Is upgrading a 12 year old 4runner worth the cost???

[Monkey Wrench]

You could always just do suspension, skid plates, sliders, and wheels/tires to make it drive better and to protect the under carriage. Front and rear bumpers are sweet, but do you want to spend 3500+ on them if you don’t really need them? Plus front and rear bumpers will add a ton of weight. Plus you can fit a 33” spare underneath and it’s rare to need extra gas if you’re sticking to the lower 48 states.

Also make sure you have a receiver hitch shackle mount for recovery. The stock front recovery points are solid as is.

 

[5vzT4R]

I would say avoid the 5th gen for the cost, if you have to question if you need 4wd, then you probably will need it or regret not having it if the situation occurs. But, you can always find a 4th gen 4wd and just swap all your parts to that one and still not pay near the 5th gen cost.

But if that's not a option either, get a small lift, good all terrain tires, a front hitch receiver and some good recovery gear (snatch strap, shackles, traction boards, portable front winch and a shovel) try not to go anywhere to sketchy unless you have another truck with you and you should be just fine if you know your limits.

 

[BMeister]

I have 200K+ on my 06 V6 and I have upgraded the suspension, UCA, and tires. I'm about to do a dual battery setup and undercarriage armor with sliders. I don't intend on stopping the mods any time soon. But I have also convinced myself that if the motor or transmission ever die, I will either repair or replace it before buying a new car.

 

[Drummer1]

You could always just do suspension, skid plates, sliders, and wheels/tires to make it drive better and to protect the under carriage. Front and rear bumpers are sweet, but do you want to spend 3500+ on them if you don’t really need them? Plus front and rear bumpers will add a ton of weight. Plus you can fit a 33” spare underneath and it’s rare to need extra gas if you’re sticking to the lower 48 states.

Also make sure you have a receiver hitch shackle mount for recovery. The stock front recovery points are solid as is.

Thanks for the good advise! I have been thinking on the bumpers too and they are quite expensive and don't need to weigh my 4Runner down any more. I don't really need them, so would be doing the bumpers more for the aesthetics!

 

[Drummer1]

I have 200K+ on my 06 V6 and I have upgraded the suspension, UCA, and tires. I'm about to do a dual battery setup and undercarriage armor with sliders. I don't intend on stopping the mods any time soon. But I have also convinced myself that if the motor or transmission ever die, I will either repair or replace it before buying a new car.

Wow! As others have said here that I'm just getting started on breaking mine in at 107,000 which is the truth!

 

[theoutbackdream]

My first concern is the age and mileage of my 4Runner, so is it worth doing all of those upgrades and more to an older model.
My second concern is that I really want to go do some trail riding and take my 4Runner places where 4x4 vehicles go that I cant since I don't have 4 wheel drive. I am also planning to buy another lightweight trailer for camping in the next couple of years which my V8 is great for pulling.
I also wouldn't mind upgrading to a 5th Generation 4Runner since I can get one with 4 wheel drive and they are roomier for someone tall like me.
Is it worth me keeping it and spending a lot a money on upgrades or should I buy a 5th Gen with all the latest bells and whistles? I'm torn right now and don't want to make a wrong choice!!! :noidea:

Let's list the facts...
1. You have 2WD. Consider bumping into a 4X4 if you want to go places 2WD won't go.
2. You drive a Toyota. Don't see why you're concerned.
3. It's a Toyota.

 

[octanejunkie]

Let's list the facts...
1. You have 2WD. Consider bumping into a 4X4 if you want to go places 2WD won't go.
2. You drive a Toyota. Don't see why you're concerned.
3. It's a Toyota.

Point number one is not entirely correct; having 4WD does not a capable driver make. That being said, I can go places in my locked 2WD that a regular 2WD can't go, and many 4WDs can't go based on the driver's skill and ability, but I'm not climbing any rock walls that's for sure lol

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[AuSeeker]

Wow! As others have said here that I'm just getting started on breaking mine in at 107,000 which is the truth!

Point number one is not entirely correct; having 4WD does not a capable driver make. That being said, I can go places in my locked 2WD that a regular 2WD can't go, and many 4WDs can't go based on the driver's skill and ability, but I'm not climbing any rock walls that's for sure lol

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

To give yourself a little bit more capability when going offroad, I would consider looking into a rearlocker as Octanejunkie has, you would be very suprised how much difference it will be over your normal diff!!

I would also look into a front reciever and then a reciever mounted winch, which could then be used on the rear or the front to pull yourself out of a stuck position instead of waiting and or hoping someone else can pull you free of your stuck situation, with both of these mods I don't think you would lack much in going most anywhere you choose!!

 

[Jeffy]

Wow! As others have said here that I'm just getting started on breaking mine in at 107,000 which is the truth!

Lol. My 2011 is about to hit 150k and I'm modding the hell out of it, I'm not worried at all. These trucks last forever when you maintain them properly.

You seem to have a good grasp of what you're getting into, I'm just gonna play devil's advocate and urge you to seriously consider if you'll ever want/ need 4WD. Sure, skill will get you very far with 2WD, especially if you lock the rear, but 4WD makes a world of difference. Snow and mud are the first things that come to mind. Sometimes you just need all 4 wheels pulling you out of something.

 

[sbryan]

I wish I still had my 2005 V8 4 wheel drive. I love my new 2018 TRD Pro but the V8 was the bomb. The V6 is OK but I can just dream about what you could build on that 2005 V8 platform!

But without 4WD I'd be looking for another rig unless all you are going to do is fire roads and service roads. Just my opinion.

 

[fayewong]

Point number one is not entirely correct; having 4WD does not a capable driver make. That being said, I can go places in my locked 2WD that a regular 2WD can't go, and many 4WDs can't go based on the driver's skill and ability, but I'm not climbing any rock walls that's for sure lol

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

4wd is not just for people offroading, it gives you more grip on the road when you need it the most. especially rainy/icy roads. So its an additional safety feature for me.

 

[robaroni]

Seems to me 4WD vs 2WD is the only real concern.

 

[vastano]

Lol, and here I am not wanting to drop $150 on new taillights for my '04 with 200k miles...

 

[Drummer1]

Thanks to everyone who commented on my post and gave me their advice. After reading all of the replies and deciding how I want to use my T4R besides a DD I am keeping it and will complete the mods I want to do as I work to save up for them. I plan to use it for trail riding and eventually camping. The mods I plan on doing will be better suspension, rear locker, wheels, tires, sliders, roof rack, and some additional exterior lighting. I am to attached to my Runner and know it so well and really love the V8, so I'm looking forward to the transitions in the future.
Thanks again and keep on modding!

 

[Jeffy]

Thanks to everyone who commented on my post and gave me their advice. After reading all of the replies and deciding how I want to use my T4R besides a DD I am keeping it and will complete the mods I want to do as I work to save up for them. I plan to use it for trail riding and eventually camping. The mods I plan on doing will be better suspension, rear locker, wheels, tires, sliders, roof rack, and some additional exterior lighting. I am to attached to my Runner and know it so well and really love the V8, so I'm looking forward to the transitions in the future.
Thanks again and keep on modding!

Awesome, I'm sure you'll enjoy the build!

 

[Lownskater52]

I'm in the same boat as you OP. Subscribed. Let us know what you do.