Being the one mentioned, I will chime in on a few items:
Very capable stock. If anything after my experience I would rather add protection first (better skids/sliders) then lift it to put on 285's and only gain 1/2" of clearance. Lifts can help with approach/departure angles but ground clearance of your differentials and axle is only achieved by tire size. Just my .02.
Look at [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] build and Adventure thread and these pics from this past weekend...all stock suspension.
I agree with the fact that a stock 4Runner can be a VERY capable. Some good tires and a little bit of armor will go a long way. I am on stock suspension, as mentioned, and will only be adding the weight of sliders as far as armor goes. Sliders are a pretty crucial piece of armor as it protects your doors and allows you to sliiiiiiide over objects that your center ground clearance would normally limit you to. Having a low center clearance just means that you need to be very selective with your lines, and that you need to know what your limitations are. A quick correction though, lifting your vehicle
will increase your clearance in the center of the front axle due to the IFS and the frame clearance between your axles. Where it won't help you are on your lower control arms in the front axle, and your entire rear axle. For those, you'll need a larger set of tires.
Thanks for the positive feedback [MENTION=133547]TheKent[/MENTION] and [MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION]. Sorry if I annoyed you @wfo9. After spending way too much time reading all these threads, I guess I got a bit of an inferiority complex for having just a stock 4runner... I have seen most of those. I thought for sure mtn4rnr's was lifted.
Hmm... So lifting doesn't give you more ground clearance? After thinking about that a bit, I kind of get it, but am still surprised. I really don't plan on going any bigger than 275's. This is still my everyday driver, and will be used for long road trips. All the dirt is still at least 3 hours from here anyway...
Thanks again, and happy trails!
Nope, stock as can be with the exception of the 275/70R17 Coopers and the soon to be added sliders. See my comments above for clearance associated with a lift. I would spend some more time looking at what people can do stock versus lifted, and see where you fit in. Personally, I will wheel stock with the sliders for a while to feel out my limitations and where I want to improve the clearance and ride quality so that I can make the best decision when I do incorporate a lift onto the build. If I could afford a lift right now, hell yes I would do it, but the previous sentence is my internal reasoning to make me feel better about being stock for now :thumb3:
Anyone who spends much time offroad on technical trails will want a lift. These big girls are just too low with too many overhangs. I looked at the threads you mentioned. I saw a cool SAS second gen and some lifted Tacomas on some fun looking trails... The 5th gen was not really pictured doing anything. Just saying.... Lift is the most obvious place to start for most people. Armor + bumpers is too much weight for the stock suspension + the weight hinders all aspects of off-road performance. There is very little downside to a small lift and moderate tires (besides and MPG hit). Bumpers are a great improvement, but the stock suspension would never be able to support it and it is crazy expensive...
Agreed, I was able to navigate the national forest roads just fine, and tackle some of the 'intro' technical trails with ease. I have done more with the rig that wasn't photographed at the time, but I am limited in what I can do without a lift or proper skids. The others on the trail were able to cruise along at a higher speed with less care for bumps and obstacles (and more comfortably). A lift and higher quality shocks would have allowed me to keep up with ease. As for the technical trail we did, honestly with a proper set of sliders, time and a good spotter I would have likely been able to follow up the trail on the stock suspension. BUT I like my truck and I know that the risk isn't worth the reward at this point. When I am lifted with skids and sliders, I wouldn't hesitate to follow the others up the trail. And yes, adding armor does add weight.
Alright. Thanks again for the feedback. Sorry I'm a bit of a noob... It's been years since I've had a 4wd. I've been reading up on trails in the Sierras I want to go, all rated "blue", so not too technical. However, they all recommend "suv's with high clearance". That was the part that got me nervous. What is the definition of "high clearance" anyway?
Looks like I should be good for a little while anyway. Just can't wait to get out there!
It's all subject to change with these trails, especially in the Sierras. Trails up there are difficult mostly because of rocks and boulder obstacles. I would check out, and google the trails before hand to see if you can find videos or photos of similar trucks and what they are equipped with
IF they are running the trails you are looking into. If you have the option, find some friends that have been there before and consult them, or if you have time, walk the trail a ways to get a feel for how the trail is. Some trails may be rated 'moderate' because there is a steep, loose climb, which a stock 5th gen may be capable of.
BUT if that rating is because there is a rock obstacle mid-trail, you're SOL. Do some research and tread lightly. Whether you walk or drive, you'll have a good time!
No doubt, a stock 5th Gen will get you to some great places with relative ease. You won't be tackling any moderate to difficult trails stock, but it seems like you just want to get out there, and there is plenty of places that your truck will take you with minimal modification. Enjoy the ride, [MENTION=140584]Teephud[/MENTION]!
