What's the best mod you've done, and why?

[phillyd2]

If your goal is better performance as opposed to a certain ‘look’ then you should drive the truck stock for at least 6 months. Afterwards the mods you need will be obvious. In the meantime look over the various build threads to see what others have done and more importantly why they did them.

Asking OTHERS what mods YOU will need makes little sense unless we will be driving YOUR truck

 

[bythehour]

Beaver Step - Smittybilt

A modest mod but by far the most useful. Wife uses uses it when grocery shopping, kids use it to climb in the back.

 

[Neauxla]

Beaver Step - Smittybilt

A modest mod but by far the most useful. Wife uses uses it when grocery shopping, kids use it to climb in the back.

For what? Why not just use the bumper?

 

[2014 Warthog]

Well for what you want to do, yeah tires may not be super exciting but that would be first

My order of upgrades then follows:

Second for me is a good suspension upgrade/lift. I also recommend Icon as the on and offroad manners have been exceptional. Without the lift you end up dragging your tail and bottoming out the front way too easy.

Third is then sliders.

Then rear bumper.

Then skid plates and front bumper with winch.

Rack/Lights/Awning etc are all optional and whenever

 

[Intruder]

Very true. Doesn't help that I'm a cheap ass and it took enough for me to get off my wallet to buy a new car ha.

Then don't do any suspension mods. Beyond the initial cost there'll be additional maintenance costs associated with the suspension itself and possible additional wear on other parts. Then you'll be back here complaining that your wheel bearings need to be replaced and it isn't being covered by warranty because of your 285s and aftermarket wheels.

 

[3wbdriver]

I daily drive, and on the weekends like to go rock climbing, mtb'ing, camping, etc. I don't see myself ever doing the hardcore rock crawling, as cool as it looks, I'm too worried to break sh*t. I wish I would've had the dealer install better tires, since I'd imagine I'd take a big hit trying to sell my stockers to replace with better tires.

Sounds like you just need some good AT tires and a receiver rack for your bikes then. And this explanation in your OP would have probably cut a lot of the chaff you are getting for recommendations. Like my bumper and winch...... :wink2:

 

[3wbdriver]

For what? Why not just use the bumper?

I can get a lot more of my size 11 Clod Kadiddlehoppers on the Beaverstep than I can on the rear bumper step. Therefore I feel a lot more secure accessing and working around the rear of the roof rack. And I have a better base if I leave one foot on the Beaverstep while I put the other on the molded in step to work to the sides. YMMV

Weathertech also makes a rubber receiver step.

 

[vbprsx]

Enjoy your new truck for awhile, keeping it stock. You'll learn what you may or may not want or like. As a fellow new guy, I've just done minor stuff like blacking out misc. stuff (badges, roof racks, front/rear valances, hood scoop insert, etc.).

If you are going to go for tires, you might consider looking at wheels at the same time to cut down on cost from multiple re-balancing and mounting. The TRD Pro wheels are obviously popular, which I have and love, but keep your mind open. Just be careful, do your research with spacing and whatnot. Check the sticky threads for sizing.

If you're like me, I do a lot of driving around bc I like to listen to music and get out of the house............my #1 mod thus far is simply adding an 8" JL sub and amp. Stock system sounds good with the added bass.

Good luck and Enjoy!!

 

[Engineer]

I didn't read through all the replies so if this has already been covered, just ignore me.

The 4runner was my 1st new vehicle and my learning curve has been steep from the small amount of offloading I have done. I would say in order of “groupings” I would suggest.

*Recovery Gear- Shovel, Traction mat, recovery strap etc
*Tires/Portable Air compressor – Airing down makes worlds of difference on trails
*Sliders/Underbelly Skids – Sliders 1st as the stock 4runner has nothing to protect the rocker panels

 

[borfoo3]

Best bang for the buck is tires, but there are a million choices....

It is hard to call out one mod as being best, because they each have positives and negatives depending on your goals and primary use for the truck. Plus they all have to build on one another to form a package...

If it is just a daily driver with occasional mild off-road, you should probably follow the typical path.
- Tires (maybe wheels)
- Lift
- Armor

^^^^^^^^^ :iagree:

 

[cd121082]

Beaver Step - Smittybilt

A modest mod but by far the most useful. Wife uses uses it when grocery shopping, kids use it to climb in the back.

i got one of these as well. But i used the spray on bedliner on it. It also will mess up any sedan that rear-ends you. I dont know it from experience luckily but i had a sedan rear end my truck and i had my ball on and that car got jacked.

 

[mc813]

Then don't do any suspension mods. Beyond the initial cost there'll be additional maintenance costs associated with the suspension itself and possible additional wear on other parts. Then you'll be back here complaining that your wheel bearings need to be replaced and it isn't being covered by warranty because of your 285s and aftermarket wheels.

I don't envision lifting as it would have no tangible benefit (for me), except looks. A bit bigger/more aggressive tires should give it all the look I need. I may eventually do bilsteins more to firm up the ride, it sure is bouncy when I have a trailer hooked up.

 

[cbielat]

Nothing, so I don't have to deal with all of the consequences and side effects.

 

[Swarty]

i got one of these as well. But i used the spray on bedliner on it. It also will mess up any sedan that rear-ends you. I dont know it from experience luckily but i had a sedan rear end my truck and i had my ball on and that car got jacked.

I like the idea but feel like I would just smash my shins and knees I to this constantly.

 

[<<<<]

This mode improves 0-60 time because it saves weight:

 

[Antman]

One of the best/easiest/cheapest and most useful mods I've done are the Airlift 1000 airbags.

$99 and 1 hr later and you are always ready to tow/haul any load without dragging your butt.

The bumper cupholders are probably a close second, lol.

 

[tristero]

Geez. Tires. If I have to give you reasoning then you shouldn't be driving.

This.

I was convinced that I was going to use the stock tires to the end, but I ended up replacing after 6000 miles. I've only had the DuraTracs on for less than a week, and my initial impression of the safer feeling on-road so far is well worth the expense. I cannot wait to hit the trails this weekend.

A close second was this Bullet Style Stubby Antenna as it keeps me from listening to the crap on the radio.

 

[IdRatherBe]

I daily drive, and on the weekends like to go rock climbing, mtb'ing, camping, etc. I don't see myself ever doing the hardcore rock crawling, as cool as it looks, I'm too worried to break sh*t. I wish I would've had the dealer install better tires, since I'd imagine I'd take a big hit trying to sell my stockers to replace with better tires.

It sounds like we have similar objectives. I have had my 4runner for about 6 months and after a couple of good overland trips with my TEP I have decided all I NEED is some C rated AT tires (leaning toward 265/70/17 KO2s), a reliable air compressor, some recovery gear, and eventually some sliders for peace of mind.

These basics cover the most common issues you will face on any rough dirt roads, but stops well short of any serious off-roading.

I'm still in a place that I can manage to keep all of my gear in the cabin which is the best way to go for the sake of wind noise and aerodynamics. Like others have said, changing the vehicle may come at a cost in ride quality and reliability. Toyota engineers have done a great job of making this car all most of us will ever need. You said you are a climber/cyclist... same rules apply here: keep things as simple as you can. Unless you have a job that calls for a certain fancy tool, you're better off with the reliable basics.

Enjoy the ride and don't hesitate to share pictures when you get to the good destinations.

 

[mtomaro]

ARB roller floors

 

[Swarty]

Sliders. You smack your body and ruin both doors in one shot and you'll realize what a deal they are.