From Boring to Brilliant: Here's How to Make a Bone-Stock 4Runner UNSTOPPABLE Off-Road!

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this series:
C4 Fabrications (bumpers, rails, skid plates) - c4fabrication.com/?rfsn=74335...
Sherpa Equipment (roof rack) - sherpaec.com/products/crestone
Fox Factory (Fox Shocks) - www.ridefox.com/subhome.php?m...
BDS (lift) - bds-suspension.com/
Warn Winch - www.warn.com/zeon-10s-winch-8...
AEV (Wheels) - www.aev-conversions.com/produ...
BFG Goodrich (KO2 Tires) - www.bfgoodrichtires.com/auto/...
Perry Parts (bumpstops) - www.perryparts.com/
And a special thank you to RiderJustice, riderjustice.com/overlanding/
( www.alltfl.com ) Watch more videos from TFL Studios! In this video, we show the process of building a bone-stock Toyota 4Runner SR5 into a seriously capable off-road rig. Here's how it all came together!
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TFLoffroad ( / tfloffroad )
TFLbike (kzbin.info/door/lbike )
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#toyota #offroad #4runnertoProrunner

[@bawintermage8351]

How to make a bone stock vehicle great? MONEY! And lots of it.

[@malcolmn.5222]

What kind of comment is this? Spend money on the wrong components, and your vehicle still may not be capable. It also doesn't take much money to improve your vehicle

[@CACressida]

Welcome to motorsports. Never ending project cars because fun.

[@deejayimm]

@@malcolmn.5222 cry louder

[@carlosochoa2346]

😂

[@brandonstewart7145]

Agreed😂

[@theboringchan]

C4 just got major publicity. This is gonna bring major sponsors for more content and builds

[@MrSweetHart6976]

Every time I watch these build series, it always reminds the excessive amount of money spent and how you should learn to do it yourself and save all of that money and learn a skill. An angle grinder, welder, basic hand tools and a small place to work is all you need. Start off with a small part and enjoy the learning the process. This is what I did 15 years ago and with the money I saved I now have a small shop full of equipment for my projects and from time to time I also do custom fab for others as well.

[@malcolmn.5222]

Um no, just because you can DIY doesn't always mean you should DIY. If you have the money to spend, have this equipment professionally installed because they will often insure their labor too if you have issues.

[@jimmy-buffett]

While I appreciate doing some things myself to save a few bucks -- suspension install, brake jobs etc -- I'm not sure that I would recommend that people try to fabricate their own skidplates and bumpers. Not that you can't make your own stuff, but the C4Fab guys were using a handheld 3D scanner on that Tacoma behind us to map the rear bumper dimensions and mounting points. And they had like 8-10 welders who are a lot better at welding than I'll ever be. If you have a 25 year old 4Runner that you just want to go out and beat up on the trails, then homemade skids and sliders would be fine. For a ~$35K truck, a bunch of homemade parts are going to look terrible. I'd rather work some overtime / pick up a few extra shifts to cover the cost of these parts made right.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

​@@malcolmn.5222none of this is hard to do. It's hilarious people would pay a shop for any of this

[@XploreAz]

@@tuckerhiggins4336I don’t have the time or tools to do any of this, but I do have the money to pay someone to do it.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

@@XploreAz I don't buy it. Just took a welding class and did my bmc chop and welding in the class. Easy. Cheap. Learned a skill. Worth more than paying someone else

[@ryansalonga542]

Thank you TFL, Grant and James for building this SR5 to greatness. I too own a 4Runner SR5! I’ve watched countless videos of TRD Off-road, Pros builds it’s become overkill. There’s little content built around the under appreciated SR5. I can’t wait to see that beautiful beast hit the trails!

[@TheLhsgrad]

Maybe have a series about DIY build versus shop build. Great video TFL can’t wait to see them go head to head.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Yah, TFL does not do DIY on this scale because they are journalists. lol They don't have the background, time and $ for it. They have a shop and a lift, but that is not going to fix the time restraints. Takes weeks to get stuff filmed, edited and then posted. It would take months if they were to do their own work as well.

[@sapperROSS]

Yeah they probably don't know how to use tools.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Hi guys, it was fun watching you choose parts and build a 4Runner! We’re looking forward to the next episode! ❤

[@Praetor353]

Really really loving this series as I just bought a 2023! Keep em coming!!

[@josephwilliamson6878]

Nice to see C4 on the channel. Excellent quality and craftsmanship. I've got the low pro winch front bumper, rear bumper, sliders and full skids on my '18 Taco Sport 4x4. Still gotta do suspension for the added weight but, DAMN does it look and perform awesome!

[@anthonyb755]

Love watching this transformation and all the information. Thank you TFL Team as this gives me lots of ideas and understanding of the process for when I start this with my 23 4Runner.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

I like this series, It will be interesting how well these mods will work. We have a similar set up on our 2014 Trail 4Runner. 3" OME lift with the medium springs, 285/70/17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires on factory rims, LFD crossbars on our factory roof rack, SSO rock sliders, Toyota TRD aluminum skid plate, 12000 Badlands winch on a Warn receiver mount. It would be nice to have the upgraded shocks and control arms along with the steel bumpers...we went more budget conscious and a bit lighter weight. I am lucky, as a decent mechanic with a fairly well equipped home garage I didn't have to pay for labor. Ours does have a rear locker and crawl control. If we keep ours a while longer we may go with a front bumper like the C4 you used, as it would definitely help our approach angle.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

That sounds like a sweet build!

[@sootlifejew]

Just bought the same lift as you for our 2014 trail. How do you like the ride with the medium springs?

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

@@sootlifejew We like the ride. It is my daily driver. With the front 12,000 winch and a hitch mounted platform trailer loaded with two large ammo cases, it still rides level. We have driven 2000+ miles loaded. With no issues.

[@reydossantos]

Great video! Super informative and it’s cool to hear from the suppliers themselves. Thanks for sharing

[@BaconCruiser]

The R4T guy got the Fox DSC adjusters backwards. Low Speed Adjuster: is for things that move the shock shaft more slowly like Highway Driving. The High Speed adjuster: is for things that move the shock shaft quickly like off-road obstacles and whoops. The DSC labels relate to shock shaft speed NOT the vehicle speed. I have custom valved and tuned DSCs from Accutune on my GX, they are pretty comfy and versatile. I did choose a different system for my LC though.

[@sharingstoke]

Stoked to see what you guys do with this! Thanks for sharing as I have a SR5 with a front skid plate, but interested to see what y'all do! Cheers and thanks for sharing

[@einfeldt777]

Pretty cool build, can’t wait to see it in action 🤗🤗

[@jeffreybalandra8891]

Nice upgrade TFL, love it.

[@caifan444]

This series is gonna be DOPE !!!!

[@nlken7175]

R4T seems like a great crew. Watched them with their 2022 Tundra build.

[@DADVNTRS]

What a series! Really great presentation by all the installers keep it up!

[@scotty475]

Love my C4 LoPro. Mounted on '23 ORP with a Comeup 9.5 rs. Coated in Raptor liner. We'll see how that stuff holds up.

[@jtr990]

3D-printed jounce bumpers. Now this will be an interesting test.

[@jarvis1751]

It’s all about ground clearance and tires ! 😉

[@MrBillsfishin]

Lots of really nice parts added. Should be a huge difference in the capability and ride quality.

[@project_poor_runner]

Team 4Runner 🤘🏼

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I do wish this generation 4 runner came with an 8 or 10 speed transmission...

[@chrisridebike8]

An 8 speed would definitely help it perform better and be more efficient. The 5 speed is essentially bullet proof though which goes along with why so many people continue to buy it even after close to 15 years.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Those didn't exist in 2009. Or really 2003 when this tranny came out

[@MrGrantSDavis]

100% in agreement on this.

[@Spiritualego]

Love that trim piece on the rear door

[@rockymountboy]

That integrated bumper is awesome.

[@trailrunnah8886]

I like the C4 stuff, and as a 4Runner owner I'm watching the build with interest. I don't really understand the reasoning behind getting the rear bumper with no swing out though, seems like the reason most people actually want the rear bumper is the ability to run the tire on the back and attach gear to it.

[@WW-wf8tu]

LOL Grant said he cannot put a tire carrier on the back because then it won't fit in his garage. However, I don't understand the purpose of that much steel/weight being added back there either if there is no intended gear that is going to be mounted to it. James's vehicle has no steel rear bumper and it does not appear to be scraping. Nor are the rear fenders torn up. So, idk. Hopefully some of this will be explained.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

​@@WW-wf8tu It's really just my personal preference. I like how the rear steel balances out the ride to be honest. I needed a new rear bumper anyway. To each his own.

[@user-jm5dw3gm8y]

the weight your adding, would not recommend for my rig. On my 4Runner when I overland would definitely put me over payload capacity of vehicle.

[@RobSchlegel]

@@MrGrantSDavis Hey Grant, are your AEV wheels the matte black color or the onyx color? They look great. Thanks!

[@fisheattoast]

Look at that weld @8:51 😮!!

[@FrankBurgos]

I love the looks and the stance of a built Toyota truck

[@keananfischer8113]

Dude I have lived in south dakota my whole life and I have never heard of them! Crazy!

[@jessemorgan7007]

I got the same C4 sliders on my SR5 they are very nice!

[@user-vo6vy8yg7i]

Would love to see this done to a 2022/2023 GX460!!. Nice upgrade TFL, love it..

[@drayray4009]

Love this man

[@nismomike3182]

Offroad driving skills academy > throw money at it

[@BADSKILLZ98]

Wow, I mean for a warehouse to have an environment like this shows A LOT... I see y'all!

[@mas921]

the R4T guy is really knowledgeable !

[@Kristian_Saile]

It would be a great service to document the before and after weights if the build as a huge issue these days are folks blowing through their payload. It’s pretty eye opening how much some bolt ons detract from your Pauli’s and how easy it is to be way over GVWR on 4Runners or for any vehicle this size when folks add all of their camping gear, recovery gear, tools, and passengers.

[@rossipremier]

Couldn't agree more, most 4R have 850ish to maybe 900 payload on the door sticker, there was almost 400lbs of steel going on that thing...ouch, maybe 300 for 2 passengers...and you can quickly see how many people are over weight on their rigs

[@Kristian_Saile]

@@rossipremier exactly, though this being an SR5 with no rear locker it has a touch higher payload. All the models with a locker have a reduced payload. I love the 4Runner but it’s one if the most grossly overloaded vehicles I see people build.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

We address this in the next episode. I weighed it before and after with a full tank of gas each time

[@rossipremier]

@@MrGrantSDavis gald it is going to be addressed, many people don't even consider the weight at all. However... going over build planning as a first episode would have been a much better layout. That is the step everyone forgets...they see these built up vehicles and make decisions on cool factor. And again...springs don't add payload as the guy said when you all were talking about rear shocks.

[@Kristian_Saile]

@@MrGrantSDavis awesome, thanks for taking it into account 🤙

[@frankmartin1325]

Gives me a lot of ideas for my 2023 4Runner!! 🤔🤪

[@WW-wf8tu]

I had a ton of ideas for my 2018. I stopped with rock sliders. 5 years later and I am still content with that 1 change. 😏

[@mikefoehr235]

The parts used look very high quality. I am sure the prices are high as well.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Don't worry, TFL did not pay for it. It was done by C4 for the advertisement write off. (sponsor work around stuff) Interesting how $ never got discussed huh? 😉

[@mikefoehr235]

@@WW-wf8tu I kind of figured it is a SCRATCH MY BACK AND I'LL SCRATCH YOURS. Free advertising is always good for a company. The cost issue is not really apparent. Would be nice to see the cost breakdown.

[@bawintermage8351]

High ? No. Stratospheric, Yes!

[@user-jm5dw3gm8y]

Sherpa racks, wouldn’t trust only rubber seals for the long/term.Last I heard rubber will degrade over time, would include a RTV automotive sealant.

[@StormWalker101]

Adding a rear differential locker would have been interesting to watch.

[@Land_Raver]

The amount of aftermarket parts you need to put on a vehicle to make it good offroad says a lot. Why spend 50, 60, 70 grand on something that can be done with a 5k dollar vehicle that needs no modification and can be beat up.

[@rlaracue]

Nice build. This project screams for a topo wrap finish.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

Great. Now you've given me more stuff to consider doing to my truck (sarcasm intended) 🙂

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

Loving the Synthwave for the intro. Two other things, and I'm sure the build isn't finished: 1). The spring rate was increased to help with the added weight of all the bumpers, sliders and skid plates; but nothing was done for the braking. A huge change in braking hardware isn't needed, just slightly more aggressive pads with better heat resistance. If you encounter brake fade and a soft pedal coming down the Eisenhower pass with upgraded pads then maybe swap to DOT4 brake fluid. Don't use DOT5, it is designed to prevent corrosion of braking components on cars sitting on the museum floor. 2). It was incorrectly stated that changing out the springs will increase the payload. Springs will a higher spring rate will help control the vehicle when loaded, but higher rate springs DON'T increase the payload rating of the frame, axles or brakes. It also doesn't change the GVW/GCVW number on the sticker in the drivers door frame or the in the owners manual or the DMV rating and those numbers are what the cop will use when he/she pulls out the scales. It is only a matter of time before cops start pulling over off road modified vehicles and writing tickets for illegal equipment/modifications they way they have been for the import tuner scene since the movie "The Fast and The Furious" was released.

[@rossipremier]

100%, hopefully everyone sees this comment and others regarding the weight and issues with doing all this to your rig with no regard for safety

[@MrGrantSDavis]

@@rossipremier I discussed the brake issue with Hugo. In his and his crew's experience, yes, you do need to pay close attention to brake wear with the added weight, and he's found that here in Colorado, factory Toyota pads work/wear best.

[@MaryandTheJeepCycle]

4Runners are amazing especially if they’re done right🤠 Great job TFL!! BTW cool Tacoma in the background love them Spyder Headlights!😅

[@CarnutMM]

If I were going to spend this money to upgrade I’d rather start with something that has front and rear lockers to begin with such as a Bronco, Wrangler or ZR2/AT4X

[@mikeyc7072]

Would love to see this done to a 2022/2023 GX460!!

[@Expressionistix]

Now it's curb worthy.

[@garretlewis4103]

One thing I did not see. What did you guys do about the speedometer and odometer being off after the tire size change?

[@stevescramo592]

How does all the weight up front impact that front differential which I heard was the Achilles heel of the 4 runner?

[@BradGoodridge]

I like it. Now I only need a 4Runner

[@wanquhan3332]

Hi , i saw you use rubber blocks to mount roof rack without silicone, on 14.19 seconds - could you please tell where i can buy it , i prepare install roof rack, but all the video says should to use silicon, but i think blocks are better. Thank you.

[@williamc1711]

Looks awesome but how much would that cost a normal person? I was waiting for pricing the whole time. A price breakdown would be nice.

[@randomuser6306]

Would cost a 'normal person' the same as an abnormal person. About 3.5k for the suspension, the custom fab stuff, guessing $300+ for the engine plate alone. Shop rate, the rest of the armor... likely close to 4k? Just spitballing that.

[@henrycruz45cal]

Should have put on 35"ers. Missed the boat

[@trailrunnah8886]

It is a ton of work to put 35s on a 4Runner, and that also requires the added cost of needing to re gear.

[@Indypacecar82]

I trust that company's welding and bumper precision because of their fixture tables. I love to see fabricators using proper precision tools

[@05EVORS]

No matter how cool you think you or your 4R is on the gram the Same rules apply to a 4R....or a Jeep....or a racecar: Always.gonna be someone who spemt more money and has a cooler more capable ride. Coolest 5th Gen 4R is RSGs w Tundra 5.7 swap w Maggie blower on top sending power to some 1 tons on 40s. The same ole swing out spare tire carriers, widdle ladders and fold out shelves to make stir fry while you camp on the roof doesnt make your 4R capable but thats 70% of modded 4Rs here in Socal. Guys proud to lift a wheel in air instead of adding travel, proud to show off blinky lights from amazon but no air lockers, still 'rockin' front sway bar etc;

[@BroBob1254]

I just purchased a used 2022 4Runner SR5, and you should show people that own these vehicles with the "Electronic Selector" how to put it into 4Lo, and then DAC, or ATRAC. I found out that you can not go directly into 4Lo? When you try going from a stop right into 4Lo you will get a Blinking indicator light on the dash, meaning it did not engage (Light must be solid, indicating engaged)! And if 4Lo is not engaged , DAC, or ATRAC will not engage! You must put it into 4Hi first, then stop, put it into Neutral (4Lo will not engage in Drive) then put it into 4Lo (Indicator light will go solid), and then DAC, or ATRAC will work! Quite confusing if you do not know the procedure!

[@nicholascooper1193]

That PS cooler attached to the condenser with the plastic pull tabs is asking for trouble. They get loose or break over time, and the cooler will rub a hole in the condenser. If they are offering a "kit" they need to make a bracket to actually mount it isolated.

[@alexandermccomb6444]

Would be cool to see an OR and/or Pro compared to the SR5 and the SR5 upgrades.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

Well, it's my trucks, so we'll have it available to compare to any OR or Pro models that come our way.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Did you guys upgrade tie rods, etc?

[@jimmy-buffett]

Nope, kept the stock tie rod ends and sway bar links.

[@LionRunner]

@19:24 There's my man Hugo. Insane knowledge he has and done many projects for my 4Runners. For the next video love to see what is the total weight of the 4Runner? Last time when I measured my TRD Pro is 500lbs with full aluminium skids (every damn skid from A-arms to rear diff) and HREM sliders. Haven't measured after 285s but with SL tires its should be pretty close to the same 5000lbs. Love to have front and rear bumpers but weight vs mpg is a concern since its just a weekend worrier not a offroad rig. (For anyone thinking why I need bumpers if its a mall crawler, with the trails I take it I have scratch the under side of the rear bumper. Front I have pretty good clearance but would do the front also if I decide on rear. Reporting all this to insurance also a pain and sky rocket the premium. It was a pain on accident repair on my modified TRD ORP since I didn't know about reporting mods to insurance.

[@LionRunner]

Before I forget, Please don't forget front and rear lockers for the SR5. PLEASE...!!! I bet E-ton e-lockers are trouble free option.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

@@LionRunner Not sure I'm going to need them for where and what I want to do with this truck, but thanks for the idea!

[@LionRunner]

@@MrGrantSDavis I really wish I have the talent to tempt you for dual lockers and show a video how your SR5 crawl with fully engine power zero wheel spin vs my TRD Pro not having front locker rely on A-trac wasting energy applying brakes on front wheels. Mine's on 285s too but factory suspension. Could be some what apples to apples and absolutely don't care the defeat to fully locked SR5🔥 if used on a TFL video. In future I'm thinking of e-ton front locker on mine especially to have better control (I mean go straight with out sliding on icy spots) in winter wheeling. Switzerland trail is one of my fav winter trails but never attempted that spot. 🍻 That is normally our snack / lunch spot after Goldmine hill is closed.

[@JollyGiant19]

@@LionRunnerEaton’s are fine until you need to reverse, then they unlock if you want them to or not. It’s an annoying design limitation.

[@LionRunner]

@@JollyGiant19 that's what I found so far too. I wonder they improved anything or not. If not I will turn off and on again to re-engage.

[@skiptonmcphee1669]

what was the total cost of all the C4 armor???

[@Winterfell1066]

What was the total cost including install?

[@gerrylopez5743]

The trucks look fantastic with all the mounted accessories. It still baffles me why car manufacturers got rid of metal bumpers. How much does the added weight affect the truck’s performance?

[@jonathanfrain1803]

I believe most of it is safety regulations as far as crumple zones and pedestrian safety. Not to mention cost

[@CACressida]

Pedestrian crumple zones. Just like not being able to get hood ornaments from the factory.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

It's really slow on the highway. I didn't have James mention this, but I'm getting about 4 mpg's less than I did with stock.

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@MrGrantSDavis Wowza. Expected a reduction in performance and MPG, but that is substantial when it was not exceptional to begin with. Biggest question is, how do you feel about it? Still glad they did it? Do you have a Prius Hybrid to offset the MPG changes? lol

[@user-jm5dw3gm8y]

expecting a reduction is a big understatement.

[@scottgleason4511]

So you guys did not have to do a body mount cut on this truck to put 285’s on I have always heard everyone has too curious.

[@gabrieldegomez2271]

A detailed cost breakout would be helpful. Unless, I missed it.

[@JeremyHoutgoogleplus]

Geez that’s some money right there. Let’s see a break down of the cost.

[@calvinvesco9883]

Just about every piece they added is at least $1000 each

[@aaronloggins3904]

2.5 shock baddie.

[@upperleftnorthwest4278]

S/o runnin 4 tacos

[@bendino9016]

how much weight is added with the mods?

[@MrGrantSDavis]

stay tuned!

[@crazyraven2879]

i KNOW < TRADE IT IN FOR A JEEP

[@Wyatt_B]

No diff lockers??

[@habichuelasolutions6849]

That’s mid tier suspension?

[@dgw4049]

I'm laughing cause my 2000 Expedition xlt came with front and gas tank skid plates, steel bumpers and fit 34x16s from factory. All I had to do was upgrade my shocks and buy bigger tires and I had a legit beach rig. Total cost (vehicle included)... $1200 😂

[@imricjames5210]

Just checked the bank account yeahhh looks like ill be building this stuff at home out of scrap metal, cardboard and tinsel for flash. 🤦‍♂️ Hopefully my fly-tying vise can handle all that weight.

[@jodensmith5093]

2.5 lift on a 4Runner is a better all around lift than a 3 inch. It’s a bit better ride around town and you won’t have to worry too much about the front diff and it’s still going to give you enough clearance off road

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

2" is pushing it on a Toyota ifs

[@trailrunnah8886]

​@@tuckerhiggins4336was thinking the same thing. On these it's not the lift that fits the tires, whether it's running a two or three inch lift, they still have the same tire limitations. At least with a 2-in lift you keep that extra inch of droop.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

@@trailrunnah8886 You essentially "lose" fitment the more you lift. Angles. You'll have to google it

[@Driver_0ne]

Still an SR5 tho.

[@quassica]

If that is steel, how heavy will this vehicle be in the end?!😂

[@northerntoyota7584]

Next up, rear locker

[@jimmy-buffett]

Not really necessary here in Colorado with our terrain. I used the rear locker on my FJ maybe 4 times in 7 years, on my 4Runner just once in 5 years of running trails here. A front locker is what these trucks really need, but I don't think Toyota has ever done a front locker on an IFS truck. There's a lot of opportunity for user error with those. ATRAC makes a big difference, but it doesn't climb as smoothly as a front locked truck does.

[@northerntoyota7584]

@@jimmy-buffett not necessary but when needed it is a great tool to have.

[@providentpathfinders219]

How to make a 5th gen get 10mpg.

[@jimmy-buffett]

The red 4Runner in the previous video -- mine -- gets 18 MPG @ 60 MPH and a whopping 13.5 MPG @ 82 MPH. It spends most of that time at 82 MPH in 4th gear, sometimes 3rd. Let's just say that I'm really looking forward to the new V6 turbo Land Cruiser with 8 forward gears.

[@providentpathfinders219]

@@jimmy-buffett I wish i could afford the landcruiser. I’ll have to wait to see if the 4Runner gets the Hybrid Max for 6th gen. My 3rd gen sees 15mpg on a GOOD day. You put a front and rear steel bumper with tire carrier on a 4runner you will not see 18. it’s impossible.

[@illernpiller]

Width of tires doesn't really meter much. Diameter is more important.

[@jkozelj714]

I thought you were going to supercharge it!

[@MrGrantSDavis]

maybe i will someday.

[@JonBecker81]

Need to after adding all that weight.

[@bigoneish]

All that weight 😂

[@laszlocsorba5753]

Where is Nathan ???

[@WW-wf8tu]

Well, it is... something. "Unstoppable" is not what comes to mind however. The minimalist change in the front to support the winch is only thing they did to it that was not hideous. Although, the wheel/tire change is good. It is a tough rig to modify w/out compromising factory design. I wanted a swing arm rear bumper for spare tire carrier, hi-lift jack and potentially a gas can, but when I seen what that meant for the existing fenders, I cringed. Better option is just use the existing hitch and mount a receiver that holds the hi-lift and spare gas can on a rack.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

Good comments, but I needed the truck to fit in my garage, so no swing arm tire carrier. That was the compromise between all-in vs. my real life that I made. So far so good!

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@MrGrantSDavis I gather this is your SR5 they are doing all this too. So, I will be mindful of what I say in the future. I don't understand why you let them cut up all the back of the vehicle like that to put on that much steel. James rig is a stock bumper and fenders and he gets around fine. Granted, he has basically a plow in front of him mashing the trail down before it gets to the back ...lol But I don't understand the rear change. When ever I see 1 with that much steel back there, it is because the owners are mounting all types of other gear to it. Are you asking for all these changes? Or just letting them do what ever and crossing your fingers? BTW, in my comment above, what I wanted, that was literally about my own vehicle. Not a preference to yours. Or anyone else's for that matter. I don't want to add weight to my rig, nor alter the design/cut up body parts and bumpers if I don't have too. But IF I wanted to carry a hi-lift jack and spare can, a receiver hitch rack can make that happen so no modifications are needed.

[@MrGrantSDavis]

@@WW-wf8tu I really love how this truck drives now. And that's all that matters, right?

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@MrGrantSDavis You nailed the sentiment right there. Don't matter what others think. Only if you enjoy it. 👍

[@lkajiess]

Sweet rig, but adding 550+ pounds to the vehicle is no joke.

[@Gabistro_]

Whos the new guy?

[@604h22a]

Some new fudu

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

2" is pushing it for a Toyota IFS. Do your research

[@randomuser6306]

Without a diff drop, yep

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

@@randomuser6306 That's has nothing to do with it actually

[@irishman1600]

🤑🤑

[@bawintermage8351]

With the price of base vehicles skyrocketing, where does this leave the off road and overlanding community in terms of being priced out of the past time?

[@deejayimm]

I'm sure they'll just offer financing options

[@laloajuria4678]

this isnt for poor ppl....

[@bawintermage8351]

@@laloajuria4678 You're wrong on several points. Off-roading, WAS for poor people. Backwoods, redneck, countryside bumpkins who couldn't afford or had no desire to go out to the opera, foreign travel, drive luxury vehicles to the Sunday brunch, etc. It was a refection of both a enjoyment of the natural and a rejection of the unobtainable wealthy lifestyle. In short, it was BASIC. Now, we have 150,000 dollar rigs everywhere on trails outfitted with tens of thousands of dollars in addition equipment, when camping and exploring was originally a back to basics in nature sport.

[@bawintermage8351]

@@deejayimm That's my point number two. If idiots keep paying through the nose for all of this non sense, then manufacturers will keep raising prices and dropping production to keep their profit margins higher. If people don't wise up, only the Ulta wealthy will be able to do anything.

[@JollyGiant19]

@@bawintermage8351Then buy a basic 4x4 like back then. Lockers, recovery equipment, suspension upgrades, roof top equipment: those are where you spend lots of money. This is like asking why sports cars are so expensive today by comparing a current AMG GT versus a basic gen 2 Mustang.

[@CP-kb1du]

Instead of Buying a 2019 TRD PRO Voo Doo Blue 4RUNNER

[@bobcoats2708]

Great. So you can throw a shit ton of money at a truck and make it “better”. I’m sure it will go through that mud bog better now. Whatever… A far more useful series would be “here are some of the most useful things you could do to your truck” if you don’t have 20 grand laying around

[@MusashiSush1]

It’s funny reading all the comments on a build project whining about building it up. To me building up the SR5 made the most sense. Why pay $20k more for a pro only to then rip out the suspension and make all the same mods. I bought the SR5 Premium in Dec 22 for right around $45k and since I’ve lifted it on Elka 2.5 DCs, RSG sliders and under armor, put on KMC 17” wheels and wrapped them in 285/70r17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T’s, C4 Lo Pro with high clearance additions and Warn Evo 10S winch. Add to this an ARB twin air compressor mounted behind the air box under the hood and a few other smaller mods I’m forgetting. All this, including install cost, was right around $20k. I know some will still say should have done the Pro but now I have it looking how I wanted it and not like all the mall crawler Pro’s I see around town. It comes down to having the means and the dream and that’s all there is to it.

[@tfeltmat2903]

Okay, so I would love to know what all of this would cost the rest of us to do to ours.

[@bawintermage8351]

More than is reasonable or affordable to those working honestly

[@MrGrantSDavis]

Stay tuned for the next episode. Can't wait for the comments, both constructive. And not :).

[@trailrunnah8886]

Easy enough to do a few quick Google searches and add up all the parts. I did a quick tally in my head and I'm up to about 10k, not counting installation and the odds and ends like lights. As a 4Runner owner, I looked this stuff up a year or two ago, I'm going off of my memory. Probably more expensive now.

[@bawintermage8351]

@@trailrunnah8886 Thanks for your diligence

[@victoryengineer]

Cool stuff but 99% of the people drooling over these high end upgrades would be served well (in reality) with OEM, or just milder, less expensive upgrades.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Bruh K02's are so old and bleh. Put some Falkens on it unless you wanna die driving in the rain

[@thetalkingboard]

Orrrrr just get your 4Runner with KDSS.

[@leonpowers8543]

😘 *PromoSM*

[@firstlast4165]

Mall crawl

[@kidamere2408]

all this to get 10 mpg

[@Bleda2002]

Step 1: Sell 4runner Step 2: Buy solid axle vehicle like an old land cruiser Step 3: Use savings from previous step to build off roader

[@CACressida]

What if someone doesn't want an old wore out truck that needs a bunch of maintenance and having to deal with the fact that most parts are discontinued and the 1FZ doesn't like going freeway speeds at a mile over sea level? Not to mention a clean Land Cruiser is almost as much as a newer 4Runner in price.

[@J.Young808]

I have seen some Land Cruiser 80’s more than 4Runners, just ask Untamed Motors

[@grisa12345]

You could buy a stock jeep rubicon and do nothing with it, other than hit the trails. It will still be more capable than any built 4R. The only reason to go 4R is supposed build quality… which you won’t experience for 10 years anyway.

[@jimmy-buffett]

The last solid-axle Land Cruiser (FJ80) weighed nearly 5000 pounds and had just over 200 horsepower. Here in Colorado this engine is down 20-35% on power due to the lack of oxygen. And that's without ~800 pounds of steel from bumpers, armor, sliders, skidplates. I have friends here who wheel FJ80's, they're great on the trails and slow on the road. I've done every named trail in Colorado easier than Blanca Peak -- Spring Creek, Wheeler Lake, Chinaman Gulch are a few examples -- with a 3-inch lifted IFS FJ and now 4Runner. 9 of the ~13 trails you're enabling here in Colorado by going SFA with huge tires are buggy trails less than 2 miles long with no scenery and a high chance of body damage. If that's your thing that's fine, but SFA isn't required to run anything easier than an 8/10.

[@Bleda2002]

@@jimmy-buffett if your off-road goal is to take dirt roads, shelf roads, and mild trails and you don't mind taking bypasses sure that makes great sense. Different strokes for different folks, but a great offroader the 4runner will never be with out massive amounts of money that would be better spent on other platforms.