Off-the-lot to Off-the-road Mods list

[darkeagle6]

Second posting ever, so please go easy on me. The last one could have gone better....

If one were to want to get an off-the-lot 4x4 4R off road as soon as possible, but only has so much they can spend each month/quarter/year/whatever, what would you modify?

I'm looking for a realistic list, like 1) tires 2) take off the side steps, 3) put a sticker on the rear bumper, etc.

There are a lot of great threads on individual modifications for off-roading. Having a new 4R to replace a 99 Disco, it's still just as I got if off the lot a month ago. I was hoping someone could help me find a posting that lists modifications or, help a newbie out with a brand new one.

Thanks

 

[sblbdr]

Be more specific as to what your interested in -suspension, engine, interior, etc. Check my sis for mods or pm me for suggestions

 

[darkeagle6]

I'm looking for exterior modifications. I kept the interior as basic as possible. It has all I'm looking for.

As far as the outside, I'm looking for a list of "what I would do." Some of the thought's I've had include the following:

1) remove the side steps (increase off-road clearance)
2) better tires (probably go with BFG ATs like I've had on all my trucks/suvs)
3) OME suspension upgrade
4) ARB or Shrockworks replacement bumper
5) Sliders
etc.

I've thought a lot about this but haven't played with the 4R much.

 

[sblbdr]

OME has very good suspension and you can get them from wheelersoffroad for the best price Ive seen. I removed the steps on mine for clearance and looks alone. Sliders are a great addition only if you truly go offroading. Go with BFG AT KO tires, I have them and love them. You could get a downey skidplate, its cheap insurance over the thin stock one.

 

[darkeagle6]

Thanks for the tips. Which would you do first, sliders or skid plate?

 

[sblbdr]

Probably the skid plate-They are I think $185 and are a heavy piece unlike the factory skids which are paper thin. Look up downey online. You can get sliders from demello offroad but arent as cheap as the skid plate

 

[techno]

Here's what I would do, in order...

1. Basic recovery gear
2. Tires
3. Suspension (maybe body lift too)
4. Amour (bullbar, sliders, skids, whatever)
5. Diff lock
6. Electric winch
7. Bigger tires....

 

[fourwd1]

You didn't state, and no one has asked, but it would be good to know what kind of off-roading you plan to do, before telling you what to do.

 

[darkeagle6]

techno, great list. Exactly what I was looking for. What armor would you do first?

fourwd1, That's a good point. Having grown up in Colorado, I'd like to have the option to see as much of the state as possible without getting extreme. I've seen too many trucks/suvs smashed up on trails like Mt. Blanca. I'm not looking for that. I'm probably leaning towards expadition-style off-road use, not rock-crawlin.

 

[fourwd1]

... What armor would you do first?

skid plates

 

[techno]

.. What armor would you do first?

Since you're not looking for anything extreme and not really interested in rockcrawling I would go for a steel replacement bumper like an ARB or TJM style bullbar. 95% of the time you are moving forwards so the front is the best place to protect first. Plus you now have somewhere to mount driving lights and other stuff to! A bullbar will give you protection where ever you are, on or off road.
3rd gen underbody protection is already reasonably good for the average weekend offroader and most of the drivetrain and exhuast system are tucked up out of harms way, but rocks and deep ruts will give the skids a pretty good work out. Get a lift kit and bigger tires to increase ground clearance before you bother with upgrading your skid plates.
I wish there were more options for rear protection, but most products seem to be custom made jobs. The rear overhang (departure angle) on 4runners isnt fantastic and this area is susceptable to damage. The easiest protection will come from a towbar, but after that you have to go custom.

 

[sblbdr]

Or you could check with people that have done these mods to their vehicles

 

[JB.]

...If one were to want to get an off-the-lot 4x4 4R off road as soon as possible, but only has so much they can spend each month/quarter/year/whatever, what would you modify?...

Throw on some good 32" ATs, remove the side steps, and hit the dirt. You'll be able to do a ton of stuff (expedition style) and get a feel for what should come next while having fun and getting to know the 4Runner. There won't be many destinations you can't get to given enough time and care. Recreational rock crawling is a different story and you'd want to start making a long list for that.