Starting my off road adventure....

[idlingmike]

Hi-

I picked up a 2002 4Runner 4wd last week to explore off roading. I got her up from the original owner for $5000, 215k, all original paint, rust free underbody, totally virgin, never seen dirt







Until......






This past weekend With bald tires and all. Poor truck had it way too easy all these years.




Current plans are to keep it relatively stock, with just tires (265/75r16 Copper ATP's on the way), rock sliders and external trans cooler / factory cooler bypass.

I was hoping for some input on a few things.... Anything else I should be carrying or changing on her. I'm totally new to off roading, so even the obvious would be helpful.


1) Tow straps. Elastic vs non-elastic?(I hear elastic can be useful, but also dangerous) Any reputable brands at a reasonable price point I should stick to? Hooks vs loops & d-rings? Should I get a couple of short ones vs one long?

2) Bolt on rock sliders, I found these, any others I should consider?.....
4runner Rock Sliders: Toyota 4runner Rock Sliders
Trail Gear 120011-1-KIT | Buy Trail Gear Rock Slider Kits at JEGS

3) I like the idea of a winch, but I'm not looking to change the bumper at this point. Found this..... Thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0166H2WFG/ref=twister_B01H6NY4UK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


Other stuff to carry:
PLB (Already have one for mountain biking, hiking, etc)
CB
Gloves
Water / Food
Air compressor / jumper pack
Basic tools
Hitch D-ring
10' Carpet
Lights




Thanks!
Mike

 

[giovannie23]

Is that in azusa?
Theres still water...

 

[Scramble]

Replace your lower ball joints with OEM only.
Nice find from the original owner. I hope he had a stack of maintenance records.
Get weld on sliders, 67" or 68", the Trail Gear's are short IIRC. Savage, BAMF, Shrockworks, CBI, 4Xinnovations.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/36748-showoff-your-rock-sliders.html
I carry a tow strap, fire extinguisher, air hose, d-rings, cv axle, ratchet straps, hi-lo jack, fold up army shovel, make sure your spare if full of air, lots of tools, cooler with food & water. The more hard core wheeler's will have more to add I'm sure.
Good Luck with her.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Everything I carry when I'm off the pavement is listed in detail in my build thread. It starts with this post, and continues into detail with the posts below that.

Nice rig! Great platform to start with.

 

[idlingmike]

Yup, sure is!

Is that in azusa?
Theres still water...

 

[idlingmike]

Thanks, it did come with a stack of maintenance records.... including the lower ball joint recall It was done in 2008 at 82k, so I think I'm in the clear. I just checked, those high-lift jacks are surprisingly affordable.

Replace your lower ball joints with OEM only.
Nice find from the original owner. I hope he had a stack of maintenance records.
Get weld on sliders, 67" or 68", the Trail Gear's are short IIRC. Savage, BAMF, Shrockworks, CBI, 4Xinnovations.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/36748-showoff-your-rock-sliders.html
I carry a tow strap, fire extinguisher, air hose, d-rings, cv axle, ratchet straps, hi-lo jack, fold up army shovel, make sure your spare if full of air, lots of tools, cooler with food & water. The more hard core wheeler's will have more to add I'm sure.
Good Luck with her.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Thanks, it did come with a stack of maintenance records.... including the lower ball joint recall It was done in 2008 at 82k, so I think I'm in the clear. I just checked, those high-lift jacks are surprisingly affordable.

133k miles on the replacement LBJs? ...I'd be ready to replace them again. It isn't worth the savings to push them as long as possible.

 

[idlingmike]

Sweet, thanks for detailed list!

Everything I carry when I'm off the pavement is listed in detail in my build thread. It starts with this post, and continues into detail with the posts below that.

Nice rig! Great platform to start with.

 

[idlingmike]

Really? I was under the impression all the failed ones were factory originals (defects). Have there been failures of updated units?

133k miles on the replacement LBJs? ...I'd be ready to replace them again. It isn't worth the savings to push them as long as possible.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Really? I was under the impression all the failed ones were factory originals (defects). Have there been failures of updated units?

I don't really know whether the reports of failed LBJs have been original or recalled. ...however, it is a joint that can wear out and, if it does, it is pretty catastrophic. The joint is under tension rather than compression so its failure is equivalent to losing a front wheel. In a worst case scenario, it could be deadly.

Maybe some other people know whether replaced OEM LBJs have seen some failures; I think I have read of it happening in my research, but I can't quote it.

 

[meRockboost]

External trans cooler is a good idea but lots of people found out you have to run it in series with the radiator or put a fan on the trans cooler. If you aren't doing lots of crawling you'd be better off spending $100 to replace the radiator and not worry about it failing and taking out your transmission.

 

[Weagle2]

For light trail winching needs, I mounted a $100 "Reese" universal hitch (inverted) on the front of my '99. It has served me well on family trail rides and muddy hunting club roads. I keep my winch on a winch cradle in the back of my truck. I can use it front and rear with just jumper cables. I plan to install hidden winch wiring to the rear hitch this fall before hunting season.
There is a pic on my page but I cant figure out how to copy and paste to this comment. Showing my age huh?

 

[afg10000]

If you were fording water that deep with bone stock truck, I'd highly recommend checking or draining your diffs and T-case. Especially the rear. It's probably got water in it. That's not good. Maybe add an extended rear breather to your list.

 

[JayRolla]

I feel bad for all these trucks that ford water all the time. Causes failed wheel bearings, starters, and diffs fool with water. NTM is a pain to clean when mudding. I stick to studying dry unless 100% necessary.

 

[Scramble]

Really? I was under the impression all the failed ones were factory originals (defects). Have there been failures of updated units?

I would replace them every 100,000 miles weather they look worn or not. They are under tension.

 

[idlingmike]

Shows you how much of a noob I am, I totally forgot there area breathers all on gear housings.

I feel bad for all these trucks that ford water all the time. Causes failed wheel bearings, starters, and diffs fool with water. NTM is a pain to clean when mudding. I stick to studying dry unless 100% necessary.

 

[idlingmike]

Thanks, for the price I'll likely just swap em.

I don't really know whether the reports of failed LBJs have been original or recalled. ...however, it is a joint that can wear out and, if it does, it is pretty catastrophic. The joint is under tension rather than compression so its failure is equivalent to losing a front wheel. In a worst case scenario, it could be deadly.

Maybe some other people know whether replaced OEM LBJs have seen some failures; I think I have read of it happening in my research, but I can't quote it.

 

[jpeaslee]

I feel bad for all these trucks that ford water all the time. Causes failed wheel bearings, starters, and diffs fool with water. NTM is a pain to clean when mudding. I stick to studying dry unless 100% necessary.

Don't come wheel in the southeast. I always thought snorkels were for mall crawlers, but after a few close calls, I'm about ready to drill out the big ass hole in my fender and slap one on.

 

[PWD4R]

I tend not to go swimming with my vehicle. It's not a boat and it's a useless submarine. Personally I get no joy out of playing in the water unless I have my bathing suit on and cute lifeguards.

Also, with a possible 200k on suspension I would look at replacement if I were you. It can be something that adds lift or not if you want but you'll learn that once you start off roading you'll want height. You can get an OME set up for under a grand.


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[idlingmike]

Thanks, I normally would have this higher on the priority list, but the factory dampers and springs aren't in an obviously bad state and I'm still trying to figure out how far to take things while just enjoying it for what it is. Previously I got really carried away with modding street cars and probably spent more time wrenching than driving. Not looking to get on a similar slippery slope, but the input is appreciated.

I tend not to go swimming with my vehicle. It's not a boat and it's a useless submarine. Personally I get no joy out of playing in the water unless I have my bathing suit on and cute lifeguards.

Also, with a possible 200k on suspension I would look at replacement if I were you. It can be something that adds lift or not if you want but you'll learn that once you start off roading you'll want height. You can get an OME set up for under a grand.


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