$10K Desert Rip-Off Build

[mf2kta]

So, I just bought a Silver 2018 TRD Off Road. Replaced the 2006 4Runner I've had for the past 10 years. Here in Arizona, the dealers have their own version of a "Desert Off Road" package. At the first dealer it was $7500. Included TRD wheels, Toyo A/T tires, steps, badge black outs and a lift kit. Not suspension, a freakin' spacer kit. The 2nd dealer it was $10k. Included TRD wheels, BFG tires, steps, TRD suspension, TRD front grill, and maybe a skid plate. I'll admit, the second dealer at least included better suspension and good tires, but not for $10k. I really liked the way they looked with those packages, so I'm just doing everything myself. So here is my basic "build" that saves me over $7k.....


First my truck stock:

 

[Kageken]

You definitely did the right thing for yourself by not buying their stupid packages. Good luck on the build, will by waiting to see more!

 

[mf2kta]

I installed a pedal commander. Huge difference. Took away the flat mushy pedal that makes these cars feel like a pig. Got it used locally for $200. Well worth it and my mpg's actually went up by a tenth.


Front and Rear TRD suspension. This suspension is great! The stock ride felt "jittery." It was too bouncy and unsettled. My 06 had Bilsteins, so I was probably just used to a good ride. I bought the discontinued FJ kit, so it was only $570 shipped. I went with this to avoid a warranty issues with the dealership. I can also go with a higher bilstein lift down the road for something different. Really good improvement and I like the red springs and reservoir on back shocks. Just looks cool.

 

[mf2kta]

Installed the black out kit. I've had plastidip in the past, and I don't like how it looks after a while, so I just bought the kit. I'm leaving the silver badges on the side, I like the contrasting silver colors

 

[mf2kta]

Put on the N-Fab steps. I don't like how much they seem to compromise ground clearance, but my son and wife actually need the step. Besides, the gas tank and other undercarriage parts sit pretty low.

 

[anonymark]

Looks good. Whats the " the discontinued FJ kit," I'm looking to upgrade mine.

The side steps look good.

-Anonymark

I installed a pedal commander. Huge difference. Took away the flat mushy pedal that makes these cars feel like a pig. Got it used locally for $200. Well worth it and my mpg's actually went up by a tenth.


Front and Rear TRD suspension. This suspension is great! The stock ride felt "jittery." It was too bouncy and unsettled. My 06 had Bilsteins, so I was probably just used to a good ride. I bought the discontinued FJ kit, so it was only $570 shipped. I went with this to avoid a warranty issues with the dealership. I can also go with a higher bilstein lift down the road for something different. Really good improvement and I like the red springs and reservoir on back shocks. Just looks cool.

 

[mf2kta]

This post talks all about it. I bought mine on ebay from a Toyota dealer.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...rd-pro-suspension-kit-sale-ptr13-35140-a.html

 

[jdalton4r]

You are right about the 2 Phx. Dealers and their bonus kits, both are not worth the $’s. I am just about to pull the trigger on an off-road premium and ordering up the FJ kit as well. What dealer did you end up going with? Great looking ride so far!

 

[LandCruiser]

Here in CO Springs they will install a Toytec lift, Duratracs, and Sliders for the low low price of 15k. I think they will also throw in SPC UCAs for that, but may or may not properly index the KDSS or address tire/frame rubbing issues.

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

This post talks all about it. I bought mine on ebay from a Toyota dealer.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...rd-pro-suspension-kit-sale-ptr13-35140-a.html

Did you have the dealer install that kit?

 

[mf2kta]

You are right about the 2 Phx. Dealers and their bonus kits, both are not worth the $’s. I am just about to pull the trigger on an off-road premium and ordering up the FJ kit as well. What dealer did you end up going with? Great looking ride so far!

I ended up going with Right Toyota. 4k under sticker and they were easy to deal with.

 

[mf2kta]

Did you have the dealer install that kit?

No, installed myself. It's not bad at all. Neighbor helped me. Took my time, about an hour per side in the front since I switched out the top hats. Back was easy too. Took me a little bit to figure out how to orient the reservoir and everything. It's soooo nice working on suspension on a brand new car. Everything is so clean; all the bolts come right off.

 

[Lujess]

Great looking build - thanks for sharing the pics

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

No, installed myself. It's not bad at all. Neighbor helped me. Took my time, about an hour per side in the front since I switched out the top hats. Back was easy too. Took me a little bit to figure out how to orient the reservoir and everything. It's soooo nice working on suspension on a brand new car. Everything is so clean; all the bolts come right off.

Nice good job! Be wary though, dealer might not honor warranty on anything suspension because they didn't install it.

 

[jrandom]

Nice! Glad you decided to do it yourself :thumb:

 

[mf2kta]

And, TRD wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler G2 stock size.

 

[Travelin]

So, I just bought a Silver 2018 TRD Off Road. Replaced the 2006 4Runner I've had for the past 10 years. Here in Arizona, the dealers have their own version of a "Desert Off Road" package. At the first dealer it was $7500. Included TRD wheels, Toyo A/T tires, steps, badge black outs and a lift kit. Not suspension, a freakin' spacer kit. The 2nd dealer it was $10k. Included TRD wheels, BFG tires, steps, TRD suspension, TRD front grill, and maybe a skid plate. I'll admit, the second dealer at least included better suspension and good tires, but not for $10k. I really liked the way they looked with those packages, so I'm just doing everything myself. So here is my basic "build" that saves me over $7k.....


First my truck stock:

Nice. I just bought the same 4Runner at a Maryland dealer near where I live. "Desert Off Road" packages are unknown here, obviously . . . no desert nearby. In fact the dealer had no add-ons. Just drove it to Prescott from Maryland. Like your upgrades, helpful to know what others are doing.