Anyone overlanding with stock suspension height?

[slider76]

There are many threads of awesome builds with 2-3 inches of lift and big tires, but I was wondering: are there any 4Runners out there set up for overlanding with stock suspension height and stock tire size?

 

[mrblah]

For 99 percent of the people, stock is more than adequate. It all depends on what u want to do

 

[leftyguns21]

I did in my 4th gen for awhile before added a lift. I will in my new GX. I would at least upgrade tires at the bare minimum. doing this will get you to a lot of places, just have to find trails you can make it to.

 

[sactown]

To better discuss, what does 'overlanding' mean to you?

Just about any vehicle can 'overland' until it encounters conditions it can no longer traverse or the driver is too scared or wise to try.

There's a lot of dirt roads I can drive in my Mustang until I come to that washed out spot that my truck easily crosses. And there's places the 4runner will go that the truck struggles to. All are stock height, just depends what you are looking to do.

 

[Kashoggio]

you mean car camping ?

 

[doro89]

Depends on what over-landing is for you. If it's only driving gravel roads and passing a wash occasionally to let's say a camp spot you have nothing to worry about.
I often do (I guess you can say overlanding). Last trip was from CO to CA. At some places I took offroads instead of highway and had no idea what to expect. I only have 2 inch lift but, I don't think it played a major role, I could have made it in stock height but would have to drive with more caution. BUT, if I would have had stock tires, I would not get out, I'm pretty much sure I would get it punctured on sharp rocks.
So as a bare minimum get all terrain tires to be on a safe side.

 

[ryslegit]

I'm stock height with sliders just did a trip to Death Valley last month with some challenging sections. Tapped the slider once and took a couple hits to the gas tank skid, but that was it. Stock height will be fine for most people "overlanding"

 

[LTDBLKTRD]

Stock is fine up here in the pnw, i don’t wheel my 5th gen if i want to go out in the hills i take my 2nd gen and not worry about ruining a 40k vehicle. As far as “overlanding”, we take our vacations in our 5th gen so we have been up snowy mountains to sandy beaches, usually not going to require anything extra to the vehicle but I’ve added a 2nd batt system, fridge and more storage via 3rd row delete since we have a small dog for a child haha

 

[Thomasdan]

Check out Max's build thread.

He was riding stock suspension for 1-2 year and has plenty of trip reports. on stock. He upgrade tires (275) and I believe he added better armor below. Read through his entire build. I did and I decided to hold of on getting a new suspension. It help me learn my 4 runner better. Now I know what my 4 runner is capable of doing. and I'm sure it can do more.


He now has king's suspension.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/209558-building-driving-adventuring-mtn4rnr.html

Cheers

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

https://www.facebook.com/Jeepfreeks41/videos/2017548834939982/

 

[MrGainzz]

Stock will take you as far as you want your rig to go unless you belong to those extreme 2%.

Don’t spend money on something you don’t really need and remember stock will always be the most reliable and durable form.


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[wfo9]

99% of "overlanding" requires nothing but 2wd, a cooler, and a high level plan. The rest is mostly dress up. A few do go to places where you need major clearance.. but its because they go looking for it.. Do whatever makes you happy.. There is no right or wrong answer. Just don't be a poser please... So many of those showing up these days.

 

[honda250xtitan]

oVErlANdInG -__-

 

[rkwfxd]

My T4R is stock except for sliders. Has less than 2000 miles. Took it out twice so far for some easy trail rides. It made it no problem. But my front skid and mid frame cross bar are both dented and scared. In my mind, these were easy EASY trails and I am disappointed in the "carnage." It made it all right and could continue to do so without issue most likely and I am super impressed with the ability of this vehicle in bone stock form. But I'm getting a lift and tires and full skids.

So that I can beat them up as well.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I'm stock suspension, stock tire diameter (E rated M/Ts) and spend about a third of my time off-road in sand, gravel, rocks, creek beds, dry washes, ravine crossings, you name it.

Big tires and lifts are really over-rated if you are an experienced driver.

 

[e60ral]

I'm stock and explore a lot of mild trails and FS roads.

I bash the front skid A LOT though, and I'm pretty cautious and conservative when picking lines through obstacles. I want to stay as stock as possible for reliability and mpg, but I'm at the point where I need a small lift

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[sn_85]

Overlanding can be done in any stock vehicle. When you start desert racing or rock crawling then that's when you need the other crap. Start off with the basics and move from there. Tires, sliders, skids and that should get you 95% of where you need to go.

 

[traildog]

As mentioned by several others, stock will get you many places. I've logged countless miles offroad/overlanding on 2 stock 4x4 3rd gens. My last major offroad/overlanding trip took me to the mountains of WY to see the eclipse and I came across a section of the road that was a large mud bog preceding a steep uphill lip. I knew for sure I would get stuck (a jeeper I spoke with said he barely made it through and he was going downhill). Sadly, had to do a last minute change of plans to find somewhere else to camp and not the perfect spot I had planned out. I vowed that day that my next 4Runner would be equipped to handle that challenge. I have that "new" 4Runner (08' w/ 66k miles) and I'm in the process of doing just that. :banana:

 

[TexasTJ]

If you wanna call it overlanding, sure. Stock PRO suspension and tires.
I'm just having fun getting out and playing with my new car.

It has also done Black Bear Pass and other trails.

 

[sactown]

99% of "overlanding" requires nothing but 2wd, a cooler, and a high level plan. The rest is mostly dress up. A few do go to places where you need major clearance.. but its because they go looking for it.. Do whatever makes you happy.. There is no right or wrong answer. Just don't be a poser please... So many of those showing up these days.

Philosophically I would suggest the basic overlanding requirement is 2 feet and the survival skills appropriate for the journey. Everything after that is an extra. I hope we all can enjoy the journey.