From stock 22 ORP to Moab-ready for $2,500?

Hi all,
Just got my first 4Runner, which has been something of a dream vehicle for me for a long time. Ended up with the 2022 TRD Off Road Premium. I'm a little jealous of the Pro's 1" lift and suspension, but couldn't swing the 10k premium.

I'm coming from a lifted Subaru outback that was, frankly, pretty nimble off road. But I'm now planning a cross country trip to UT and WY, including a stop in Moab, some fly fishing in the mountains, and then Colorado on the way home.

I'm bone stock now. If I can only manage about $2,500 in upgrades before the trip, what is "essential?" I already have some recovery gear (Maxxtrax, tow straps, soft shackles, etc). I definitely need new tires. Hoping not to kill the MPG and road noise, though I have enjoyed Faulkan Wildpeak AT3s in the past.

Part of me thinks maybe just do the new shoes and get an internally mounted compressor for airdowns and save the money for gas. I won't be doing Hell's Revenge, but I also don't want to say "damn it! If only I had a 2" lift I could have done XXX."

Thoughts?

 

New shoes are a must.

 

Get some good AT tires. The rear bumper cover dragging and popping off is the weakest link on tougher trails. Front bumpe valance can have same problem as rear bumper popping off.

Some sliders and skids if you want some protection against rocks on harder trails. An external compressor works fine for plenty of folks not wanting to spend on on board air.

One thing about sliders. If you don't have them and take an unanticipated hit it can be very expensive body damage. My opinion buy then if your planning on going trails with some rocks.

 

Recovery gear, AT tires (AT4W 275’s), Sliders (SSO), undercarriage protection (Full RCI, Engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank (Cali), rear shocks, rear control arms), and lift (eibach). That’s what I have and probably spent around $4500 in total. For $2500, do the recovery gear, sliders, AT tires.

 

Welcome and congrats on the new rig!

The stock 4Runner is dang capable with just tires.
Tires and sliders are probably a good place to start.

If you start wheeling hard you'll discover small weaknesses here and there.

I'd recommend finding those weak points and addressing them over time. As you run harder trails you'll have a good idea of what your rig "needs" for your specific use case.
Everyone will have different opinions on this because informed opinions come from experience and everyone has different experiences

Go enjoy your rig in stock-ish configuration and you'll find out what you may or may not need for your use.

Have fun on your trip!

 

I think people have a slight misconception about Moab. Yes there are some serious rock crawling trails that require special equipment, but for the most part, your stock 4R is going to be perfectly capable to access some awesome country. Sure, throw some tires on, and if you think air downs will do you good, get a compressor. Shit, when I was a kid, we did some crazy stuff in a stock 1986 Jeep Wagoneer. You're already miles ahead of that.

 

I think you got a good plan already. $2500 should cover upgrading the stock tires, a compressor to air back up before hitting the pavement again, and lots of gas money.

Btw, welcome to the forum

 

Tires and sliders.

 

White castle sliders and tyre's

 

And a 5 gallon bucket with toilet seat.

 

Just install that gamer chair from idiocracy into your 4runner

 

Why?? I loved them on the Subaru but I'm open to others. Can you give me some reasons to stay away??

 

Not sure why falke s are now bad?? Also would like some answers..

Everywhere I go all I see is falkens tires

 

This is EXACTLY the kind of advice I was hoping for. I really don't want to start changing the driving character if I don't have to. Plus I already shelled out a ton of money. Glad to know I can enjoy the trip without going into debt. For sure new tires, but otherwise I might stay stock and see how it goes

 

I see KO2s. Curious about the new BF model. But the Wildpeaks were great for me until they started to wear out. Then they became a little noisy.

 

Nah duelers can do well….

get sliders. There will be drop offs on easy to medium trails(e.g. long canyon) that will make you feel not sufficient ground clearance. Having sliders will give you a peace of mind

recovery kit

 

To each is there own, tires and sliders plus good spotter got me thru this


https://youtu.be/CnBj2gaTwjs?si=h37g_DBEP5lwAZkT

 

I have seen enough stock 4r off road videos to convince me then duelers will do fine for easy to medium trails.

have done fine so far around the front range easy trails. Have only had mine since dec. so haven’t fully exercised the 4r yet

the slick rock terrain in Moab are actually very “sticky” not “slick” at all.

 

All you need is tires matched to your operating environment.

 

I am not familiar with Moab so I can not speak to that. But will say tires are a HUGE improvement.

 

Sadly, mine came with dunlop grandtrek

 

Consider losing the predator steps or other non slider options. These can be a liability catching and dragging depending what your rig came with.

Seen a couple trail mangled examples

 

This dude has grantrek I believe. Tire was not the issue on poison spider(the trail in the video).. lack of fwd visibility and no armor likely resulted in hesitation

https://youtu.be/oKB2FgNp4OQ?si=nwJ4nbKfC2iPnfz6

stock duelers keeping up with bronco. Not Moab, but you get the idea

https://youtu.be/yCd_pTPI7-8?si=iLTdArbx3qPam1P3

my thesis is for many 4r owners, they over estimate their off roading tire needs..

 

Welcome from Arizona!
I have better than 30,000 miles on my Falkens, Fine tires. Tires and good sliders will work for most moderate offroading.
Good Luck.

 

Slick rock is slick when its wet, sticky when dry.

Tires is all you need to get to the easier trails. Trails rated equal or harder than Fin's N Thing's you are going to want sliders and armor.


I am not a fan of my Falkens, AT3W's in 275 in c load. Losing traction in snow and gravel when I shouldn't be, losing traction before traction control nanny's kick in even. Most overrated overhyped tire on the 4runner planet. That said they should be fine in Moab unless wet.

 

Same advice as others: tires.

In order to do trails, you need traction. That starts with tires.

 

Yep!

this guy is a fearless driver.. probably the best demonstration of skill, at least on YouTube.

OP: in this video, everything is doable on stock rubber… you gonna be doing more difficult trails? armor will give you confidence and better quality of life.

https://youtu.be/_w2DmsCO1dg?si=k-Rtq-kQ54oPrPQ9

 

Tires, sliders and a way to air up/down (like a Viair) will make for an enjoyable trip, as long as you stay off the advanced trails. Highly recommend sliders because it doesn't take much to drag and drop on your rocker panels - and it's among the most difficult to repair and expensive body work.

 

To add to the tire discussion, for me my factory tires puncture easier when I’m driving the off road, logging roads, than my Goodyears

 

Ok maybe I wasn't there bur it's like your eye guide told you to in the beginning of video to just gouge your oil pan on that giant rock LOL