Smart Upgrade Path?

[I4N]

Hi all, first let me say thank you for this forum!

I’m planning on upgrading a stock 5th Gen ORP with KDSS and I’d like to end up with a capable overlander/off-roader which is: (broad strokes here) lifted 2.5 to 3 inches with 33ATs, sliders, lights, a rack system, on board compressor, winched front bumper, rear bumper with swingouts and a few other random upgrades like a modular cargo system. I know there’s a ton of experience I can learn from here and I’m asking for advice as to the most logical upgrade path. I can’t afford to do it all at once and am hoping to learn from those who have done this process and have wisdom to share. For example are there things that have to be done at the same time or can things be done in a relatively serial fashion? Any and all advice is welcome!

Best Regards, Ian

 

[Spenny]

how many times have you taken your 5th Gen off road and camping now? That would be my first order of business. Step away from the mods, group buys and websites. Go camp for 3 days, 2 days, whatever.

Like you said, broad strokes. Fully stock your 4runner is very capable to go almost anywhere with no damage. Also, you do you, don't get caught up in getting all the same accessories as everyone else. It has to work for you.

I started with tires as I found that was my first limitation off road - traction. Then I had to figure out how I was storing and tying down all my camping gear and cooler. Then suspension, and now I'm at armor and sliders.

Good luck, lots of great reading on this site and others.

 

[Sleeter]

how many times have you taken your 5th Gen off road and camping now? That would be my first order of business. Step away from the mods, group buys and websites. Go camp for 3 days, 2 days, whatever.

Like you said, broad strokes. Fully stock your 4runner is very capable to go almost anywhere with no damage. Also, you do you, don't get caught up in getting all the same accessories as everyone else. It has to work for you.

I started with tires as I found that was my first limitation off road - traction. Then I had to figure out how I was storing and tying down all my camping gear and cooler. Then suspension, and now I'm at armor and sliders.

Good luck, lots of great reading on this site and others.

^^^This is very good advice ^^^

 

[I4N]

how many times have you taken your 5th Gen off road and camping now? That would be my first order of business. Step away from the mods, group buys and websites. Go camp for 3 days, 2 days, whatever.

Like you said, broad strokes. Fully stock your 4runner is very capable to go almost anywhere with no damage. Also, you do you, don't get caught up in getting all the same accessories as everyone else. It has to work for you.

I started with tires as I found that was my first limitation off road - traction. Then I had to figure out how I was storing and tying down all my camping gear and cooler. Then suspension, and now I'm at armor and sliders.

Good luck, lots of great reading on this site and others.

Thanks for the advice Spenny! Truth be told I'm still negotiating with the dealer on price and locking in financing but this has been a dream of mine for about 5 years now and I'm finally in a position to purchase. That hasn't stopped me from doing obsessive research and learning from others watching all the youtube videos and e-searching. I'm a bona-fide lurker on this forum for sure! Up until this point I've been doing all the camping with my Element or my Forrester which are fairly capable but I'm looking forward to getting to places where it's only me out there.

Here's a question: After tires, does it make sense to start with sliders just to protect a stock height vehicle?

Thanks!

 

[BackOff]

One thing about doing the suspension then armor is you can add a fair amount of weight and then you may feel like your front springs are weak/soft.

Granted the 285's and 295's look all bad a%$ and work great off-road but you need to do all sorts of little things to keep from rubbing.

265's are so much simpler, they weigh less than the 285's and you can get a 265 underneath for a spare.
Not trying to talk you out of anything...just an observation.

The first damage will probably be the front skid and the running boards seem to attract the rocks.
The stock front skid is a joke, more a splash guard.

...and do that extended rear diff breather, that's a must do.

 

[I4N]

One thing about doing the suspension then armor is you can add a fair amount of weight and then you may feel like your front springs are weak/soft.

Granted the 285's and 295's look all bad a%$ and work great off-road but you need to do all sorts of little things to keep from rubbing.

265's are so much simpler, they weigh less than the 285's and you can get a 265 underneath for a spare.
Not trying to talk you out of anything...just an observation.

The first damage will probably be the front skid and the running boards seem to attract the rocks.
The stock front skid is a joke, more a splash guard.

...and do that extended rear diff breather, that's a must do.

Awesome! Thank you so much! this is exactly the type of advice/wisdom I'm looking for!

I know I mentioned 33s I'm not locked in on that, or any of it for that matter. I just want the vehicle to be as capable as possible without going full out bonkers (although I imagine it happens to more than a few people by degrees) Also need to stay married to the wife. I've had project cars that I kept pushing until they were just a pita and I don't want to do that with this, I want to plan it all out and do it right the first time and have something that I'll keep for 15+ years.

 

[Sleeter]

265's are so much simpler, they weigh less than the 285's and you can get a 265 underneath for a spare

285/70/17 fits under the 5th gen.

 

[I4N]

285/70/17 fits under the 5th gen.

With how much room to spare? :lol: Sorry, couldn't help it, I'll let myself out. Keep the good stuff coming!

 

[Bison4runner]

I'm running 285/70/17 tires with a true 33.1" spare (255/80/17). It fits perfectly fine under there without airing down.

 

[Bigrupp]

Here's a question: After tires, does it make sense to start with sliders just to protect a stock height vehicle?

Thanks!

I am a huge proponent of sliders first. You can do a whole lot with sliders and no bumpers than the other way around. And if you are planning on eventually replacing your bumpers then it's better to bash on them than your rocker panels. And doing sliders first gives you gives you peace of mind while you take it out before that expensive lift goes in.


Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[having fun]

Definitely tires. Even going to a C as to help for punches as you do adventures and decide on what you want to do/get.
Sliders are cheap and will help a LOT.
If you determine on lift, go with a cheap spacer for now, as you decide on adding armor, weight will come to play with up grading the lift to accomadaiting it.

I ran a spacer lift and E rated MTs for 3 yrs before I got serious with my extreme off roading aventures. Did good for that stage.

 

[I4N]

I am a huge proponent of sliders first. You can do a whole lot with sliders and no bumpers than the other way around. And if you are planning on eventually replacing your bumpers then it's better to bash on them than your rocker panels. And doing sliders first gives you gives you peace of mind while you take it out before that expensive lift goes in.


Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Definitely tires. Even going to a C as to help for punches as you do adventures and decide on what you want to do/get.
Sliders are cheap and will help a LOT.
If you determine on lift, go with a cheap spacer for now, as you decide on adding armor, weight will come to play with up grading the lift to accomadaiting it.

I ran a spacer lift and E rated MTs for 3 yrs before I got serious with my extreme off roading aventures. Did good for that stage.

Thanks guys! Yeah, now I just have to figure out how to not make the wife mad when I start replacing parts on a brand new truck XD. I figure I might have to give her the kitchen upgrade first.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

E rated LT 265/70-17 Toyo Open Country - Thass all you need.

 

[I4N]

E rated LT 265/70-17 Toyo Open Country - Thass all you need.

Hi Ron, Thanks for the tip! Do you prefer the ATs or the MTs? I'm curious about handling characteristics on and off road as well as sound difference. Thanks again.