...and I blame my kid...lol. He is waiting on his new 2022 4Runner TRD Off-road Premium so naturally I am helping him with his build plans. But it really got me thinking about going back to a new 4Runner before the Gen 6 comes out.
I did have a 2014 4Runner Trail Edition several years back that I switched out for a new 2015 Tundra that I also built out.
My old 2014 4runner Trail Edition:
My old 2015 Tundra 1794 Edition:
Eventually, I sold that too and settled on a new 2020 Ram Rebel that I also built up and taken for some pretty gnarly off-road adventures as well. But like the Tundra, the Ram is really not ideal considering its long wheelbase although it is the most comfortable vehicle for the road trips into northern NM and CO where I like to play. The biggest advantage with both trucks, besides the interior space, was the immediate power provided by their respective big V8s when needing to pass on those long, steep mountain grades along with low-end torque when wheeling.
But that got me thinking as I started working on my kid's build; the 4Runner really was the perfect vehicle for road trips and for really cool off-roading adventures except for lacking a bit more power (for my preference). I really want one again! And then, just very recently, Magnuson released their new supercharger for the 2022 4Runner! Now I am thinking..."perfection"!
I am now planning on selling my Ram Rebel and ordering a new 2022-2023 4Runner TRD PRO. The reasoning for a PRO is that it does come with all of the off-road goodies I would need (except for the lame tires), has unique PRO roof rack, wheels, and badging, seats, etc. Yes, you can save some money initially with a TRD Off-road Premium with same off-road goodies. However, I have completed numerous buildup iterations for both and found that by the time you add a comparable (or better) suspension, wheels, front grille swap, roof rack, etc., you are very close to the price of a PRO (or even higher) but without the higher resale value of having a true "PRO" (if that even matters).
The PRO comes with the Fox 2.5 suspension but I still want to fit larger tires; so I am currently thinking about adding 700lb. front Eibach springs with a small Toytec spacer to clear 33-33.5 inch tall tires and to support the front end with a low pro bumper (already have a 13K winch from my Ram). I would also add the mandatory off-road lighting and some other goodies but retain the TRD wheels, roof rack. All subject to change down the road, of course!
Anyway, will probably be sharing the progress on my kid's TRD Off-road build in the meantime and so looking forward to being back on the forum. Cheers!