Finally the deal is done!

[Lewis&Clark]

It's been nearly three years trying to get a 4Runner -- a process made far more difficult by multiple military deployments (USCGR), financial constraints, the severely limited availability of relatively low mileage 4th generation V8 T4R's, and a few other factors.

It's finally done.

In the past 72 hours, I have sold two cars (my Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 LE and Toyota Camry Hybrid); bought a T4R; and even welcomed my firstborn into this world. Yes, it has been a hectic 3 days!

Meet "Lewis". A 2008 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited. 62,000 miles, warrantied until 92K, and in beautiful condition.

He is replacing Clark, my old Pathfinder that has traveled and explored enough with me to circumnavigate the earth 9.5 times. After 15+ years, 39 states, 28 islands, 3 countries, and 268 of America's amazing state and national parks and wilderness preserves, it's time for him to go to the great big SUV playground in the sky. Today, he is retiring and trading places with Lewis...

Clark was extremely reliable until his older years; trusty, but entirely clueless offroad in even minor mud puddles, and not the most comfortable or efficient of SUVs. Looking forward to exploring the less beaten paths with the T4R.


Coming soon will be a few mods, though I need to be careful not to do anything that will void my factory warranty. Here's my laundry list, not yet prioritized:

• Driving lights
• USB ports in front and rear seats--surprised it doesn't have one
• Winch
• Brush guard
• Persistent power after turning off car (controlled by a switch)
• Nav maps update (DVD already ordered)
• Valet seat bolt mount for iPad
• ProClip mobile phone mount (already ordered)
• Find a hack for factory nav's motion/speed disabling block -- any ideas where I can get one?
• WeatherTec mats (already ordered)
• Remote starter (any thoughts on Toyota's versus 3rd party?)
• Thinking of adding my own party mode
• CB radio--not at all sure where I'll mount it yet
• Shovel & axe mounts for the roof rack
• Flashlight mount in rear
• Altimeter & clinometer
• Backup sensors (it has the camera right now; want to find a way to add audible sensors)
• Gobi roof rack
• Would love an extra large fuel tank, but not a big deal at all
• ARB fridge freezer

Excited!

dt

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Welcome to T4R.ORG... Congrats on ur new addition and thank u for your service. :usa2:

 

[Desert Fox]

Congratulations on both (Son & 4Runner)
And welcome to the forum

Nice looking 4Runner
There are a coupe of things I would put at the top of your list:
Lift (so you can get real tires)
Tires (so you can get back from where ever you go)
Armor (sliders, skid plates)

I wouldn't consider a winch until I had the above stuff.

 

[Lewis&Clark]

Congratulations on both (Son & 4Runner)
And welcome to the forum

Nice looking 4Runner
There are a coupe of things I would put at the top of your list:
Lift (so you can get real tires)
Tires (so you can get back from where ever you go)
Armor (sliders, skid plates)

I wouldn't consider a winch until I had the above stuff.

Thanks so much for the congrats, and the feedback.

A few questions as this is my first T4R, though I sometimes feel I've researched the heck out of them.

First...in 2008, I thought every model from the SR5 V6 on up had skid plates...?

Also, sliders require the removal of running boards I assume. Correct?

"Real tires"...what's wrong with the stock factory tires?


I guess another way of asking these questions would be what kind of functional or operational limits I should expect if I didn't prioritize the lift, tires, and different armor?


Thanks,
dt

 

[Desert Fox]

It all depends on how you are going to use your 4Runner.
Stock it is great for groceries and driving down forest service roads.
However, these vehicles are much more capable. Not that you need to go rock crawling (you could) but to really get out, there are a few things you should do.

The lift gives you more clearance and allows you to put on taller tires which gives you more clearance. More clearance allows you to go more places without damaging your 4Runner.

The down side is to much lift and your front axels may start to leak and taller tires mean less gas mileage.

Yes 4Runners come with skid plates. I don't know that they are completely protected though. The skid plate on the transfer case is a little piece of sheet metal about 6 inches by 6 inches. What the factory puts on is very thin compared to aftermarket.

The lighted steps are cool but if you do go on more aggressive trails you will be damaging those on the trail. Rock Sliders help protect the lower part of the body.

It all depends on how you are going to use your 4Runner. There are some really neat trails here in Colorado I wont go down where my friends with built FJ cruisers have no concerns in going. But then there are places I go that stock 4Runners would have problems with.

Have fun with it, these vehicles can take you a lot of places.

 

[Wolf_Girl]

First of all, welcome! Second of all, that's a pretty 4runner! I don't think he wants to go on too rugged trails, no? I took my pretty '88 chevy suburban 4x4 a lot of places, with no lift but aggressive tires are a must - if you don't go wheeling much I'd suggest a set of BFG KM2s on steel wheels, that you could throw on when you do go into the back country.

 

[Lewis&Clark]

First of all, welcome! Second of all, that's a pretty 4runner! I don't think he wants to go on too rugged trails, no? I took my pretty '88 chevy suburban 4x4 a lot of places, with no lift but aggressive tires are a must - if you don't go wheeling much I'd suggest a set of BFG KM2s on steel wheels, that you could throw on when you do go into the back country.

Hey Erin, thanks! Yes, it's a beauty isn't it? Loving this car. I do want to go on aggressively rugged trails at some point, but I'm well aware that whether my 4Runner is or not, I'm not ready for it yet (in terms of experience). So places the Rubicon I would imagine are off the table (though I haven't been there, I've heard it's extremely aggressive). At least for the time being. I figure I can always make mods for those later on when I'm ready.

So put another way, I suppose I'm more inclined to be found doing this right now:

or this:

--relatively more mild trails and obstacles than this:

or this:

 

[momo.75]

Nice ride! Welcome to T4R.ORG!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

S/he looks great! I'm not much of a fan of the silver, it's too mainstream for me.

I see that your headlights are a little fogged up. I take some meguiars Ultimate Compound and a polisher (you can do it by hand) and it clears them right up. Then I put a little wax on them to seal them.

Welcome and thank you for your service!