Help me build my 4Runner...

[2Girls14Runner]

:help: Hello, new guy here. Not only on the board but really to 4wheeling. I've previously owned a Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Xterra, but didn't mod or tackle any serious terrain with those. I have a 2012 Trail Edition with KDSS that's completely stock. I've taken it to the trail a couple times now, and think it's time to make some mods. I would say I'm probably planning on going to some easy to moderate trails maybe a 5-10 times a year. The car is primarily a daily driver, and must remain capable in that regards. My wife and I use it to go camping, hiking, kayaking, climbing and mountain biking often. I can't do anything that will keep me from supporting those activities, like not being able to mount my bike or kayak racks. So let me start by saying that I've searched a lot... but honestly I can't seem to make up my mind or find the right set up for me to pull the trigger on. I got money and am readying to pull the trigger, but just need some mentorship on parts. So I'm asking people here help me build my 4Runner!

I think a 1.5 or 2" inch lift will be perfect for me. So I have looked at the Radflo 2" kit at Metaltech, the Toytex Ultimate/Boss and just a plain Bilstein 5100s. I'm not sure which I should get, and which will best suit me.

As for tires, I'm thinking just plain ole Bridgestone ATs unless someone has a better idea or reason why i should get something else.

I think I'm also interesting in getting a roof rack that can support Thule Kayak and Bike racks. I would also like to get some sliders to help product and give me a step to mount my kayaks and bikes. Anyone got a suggestion on a rack that fits me?

I need a new skid plate as mine just got bent on the trail. Something a bit beefier then stock that someone can recommend?

I think that's all I can think of for now. Please let me know if I need anything else

 

[Loopsb]

"Please let me know if I need anything else"

You need to read........and then read some more. Do some research, read a ton of long threads, compare options, ask a specific question here and there,make choices. And then read some more. Seriously, you ask 10 people how to build your rig and you'll get 10 different combos depending on where THEY live and what THIER néeds are. No one can make informed choices about your needs except you.:sorry:

 

[CatskillsRunner]

As far as roof racks go, I have Yakima but I think Thule makes something similar to the Megawarrior, which is a big basket. If your outdoorsy, its really nice because in the winter, when we go snowshoeing, we have a great big dog that takes up the cargo space and it is really nice to just lash the wet, slushy poles, shoes, and sled to the roof.

In other seasons, the fishing rods go up there and if Thule's bars are compatible with its kayak racks, as Yakima's are, I'm sure that you could just mount the racks to the basket bars. This does, however, create sort of a wedding cake effect, so it is not as stable as simply mounting the bars to the factory rack. This has not been an issue for my 2010 4Runner, but it was for my 2008 which required extra straps to feel like I wasn't going to lose my 17' kayak on the highway. I have found that having a basket up there is really handy and I always find a new use for it.

And just FYI, the kayak rack/basket has had more of effect on my MPGs than the tires and lift combined. A Prius-driving friend of mine calls it my 4Runner's "antlers!" It doesnt matter too much to me. I need an SUV because I have outdoorsy habits so I will suffer through the bad MPGs.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[3wbdriver]

Once I got past the "OH NO YOU DI'NT JUST ASK THAT AGAIN!!!" tone of the forum - and determined not to be batted about the head and shoulders over a poorly worded question - I found a lot of information simply cruising through the members build threads at this link. Lots of good info and mods ranging from mild to wild. I won't offer an opinion one way or another for what you might need/want. As stated above, any number of opinions will get you the same number of answers. The information is out there. Preface any search you do with "5th Gen" to narrow down your responses. And give the stickies a look. The folks really do try to have most of the commonly asked stuff addressed in those.

It might not hurt to look for a 4wd or Toyota club near you on Facebook either. Getting face to face with like minded people who enjoy the same things can really speed things up.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/107831-5th-gen-build-threads.html

AND THE FACT THAT THE INTRUDER BUILD THREAD IS NOT ON THIS LIST IS A TRAVESTY!!!!!!

 

[Alex T4R]

JBlick build is what you looking for. Look up his build which consist of traveling and a lot of picture and he has 4runner exactly what you describing.

 

[Loopsb]

I'm sorry if my tone sounded gruff....I'm just used to being more direct than diplomatic in everyday life. I just meant to have fun with it, learn about different options, build it how you want it. And you did ask a lot of seperate questions in one post: What rack should I get? - what suspension should I get? - what armor should I get?- what tires should I go with? All of these are topics which can and do generate multiple long threads in answering. Punch them in and you'll get plenty of ideas

 

[nosamk]

I installed the RCI front skid and front filler plate - great service and super people to deal with. Also good pricing and quick shipping....

lift wise I went with ICON front and rear but if I had it to do over I might save a few bucks and do OME fronts, OME rear shocks, ICON rear springs

 

[2Girls14Runner]

I'm sorry if my tone sounded gruff....I'm just used to being more direct than diplomatic in everyday life. I just meant to have fun with it, learn about different options, build it how you want it. And you did ask a lot of seperate questions in one post: What rack should I get? - what suspension should I get? - what armor should I get?- what tires should I go with? All of these are topics which can and do generate multiple long threads in answering. Punch them in and you'll get plenty of ideas

No worries. I just took it as the normal forum response and not a jab. I have been on this board since July, 2012 when I bought my 4Runner. I have been reading a lot, but can't seem to find 'something that fits my style'. Everything seems to be 3" or too mild? Nothing just right for me... lol

As far as roof racks go, I have Yakima but I think Thule makes something similar to the Megawarrior, which is a big basket. If your outdoorsy, its really nice because in the winter, when we go snowshoeing, we have a great big dog that takes up the cargo space and it is really nice to just lash the wet, slushy poles, shoes, and sled to the roof.

In other seasons, the fishing rods go up there and if Thule's bars are compatible with its kayak racks, as Yakima's are, I'm sure that you could just mount the racks to the basket bars. This does, however, create sort of a wedding cake effect, so it is not as stable as simply mounting the bars to the factory rack. This has not been an issue for my 2010 4Runner, but it was for my 2008 which required extra straps to feel like I wasn't going to lose my 17' kayak on the highway. I have found that having a basket up there is really handy and I always find a new use for it.

And just FYI, the kayak rack/basket has had more of effect on my MPGs than the tires and lift combined. A Prius-driving friend of mine calls it my 4Runner's "antlers!" It doesnt matter too much to me. I need an SUV because I have outdoorsy habits so I will suffer through the bad MPGs.

Good luck and have fun!

I hear ya, which is why I take my racks off when not in use.

JBlick build is what you looking for. Look up his build which consist of traveling and a lot of picture and he has 4runner exactly what you describing.

I don't see that build on the build page?

I installed the RCI front skid and front filler plate - great service and super people to deal with. Also good pricing and quick shipping....

lift wise I went with ICON front and rear but if I had it to do over I might save a few bucks and do OME fronts, OME rear shocks, ICON rear springs

May I ask why you want to switch?

 

[bimrunner]

Honestly, this is one of the hardest questions to answer because most of us love what we have done/are doing. Going with an adjustable lift is going to be pretty mild so really the Radflo or Toytec kit will be easy. You can do a lot with the Bilsteins set at .85 in the front especialy if you want to keep it mild. If you are staying BFG AT (good tire), I assume you are staying in the 32inch range so lift isn't going to be a big deal and you could easily get away with the bilstein shocks set at .85 in the front. Not a total lift, but something to make it look good with the tires. The reason most people have those 3" lifts is that they want bigger tires to get real clearance to go more places. If you don't want or need that, stay smaller. Pick a shock that you can live with. Even if you decieded to change out your suspension and go bigger in the future, the Bilsteins are not very expensive and easy to justify. Other than that, sounds like a nice roof rack and your set! There are now some nice options so look around as each will accomodate your needs with the right accessories. Have fun with it!

 

[Alex T4R]

here it is http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/158462-j-blickphoto-thread.html#post1578024
sorry was on the phone when responded first.

 

[Titanpat57]

I think your first question to answer is how much do you want/ willing to spend?.....and work backwards from there.

Sounds like lots of fun activities.... just prioritize what's most important to you and your needs( and all dictated by your wallet)

and just an FYI....I'm running g Bridge stone Revo II's and have gone everywhere else everybody else has...and some places some of them haven't....

 

[2Girls14Runner]

Honestly, this is one of the hardest questions to answer because most of us love what we have done/are doing. Going with an adjustable lift is going to be pretty mild so really the Radflo or Toytec kit will be easy. You can do a lot with the Bilsteins set at .85 in the front especialy if you want to keep it mild. If you are staying BFG AT (good tire), I assume you are staying in the 32inch range so lift isn't going to be a big deal and you could easily get away with the bilstein shocks set at .85 in the front. Not a total lift, but something to make it look good with the tires. The reason most people have those 3" lifts is that they want bigger tires to get real clearance to go more places. If you don't want or need that, stay smaller. Pick a shock that you can live with. Even if you decieded to change out your suspension and go bigger in the future, the Bilsteins are not very expensive and easy to justify. Other than that, sounds like a nice roof rack and your set! There are now some nice options so look around as each will accomodate your needs with the right accessories. Have fun with it!

Thanks for the great advice. I probably would be okay with the stock tire size or at least that's what I think. I think I was looking at the Radflo 2.0 for the reason you just gave, I can always adjust. I haven't seen much talk of springs with the Bilsteins, what would you recommend?

here it is http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...ml#post1578024
sorry was on the phone when responded first.

Thanks! I'll thumb through it.

I think your first question to answer is how much do you want/ willing to spend?.....and work backwards from there.

Sounds like lots of fun activities.... just prioritize what's most important to you and your needs( and all dictated by your wallet)

and just an FYI....I'm running g Bridge stone Revo II's and have gone everywhere else everybody else has...and some places some of them haven't....

Thanks for the advice as well. I'll have to take a look at those tires.

I'd hate to say no limit, but in reality I am willing to pay for quality and what would fit my needs the best.

 

[bimrunner]

Thanks for the great advice. I probably would be okay with the stock tire size or at least that's what I think. I think I was looking at the Radflo 2.0 for the reason you just gave, I can always adjust. I haven't seen much talk of springs with the Bilsteins, what would you recommend?

You can probably get away with stock springs for now. Doesn't sound like you are loading it up too much where you need the extra support. Radflo 2.0 would be a step up from the plain bilsteins (my opinion).

 

[2Girls14Runner]

here it is http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/158462-j-blickphoto-thread.html#post1578024
sorry was on the phone when responded first.

Interesting read. The one thing I didn't think about what suspension maintenance. I hadn't considered OME because of the 3" lift, but is starting to appeal to me based on what I read about his durability experience (300k miles on his taco).

You can probably get away with stock springs for now. Doesn't sound like you are loading it up too much where you need the extra support. Radflo 2.0 would be a step up from the plain bilsteins (my opinion).

What's the durability on both? I read some not so nice things about the Bilsteins including the one guy who broke the clip?

 

[bimrunner]

Interesting read. The one thing I didn't think about what suspension maintenance. I hadn't considered OME because of the 3" lift, but is starting to appeal to me based on what I read about his durability experience (300k miles on his taco).



What's the durability on both? I read some not so nice things about the Bilsteins including the one guy who broke the clip?

They are both quality. That was a very unusual situation and the danger of reading forums. Nothing to fear. Both quality products that are on many many trucks without problems. Both manufacturers have extremely hood reputations. All of the manufacturers you are looking at here are good. Toytec has the bilsteins as the base shock for both the ultimate and the boss kits.

 

[Sac State]

Personally for me when the time comes, I will be installing Bilsteins all around and I highly, highly recommend BF Goodrich All Terrain KO's.

I had Revo AT's and they lasted 35K miles, my BF Goodrich have 65K miles and still have 5-10K left. They are awesome in rain and snow and look aggressive.