Low-mile 2019 TRD offroad: so far so awesome.

[bigdaddy2021]

We just picked up our 2019 TRD Off-Road w/ KDSS a few weeks ago. It's white with the black/caramel interior, and it has about 8k miles. I've had a string of old, crusty 4x4's and this one is the polar oppposite. (Speaking of polar, my daughters named it “Olaf”.)

What we figure is that it's a pre-Covid purchase, having been sold for the first time in Dec 2019. 3-4 months of a normal year, and then it was parked/hardly driven (just like the rest of most of our cars)

Plainly put, I just sold a vintage Jeep to help finance this "buy once, cry once" project. The plan is to enjoy this rig on some scenic, remote and tough trails, up to and including Moab, PNW, and possibly the Rubicon, eventually.

Here's what we've done/ordered/installed so far:

1. Removed the factory step bars.
2. 4xInnovations skid set.
(installed)
3. 4xInnovations bolt-on slider set (Installed)
4. OG Safari snorkel
(Installed)
5. Ordered a Victory 4x4 front strike bumper with tube work
(cancelled, due to a planned Moab trip in Nov. Switched to a Warn 100022 see post #18)
6. Ordered a Victory 4x4 rear bumper. (still deciding on carriers or not)
7. Ordered a Rago Fab molle panel/shelf kit. (Panels installed. Waiting on shelf)
8. LFD ruggedized crossbars with hiLift mount, multi-mount, maxtrax pins, and awning mount.
(Installed)
9. Ironman4x4 awning with LED light. Also picked up the angled annex. Might get the screened wall tent add-on, later on.
(Installed)
10. AJC rear cargo plate.
(recieved, yet to be Installed)
11. Dobinson’s lift kit
(Installed)
12. 265-75R17 BFG KO2’s
(Installed)


I have a ton of equipment already from other 4x4 projects:

- Warn M8000 w/ synthetic line (installed)
- Smittybilt "Maxtrax" knockoffs
- recovery gear
- Full trail toolset/tool rolls
- First aid kit
- quick-release fire extinguisher.
- 48" hi-lift jack.


-Still Need to grab a good air compressor


Loving this forum so far, been searching and reading the massive amount of info available.

Also, love the site: Trail 4Runner - 5th Gen 4Runner Blog & Forum - Trail4R.com

Been helpful to view the different options and also has helped with skid/slider and snorkel installs with "step-by-step" tips.

 

[Humble Leader]

take care of your 4runner and it will last forever. 155k miles on mine, runs like a top. where are you planning on mounting your fire extinguisher? a lot of folks use the molle panels but not very convenient if you need to use your third row time to time. I've seen under front seat mount options but they restrict seat movement and look like if you were ever in an accident would break your ankles

trail 4r is a great website, I spend a fair amount of time browsing there

 

[bigdaddy2021]

take care of your 4runner and it will last forever. 155k miles on mine, runs like a top. where are you planning on mounting your fire extinguisher? a lot of folks use the molle panels but not very convenient if you need to use your third row time to time. I've seen under front seat mount options but they restrict seat movement and look like if you were ever in an accident would break your ankles

trail 4r is a great website, I spend a fair amount of time browsing there

great question, i'm going with "i have no idea" for right now...lol. I like to have it close to the driver, but not sure i can manage that, so it might be the up on the Rago cargo panels if we get them.

We don't have a 3rd row seat option on ours, so that simplifies it a bit.

 

[Humble Leader]

great question, i'm going with "i have no idea" for right now...lol. I like to have it close to the driver, but not sure i can manage that, so it might be the up on the Rago cargo panels if we get them.

We don't have a 3rd row seat option on ours, so that simplifies it a bit.

If I didn't have a third row I'd use the molle panels on the rear windows. nice to have all the gear up there and have the space for stuff in the cargo area. I've been on and off about getting a fire extinguisher for months, but I just can't seem to find a good spot for it. one of those things you will probably never need to use but you're damn glad you have if you need it

 

[Uglyducky]

Nice man! I’ve got the same truck. It’s a beast, you’re gonna love it. Enjoy and happy trails!

 

[bigdaddy2021]

If I didn't have a third row I'd use the molle panels on the rear windows. nice to have all the gear up there and have the space for stuff in the cargo area. I've been on and off about getting a fire extinguisher for months, but I just can't seem to find a good spot for it. one of those things you will probably never need to use but you're damn glad you have if you need it

Yessir, i've come across several vehicles on fire and while I wasn't able to completely extinquish the fire on one - a Volvo wagon - I absolutely saved the other driver's bacon vehicle-wise (less involved carb/rubber fuel line fire). Scary stuff. I try to never be without a fire extinguisher now, especially out in BFE, in bone-dry California wilderness areas.

Well, went ahead and pulled the trigger on a Rago Molle panel/shelf setup. I picked up the panels on a blemish sale and the shelf was on sale with a "BACKTOTHETRAILS" code automatically applied. I also got free shipping.

So while a significant outlay of money, for sure, it seems like I was able to get a bunch of discounts applied (just fyi for others looking at the same setup)

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Here's a good shot of the undercarriage. Brand-spanking used is how I'd describe it. Very clean and definitely looks like only 8k miles.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Here's another one:

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Beefy 4xInnovations sliders. Install was a breeze.

Very high quality welds, steel, and, IMO, a superbly designed bolt-on design.

(This was just the test-fit. They've since been pulled off, primered and painted with Rustoleum Hammered gloss black.)

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Next up, we have one of my favorite mods (though I know they're polarizing) - a genuine Safari Snorkel. My first gen 4runner required a replacement engine due to water in the crankcase forcing a rod to hit the "eject" button, so I'm choosing to not take the same chance with this wee beastie. (I'll be adding diff breathers, and other "water-resistance" mods, too)

Install was very straightforward. I don't mind cutting into the fender, since it's very replaceable, but I cringe at the drilling of the A-pillar. SO, to that end, I am trying the double-sided foam tape approach. We'll see how it goes.

For the first week it's been rock solid. I think the body gets much of it's rigidity from the 6 mounts on the fender, honestly.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

All buttoned up:

1. Sliders
2. Snorkel
4. 3 out of 4 underbody skids

 

[Humble Leader]

Beefy 4xInnovations sliders. Install was a breeze.

Very high quality welds, steel, and, IMO, a superbly designed bolt-on design.

(This was just the test-fit. They've since been pulled off, primered and painted with Rustoleum Hammered gloss black.)

do you regularly need to sand and repaint sliders / nerf bars to avoid rust? I have a limited and I don't really like the running boards. I don't need sliders but I do like the idea of a functional nerf bar. I actually looked at sliders similar to the ones you installed but options are limited for my trim. I read a lot about people having rust issues with sliders and nerf bars. I think being in canada with road salt / brine solution on the roads from nov - april that within one season they'd be rusty. I'd suspect they'd need to be repainted every 1-2 years. I know RCI makes aluminum skids but really haven't seen any aluminum sliders for 4 runner

 

[bigdaddy2021]

do you regularly need to sand and repaint sliders / nerf bars to avoid rust? I have a limited and I don't really like the running boards. I don't need sliders but I do like the idea of a functional nerf bar. I actually looked at sliders similar to the ones you installed but options are limited for my trim. I read a lot about people having rust issues with sliders and nerf bars. I think being in canada with road salt / brine solution on the roads from nov - april that within one season they'd be rusty. I'd suspect they'd need to be repainted every 1-2 years. I know RCI makes aluminum skids but really haven't seen any aluminum sliders for 4 runner

Hi there HumbleLeader,

I don't find that I need to re-finish at all, if I prime and paint with rustoleum. I do live in the SouthWest though (fairly dry climate). If I lived in the PNW or in the salt belt, I think I'd definitely consider aluminum skids and sliders:

1. avoids corrosion issues
2. the terrain is much less rock-strewn in my experience, meaning the skids would last a bit longer, not being ground against the granite here in California.


I see folks saying good things about these aluminum sliders, when used within reason:
4Runner Hybrid Sliders with Bump Out — GREENLANE OFF-ROAD

If you're going to beat on them, I'd recommend something like the ones I got. I feel like removing these once a year to refinish/chase rust would not be a huge issue.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION],

I'm looking at picking up a 2.5"/2.0" Dobinson's suspension kit this week. Here's what I have decided on so far:

FRONT
C59-354 (teal) (full-width front bumper, winch, skids)
GS59-700 struts
1 × Dobinsons 4Runner UCA's
1 × SC59-001 - top plate and strut assembly

REAR
CS59-329(teal) - (i'm carrying at least 500lbs in back)
GS59-701 shocks

OTHER
Lean correction spacer or treaty oak spacers ?


Couple questions:

1. Would the treaty oak KDSS spacers fit with a set of aftermarket skids installed like my 4xinnovations setup? If not, would I want to choose the lean correction spacer bundle?


2. I'm wondering about the member pricing you list in your sig line. Would that be available for me for this purchase? I'd PM about it, but as a newer member, I don't think PM's are working yet.

thanks, BD2021

 

[Humble Leader]

Hi there HumbleLeader,

I don't find that I need to re-finish at all, if I prime and paint with rustoleum. I do live in the SouthWest though (fairly dry climate). If I lived in the PNW or in the salt belt, I think I'd definitely consider aluminum skids and sliders:

1. avoids corrosion issues
2. the terrain is much less rock-strewn in my experience, meaning the skids would last a bit longer, not being ground against the granite here in California.


I see folks saying good things about these aluminum sliders, when used within reason:
4Runner Hybrid Sliders with Bump Out — GREENLANE OFF-ROAD

If you're going to beat on them, I'd recommend something like the ones I got. I feel like removing these once a year to refinish/chase rust would not be a huge issue.

thanks, I'm going to check that link out. appreciate the help !

 

[Fermn]

Congrats on the new rig. It's coming together nicely.

Very curious about the double sided tape for the snorkel. Let us know how that goes.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Dobinson's kit just ordered. #stoked.

Have to give a shout out to Mike at Exitoffroad.com (@crikeymike) What a great guy - very quick to respond and obviously a patient guy, dealing with all my questions.

BTW, Mike, I've been talking to my local installer here about your kit - he's reserving his final opinion until he see's/installs the parts, but initially, he was very impressed with your website and how much adjustability/customizing one can build into a kit purchase. (he hopped on the website while we chatted about labor costs, etc.)

With the national backorder on Bilstein's - with how close to the desert we are here, I'd imagine he might be looking for a new brand to recommend to keep business flowing and folks out exploring/doing go-fast stuff.

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Warn M8000 with Synthetic line installed in a WARN 100022 bumper on a 2019 TRD offroad.

Bought off Amazon (don't be surprised if it says it doesnt fit a 2019. It does) and delivered 3 days later.
Installed in about 3-4 hours. My stepdad helped with the final install of the “winched” bumper. A cherry picker helped make it easy as pie.

Trimming of the bumper was easy, followed the outline of the silver trim panel. Also trimming of the plastic radiator shrouds was limited to the bottom 1/3 of each piece. Easily done with a dremel.

 

[Rayrayy]

We just picked up our 2019 TRD Off-Road w/ KDSS from CARMAX a few weeks ago. It's white with the black/caramel interior, and it has about 8k miles. Plainly put, it's awesome (not like i need to tell you all that). I've had a string of old, crusty 4x4's and this one is the polar oppposite.

What we figure is that it's a pre-Covid purchase, having been sold for the first time in Dec 2019. 3-4 months of a normal year, and then it was parked/hardly driven (just like the rest of most of our cars)

Plainly put, this is a dream build. I just sold a vintage Jeep to help finance this "buy once, cry once" project. The plan is to enjoy this rig on some scenic, remote and tough trails, up to and including Moab, PNW, and possibly the Rubicon, eventually.

Here's what we've done/ordered/installed so far:

1. Removed the factory step bars.
2. Bought a 4xInnovations skid set (install in progress)
3. Bought a 4xInnovations bolt-on slider set (Installed)
4. Grabbed an OG Safari snorkel (Installed)
5. Ordered a Victory 4x4 front strike bumper with tube work
6. Ordered a Victory 4x4 rear bumper. (still deciding on carriers or not)
7. Ordered a Rago Fab molle panel/shelf kit.


I have a ton of equipment already from other 4x4 projects:

- Warn M8000 w/ synthetic line
- Smittybilt "Maxtrax" knockoffs
- recovery gear
- Full trail toolset/tool rolls
- First aid kit
- quick-release fire extinguisher.
- 48" hi-lift jack.


-Still deciding on lift
-Still deciding on tires.
-Need to grab a good air compressor
-Probably go with a Rago panel/shelf setup with a fridge slider for the rear. Wife's not a fan of drawers and how much space they take up. Also, I have a couple trips a year, where sleeping in the back works for me, and having a flat floor without sliders/rear seat platforms would work well.

Loving this forum so far, been searching and reading the massive amount of info available.

Also, love the site: Trail 4Runner - 5th Gen 4Runner Blog & Forum - Trail4R.com

Been helpful to view the different options and also has helped with skid/slider and snorkel installs with "step-by-step" tips.

Awesome build!

 

[bigdaddy2021]

Congrats on the new rig. It's coming together nicely.

Very curious about the double sided tape for the snorkel. Let us know how that goes.

First of all, thanks for the compliment.

Second of all, unfortunately, the double-sided tape was a big fat fail.

My wife and I just got done DE-installing the tape and snorkel. We then we measured, drilled holes and then re-installed with the stock bracket. Solid as a rock.

Glad we tried it though. It was a heavy duty, white foam tape, that popped of a few days later allowing the snorkel to vibrate against the a-pillar…so maybe a thicker, stronger adhesive tape would work?