top 5 mod suggestions for a 5th gen in the sand?

[Stick Figure]

I've got my own ideas of this project, but since i have a 3rd gen myself i figured i would ask for some opinions from 5th gen owners.

So if you had a well equipped brand new 4runner what would your top 5 additions be to set it up for some desert driving?

 

[SeattleMike]

I wouldn't call it a mod but I'd be getting a pair of MaxTrax, if not two.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Long travel suspension.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Are you talking about playing in the sand dunes like at Glamis which is strictly sand or general desert driving? Most of the desert is a mix of suspension pounding rocks, mountains, washed out trails, long sections of gravel/rocky trails, lots of steep climb in loose rocks, and a little sand now and then. The big dogs at the sand dunes run a lot of power and use paddle tires to climb the big dunes. Desert driving demands a small lift for clearance over rocks etc and some tough all terrain tires. Stock tires are easily cut.

 

[Stick Figure]

V

Are you talking about playing in the sand dunes like at Glamis which is strictly sand or general desert driving? Most of the desert is a mix of suspension pounding rocks, mountains, washed out trails, long sections of gravel/rocky trails, lots of steep climb in loose rocks, and a little sand now and then. The big dogs at the sand dunes run a lot of power and use paddle tires to climb the big dunes. Desert driving demands a small lift for clearance over rocks etc and some tough all terrain tires. Stock tires are easily cut.

Think middle east dessert, I don't think there are many rocks out there, but I've never been in person to know for sure. Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Check out this video. YouTube - 4x4 Dubai Desert Safari It will give you an idea of what needed in sand. Glamis dune and dumont dunes is the only thing close to this in California unless you are actually going to the mid east. Those landcruiser did pretty good.

 

[Scuba6]

Think middle east dessert, I don't think there are many rocks out there, but I've never been in person to know for sure.

Based on my experiences in the middle east dessert, my first mod would be to mount a .50 cal machine gun to the roof and add some armored doors!
:gun6:

 

[tlflow]

Borrow SeattleMike ride and take a few extra gal of gas.

Unless you're a running Baja, then go for the long travel suspension ... and the 50 cal (just in case BATF has been investigating the local drug runners).

:50cal:

 

[tlflow]

and leave the trailer at home ...

 

[Stick Figure]

Check out this video. YouTube - 4x4 Dubai Desert Safari It will give you an idea of what needed in sand. Glamis dune and dumont dunes is the only thing close to this in California unless you are actually going to the mid east. Those landcruiser did pretty good.

Pretty cool video, and the land cruisers do seem to do quite well even stock which is kind of what i figured. So seems like the mods should probably focus more on longevity rather than making it more capable.

As far as mounting guns .... well its not me going over there on an expedition, so that may or may not be a good option.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

The biggest trick to running in sand is to run the tires at very low pressure (10-15). If you do not air down you will sink to the frame very easy. You must take off from a stop very gently to avoid tire spin but once moving keep the rpm up. Climbing those big dune take a lot of rpm to keep the tire speed up. The more power you have the better off you are. You need to keep your momentum up climbing dunes or you will just dig holes and sink to the frame.

 

[Stick Figure]

I think we will have the power side of the equation covered, and is our primary focus on this potential project. I think an on board air system to be able to air up after leaving the sand will also be near the top of the list, along with some oil/ trans coolers for dealing with the extra power and of course the heat. My other thought was lighting upgrades. Even if you don't intend to be out after dark i know first hand that it can get dark in a hurry at times.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I think we will have the power side of the equation covered, and is our primary focus on this potential project. I think an on board air system to be able to air up after leaving the sand will also be near the top of the list, along with some oil/ trans coolers for dealing with the extra power and of course the heat. My other thought was lighting upgrades. Even if you don't intend to be out after dark i know first hand that it can get dark in a hurry at times.

So you are taking your 4runner to the mid east or going to Glamis? I use a CO2 tank to fill my tires but a 12v compresor works also. Make sure you have a good gps and know how to use it. It is easy to get lost. After reading your build thread you should be set up pretty good. Those teflon gaskets you made are also available from LC engineering. LC Engineering

 

[Stick Figure]

It won't be my vehicle making the journey. This is more potential product development for work on the 5th gen and Land Cruiser. Nothing is 100% set in stone yet so i didn't really even want to give out that much info. Things are still very much in the research phase.

As far as LC engineering making the gaskets, i wasn't aware, but honestly i often find it easier and quicker to make my own parts (with in reason of course) than to deal with some of these companies. This isn't a jab at LC either, i have never ordered from them before. I can tell you the build thread should be updated soon with my new top out spacers that i started machining today in my free time.