Now that my 4Runner is settled with its sliders, I'm strategizing on the next mod. My current plans involve:

4.88 gears
ARB rear locker, maybe Tru-trac up front
front bumper
285/75/16 tires

Clearly the gears and locker/tru-trac would need to happen together to make sense.

My initial thought was to go with the gears. I'm currently running 265/75 tires, but 4.88 seems pretty much OK with this tire size (I tow on occasion, so higher RPM isn't a bad thing).

After that I'm thinking 285/75/16 tires, probably on pro comp 1069 wheels. My only reason for getting a front bumper first is to avoid potential rubbing issues with the scrub radius and otherwise minimize the fussiness in the event that the 285s rub. I'm also thinking that it might be good to have the heavier weight on the front before going to 285s so I can address any rubbing with the heavier weight in place.

I could tow with 285s, but would need to keep OD off.

Figure I can do one these projects this year and need to keep the 4Runner functional for roadtrips and a bit of highway towing. My goal is the long term build. Hoping those with experience on these steps might have some perspectives on the best step-by-step.

Thanks much,
MadCityRich
2002 4Runner Ltd
SS 7.2
265/75
HD-SKO
LX 450

It all depends on where you want to go on a trail and what you can afford. I personally feel that a locker is one of the single best mods you can do. It can make a world of difference in terms of capability.

I noticed you have a front bumper on the list. Is that bumper with or without a winch? If you dont have any plans for a winch then put the locker at the top of the list. If the pump is with a winch then I would put that at the top of the list.

Best way to determine what you need is to just wheel it. Then you wont have to ask....

Bumper will eventually have a winch.

I've got myself good and stuck with the standard traction system. I think I'll focus on the gears/locker first.

I also want to overbuild beyond what I NEED simply to have an extra margin. For example, i'd rather have armor and not need it than need it and not have it.

MadCityRich