Thanks from a new member...

[GB4Runne4]

Hey guys,

Just became a new owner of a 99 SR5 Highlander Edition, and I wanted to let you know that having a resource like this made that decision incredibly easy. Thanks for putting together this incredible community!

I'm particularly interested in gear/mods for the occasional winter excursion and DD through snow. If you have any tips or suggestions on how to outfit the runner to make it a tank in the winter, I'd love to hear it. Gotta start lining up my list of "to-do's."

First on the list - new tires.

Thanks again!

Pic:

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[SlowYourRoll]

Welcome, for a winter tank I would go for a block heater, very aggressive tires, some fog lights, no running boards, and some tow straps.
nice truck!

 

[brian2sun]

I highly recommend a lift and 33s (or bigger) to help clear deep snow. Get some Goodyear Duratracs or Dunlop Maxx Tractions - either of these tires would be the next best thing to having chains on and are in a league of their own as far as snow traction compared to any other tires (plus they do really good off road too unlike say the Blizzaks). Studs will help on ice, but will do basically nothing for you in snow. If you go with 33s, regearing will help with power and climbing hills (with or without snow).

For me, having a rear locker is the difference between having to shovel snow at 6am before work to get out of my driveway or sleeping an extra hour and just busting through 2" of snow. I got to test out my "tall skinnies" (Maxxis Bighorn 255/85R16s) for one snow storm this year and they did very well too, but are better all around for general off road use in dirt/snow/mud. Lift, tires, locker and gears - you'll go virtually anywhere. A winch wouldn't hurt either for when you're already stuck or when someone's blocking the road putting chains on or something.

 

[GB4Runne4]

'ppreciate the responses thus far. SlowYourRoll - how have you liked your DuraTracs thus far?

I posted in the tire section, so sorry if this is somewhat of a cross-post, but I've been looking at Nitto Terra Grapplers and Destination A/T. I've heard that both are solid, any thoughts on their snow ability? Looked at DuraTracs, but the Destination A/Ts looked as though they were higher rated and a fraction of the price.

 

[nighthawk]

Looks really nice! I wish the Highlander editions were available in Canada. I love the non-chrome bumpers and grille.

 

[quicksilvr]

The Firestone A/T's are a great tire. I've never run them on my 'runner, but several of my friends with stock 3rd gens run them, and they never have problems in the winter. And our winters have been really bad recently with tons of snow.

If you're looking to save a buck, I'd definately recommend the Firestone Destination A/T's. However, GY Duratracs look bad-ass on 4runners.....

 

[SlowYourRoll]

'ppreciate the responses thus far. SlowYourRoll - how have you liked your DuraTracs thus far?

They are killer. Only had them for a few weeks, so no snow, but they are rather smooth and quiet on road. Also did some wheeling recently, trying to push my truck to the point where i can get some practice with the e-locker, but the with 4-lo and the duratracs I had no problems even on steep slick rock gardens and mud. I was expecting a loss in MPG, but i think i am still well over 20 mpg even with the 265/75's.

 

[drinknmolson]

I have heard good things about all of the tires mentioned above.

Yet, BFG AT's are money!! I drive from Denver to Vail, and everywhere in between in the winter. I snowboard, snowshoe, and play hockey all winter and these tires have never let me down!! Started with 265/75's with no lift and went to 285/75's when I lifted her, excellent ride manners, great on and off road and have long life when properly aired and rotated!!

:roadkill:

 

[MillerPKA]

I'm afraid to ask for underside pictures judging by the looks of the upper control arm! Before you start any of the unnecessary stuff make sure you cater to things such as rust first!

 

[GB4Runne4]

Yeah I noticed how bad it looks in the picture. No worries though - it's actually in very good condition underneath for a truck that's spent its entire life in western NY.

Even with the rust, it was (what I thought) a great deal - 160k miles, no problems aside from normal maintenance: got it for a little over $4k. Not too shabby, and gives me some wiggle room for tires, etc.