Off-roading questions from a noob wanting to learn!

Mason Fresh

Mason Fresh

New member
So I'm starting to really want to utilize my 4Runner for what it's meant for. Hopefully this summer I'll be able to get up to my Grandparent's cabin in Ouray, Colorado and hit some of the trails out there. I know when this 4Runner was my Dad's and I was little we took it on a bunch of trails out there - but my Dad never mod'd the truck back then, why?

We apparently did some really sketchy trails that were far from moderate level - so I ask tonight at dinner, how come all the guys on the 4Runner forum have lifts, big tires, winches, etc etc? I guess all that stuff is really necessary for reallllly technical trails, or is a lot of it due-able with a completely stock rig?

I'm not trying to hate anyone I just don't know anything!

And once I get into off-roading, which will happen when I get back from Spain this semester, what is your all's opinion on the most important "First Off-Roading Mod"? Bigger tires? Lift? Skid plates?

Thanks guys!
 
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You need to think ahead a little bit about what you want to build your rig into, since mods commonly go together and complement each other. Although you might not do them all at once, you need to at least have a general plan up front if you want to save time and money.

What sort of trails do you want to do (obviously this might change as you start 4wheeling and figure out your likes and dislikes)?

Do you enjoy working on the rig yourself, or will you have a shop do it?

Generally what can you afford?

How streetable do you want/need your rig to be?

Any legalities in your area with respect to mods (there are, just know what they are)?

Are you purely after a funtional comprimize, or is image/looks a factor in your mods?

In general, the first "mod" should probably be a tire upgrade and the purchase of basic recovery equipment.
 
Will_4R said:
You need to think ahead a little bit about what you want to build your rig into, since mods commonly go together and complement each other. Although you might not do them all at once, you need to at least have a general plan up front if you want to save time and money.

What sort of trails do you want to do (obviously this might change as you start 4wheeling and figure out your likes and dislikes)?

Do you enjoy working on the rig yourself, or will you have a shop do it?

Generally what can you afford?

How streetable do you want/need your rig to be?

Any legalities in your area with respect to mods (there are, just know what they are)?

Are you purely after a funtional comprimize, or is image/looks a factor in your mods?

In general, the first "mod" should probably be a tire upgrade and the purchase of basic recovery equipment.
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1. As for trails, I just don't know yet!
2. I'd love to work on my ride myself, but it'd take a lot of learning and probably some guidance.
3. I can afford... not much since I'm a teenager. But I can usually go half-way with my brother.
4. Car needs to be able to get me at least 32 miles to school (all highway) and back five times a week.
5. No idea on any legalities in the area.... examples?
6. Looks always play a factor - but, it does already have 130 k on it - so maybe that would prove to not be as important anymore? But who am I kidding, I love my rig lookin' good.
 
You would be amazed where a stock rig with a good set of AT tires can get you. Start with those and some recovery gear. Sliders and a lift should come next in my opinion.

+1 to what some have said it depends on what you expect to tackle. I know I do different types of terrain and without sliders my truck would have definitely been in trouble in many cases, also for some of the fast desert trails/areas I go to there is no way the stock suspension would be able to keep with my aftermarket suspension.
 
My order of mod:
0. recovery gear (tow rope, D-rings, and other minor stuff)
1. tires (AT or MT)
2. rear diff breather extension
3. sliders
4. rear locker with air compressor
5. 1" front lift (spacer)

That's it. With the above mods, you will be more capable than 95% of vehicles on the trails, even those with sky high lifts.
 
I would first upgrade to slightly bigger and more aggressive tires, but you will most likely have to do a suspension lift first to accommodate the larger tires. So, my suggested order would be:

1. 2.5 suspension lift
2. larger tire in an AT or MT (your stock tire is probably a 31" so go to a 32")
3. trail armor (sliders, skid plate, etc...)

After that, you will figure out what you need next based on the type of trails you do, what you see other rigs have, and seeing what works better for them. Take it slow and easy and don't dump a bunch of money into some mods that you really don't need. BUT, before you hit any trail, make sure you have some basic recovery gear, a good first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
 
Mason Fresh said:
Awesome! This already sounds fun... haha, quick question though...what are sliders?
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Heavy duty steel bars that mount to the frame and run the length of the body where the running boards are. They are desgned to "slide" over rocks, and protect the body. They should be able to support the weight of one side of the truck.

You are off to a good start by asking advice first.

As a rule, the more techincal and difficult trails will require the highest level of modifications.

Talk to members of off-road clubs in your areas. Some club sponsored rides require you to carry a minimum amount of safety equipment.

One of the main challenges with our trucks is tire fitment. Just skim the pages here and you will see lots of posts on the subject. It may be a good idea to design your build with your new tire setup in mind. Remember the larger you go, the more involved the mods become to make your choice work.
 
Thai said:
My order of mod:
0. recovery gear (tow rope, D-rings, and other minor stuff)
1. tires (AT or MT)
2. rear diff breather extension
3. sliders
4. rear locker with air compressor
5. 1" front lift (spacer)

That's it. With the above mods, you will be more capable than 95% of vehicles on the trails, even those with sky high lifts.
Click to expand...


Would you give the same advice regarding the rear diff breather and and rear locker for a 2006 Sport? I'm relatively new to this as well and not well versed in the advantages of different lockers. I believe mine has a center locking differential. I already have the recovery gear and slightly larger AT tires.



Thanks.
 
Double A said:
Would you give the same advice regarding the rear diff breather and and rear locker for a 2006 Sport? I'm relatively new to this as well and not well versed in the advantages of different lockers. I believe mine has a center locking differential. I already have the recovery gear and slightly larger AT tires.



Thanks.
Click to expand...

the diff breather mod is easy but not one that will leave you stranded if not done.

search the sticky's for locker and diff breather info.

rear locker will definitely assist in getting better traction on the rear axle. most likely over terrain that will get you in trouble if not properly lifted.

a front locker will require more mods. you will be looking at climbing some serious s hit before you need one...

one of the weak points of the 4Runner's independent front suspension is the passenger side diff bracket. There have been several instances where this part has failed causing big damage to the axle and oil pan. consider having this part reinforced.
 
This is a slider

0702or_15_z+toyotas_take_paragon+spare_driveshaft.jpg
 
LMAO, yeah that's not part of it.

And yes, it's there for a reason, and as you can seen it's been utilized.
 
Mason Fresh said:
Thanks for all the feedback - what is a locker? a gear locker?
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When you hear reference to a "locker", it normally refers to a differential locker. Alot of rigs have a diff locker installed in the rear axle, specifically in the third member attached to the differential. What this does is when it locks, it causes both wheels to spin and turn in unison at the same rotation and speed thus enhancing traction. Most 4runners come with "open" diffs, meaning that there is no locking mechanism that will lock the wheels together. You can conquer most trails with an open diff, but the rear locker will give you much better traction on those trails that are more challenging. If I have explained this incorrectly, someone else may add to or correct what I have said.
 
Double A said:
Would you give the same advice regarding the rear diff breather and and rear locker for a 2006 Sport? I'm relatively new to this as well and not well versed in the advantages of different lockers. I believe mine has a center locking differential. I already have the recovery gear and slightly larger AT tires.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes...highly recommended if you take your rig off-road. Rook and fourwd1 explained all of which better than i can. My whole point in modifying a vehicle is to improve its capability while keeping Toyota reliability and durability. Why? Well, isn't that why ALL OF US (at one time or another) bought a 4runner??? If we did not want Toyota reliability, then it is a lot cheaper to buy and modify a Jeep. So, why would you want to hurt/destroy the one thing that led you to a 4runner? My opinion on the matter and i understand that not many people hold this opinion. :)

My opinion holds true to what i have now...my G500 is stock except for slightly larger tires (32" vs. 31"), on 16" rims (instead of stock 18"), and rocksliders. That's it. No lift. No front or rear mega steel bumpers to weigh me down. Yet, i am still able to keep up with 95% of vehicles on the trails...and yet more reliable/durable than 95% of vehicles on the trails.
 
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