What's First?

Footofgod

Footofgod

New member
So I'll be starting mods on my 1991 4Runner this year. Looks like I have found skid plate and a front bumper in my price range and that suits what I think I need, but really what would be the first mod you would consider on this truck?

I don't plan on converting this in to rock crawler or anything extreme, I just want to do some fun trail rides and go camping where the average person can't. All these rocky Colorado roads can be hell on a car and I want to make sure my rig is safe as my cargo (read as kids and dogs) is quite valuable to me.

Love some imput from the experienced wheelers.

006-1.jpg~original
 
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What any one person does first, second, third, or ????... is going to be different from person to person, and will even change day to day. This is your ride... Be inspired by others, but you make the call as to what goes on your ride, and when!

Only real advice I have for you would be to research your mods before jumping in head first. While something may seem "cool" to you, it may not be practical in the long run.

Oh, one more thing... Once the "Mod Bug" bites you, it'll be back for more and more!!!
 
Mods are up to you in which order u go....
for me as soon as I get a new toy it goes straight in for tint and alarm

After that it just a spur of the moment kinda mods...and it doesn't stop lol
 
First make sure she's up to date and all that good stuff as far as belts/fluids go. Then I'd go with a subtle lift, with some better shocks, then tires :)

But as the aforementioned, the 1st thing I always do is get tint.
 
Armor and recovery gear first! Front and rear bumper, skid plates, winch, ect... At the very minimum, if you have that, you don't have to worry about smashing anything underneath your runner and you can get yourself out of a bad spot if you get stuck.

I didn't do either of those two yet and I'm wishing I did. I have a somewhat capable rig and I still worry about getting stuck because unless I have someone else with me I'm screwed.

After you get protection and recovery, then go for lockers and lift.

Just my .02
 
Since you have kids and dogs filling up the inside, I would think a good roof rack would be in order--get that camping gear out of your way. You don't sound like you're going to need vey radical running gear, so maybe a simple 2" lift like Old Man Emu for a little more clearance. I would get the entire kit, with their shocks, and maybe the higher-capacity rear springs. Maybe consider at least one traction-aiding device, like a low-cost Lockright in the rear. Like others mentioned, some recovery gear would be good--if you don't want to swing for a winch, maybe a high quality come-along then, a hi-lift jack (if you get stuck, you can lift the truck and stack rocks under the wheels), and a good quality snatch strap (not a cheap nylon rope, etc.). Carry a good shovel, and a couple clevis's to attach the strap (not everyone has open hooks to latch on to). Your truck is extremely capable as is, so for what you're talking about, you don't need to go ballistic. The skid plate is a great start, to keep from tearing up the running gear, especially with the lower height. Be logical, practice on lesser trails to find your vehicle's (and your own) limits in safe confines...preferably with at least one other vehicle along.
 
combatmedic said:
First make sure she's up to date and all that good stuff as far as belts/fluids go. Then I'd go with a subtle lift, with some better shocks, then tires :)

But as the aforementioned, the 1st thing I always do is get tint.
Click to expand...

And here I was thinking I had tires covered already.
 
Footofgod said:
And here I was thinking I had tires covered already.
Click to expand...

For the record, if that large pic within your post is current, you DO have the tires taken care of--BFG All Terrains are excellent tires! Look like about 31's, right? You should get around well with those, both on and off the road.
 
I live in FL, where a lift is more of a "looks cool" thing than really needed. The next thing I do to either of my Runners is lockers.
 
Due to rocks out here, a lift is a fairly good thing to have. I used to wonder why they were called the Rocky Mountains, not any more.
 
Footofgod said:
Due to rocks out here, a lift is a fairly good thing to have. I used to wonder why they were called the Rocky Mountains, not any more.
Click to expand...

I would definitely do armor first. Once you get a lift you'll want to go over bigger obstacles. It is pretty much a guarantee that you will slam down on something. Remember, condoms are cheaper than child support. :banana:
 
I would get some stock aisin hubs off a pickup or first gen 4runner. If you maintain them they are about the strongest hubs for a toyota. They usually go for about $100-$120 a set.
 
To get rid of this:

Toyota Tech: Defeating the ADD System - ORN

Or you can just add manual hubs to it, and leave the ADD part intact.

It allows you to disconnect the wheel from the CV for less wear and tear and better MPGs.

My suggestion to you is armor and lockers, and to have fun simply driving the truck.
 
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If you want to get rid of your ADD and get some manual hubs, I have a set on my 86 parts truck that I'll send you for $75, ride included. They work but you may want to repaint them as they are original and have not been resurfaced.
 
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