Common mods/upgrades for standard offroading?

[Zim]

I just bought a 1996 4Runner, 189K miles. It's in pretty good shape.

The first thing I want to fix is the sagging rear end; I read the sticky for the various approaches. I'm not interested in lifting more than 1" so I'll probably go with the Highlander or OME springs; not sure about shocks?

Anyway, I'd like to know what common upgrades/replacements I ought to make first. I plan on taking this vehicle on some occasional lengthy highway trips, plus frequent weekend excursions in fairly rugged terrain (southern AZ), but no rock-crawling or super-technical stuff.

Thanks.

 

[judoant]

tires. front & rear recovery points. should already have a front hook and you can get a reciever shackel if you have a hitch. if not you can bolt up a hook.

 

[domstriker]

I just bought a 1996 4Runner, 189K miles. It's in pretty good shape.

The first thing I want to fix is the sagging rear end; I read the sticky for the various approaches. I'm not interested in lifting more than 1" so I'll probably go with the Highlander or OME springs; not sure about shocks?

Anyway, I'd like to know what common upgrades/replacements I ought to make first. I plan on taking this vehicle on some occasional lengthy highway trips, plus frequent weekend excursions in fairly rugged terrain (southern AZ), but no rock-crawling or super-technical stuff.

Thanks.

If it's an automatic, put in a new radiator.

 

[Zim]

If it's an automatic, put in a new radiator.

Yep it is - thanks. OEM or aftermarket, or doesn't matter?

 

[Zim]

tires. front & rear recovery points. should already have a front hook and you can get a reciever shackel if you have a hitch. if not you can bolt up a hook.

And these are so I can be towed/winched out if I get stuck? Are these pretty simple to attach oneself or do they require welding or what? Thanks.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Bigger tires and sliders are two of the best first things you can do but even in stock trim a 4Runner goes pretty far.

 

[domstriker]

Yep it is - thanks. OEM or aftermarket, or doesn't matter?

I don't think it makes a huge difference. Aftermarket is acceptable enough though.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Proper recovery gear including hi-lift jack.
265/75/R16 sized tires. Will fit w/o lift. Get ones with good sidewall.
Rock Sliders.
There is a lot you can do, but the 3rd gens really are pretty capable out of the box.

You can also find some info about off roading alone here.