Can 3rd gen do the Rubicon trail??

[LS-4Runner]

My 2000 4runner is lifted about 2.5", on 33" all-terrain tires, steel bumpers front and rear, a winch and rear locker only.

My question, for these who have done the trail before, is if I can run the trail with this setup without significant damage to my 4runner?

I should probably have to add some better underbelly protection to be on the safe side - currently have only stock skid plates.

 

[Pyral]

Probably, there are photos of old Willis military Jeeps and stock CJ5 doing it. And they had open differentials. Also a photo of a somewhat modded 2nd gen doing it.

You should add better skid plates, especially for the fuel tank since it's a thin piece of metal that doesn't even need to take a hard hit for it to dent in. I'd say as long as you avoid taking extreme paths and are restrained, you can probably escape serious damage judging by what people are taking on it. Maybe bring a spare CV.

 

[LS-4Runner]

Probably, there are photos of old Willis military Jeeps and stock CJ5 doing it. And they had open differentials. Also a photo of a somewhat modded 2nd gen doing it.

You should add better skid plates, especially for the fuel tank since it's a thin piece of metal that doesn't even need to take a hard hit for it to dent in. I'd say as long as you avoid taking extreme paths and are restrained, you can probably escape serious damage judging by what people are taking on it. Maybe bring a spare CV.

Yes, I've seen some videos/photos of vehicles that probably shouldn't be there, I was just looking for some good advice of what kind of protection should I have beside what I have right now + full skid plates I'm going to add.

 

[clearock]

u mite b better off talking with others on the ifs site, u can get 1st hand info, thats a # of the members play ground....

 

[JBurt]

I would think rock sliders would be a must also if you're looking to escape damage

 

[gamefreakgc]

It can be done but probably at a high cost. The more armor you have the less damage you'll come out with, minus the CV Axles that were mentioned before. Be ready to make repairs on the trail if you do decide to run it.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Read this thread/video: IFS Tacomas take on the Rubicon | Tacoma World - guys argue about it for years.

Everybody knows Tacos are too long , but I agree that sliders are a MUST.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

the 5th gen trail edition was able to do it in 2010 but with some body damage. so maybe the 3rd gen can do it.
it was some sort of an intro of the 5th gen by Toyota. iirc, it then ran and completed the Baja 1000 after which it was sent back to Japan

 

[Romeo1]

I’ve never done the Rubicon, so take it for what it’s worth. A podcast that I listen to all the time called snail trail podcast talks about it a lot. It’s basically their backyard. They are of the opinion that if body damage is going to ruin your day or your life, you probably shouldn’t take your rig up there. If Body damage won’t give you an aneurysm, you have recovery gear and some buddies, I say why not.

 

[LS-4Runner]

u mite b better off talking with others on the ifs site, u can get 1st hand info, thats a # of the members play ground....

What is ifs site?

 

[LS-4Runner]

I would think rock sliders would be a must also if you're looking to escape damage

Definitely rock sliders are a must.