stephanos99
New member
After leasing several AWD sport sedans (1998 Audi A4 2.8V6, 2004 Volvo S60 R, 2006 Infiniti G35x), followed by financed back to back new XTerras (2009 Off Road, 2014 Pro-4X, when in both cases I really wanted a 4Runner but couldn't afford it), I finally got myself a T4R: a Classic Silver 2018 TRD Off Road Premium w/o KDSS. The color wasn't necessarily my top choice (my 2104 XTerra was white which I was fond of), but the only other option available at the time was a Magnetic Grey ORP that had options I wasn't interested in. Plus living in Phoenix, AZ, isn't fun on dark colors; it was bad enough I was going to get a black interior!
I kinda wanted a TRD Pro (to keep the tradition of buying the top-of-line off-road model I started with the XTerras), but the dealers I talked to explained that the TRD Pro's commanded hefty upcharges (to the tune of $5-6k over MSRP) compared to discounts available on all the other models; a couple of them said getting a lower model and making modifications would be cheaper. So after going the stock route my whole life, I agreed to buying vehicle and modifying it! Based on some of the posts I've seen so far, I'm guessing my wallet (and my wife) might regret this decision! :argue:
After picking up the stock vehicle on Feb 3rd and a few fumbles by the dealer requiring several trips to the dealership and the lift company, I finally got the completed project a few days ago, and finally took some pictures of it yesterday (see next post). :dancin:
So here goes:
I would guess that this is a fairly modest list of modifications for the majority of folks on the forum, but for someone that's never modified a vehicle before (does a hood protector count?), it feels pretty significant to me.
I ended up getting a 5th wheel/tire to have a matching spare. Unfortunately it won't fit in the current spare space, so my first major purchase will be a Wilco Off-Road Hitchgate Solo High Clearance Tire Carrier. By the time a couple of accessories and tax/shipping are included, I'm looking at $750. That's significantly less than getting a custom bumper that comes with a tire carrier, which would definitely be out of my budget right now. If anyone has any alternative suggestions on that, I'd love to hear them. This also means I have a decision to make on what to do with the original spare that came with the T4R; any thoughts? Should I keep it as an emergency backup in a scenario where I need to have 2 spares or should I try selling it?
So I'm very excited to finally have a T4R after wanting one for a long time! Looking forward to many years of adventures! :rockon:
I kinda wanted a TRD Pro (to keep the tradition of buying the top-of-line off-road model I started with the XTerras), but the dealers I talked to explained that the TRD Pro's commanded hefty upcharges (to the tune of $5-6k over MSRP) compared to discounts available on all the other models; a couple of them said getting a lower model and making modifications would be cheaper. So after going the stock route my whole life, I agreed to buying vehicle and modifying it! Based on some of the posts I've seen so far, I'm guessing my wallet (and my wife) might regret this decision! :argue:
After picking up the stock vehicle on Feb 3rd and a few fumbles by the dealer requiring several trips to the dealership and the lift company, I finally got the completed project a few days ago, and finally took some pictures of it yesterday (see next post). :dancin:
So here goes:
- 5100 Bilstein Lift Kit, with a 3" lift
- Method Race Wheels Roost MR308 Matte Black 17x8.5 wheels
- Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/70R17 tires
- N-FAB Nerf Steps
- Black out of Toyota grille badge and 4Runner tailgate badge; removal of TRD Off Road badges
I would guess that this is a fairly modest list of modifications for the majority of folks on the forum, but for someone that's never modified a vehicle before (does a hood protector count?), it feels pretty significant to me.
I ended up getting a 5th wheel/tire to have a matching spare. Unfortunately it won't fit in the current spare space, so my first major purchase will be a Wilco Off-Road Hitchgate Solo High Clearance Tire Carrier. By the time a couple of accessories and tax/shipping are included, I'm looking at $750. That's significantly less than getting a custom bumper that comes with a tire carrier, which would definitely be out of my budget right now. If anyone has any alternative suggestions on that, I'd love to hear them. This also means I have a decision to make on what to do with the original spare that came with the T4R; any thoughts? Should I keep it as an emergency backup in a scenario where I need to have 2 spares or should I try selling it?
So I'm very excited to finally have a T4R after wanting one for a long time! Looking forward to many years of adventures! :rockon:
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