather floor mats (OEM!)

to try and keep the kiddos from completely destroying the floors.
 

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IMO too many people sleep on the limited full time 4WD system. the same system that's in the land cruisers and lexus GX. the ability to lock centre diff, have ATRAC and 4Lo is great for a vehicle drive system that is great if you live in snow climates. not having to toggle between 4H and 2H is very convenient

what I did on my limited was remove the running boards, side skirts and front air dam. Replaced the side skirts with the standard SR5 trim version for better side clearance and put a full gas tank skid plate on (same one that comes on the trail/TRD/ORP trims). also got rid of the 20s rims and put on the 17s that come on non-limited trim levels
 
We have the same 4Runner (black seats though) been bulletproof (knock on wood). we had it since 30K miles and 2016, currently at 90k. brakes been done 3 times but other than some other misc items its a tank.

I highly recommend Hankook Dyanpro ATM RF10's in 275/55R20's as replacement tires, i just had our second set put on a few weeks ago! no rubbing just a nice direct replacement upgrade that are much wider than the little waggon wheel stock size (245).

Front tint looks really good on these also.

The suspension works great on ours, I wont replace till it starts leaking, when it does we'll likely get the 5100's from Bilstein or the 5160 (cant recall the exact number) replacement. We had those on our limited 2003 and they were a great replacement from the stock Xres.
 
Humble Leader said:
IMO too many people sleep on the limited full time 4WD system. the same system that's in the land cruisers and lexus GX. the ability to lock centre diff, have ATRAC and 4Lo is great for a vehicle drive system that is great if you live in snow climates. not having to toggle between 4H and 2H is very convenient

what I did on my limited was remove the running boards, side skirts and front air dam. Replaced the side skirts with the standard SR5 trim version for better side clearance and put a full gas tank skid plate on (same one that comes on the trail/TRD/ORP trims). also got rid of the 20s rims and put on the 17s that come on non-limited trim levels
Click to expand...

Same here. I pulled the running board, rocker panel, added the Trail rocker panel, trail front mudflap, and went all in with a backwoods adv mod grill. Added TRD 17" rims and K02 tires. Have a few other mods but very pleased with pulling the running boards and trim. I will get rock rails in the spring as my summer trips have some hairy roads.
 
austriker said:
Howdy folks!

I just joined 4runner nation recently (replaced my FJ, which I loved) and love it already. I hemmed and hawed over which model/trim to buy - I love the look of the TRDs but eventually decided on the family cruiser trim, aka limited. (Because this vehicle will be for mostly family hauling not slaying mountains - hashtag dadmobile life)

I hated the chrome on the limited but that didn't stop me from finding and acquiring a lovely white limited with the rare redwood interior. So first steps on my mod list are blacking it out!
...
I'll try to keep this thread updated as I (slowly) go about upgrading my limited!
Click to expand...

I totally get you. Got my Limited with redwood interior because I'm in TX. No black interior here. Wish I would have gone ice cap white like you, but I could only find 2 2023's with low mileage in the US at the time.
 
Forgot to mention, check out Yota Expedition for their black out trim kits. I have bought a few and am really happy. The chrome irks me, big time.
 
Humble Leader said:
IMO too many people sleep on the limited full time 4WD system. the same system that's in the land cruisers and lexus GX. the ability to lock centre diff, have ATRAC and 4Lo is great for a vehicle drive system that is great if you live in snow climates. not having to toggle between 4H and 2H is very convenient

what I did on my limited was remove the running boards, side skirts and front air dam. Replaced the side skirts with the standard SR5 trim version for better side clearance and put a full gas tank skid plate on (same one that comes on the trail/TRD/ORP trims). also got rid of the 20s rims and put on the 17s that come on non-limited trim levels
Click to expand...

Yeah totally! The full time 4WD actually attracted me as well because I think it should do better in the rain (and because I'm in the PNW it only rains about 9-11 months of the year).

I like what you've done! Very similar to my goals
 
tk421_99 said:
Same here. I pulled the running board, rocker panel, added the Trail rocker panel, trail front mudflap, and went all in with a backwoods adv mod grill. Added TRD 17" rims and K02 tires. Have a few other mods but very pleased with pulling the running boards and trim. I will get rock rails in the spring as my summer trips have some hairy roads.
Click to expand...

Those sound like great changes, I like it.
 
New mod: Chrome delete on the door handles and side emblems

So I bought these from amazon and installed them the other day.

Bye bye chrome on the door handles and side emblems!

Emblem link: Amazon.com
Door handles link: Amazon.com

Overall I do love it! Although I kinda wish the handle overlays would fully cover the chrome and go flush against the car, you can definitely see the chrome when you get close. (But if I wanted a hardcore chrome deletion, I should have just replaced the handles themselves).

Before/after pics:
 

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New mod: Chrome delete on front emblem

I ordered this emblem: Amazon.com and replaced the front chrome yota badge with the black overlay.

I LOVE it and think it looks like 100x better.

I do want to chrome delete the rest of the grille but those parts a bit more expensive and I need to do research to find the best one.
 

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those pieces could be vinyl wrapped pretty easily. Or, light sand, primer, satin black, clear coat. you can get automotive grade stuff in aerosol cans too.
 
honda250xtitan said:
those pieces could be vinyl wrapped pretty easily. Or, light sand, primer, satin black, clear coat. you can get automotive grade stuff in aerosol cans too.
Click to expand...

Good to know, maybe Ill do that in the future. Although this is dadmobile so I'm all about super fast mods! Putting on the overlays took a few minutes.
 
Wheels and Tires

I went with 18" Black Rhino Rapid wheels paired with Goodyear Duratrac RT 265/65-18 tires. I think I could have fit the 275/65-18 tires, which I'll try when these wear out.

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