Just took delivery today of a 2012 Black TE w/ KDSS! Primarily the wife's daily driver but we will be using it to get to 4WD trailheads and fishing spots. Planned upgrades:
1. Budbuilt sliders w/ full plating and kickouts (way better than the cheapo plastic running boards on some TE's I looked at). Wife needs a step, figure best to get protection plus the step. Also will function as a mudguard
2. Yakima Railgrab Towers (still have crossbars, bike racks, basket and cargo box from previous vehicles)
3. Tires. Hmm. Not impressed w/ the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II P265/70R17 tires stock. Would appreciate any suggestions to replace tires or rims. These are mighty fine on the city streets and highway, not sure they'll hold up beyond anything past light offroad. Again, mainly living in the flatlands (lots of snow in winter) but the occasional backcountry trail, so looking for more A/T performance trying not to sacrifice too much road performance, especially since we'll be getting part of the way on interstate at 75 mph...had BFG A/Ts on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, loved 'em, but would welcome any suggestions, to replace either now or when the Bridgestones give out! Don't want to mess with adjusting speedometer, etc like I had to in the olden days on a Jeep Grand Wagoneer w/ oversized shoes.
4. Beefed up skidplates and eventually maybe a lift once I "inherit" it from the wife in a couple years when she gets another new ride. Ground clearance looks pretty impressive, though, for a stock 4Runner now.
5. Bumper w/ winch--only had to use a winch once due to my buffonery but pulled some folks out of places with the vehicle where a winch would've been much handier. Plus it looks way cool. Not looking to drive on Rubicon-like trails, but will be on a lot of "unimproved' surfaces.
Driving the new vehicle home I loved the visibility and sturdiness. Can't wait to try it out offroad, if I can convince the wife to let ME drive once the pavement ends!
1. Budbuilt sliders w/ full plating and kickouts (way better than the cheapo plastic running boards on some TE's I looked at). Wife needs a step, figure best to get protection plus the step. Also will function as a mudguard
2. Yakima Railgrab Towers (still have crossbars, bike racks, basket and cargo box from previous vehicles)
3. Tires. Hmm. Not impressed w/ the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II P265/70R17 tires stock. Would appreciate any suggestions to replace tires or rims. These are mighty fine on the city streets and highway, not sure they'll hold up beyond anything past light offroad. Again, mainly living in the flatlands (lots of snow in winter) but the occasional backcountry trail, so looking for more A/T performance trying not to sacrifice too much road performance, especially since we'll be getting part of the way on interstate at 75 mph...had BFG A/Ts on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, loved 'em, but would welcome any suggestions, to replace either now or when the Bridgestones give out! Don't want to mess with adjusting speedometer, etc like I had to in the olden days on a Jeep Grand Wagoneer w/ oversized shoes.
4. Beefed up skidplates and eventually maybe a lift once I "inherit" it from the wife in a couple years when she gets another new ride. Ground clearance looks pretty impressive, though, for a stock 4Runner now.
5. Bumper w/ winch--only had to use a winch once due to my buffonery but pulled some folks out of places with the vehicle where a winch would've been much handier. Plus it looks way cool. Not looking to drive on Rubicon-like trails, but will be on a lot of "unimproved' surfaces.
Driving the new vehicle home I loved the visibility and sturdiness. Can't wait to try it out offroad, if I can convince the wife to let ME drive once the pavement ends!
