Been looking at an FJ for a year now, drove home yesterday in this.

[bigfrank123]

So Saturday was a weird day. Went to look at an FJ the dealer had in stock and walked out with a 2012 4Runner SR5 Premium. So im super stoked but I dont know half as much about the T4R than i do about the FJ. So i have some questions for you guys...

• Does the T4R have the same issues with weak lower links that the FJ does?
• Is there an analog for the SCUBA mod for the FJ? or is the 4unner better at handling water crossings?
• What is the Best bang-for-your-buck modification you have done to make your T4R more capable offroad or for expedition travel?
• Are there any options for front bumpers beyond the Shrockworks and ARB bumpers?
• For that matter what is the best place to buy parts for the 5th Gen?
• For everyone in AZ, are there any trails you can recommend for a novice to take on that will give me some good experience with off-roading?

So that being said.... here she is:

LINK

Thanks guys, look forward to hearing from you all.

 

[Omar RVA]

Welcome! Glad you decided on a 4Runner. I don't have all the answers to your questions but I guarantee the forum does. I'll do my best to get you started. The stickies in the top part of this sub forum along with the search function will be your best friend.

• I can't speak to the lower links - the trails I do are mild at best. That said a few vendors offer replacements - metal tech and icon come to mind.
• Your 4Runner's rear diff should probably be relocated if you're going through much water at all. You can find it if you search the "diff breather mod."
• This is totally subjective and since I've done so few mods at this point, I can't speak to the them. Generally the first thing people do is armor, lift, and tires. Some folks will tell you the best thing they did was re-gear. Again, the stickies in this sub forum will be your best friend.
• Shrockworks and ARB seem to be the most popular. Off the top of my head BudBuilt and 4x4Labs each offer one as well. Allegedly Demello will be releasing theirs soon.
• OEM parts? Aftermarket? Check the vendors section on the front page of the forums (scroll to the bottom). Be warned you will not find the same aftermarket support that the FJ has.
• I can't help at all here, but there are quite a few folks from your part of the Country to help you out here.

I lurk here pretty hard and frankly I find the build threads and discussions across this forum enthralling. There are a multitude of build threads for guys who really push their rigs hard or others consisting of a spacer lift, tint and aftermarket leather. You'll find everything you need somewhere in between.

OA

 

[High_Country]

• Does the T4R have the same issues with weak lower links that the FJ does?
• Is there an analog for the SCUBA mod for the FJ? or is the 4unner better at handling water crossings?
• What is the Best bang-for-your-buck modification you have done to make your T4R more capable offroad or for expedition travel?
• Are there any options for front bumpers beyond the Shrockworks and ARB bumpers?
• For that matter what is the best place to buy parts for the 5th Gen?
• For everyone in AZ, are there any trails you can recommend for a novice to take on that will give me some good experience with off-roading?

Congrats! I'm new to the 4R scene with my 2015 being not only the first 4Runner but the first Toyota in the family. You'll find lots of helpful ideas, opinions, and knowledge on here (and the...ahem...occasional sarcasm or tongue-in-cheek responses).

Lower links - don't know. In all my countless hours of perusing, I have not heard people talk about any weakness.
SCUBA = snorkel? I haven't seen a lot of scuba or snorkel mods. I seem to recall seeing a post about a potential snorkel kit coming out soon.
Best mods = most will say the first mods for any off-roading should be skid plates (BudBuilt, Shrockworks, ARB, RCI) and sliders (BudBuilt, Shrockworks, OPOR, MetalTech, etc). A 'value-minded' lift would be to add the Bilstein 5100 height adjustable shocks for 0-2 inches of lift which is enough to run a little larger tires, and gain some ground clearance, without spending $1200+.
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...nt-and-matching-5100-Rear-shocks-_p_1221.html
Bumpers - Shrockworks and ARB are given a lot of discussion. There's other smaller shops doing some interesting things. Do a search for 'bumper'.
Parts source - depends on what you're looking for. Toytech, Wheeler's Offroad, lots of good places.
Can't help you on trails in Arizona.

Enjoy. Now go spend some more money!

 

[oljedi11950]

Right n your backyard , Sonoran Steel , Camelback Toy parts . Above sticky Mods,quick links ?

 

[AZrunner11]

Trails-armor- and things

Congrats on the new T4R! I think being in AZ the best add on are skids and sliders. I prefer BudBuilt but there are options. Shrockworks has the rocker panel delete though. I was in Sedona about 2 weeks ago and a stock 2014 destroyed Broken Arrow Trail.

I think ARB and Shrockworks have the market cornered but there are a few other options.

 

[dwm2112]

Congrats and the 4Runner.

I am not aware of any weak lower link issues in the FJ or 4Runner. They do hang low so skids plates are advisable if you plan to offload.

Not sure if there is a scuba kit for the 4Runner but I do have it on my FJ. I would think the same kit would work given the similarities between the 2 vehicles. Where you plumb the lines too could be different.

Best bang for the buck for me would be in this order, sliders, skids, lift with upper control arms, and then tires.

Not sure about parts options or sources for the 4Runner. The 4Runner is my wife's so the only changes we have made to it are Method wheels and Duratracs. I know Toytec offers lifts and other suspension parts for the 4Runner but beyond that not sure...

Good luck and hope you get what you want out of the 4Runner.

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[Jhalko]

Congrats! I love the decisiveness, some peopme seem to hem and haw over these things, way to commit!

Yes do the scuba mod, get new tires and skid plates, than spend two solid days looking at the build threads in the stickies. After that you will know what else you want to do and wont need to ask.

 

[bigfrank123]

Awesome, thanks for all the responses guys! Glad to join the group.

I'll take a closer look at the stickies, build threads, etc, but you guys solidified my thought that sliders and skid plates are my first mods, followed by that pretty Toytec Boss lift and some good tires when everything has settled down.

I'll keep an eye open for you AZ guys, I plan on going out as often as possible so hopefully I'll see you guys around.