How to make a 4runner cool!!

[galactic_04]

From what? Cheap bull/brush guards are more harm than good in an accident.

You really think aluminum is softer than the painted plastic bumper? At a very light tap, the bullbar would hold up better than the plastic bumper cover will! I agree it won't do much, but it'll help some. I'd go with the bar and some lights and maybe a CB radio just for some fun...

FYI: Steel wheels will cost you in gas mileage:ybrick: Depending on if you care you may not want to go that route.

 

[Larry77]

I just wanted to say I think it's really cool that you would come on here and ask that type of question...I hope I'm as smart when my son turns 16...crap that's only 3 years!!! I'm getting old

 

[hlsess]

I am trying to be the "cool" mom- haha
so after reading all fo these posts - tires are pricey and will cost in gas mileage

PA system- dangerous for a new driver-I agree

Brush guard- does more damage to car if he's in a wreck-

Tinting- looks like the best bet BUT is it dangerous for a new driver??

THANKS so much-

 

[galactic_04]

There's going to be pros and cons for everything. Tinting isn't dangerous if you don't go too dark. A 35% or even 20% looks good and you only have to do the front windows to match the back... not too expensive either.

I still totally disagree on the brush guard causing more damage. Say he lets his foot off the brake and taps the person in front of him, you're going to save the bumper from needing repainted and you can thank yourself from spending that $400.

 

[JohnsD90]

Dont tint, even if its legal, a cop can still pull you over for it to check, and 16 year olds do not want another reason to be pulled over. PA system isn't distracting, its just using it near a cop will get him in trouble.

 

[bigwebb83]

I would say do a leveling kit and hankook dynapro atm's 255/75/17. that will give the truck a more aggressive look and those tires wont kill gas mileage like other all terrains will. Look for a thread started by ark_swamp_rider on here. he actually gained gas mileage.

 

[4Runner8]

There's going to be pros and cons for everything. Tinting isn't dangerous if you don't go too dark. A 35% or even 20% looks good and you only have to do the front windows to match the back... not too expensive either.

I still totally disagree on the brush guard causing more damage. Say he lets his foot off the brake and taps the person in front of him, you're going to save the bumper from needing repainted and you can thank yourself from spending that $400.

any wreck harder then 5mph will cause more damage. also they stick out making it easier to bump into someone.

 

[Geländemann]

Edit: -- Upt, my bad, 4Runner8 and I had basically the same idea --

Just to clear the issue - I think everyone can agree that a brushguard could make a very light "accident" (like rolling into something at <10mph) less damaging for your vehicle, but at higher speeds (definitely anything over 40mph) there is a good chance having a brushguard could lead to more damage to both vehicles.

Anyway, looks like lights (just some Hellas or PIAAs) or tints are going to be the best choice (as far as least expense and not getting into trouble).
And getting pulled over for a tint inspection isn't all bad - being hassled by a cop for a little bit (assuming you don't end up running late) is kind of a good thing just to keep someone level headed, just so long as you don't get a ticket. It reminds you that you aren't invincible, which is a pretty good idea for 16 year olds. And if you go to a reputable place to get the tint done, they will know the laws and won't give you a tint that's illegal.

 

[eskim0chaos]

Edit: -- Upt, my bad, 4Runner8 and I had basically the same idea --

Just to clear the issue - I think everyone can agree that a brushguard could make a very light "accident" (like rolling into something at <10mph) less damaging for your vehicle, but at higher speeds (definitely anything over 40mph) there is a good chance having a brushguard could lead to more damage to both vehicles.

Anyway, looks like lights (just some Hellas or PIAAs) or tints are going to be the best choice (as far as least expense and not getting into trouble).
And getting pulled over for a tint inspection isn't all bad - being hassled by a cop for a little bit (assuming you don't end up running late) is kind of a good thing just to keep someone level headed, just so long as you don't get a ticket. It reminds you that you aren't invincible, which is a pretty good idea for 16 year olds. And if you go to a reputable place to get the tint done, they will know the laws and won't give you a tint that's illegal.

Yea.....no.

Anything under 10ish is when they cause the MOST damage. They bend in and upward affecting areas (headlights) etc that would not have been affected depending on impact location. Around 40mph your almost guaranteed a totaled vehicle - especially if head on.

LOL

 

[Slvr RnR]

Yea.....no.

Anything under 10ish is when they cause the MOST damage. They bend in and upward affecting areas (headlights) etc that would not have been affected depending on impact location. Around 40mph your almost guaranteed a totaled vehicle - especially if head on.

LOL

Completely agree. I've had a head-on 40'ish mph accident. The bull bar isn't going to stop anything or cause any more damage than not having it. With that said, take away the fact that bull bars/brush guards have little to no function(Like most 16 yr olds I'm sure he's not concerned about approach angles) and the fact that your son is 16 as far as the coolness factor goes the bull bar/6" aux lights combo would be the most impressive. Useless in the eyes of most on here but "cool" to a 16 yr old. Just make sure you let him know goofing around and getting in an accident could cost him(you).

Steelcraft Bull Bar
SteelCraft Bull Bar, SteelCraft Truck Bull Bars

Pick a set of Fog lights...
Fog Lights, Car Fog Lights, Auto Fog Lights, Camaro Fog Lights, Truck Fog Light, Nissan Fog Lights

or driving lights...
Driving Lights, Car Driving Lights, Off Road Driving Light, Best Automotive Driving Lights

Just pick a set. As long as they're a 6" pair they don't need to be super expensive. He'll likely never find them necessary to use in the appropriate way anyway. You could probably find these cheaper on Amazon.com if you look.

Again, a liability in an accident and truely useless for his needs, but probably cool in his eyes. My 2 cents.

 

[bigwebb83]

The local Hyundai dealer








Or you could wrap them and install them with your son like a bonding experience. Plenty of write-ups on how to install basic aux.lights.

the op is his mom. I don't think this is her idea of mother son bonding.

 

[hlsess]

Planning to call tomorrow about tinting and maybe a lift-
I was talking tomy SIL and her nephew has a Tahoe that has the tint/lift etc=said all the boys do it

 

[absolute yota]

The spacer lift is inexpensive and looks cool, most 4 runners arent lifted so it will stand out, even with the same tires it has now.The spacer also retains most of the stock handling while the more expensive suspension lifts make it handle more like a truck. Tint makes it look great but a pain when backing up at night/ side visibility. Rolling the windows down when backing up helps . I have tint on my truck and sometimes when I drive in crowded areas (down town ) it makes it hard to see pedestrians entering the road. It could be a liability issue if anything ever happened unless its within the legal limit, because he couldn't see correctly due to the tint. Still doesnt stop me from tinting my cars though. The PA is a bad idea, basically just a way to be a loud annoying teen , talking crap in traffic and to pedestrians can get you in trouble. besides it isnt functional for driving . GO FOR THE LIFT !

 

[zimm]

Legal tint is always good. A nice stereo that doesn't have a huge subwoofer would be a nice upgrade. How about adding navigation? I'm sure he's still figuring out the roads if he's a new driver. A Garmin Nuvi would be awesome.

I think the best thing to do would be to get involved in a local 4x4 club and do a trail ride together! When I was in high school I thought one of the coolest things ever was learning to drive on trails. Nobody is going to laugh at him for having his mom go with him on a trail ride- at least not any club worth being part of. Good 'ol family fun and it makes you a better driver.