What do I HAVE to do to my 4Runner

[Bmxer06pa]

I've been wheeling for over a decade, but made the switch to Toyota from Land Rover about a year ago. I've been building my Runner similar to my Rover, but now feel like I'm ready to dive into the collective knowledge of the forums to learn Toyota specific mods I should make and spares I should carry in case there are any Runner specific weak spots. I live and wheel in the Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania area so I see a lot of rocks, tight trails and trees.

Here's a quick list of what I have. Let me know if you guys think I'm missing anything!

Mods:
35's
Arb locked and regeared
Icon stage 3 front suspension
All adjustable rear links, extended shocks and tong travel rear springs (OTW)
Weld on sliders
CBI front 3 skids
Fuel tank skid
Trailing arm skids
Front recovery point reinforcements
Trimmed front and rear bumpers (I'm still deciding on a solution for these)
Plus the normal winch, recovery gear, compressor, big battery, lights etc...


Spares:
Serpentine belt
front axle/cv
rear axle

What am I missing?

 

[wegotarnr]

I would recommend to regear. Adding weight will always make the 4r feel sluggish at times. When I regeared it made a huge difference and the rig drove amazing! Running 35s with armor and gear can really weigh the rig down.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Switch system like switchpros, or go old school with relays and rocker style switches.
Refrigerator
Power steering cooler/ upgrade trans. cooler
Rear drawer system/ sleeping platform
Roof rack if you'll use it
Panhard correction kit
Remove front sway bar
Swingout tire carrier rear bumper or stow tire in hatch, a 35" wont fit underneath
Spindle gussets

Spare outer tie rod ends
ATF fluid for trans. and power steering

Bringing a rear axle might be excessive, more likely to break the gears IMO

 

[Bmxer06pa]

I would recommend to regear. Adding weight will always make the 4r feel sluggish at times. When I regeared it made a huge difference and the rig drove amazing! Running 35s with armor and gear can really weigh the rig down.

Thanks! I did actually regear and it made a huge difference!

 

[Bmxer06pa]

Switch system like switchpros, or go old school with relays and rocker style switches.
Refrigerator
Power steering cooler/ upgrade trans. cooler
Rear drawer system/ sleeping platform
Roof rack if you'll use it
Panhard correction kit
Remove front sway bar
Swingout tire carrier rear bumper or stow tire in hatch, a 35" wont fit underneath
Spindle gussets

Spare outer tie rod ends
ATF fluid for trans. and power steering

Bringing a rear axle might be excessive, more likely to break the gears IMO

I have spindle gussets in the garage waiting for me to get a few minutes to burn them in lol!

I actually have done everything else on that list aside from the Power steering cooler. Any information you can pass along to me on that?

 

[Keros]

Is this a V6 or V8? Common issues between the two engines differ substantially.

Thinking about your question from a maintenance/longevity perspective:

I know on 3rd gens, the rear diff breather extension is an often forgotten but pretty important mod to keep diff fluid where it belongs. I'm not sure if this is a problem on 4th gens, others can confirm I'm sure.

The A/C drain line in the OEM location drains right onto a frame rail, often causing it to rust out (faster than the rest of the truck).

Since this truck sounds like it's new to you, it may have had its front axles replaced. It may be helpful to know if they're OEM or replacements:
OEM CV Axle, are there 2 different types?

That's all that comes to mind for the chassis for stupid, finicky problems that aren't so obvious. The two engine options, and what issues they may have, will depend on what year your truck is.

 

[Bmxer06pa]

Is this a V6 or V8? Common issues between the two engines differ substantially.

Thinking about your question from a maintenance/longevity perspective:

I know on 3rd gens, the rear diff breather extension is an often forgotten but pretty important mod to keep diff fluid where it belongs. I'm not sure if this is a problem on 4th gens, others can confirm I'm sure.

The A/C drain line in the OEM location drains right onto a frame rail, often causing it to rust out (faster than the rest of the truck).

Since this truck sounds like it's new to you, it may have had its front axles replaced. It may be helpful to know if they're OEM or replacements:
OEM CV Axle, are there 2 different types?

That's all that comes to mind for the chassis for stupid, finicky problems that aren't so obvious. The two engine options, and what issues they may have, will depend on what year your truck is.

I have a 2003 V6. Good point, I should have added that to my original post.
Thanks for the advice! I would say the diff breather may either be a common problem between the generations or I have bad luck, mine was clogged and spraying diff fluid all over the back of my truck lol. I did relocate it to under the hood.

I got the truck from my mother in law, so I luckily do know the history and it has the OEM axles!

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Looks like you got it pretty much covered. I live in the spectacular Ozarks national forest and spend half my life in my 4runner out there. We have over 3000 miles of ohv trail here! I only go solo for spiritual reasons and I'm an adrenaline junkie. I use a heavy duty come along instead of having a winch because I enjoy the feeling of getting stuck alone with just a come along and the rocks laying all around. I guess that's the adrenaline. But stacking rocks and the come along haven't failed me yet. Man eating mud pits are fun to get out of too hah. Also I never go into the forest without this!! You'll wanna add this to your list for sure. Trees are always falling out here and there too I'm sure. I actually enjoy helping to keep the trails clear also for other forest hermits. Enjoy the new toy!

 

[MrSeth]

:welcome: I see you just joined the forums!

It sounds like you have a lot done to your 4Runner! My biggest things to add are 1.) Keep up with your schedule maintenance and 2.) Don't forget to cycle your 4LO actuator.

ALSO, POST SOME PICS! I wanna see this thing!