My Favorite 5th Generation 4Runners

[1engineer]

Most of the time I post in the more "fact based" threads than the "opinion based" threads, but that does not mean that I don't have opinions! I have been here for awhile now and would just like to list my favorite 5th Gen 4Runners. These are in no particular order because I like them for different reasons.

[MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION]: This is a very capable vehicle built for a specific type of off road. I watched his build with interest because at times it was scattered all over the place and was wondering what it would be when finished. Well, it turned out fine and he did some innovative touches (front bumper lol) that really makes this vehicle unique. Here is his thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/155746-bimrunner-build-thread-pics.html

[MENTION=77684]WarnerD9[/MENTION]: This is a build that just keeps on giving! I mean, who else has had the balls to put their vehicle in a position that not even the Toyota Engineers could have envisioned? There will probably even be a ECN (engineering change notice) and a redesign because of what this guy did. Very amazing and capable build. His thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/146750-warnerd9s-build-thread.html

[MENTION=49966]mikey's2010SR5[/MENTION]: If I wanted to rock crawl this is the guy I would want to go with. His 4Runner has the look and capability to take on pretty much whatever terrain is out there. His build is great and the rear bumper design is pretty much perfect for off road use. His build herehttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/71666-mikeys-build-thread.html

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION]: This is what I would imagine the "Concept 4Runner" looked like in their initial drawings, before they had to make one that was mass producible! This is a very sleek look that not only looks good it still performs well too! Sometimes form negates function. This build proves both can coexist! His thread here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/168993-desert-dawg-build-what-switch.html

[MENTION=48772]Jesse1983[/MENTION]: My first 5th gen 4Runner was a black 2011 SR5. This was a thread I had read back when I was just a lurker before joining this place and influenced me buying black. I knew better of course but this 4Runner just looked great! I remember telling him that if I were going to mod mine I would use his as a model it looks so good. Well, four years later it still looks good and I traded my Black 4Runner for a Silver one lol. His build here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/60125-jesse1983.html

[MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION]: This build, to me, is a great example of a practical build. This guy didn't start out to be a off road king but he caught the bug quick! His mods are intelligent and built for go, not show. What makes this 4Runner special, at least for me, is the amazing pictures it always seems to be in! Great job man and I truly enjoy reading your posts and looking at those great pictures! His thread here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/143951-intruders-build-off-road-pics-thread.html

I have modded a lot of vehicles in the past. I am currently on my second 5th Gen 4Runner and I now have a total of 114,000 miles of seat time in one. This is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and durable vehicles for the price still being produced. Because I drive so many miles now I probably won't modify my 4Runner much beyond tires, vent shades and stickers but I really appreciate reading and seeing what all you guys do! Thanks, Greg

 

[bimrunner]

Mikey's was an inspiration to mine along with the others. Did you mean Warner though? I don't remember Mikey getting his into a crazy angle but [MENTION=77684]WarnerD9[/MENTION] did!

 

[Stifler]

are you politicin' for a moderator spot?

 

[Ducmonsta]

I whole heartedly agree with your choices. For me, there are too many of each person's build I love. They are all so unique to their owner that it would be hard for me to narrow down just a few.

 

[1engineer]

Mikey's was an inspiration to mine along with the others. Did you mean Warner though? I don't remember Mikey getting his into a crazy angle but [MENTION=77684]WarnerD9[/MENTION] did!

I had initially listed several more guys before I went back and edited it down lol. Somehow got those two crossed up during editing so I just went back and added it back. Sorry.

 

[1engineer]

are you politicin' for a moderator spot?

No. Why take a demotion?

 

[Stifler]

No. Why take a demotion?

:laugh:

 

[Semi-Hex]

Just goes to show what you can do with these. The sky (and your pocketbook) are the the limit.

 

[Intruder]

That's pretty much identical to my list, only instead of mine I have [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION] on the list.

I feel that this is not a proper [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] thread without inclusion of judging criteria and weighting for each category. Maybe a spreadsheet too. :hiding:

 

[ochoa1801]

Good post. My favorite is [MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION]

[MENTION=107769]Desert Dawg[/MENTION]: This is what I would imagine the "Concept 4Runner" looked like in their initial drawings, before they had to make one that was mass producible! This is a very sleek look that not only looks good it still performs well too! Sometimes form negates function. This build proves both can coexist! His thread here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/168993-desert-dawg-build-what-switch.html

 

[Ol'Baditude]

I'm subscribed to most of the build threads mentioned, so for what it's worth I would have to agree with this list.
Imo, it reads like a who's who of those standing above the crowd in achieving function over fashion, but still managing to have some of the most beautiful 4Runners on the planet. But mainly, I'm just a big fan of built trucks actually getting wheeled and carrying their owners through terrain that would otherwise be impassable. That's where it's at!

That's pretty much identical to my list, only instead of mine I have [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION] on the list.

Beat me to it. [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION], [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] and [MENTION=77684]WarnerD9[/MENTION] are the ones I follow with the most interest. Everything I have ever planned to do to my Runner can be found "done right" somewhere in their respective build threads, and I hope they don't mind me asking them for some opinions and pointers in the near future. Your 4runner I get to see all the time, and mostly just check your thread for the pictures

I guess this post is somewhat of a thank you for all of the ideas and direction you all have provided at some point since I have started modding my 4Runner and became a member here.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I thank you and I agree with you. And yes I don't put my truck at extreme angles like others do, but I do have fun with it.

I am really going to watch Ben's ( [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] ) build thread even more now, since there is talk about a 3 link!!!! Maybe I will just copy and paste for my truck down the road.

 

[Engineer]

It seems at least a couple on that list fit the descriptions of "scratches........you mean the custom pin striping?". I agree its a great list and I think we all appreciate them and everyone who shares what they have done (large and small) modifications to the T4R and just as important the experiences in them (@J-Blickphoto)

 

[Desert Dawg]

Awesome to be mentoned in such accomplished company especially since I do value [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] opinions and contributions to this forum; I think he nailed my build intent perfectfly! But I also have to add that everyone else he mentoned, along with himself and some others not listed, have been and continue to be great inspiration for me. Thanks to everyone!

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I'm a fan of all those. Because I have a black SR5 (and the limited and SR5 have the same look on the outside), my list is led off by [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION], [MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION], and [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION]. Also can't forget [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]. He hasn't spent tons of money on his rig but his inventive attitude on a working man's budget was definitely my inspiration to build my own drawer system and I have the headboard shelf he made in the back of my truck now.

 

[WarnerD9]

Thanks for the kind words. All of the above mentioned factored into my build in some way, which seems to be the case for everyone and the purpose of the forum. [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION], [MENTION=49966]mikey's2010SR5[/MENTION], [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION], and [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] were probably the ones I studied the most. However I would have to say that [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION] played a big part as well because nearly every time I went out we crossed paths and he was on some adventure more epic than mine and had done the same thing the week before and the one before that. His rig certainly isn't the most built out but he sure uses it more I've seen anyone else use their's, myself included. [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION]'s adventure photos make me drool. [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] 's manufacturing/engineering resources make me jealous, and [MENTION=49966]mikey's2010SR5[/MENTION] has the biggest modding cahones I know of, he went all in early on.

I'd say there is no favorite or perfect build as everyone has different needs, uses, and preferences for which they use them. As we modify our own they become our favorites as they adapt to our needs, preferences and expectations. If that is not the case then why are you doing it?

I have to apologize to the newer guys as I haven't been scanning the build threads for a while.

I have to laugh as I never intended to put the vehicle at that angle and I was very discouraged after the incident without justification (it was my fault). However when Toyota stepped up it pulled me out of the dark cloud.

Is the the new T4ROTM thread? The other one seems to have died.

 

[Jeremy556]

However I would have to say that [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION] played a big part as well because nearly every time I went out we crossed paths and he was on some adventure more epic than mine and had done the same thing the week before and the one before that. His rig certainly isn't the most built out but he sure uses it more I've seen anyone else use their's, myself included.

Ha, I wish. I stay out of hot tubs. Been stuck working these past few months, but I'm sure we'll be crossing paths often, again, in about another month.

Couple weeks ago, staying in Kodachrome Basin, was heading east on 12, just east of Escalante, and noticed a black sports mobile as it was passing the other way. I figured that was probably you, again.

 

[jrandom]

Nice list. Same sentiments for sure.

I really like all of them and all of those that you didn't mention, we all know whom they are. All the ones that their owners have knuckled down, got dirty and/or bloody doing something cool, or useful, of just made their 4runner a little bit better, if not for it but also themselves... and had the awesome idea to share with everyone else.

The endless piles of inspiration, virtual vacations, and loads of helpfulness here never cease to amaze!

:cheers:

 

[Orlyg1521]

I too have perused and followed in the foot steps of these great builds. Particularly [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION], Ducmonsta and WarnerD9. I started with my 2010 SR5 and recently bought the Metal Tech 2011 TE. I still have plans to do some mods to her thanks to these pioneers. Thanks for the mentoring and sharing of your knowledge, trials and tribulations.

 

[joneseyyy]

Has anyone mentioned [MENTION=74569]SOcalTRAIL[/MENTION]? Big inspiration for me and also a really helpful guy as I did my build. Also obviously also [MENTION=8206]harper7[/MENTION] was the first mover in a lot of stuff.