Hi fellow 4Runner Lovers!

[4RunnerLaker]

I am new to this board and would like to say greetings and hellos to all the 4Runner owners out there. I had a few questions to ask, so if could get any answers, would be greatly appreciated.

First of all I have never been offroading before but would like to test my Runner out, do I need a 3 inch lift like those mentioned before?
Secondly, where can I go to off road in southern cali? (im in orange co. btw) and are there any group trips planned?

Thanx everyone and see you guys in the forums. :hello:

 

[momo.75]

Welcome to the board. Some of the other guys can help you out with the lift and cali questions. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

[4route]

welcome to the board!!

as far as the lift ... it's not required, it's just one of those things that gives you a bit more clearance, and therefore may make your off-roading experience a little more enjoyable (and certainly make your truck a lot more capable in those situations) ... but really, just an optional thing.

 

[chiefiji]

hey laker, i bought the Backcountry Adventure: Southeren California book by massey and wilson. it's got a ton of places to take your runner offroad. most of the trails detailed in the book can probably be done without major mods. there are only a handful of trails that require some serious lifting and tires. this book is geared towards exploring so. cals lesser traveled roads than hardcore offroading, but its a good start for beginners like myself .

theres actually another book i found on amazon called "Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: Easy, Moderate, Difficult Backcountry Driving Adventures" by charles wells, its got some pretty good reviews. i think i might pick that one up too.

the best source for info you can find tho is here on the boards. ive only been visiting these boards for a while but the people here are knowledgeable and cool.

 

[4route]

chiefiji ... you take that back about us being cool people ... or else! just kidding.

anyway, i would have to agree - there is tons of info hiding around this forum.

 

[Good Times]

welcome aboard rookie! just like yourself i purchased my 4runner when it came out and took it out offroading for the first time. I must say the 4runner does live up to it's expectations although there were alot sacrifices made to the truck from the previous generation.

this 4th gen is very capable of offroading in it's stock trim. I was able to keep up w/ a 3rd gen 4runner in my stock 4runner (back then).

Just remember that it's 90% driver skill and 10% vehicle. so there is really no need to get a lift right away. you're best bet is to drive it stock alot and get used to it's limitations. once you learn it's limits move up by getting a lift and tires and then relearn your skills. This way you will become a very skillful offroader that can conquer any trail!

On a side note, we have abunch of toyota's meeting up at Pismo next weekend if you are interested! look for this link below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=4419

cya on the trails~!

 

[chiefiji]

apologies all around to everyone who i have offended for calling cool. perhaps i went a little too far :

if you're gonna get a lift, i think 4route and bulldog_yota have some installation writeups on revtek and daystar lifts.

 

[4route]

bulldog has an awesome writeup as well, and here is mine:
http://box.ixolo.com/revtek.html

but really, just take your time ... explore your truck's capabilities off-road, and go from there as to whether you'll get/want a lift or not.

and chiefiji ... gosh, you SHOULD be sorry, you have offended me greatly by referring to us as "cool" ... such blatant lies! (i hope you know that i'm just joking with you - it's so late and i get simple around now)