Hey All, I've been a long time lurker on these forums but I am finally getting around to building my 08 SR5 V6. However, I could really use some advice/opinions on some of the parts I am going to select.

My overall vision for my Runner is to use it for exploring and camping in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Lift

For my lift I am currently leaning towards an OME 885/895 3" with new UCAs, as sold by Slee Offroad: Slee - Toyota 4Runner Suspension

I plan on mounting a front bumper/winch, which why I am thinking of the 885 over the 884. I may also eventually mount a CBI rear tire carrier.

I am open to other suspension suggestions! Also, I am curious if the community thinks a dif drop is necessary for a 3" lift?

Bumper

The perennial question, ARB or Shrockworks.

Right now I am leaning toward the ARB because I can get it locally (4wheel Parts) and it is a bit less expensive. Also, it Washington State requires a front license plate and it looks difficult to mount a plate on the SW bumper with a winch also mounted.

One thing I am curious about, however, is the ease of installation. Are they comparable? Also, is it possible to mount a winch after the bumper has been installed, on either the SW or the ARB? I would also be interested in any other pros and cons people may want to share.

Wheels and Tires

I was originally planning on keeping the stock wheels and ordering some SpiderTrax spacers, however I am somewhat concerned about the safety of the Spacers at highway speeds. Can anyone recommend any good wheel options that accomplish similar spacing to the SpiderTrax?

For tires, I am right now leaning toward going with a 275/70/17 size, likely in BFG KO2. This seems like a good compromise size. I am a bit worried about moving up to a 285 with the v6 without re-gearing. I would love to hear anyone's experience with this size tire.

Winch

Currently leaning toward the Smittybilt Gen2 X20 synthetic, as it seems like a very good deal. Is there a reason to spend the extra money for the Warren?

For anyone who chimes to help me plan this out, thanks a bunch.

You will want at least the 885 plus the spacer with all your extra weight in the front if you want to settle at 3" of lift.

I would think installing the winch with the bumper would be a lot easier so you didn't have to reach in with your hand and route cables or tighten the mounting bolts. Also it shouldn't be too difficult to take off your aftermarket bumper, just a couple bolts and nuts. (as long as you figure out a way to support the weight when it comes off your truck)

I have SCS wheels and love them. Method wheels are another option. Most 8.5" width wheels have 0 to -15mm offset which makes it stick out a bit more than a 1.25" wheel spacer on a stock wheel. Either one will space your tires away from the spindle for the clearance you need.

The 275/70/17 is only like a 1/4" taller radius (effective gear change amount) than a 285. And 2.5lbs less. Buy whichever you think looks the coolest. You won't be able to tell a difference.

It all depends what you are comfortable with, if you want to regear or not. IMO the V6 doesn't need to be regeared with 33's at all. I know a couple people with 35's with their daily driven FJ that haven't regeared.

Buy a bumper from us at NWTI. It's a kit, and if you're not into welding it together, full force metalworks can weld it, they do great work for us.

You'll come out cheaper plus you'll be supporting a local small business 👍

I also have an 08 sr5 v6! So far we've LED'd all the things, and weathertech'd all the things haha..

Look at the lift that low range off-road installed. Google their YouTube channel. Also, the ARB roof rack is really slick, although I plan on welding one up.

Only thing that could make the simulated LSD better is an ARB rear locker.

We're actually going to be raffling off a bumper kit at the toys for tots event on December 10th at Brown's Camp. 👌

I look forward to seeing more 4th gen builds!


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One of the most expensive parts is to get a locker, didn't realize the cost was very expensive do that first before the bumper.the tires spin quite a bit off road with center diff locked. Get the locker rear diff will cost you quite a bit check it out. My truck 1700

Sometimes you can catch a great deal:

I got my locker with a free compressor. Added on a couple discounts I had, and it came out at a great price for my truck including a 3 year warranty

With the Simulated Limited Slip, as long as you're 'crawlin' you should be fine.. Just take it nice and easy..

[QUOTE=ExCabSwap;2532529]Sometimes you can catch a great deal:

I got my locker with a free compressor. Added on a couple discounts I had, and it came out at a great price for my truck including a 3 year warranty

With the Simulated Limited Slip, as long as you're 'crawlin' you should be fine.. Just take it nice and easy.What discount can you get this is black friday and I am still waiting

@Dawg4Runner has quite a bit of what you're looking for... Maybe his build thread will be helpful.
Dawg4Runner's Build

I am a member of the Pacific Northwest 4x4 Association. As such, 4 Wheel Parts partners with them, and offers member a discount.

ARB at the time of purchase had their promotion of a free compressor when you buy a locker, so I added that into my budgeting calculation and counted it as a discount.


I don't know of a lot of 'black friday' sales, but Marlin Crawler is offering 10% off on their website.