Upgrades/Mods: Is this list good to go for a beginner?

[MK_Ultra]

Hey guys, I am new to 4runners and off roading in general but want to make sure my mods are logical and will play nicely with each other...also budget conscious. Also seeking advice on where to buy these components at good "guy" prices online (Any upcoming sales)? Having said that, this is where I am at with the component upgrade selection. This is for a 2014 4runner Trail with KDSS

1) Suspension - Bilstein 6112, 5160 combination with Sway-A-Way 1.5-inch rear spring built by Eibach. Do I need anything else for this suspension setup?

2) Wheels - Might keep my stock trail wheels but I do like the ATX 202 bronze or the TRD Pro Wheels (Black). I know the TRD weights less and therefore better performance?

3) Tires - BF Goodrich KO2 AT. Still don't know if I want the LT265/70R17 or the LT275/70R17. I do like the 285's but don't want to mess with the geometry of the vehicle or have rubbing issues. Also gas mileage as this is my daily driver and I will not be doing anything crazy in the immediate future.

I am still reading dozens of threads and catching up on component selection and modifications. I heard about a deal on Bilstein TRD Pro suspension kit on sale which sounds like a smoking deal...just not adjustable? Would this serve my purposes?

 

[Slowgoat]

I like my 285s, and my wife loves the look, and will never let me change them.

But they are overkill, for sure.

I’d go 275s and not look back!

 

[Cymon]

Hey guys, I am new to 4runners and off roading in general but want to make sure my mods are logical and will play nicely with each other...also budget conscious. Also seeking advice on where to buy these components at good "guy" prices online (Any upcoming sales)? Having said that, this is where I am at with the component upgrade selection. This is for a 2014 4runner Trail with KDSS

1) Suspension - Bilstein 6112, 5160 combination with Sway-A-Way 1.5-inch rear spring built by Eibach. Do I need anything else for this suspension setup?

2) Wheels - Might keep my stock trail wheels but I do like the ATX 202 bronze or the TRD Pro Wheels (Black). I know the TRD weights less and therefore better performance?

3) Tires - BF Goodrich KO2 AT. Still don't know if I want the LT265/70R17 or the LT275/70R17. I do like the 285's but don't want to mess with the geometry of the vehicle or have rubbing issues. Also gas mileage as this is my daily driver and I will not be doing anything crazy in the immediate future.

I am still reading dozens of threads and catching up on component selection and modifications. I heard about a deal on Bilstein TRD Pro suspension kit on sale which sounds like a smoking deal...just not adjustable? Would this serve my purposes?

Flip the order...tires first. Then off-road it stock to see what you need/want. I would do sliders before suspension, protect the investment. Invest in a 4x4 101 course or hook up with some local guys for a trail ride to get your feet wet and some experience (there are tons of members in your area, hook-up with a ride down to Hollister Hills or something). Once you see what you are getting into and learn about off-roading stock then you may come to find a better idea of what suspension would best fit your needs. The 6112/5160 is a nice combo, but you also might want to look into OME (old man emu) or Dobinsons for a simiar price point, both with excellent reliability.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/231576-dobinsons-5th-gen-toyota-4runner-suspension-options-lots-choices.html

These choices may not fit your needs though, that you’ll only know with experience. Just for reference [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION]r off raoaded in your area stock for a long time before upgrading. Link to his page below. There are tons of others on here with stock height that do just fine off-road (myself included).

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/209558-building-driving-adventuring-mtn4rnr.html

As for tires, I think you’re making the right choice of sticking 265 or 275. Also look at the Cooper AT3 and STMaxx in those sizes (the AT3 is also available in a “c” load range in 275, one of the few tires that offer that).

Just my .02

 

[csw2001]

I’m new too, just got a TRDORP. I’ve found this forum very helpful in prioritizing. First thing I did was get AT tires stock size. I run snows in the winter so it was a good excuse get some Ray10’s! I’ve got sliders on order and a roof rack to accommodate the family gear for some backcountry camping. Got an ARB awning coming too. Got some treds and will be ordering a hilift and the recovery kit for it, just in case. Also getting a portable compressor.

Next is replacing the factory front skid plate. I’m also thinking I may want a ladder just to help get all the gear on and off the rack, and it looks cool.

After that, not really sure, maybe some more skid plates but keeping suspension stock for now.

 

[mrblah]

tires and then go from there.

 

[linj51683]

Lift and larger tires go hand in hand. I got larger tires before my lift and had some rubbing issues. Sliders are also very high and early on the list. Not only for protection but for when you need to lift the truck up at weird angles.

 

[EEEliminator]

Lift and larger tires go hand in hand. I got larger tires before my lift and had some rubbing issues. Sliders are also very high and early on the list. Not only for protection but for when you need to lift the truck up at weird angles.

Need to consider what you plan on doing, if you're going to be offroad and plan on using all your travel you will rub with a lift if your rub without. If you're planning on mild off-roading and mostly street lifting to fix rubbing issues should be fine.

 

[Frasty]

I like my 285s, and my wife loves the look, and will never let me change them.

But they are overkill, for sure.

I’d go 275s and not look back!

C-rated 285 KO2s!

 

[MK_Ultra]

C-rated 285 KO2s!

Now that throws everything off again, damn After you mentioned this, I looked up some threads on this and it appears that the C rating does not really affect gas mileage and you still get the large tires. Since I will be getting a 2" lift, should not be an issue but will probably have to do some minor cutting to make sure there is no rubbing.

 

[HeartGuy]

I looked up some threads on this and it appears that the C rating does not really affect gas mileage and you still get the large tires.

This is totally untrue. The C load is still significantly heavier than the stock tire, not to mention the increase in resistance related to the size and width differences. You will definitely see a 2-3mpg drop from tires depending on your driving style.

 

[Toffees]

Hey guys, I am new to 4runners and off roading in general but want to make sure my mods are logical and will play nicely with each other...also budget conscious. Also seeking advice on where to buy these components at good "guy" prices online (Any upcoming sales)? Having said that, this is where I am at with the component upgrade selection. This is for a 2014 4runner Trail with KDSS

1) Suspension - Bilstein 6112, 5160 combination with Sway-A-Way 1.5-inch rear spring built by Eibach. Do I need anything else for this suspension setup?

2) Wheels - Might keep my stock trail wheels but I do like the ATX 202 bronze or the TRD Pro Wheels (Black). I know the TRD weights less and therefore better performance?

3) Tires - BF Goodrich KO2 AT. Still don't know if I want the LT265/70R17 or the LT275/70R17. I do like the 285's but don't want to mess with the geometry of the vehicle or have rubbing issues. Also gas mileage as this is my daily driver and I will not be doing anything crazy in the immediate future.

I am still reading dozens of threads and catching up on component selection and modifications. I heard about a deal on Bilstein TRD Pro suspension kit on sale which sounds like a smoking deal...just not adjustable? Would this serve my purposes?

Agree with most of what's written here, and will state again:

1) Tires, don't go overboard until you've reached trails you can't make it on with the tires you've got. Stick on some decent 275s and go

...

2) Wheels, not an upgrade on what you have; buy at your preference

3) Suspension, like the wheels, are largely a cosmetic improvement for most owners. You might find that you need a different setup, but you should find that out on the trail first, unless it's a cosmetic improvement you're after, in which case get what looks good with the tires and wheels you want.

 

[Engineer]

Hey guys, I am new to 4runners and off roading in general but want to make sure my mods are logical and will play nicely with each other...also budget conscious. Also seeking advice on where to buy these components at good "guy" prices online (Any upcoming sales)? Having said that, this is where I am at with the component upgrade selection. This is for a 2014 4runner Trail with KDSS Welcome, I assume you plant to install the lift your self?

1) Suspension - Bilstein 6112, 5160 combination with Sway-A-Way 1.5-inch rear spring built by Eibach. Do I need anything else for this suspension setup? Others have already mentioned there a several other options but what you called out is fine

2) Wheels - Might keep my stock trail wheels but I do like the ATX 202 bronze or the TRD Pro Wheels (Black). I know the TRD weights less and therefore better performance? Keep the stock trail wheels, the look good, provide great valve stem protection and if you mess them up off road you won't be as pissed for ruining your brand new bronze wheels

3) Tires - BF Goodrich KO2 AT. Still don't know if I want the LT265/70R17 or the LT275/70R17. I do like the 285's but don't want to mess with the geometry of the vehicle or have rubbing issues. Also gas mileage as this is my daily driver and I will not be doing anything crazy in the immediate future. Those are a good choice, likely what I am going to next - I would not call them a value oriented tire but I have never been one to cheap on rubber, even if I am paying a 50% premium for 10% better tire (made up numbers....) I would suggest passing on the lift and going 275s for now

I am still reading dozens of threads and catching up on component selection and modifications. I heard about a deal on Bilstein TRD Pro suspension kit on sale which sounds like a smoking deal...just not adjustable? Would this serve my purposes?

Comments in red above, depending on what type of off roading you hope to do I would agree with the folks above, maybe hold off on the lift - get sliders for added protection and I recommend an air compressor - Trail riding at 15psi is hands down better then at 30psi.

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

RECOVERY GEAR... get that ish first.

Basics: D-Ring Shackles, tow strap, tow receiver recovery point, air compressor, tire repair kit, extra tools to keep handy (ratchets/box wrenches/allen keys), fuses mini and standard, shovel.

Good to haves: Flashlight, gloves, wipes, fire extinguisher.

Then, as many have suggested...

1. Tires
2. Sliders

Go use the truck and have fun learning.

3. Lift (My suggestion is to figure out your offroad style. This will completely change after a couple trips out. I know it did for me. Sometimes holding off and saving until you know what suspension you need will save you cash in the long run. As you have read or will read in your lift research, "buy once cry once." Many people I know went with mid-range suspension and upgraded to Kings/Icon/Fox. They all told me, just save and get the Kings/Icon/Fox. )

4. More armor (i.e. skids)

Go use the truck some more.

This is when you should get wheels if you decide you need bigger than 275.

Good luck.

 

[rva4runner]

2020 Off Road Premium

My plans were
Led light replacements
Sliders
Skids
275 ko2s as soon as I can convince my wife the others are worn
Then a low pro front bumper/wench/light set. Vs roof rack w lights or both

Then lastly suspension - also expecting suspension to level rig. Really don’t want more than 1inch of life.

Thoughts?

Morimoto lights
Not sure which sliders.
Bonus is these I think I can do w my kids.

 

[mrblah]

plan A: if you plan on actually exploring the unbeaten path, get the following:

tires
sliders
skids
winch
lift

Plan B: if you wanna look like everyone else on the t4 forums, get the following:
raptor lights
yellow lamp fog covers
LED everything
red shackles on your tow points
tint
td pro heritage grill
predator steps
hood visor
window visor
spacer lift
wheel spacers

Plan C: or be as awesome as me and get both plan A and B

 

[rhadam]

My plans were
Led light replacements
Sliders
Skids
275 ko2s as soon as I can convince my wife the others are worn
Then a low pro front bumper/wench/light set. Vs roof rack w lights or both

Then lastly suspension - also expecting suspension to level rig. Really don’t want more than 1inch of life.

Thoughts?

Morimoto lights
Not sure which sliders.
Bonus is these I think I can do w my kids.

What are you trying to do with the vehicle? Is it a daily driver? Off-road toy? And is money no object?

Changing out the suspension is a great quality of life boost, it really changes the handling of the vehicle and makes it even more off-road capable. If you just want to level you could change out the front coilovers with a Bilstein setup, many people do just that. Plenty of threads on it here.

Sliders... tons of threads and you can't go wrong with the companies frequently named: RSG, Shrockworks, RCI, CBI, etc.

Same goes for front skid plate, tons of choices, check threads. I had a RRW steel front skid, didn't really care for it and I live in a place where rust is everywhere. I swapped out to the TRD aluminum plate and haven't looked back.

 

[Mudballz]

Agree with above but really first thing you should get is OFF ROAD find out how capable the 4Runner really is and your limitations
buy recovery gear first and go out with an experienced group learn and be safe!!!
Have fun
Mike