Most of the time I post in the more "fact based" threads than the "opinion based" threads, but that does not mean that I don't have opinions! I have been here for awhile now and would just like to list my favorite 5th Gen 4Runners. These are in no particular order because I like them for different reasons.

@bimrunner : This is a very capable vehicle built for a specific type of off road. I watched his build with interest because at times it was scattered all over the place and was wondering what it would be when finished. Well, it turned out fine and he did some innovative touches (front bumper lol) that really makes this vehicle unique. Here is his thread Bimrunner Build Thread & Pics

@WarnerD9 : This is a build that just keeps on giving! I mean, who else has had the balls to put their vehicle in a position that not even the Toyota Engineers could have envisioned? There will probably even be a ECN (engineering change notice) and a redesign because of what this guy did. Very amazing and capable build. His thread WarnerD9's Build thread

@mikey's2010SR5 : If I wanted to rock crawl this is the guy I would want to go with. His 4Runner has the look and capability to take on pretty much whatever terrain is out there. His build is great and the rear bumper design is pretty much perfect for off road use. His build hereMikey's Build Thread...

@Desert Dawg : This is what I would imagine the "Concept 4Runner" looked like in their initial drawings, before they had to make one that was mass producible! This is a very sleek look that not only looks good it still performs well too! Sometimes form negates function. This build proves both can coexist! His thread here Desert Dawg build...what a switch!

@Jesse1983 : My first 5th gen 4Runner was a black 2011 SR5. This was a thread I had read back when I was just a lurker before joining this place and influenced me buying black. I knew better of course but this 4Runner just looked great! I remember telling him that if I were going to mod mine I would use his as a model it looks so good. Well, four years later it still looks good and I traded my Black 4Runner for a Silver one lol. His build here Jesse1983

@Intruder : This build, to me, is a great example of a practical build. This guy didn't start out to be a off road king but he caught the bug quick! His mods are intelligent and built for go, not show. What makes this 4Runner special, at least for me, is the amazing pictures it always seems to be in! Great job man and I truly enjoy reading your posts and looking at those great pictures! His thread here Intruder's build and off road pics thread

I have modded a lot of vehicles in the past. I am currently on my second 5th Gen 4Runner and I now have a total of 114,000 miles of seat time in one. This is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and durable vehicles for the price still being produced. Because I drive so many miles now I probably won't modify my 4Runner much beyond tires, vent shades and stickers but I really appreciate reading and seeing what all you guys do! Thanks, Greg

Mikey's was an inspiration to mine along with the others. Did you mean Warner though? I don't remember Mikey getting his into a crazy angle but @WarnerD9 did!

are you politicin' for a moderator spot?

I whole heartedly agree with your choices. For me, there are too many of each person's build I love. They are all so unique to their owner that it would be hard for me to narrow down just a few.

I had initially listed several more guys before I went back and edited it down lol. Somehow got those two crossed up during editing so I just went back and added it back. Sorry.

No. Why take a demotion?

Just goes to show what you can do with these. The sky (and your pocketbook) are the the limit.

That's pretty much identical to my list, only instead of mine I have @adio3x on the list.

I feel that this is not a proper @1engineer thread without inclusion of judging criteria and weighting for each category. Maybe a spreadsheet too.

Good post. My favorite is @Desert Dawg

@Desert Dawg : This is what I would imagine the "Concept 4Runner" looked like in their initial drawings, before they had to make one that was mass producible! This is a very sleek look that not only looks good it still performs well too! Sometimes form negates function. This build proves both can coexist! His thread here Desert Dawg build...what a switch!

I'm subscribed to most of the build threads mentioned, so for what it's worth I would have to agree with this list.
Imo, it reads like a who's who of those standing above the crowd in achieving function over fashion, but still managing to have some of the most beautiful 4Runners on the planet. But mainly, I'm just a big fan of built trucks actually getting wheeled and carrying their owners through terrain that would otherwise be impassable. That's where it's at!

Beat me to it. @adio3x , @bimrunner and @WarnerD9 are the ones I follow with the most interest. Everything I have ever planned to do to my Runner can be found "done right" somewhere in their respective build threads, and I hope they don't mind me asking them for some opinions and pointers in the near future. Your 4runner I get to see all the time, and mostly just check your thread for the pictures ;)

I guess this post is somewhat of a thank you for all of the ideas and direction you all have provided at some point since I have started modding my 4Runner and became a member here.

I thank you and I agree with you. And yes I don't put my truck at extreme angles like others do, but I do have fun with it.

I am really going to watch Ben's ( @bimrunner ) build thread even more now, since there is talk about a 3 link!!!! Maybe I will just copy and paste for my truck down the road.

It seems at least a couple on that list fit the descriptions of "scratches........you mean the custom pin striping?". I agree its a great list and I think we all appreciate them and everyone who shares what they have done (large and small) modifications to the T4R and just as important the experiences in them (@J-Blickphoto)

Awesome to be mentoned in such accomplished company especially since I do value @1engineer opinions and contributions to this forum; I think he nailed my build intent perfectfly! But I also have to add that everyone else he mentoned, along with himself and some others not listed, have been and continue to be great inspiration for me. Thanks to everyone!

I'm a fan of all those. Because I have a black SR5 (and the limited and SR5 have the same look on the outside), my list is led off by @adio3x , @Okki , and @Ducmonsta . Also can't forget @Antman . He hasn't spent tons of money on his rig but his inventive attitude on a working man's budget was definitely my inspiration to build my own drawer system and I have the headboard shelf he made in the back of my truck now.