Advice and suggestions

[knox4rner2014]

So I recently bought a new 2014 limited T4R blizzard pearl and have been following these forums since I got my truck. My wife and I are hoping to turn this into an Overlanding rig and have a few questions. First of all, we know this is a fairly capable vehicle from the get go, but also know there are limitations to the stock truck. First I'll list out the upgrades we were thinking, hopefully Im not to far off.

BTW - I understand it might have been easier to go with the trail or even SR5 premium, but I have three kids and needed the 3rd row and we liked the leather seats, and dual climate. Got to keep momma happy.


TRD pro wheels with BFG AT 2 275/70R17?
Icon stage 2 lift with tube UCA's
Roof rack (Gobi, drabbits, Bada)
Shrockworks front bumper
Shrockworks rock sliders w/ trim package for the limited
Shrockworks rear bumper with swing arm tire mount
Skid plates of some sort
Roof top tent of some sort
Front and rear lockers at some point.

Now the first question.
If I choose this wheel and tires set, will this set up work with the stock bumper(with and without the lift) at least until I get the front bumper replaced?

#2 by adding the additional weight of the bumpers, rock sliders and such will the Icon stage 2 lift be appropriate?

These mods will be done over time, but realistically I'd like to do the wheelset in the next month, and then the suspension, roof rack and tent by early spring. We are planning a trip to New Mexico and Colorado around the end of May. If I can do more before that time then I will. I know there are endless additions I can make but we'll have to do this slowly. I appreciate and help and advice you seasoned guys can give me, I live in Knoxville and my off road resources seem limited around here.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

One of the first things I did to mine was install an RCI gas tank skid plate. The Limited stock gas tank skid plate only covers the front 1/3 of the tank. The rest is just the plastic tank exposed. The SR5 and Trail use a full thin sheet metal skid. It actually cost about the same to buy the heavier RCI skid as the stock thin Toyota skid plate. I am going with the 17" BFG KO2 tires probably next week but I am going to run the stock 20"tires most of the year for long highway trips. I am going to lift sometime but just a spacer lift. I love the xreas suspension on twisty mountain roads.

 

[knox4rner2014]

Skid plates

Yeah I am hoping to get some sort of complete skid plate setup. I'll write down RCI, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[bimrunner]

Doesn't matter what stage kit you get. Armor needs heavier springs to avoid sag.

 

[knox4rner2014]

Springs

Hey bimrunner thanks. Btw I've been eyeing your build. You have the stage 5 if I recall correctly. Great build!

 

[wfo9]

With all that extra weight, you are going to need to re-gear (since the truck will feel like a pig) and if you plan to do lockers, might as well re-gear to 4.56 at the same time. I'm doing that right now myself.

Also, might as well go to a 285 tire. Tires pretty much make or break your offload capability.

I would get lift/UCAs and tires and wheels on first. It will all fit with the stock bumpers without much of an issue. You may need to push the fender liners forward after getting your caster set near 4* positive.

If you plan to do pretty serious stuff alone (like where lockers would be required), consider a winch for self recovery.

Also, I would not mess with Icon for overland.. Consider ARB/OME. Much cheaper and they last forever..

 

[Mooney]

I have to agree, ICON makes great products but overkill for urban dwellers.

 

[knox4rner2014]

More info

Great advice thanks guys. I start looking at alternatives for the icon and look at getting the 285's. This is why I posted my questions.

 

[intense1776]

A great choice for the locker setup would be ARB Air Lockers. With the addition of a small on board air tank (and compressor), you could add air tools, tire refills, air mattresses, or some air horns to your setup. The lockers are more expensive than a Detroit Soft Locker, TruTrac, Eaton, etc, and they can be finicky with air lines, but the versatility of OBA is just unparalleled. Can't tell you how great it is to have air tools for tire changes and fill ups after airing down when you're on the trail. Good luck!

 

[knox4rner2014]

Pulled the trigger

So yesterday I pulled the trigger and bought my first upgrades.

I went with:

TRD PRO Wheels in black
BFG KO2's 275/70 r17
Bilstein 5100's - Stock springs at the moments

I will upgrade the springs in the spring when I upgrade the bumpers and add a roof top tent and RCI skid plates.

As soon as they are on, I attach some pictures.

Any recommendations for springs, I was considering the OME 886 HD front and OME 896 HD rear.

 

[Plano26]

Would love to see the pics when you get the TRD wheels and KO2's on. Also, I'm looking at getting the Eezi Awn and a slimline roof rack:

Roof Tents

Good article on comparing RTTs:

Roof Top Tent comparison


Eezi-Awn Roof Top Tents | Equipt Expedition Outfitters

Off-Road Vehicle Accessories, Roof Racks, Camping Gear - Front Runner

Link to member's slimline II rack:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/164739-front-runner-slimline-ii-3-4-rack.html

Edit: Forgot to include Paul's build at Expedition Portal:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/98414-2013-Toyota-4Runner-Equipt-Edition-Build



Hope this helps

 

[knox4rner2014]

Yeah I really like the slimline 3/4 rack, my only concern is the ability to put an awning up. Have you looked into that issue, I know someone mentioned it. I will add pictures of the truck once I get the wheels and tires on, i am hoping it looks awesome with the pearl white. fingers crossed.

 

[bimrunner]

Yeah I really like the slimline 3/4 rack, my only concern is the ability to put an awning up. Have you looked into that issue, I know someone mentioned it. I will add pictures of the truck once I get the wheels and tires on, i am hoping it looks awesome with the pearl white. fingers crossed.

I'm pretty sure you can put a awning on the slimline. I have a full slimline on my FZJ80 and it is a fantastic rack. If I didn't have the bajarack on my 4runner, i'd get the slimline. I may still swap at some point as the RTT does go on the slimline so nicely! Just wish they had a full length one for the 4runner so I could get more up there than just the tent though like I can on the 80.