Need some ideas for upgrading my 4 runner.

Hi Y’all,
Was looking for some ideas to upgrade the look of my 4Runner without breaking the bank. I’ve upgraded a Jeep wrangler before but really have no idea where to start on the 4 runner. Any advice is helpful. Thanks.

JR

 

Definitely Raptor lights. They add 150 HP. And a cute widdle wadder on the rear. Cause there's no way you can climb onto the bumper to see the roof.
Seriously, @JROutdoorMedic there are hundreds of thing to do. It all depends on what you want to achieve. The 4R is a damn capable vehicle without doing anything. I think you'll find most people will say tires and suspension are the first things. But, do consider what you will primarily be using your 4R for before pulling the trigger on any mods.

 

Not much different than upgrading a Jeep. First decide what your goal for vehicle is, then go for it. Looks? Off road use?

 

Tires, skid plates, sliders, then wait to find your next hard limits (assuming you want upgrades for off-road use).

 

Tires,

 

What about a viper cut? Yes or no. I do have access to a dremmel and angle grinder. What benefits if any does it provide. Tires are def on the list, my rig has street tires. I’ve definitely thought about upgrading to a prinsu roof rack but am reluctant to pull trigger cuz I want to get a Yakima roof box cuz I am usually driving places with a lot of gear.

 

You need ideas? Hell, just give me your CC and I'll buy you about $5k in mod's & accessories.

Aftermarket LED Headlights.
Aftermarket LED Tail lights.
Rock Rails.
Puddle lights.
Front Steel bumper with lights & a winch.
Black out kit.
LED Interior light kit.
Padded center arm rest.
Window Tint.
Roof rack - Prinsu?
Upgraded tires: Falkens or KO3's.
Trail Grid Pro speaker upgrade - Kickers.
Interior floor mats front & rear.
Cargo area protector, with rear seat back option.
Molle Panels for rear windows w/accessory bags.
Slide out cargo tray.
Automatic light control sensor mod (This one is great and very cheap).
FitCamX Dashcam
Interior blackout kit (for door handles - You can also black out the knobs).
LED footwell lights.
A lift (that's up to you though)
Aftermarket grill - Swap out the oval for the "Toyota" one.

Okay, that's a good start. Now, go max out your credit card and stand at the front door smiling like an idiot when the Amazon/UPS man shows up.

 

My goal is simple: To look damn cool in the parking lot of my work and at the mall. I crawl hard at the mall.

 

lol. You might have a good point.

 

Here's some education for ya': https://trail4runner.com/2022/10/18/viper-cut-how-to-step-by-step-guide-5th-gen-4runner/



The above link will answer and discuss the following:

• 4Runner Viper Cut
• Why Do A Viper Cut?
• Is A Viper Cut Right For You?
• Pros & Cons To The Viper Cut
• Step-by-Step Front Bumper Cut Guide
• Step 1. Measure For Cuts
• Step 2. Cut Your Bumper
• Step 3. Sand Rough Edges (Optional)
• Step 4. Clean up Fender Liner (Optional)
• Step 5. Add Trim To Edges
• Step 6. Install Washer Bottle Reservoir Cover

Here are the Pro's/Cons:

Pros:

• Added clearance for improved approach angle.
• Added clearance for larger tires.
• Customization
  • There are so many types of viper cuts out there, with different measurements, and different slopes.
• For Instagram users, it’s going to improve your total number of likes and comments by at least 15%.
• When it comes to adding a LoPro that has Stage 2 options, you are already more than halfway done with your chop.
  • My cut is not as high up because the Southern Style Offroad and C4 Fabrication Stage 2 cuts are so different. SSO’s cut is lower and C4’s cut is higher. I went with the former because I still have both options when it comes to adding a bumper and Stage 2s. You can read more about that here.

Cons:

• Your washer fluid reservoir will become exposed.
  • Not doing so will allow debris to break through your plastic reservoir.
• There is no going back unless you order a new bumper.
  • You can see an example here, although it isn’t exactly what we’re talking about here.
• If you are planning to have an SSO LoPro but you cut too high, you may be S.O.L. C4 will be your only option when it comes to Stage 2s as their cut is higher.

 

Stickers man. Lots of stickers.

 

Be careful, if say the word stickers three times, then @djwantke shows up!

 

265/70/17 BFG AT KO2/KO3

/mic drop

 

imo: suspension, good set of AT tires (Falken or Mickey Thompson) body armor (steel front or rear bumper or both) if your wallet can take the hit.

 

Nailed it!

 

You called!?

 

Welcome here!! @JROutdoorMedic
Great question, and the perfect place to ask it.
1. If your off-road 4R has KDSS suspension, I think everyone would agree with me to highly recommend the Dr. KDSS Control Harness Kit and dash switch (kill switch to disengage the system).
2. The 4R has inadequate towing hooks in the front end. There’s factory hooks in the front but they are tie downs for shipping and the manual specifies do not use them in emergency vehicle recovery.
Invest in high strength Recovery Points than bolt to your frame. Brands like APEX Overland.

Goodluck

 

So what I am gathering is,
New tires…on order
Steel bumper…check’s wallet
And a prinsu roof rack to start off…
Good thing I have fire money to spend on upgrades…now to purchase more stickers…

 

just know steel bumpers can lead to new suspension (heavier springs at minimum), especially if combined with armor and/or sliders. The domino effect…

 

Consider the weight of everything you add. I have been very mindful of this anticipating end result would be it all adds up. Going into it I hoped to not need a regear if I kept weight and tire size down.

 

How about a sleeping platform?

 

Raptor litez and a chrome bar hell to the yeahs!!!

No please don't do either of those, I'm just joking.

 

Since this is my first 4x4 vehicle, they advised I switch into 4x4 mode every couple of months to keep the differentials lubed. Looks like this will give me a good excuse to go out into the Ocala National Forest and hit those dirt roads and the fire roads! I'd just as soon skip the mall after buying my 4Runner.

Any suggestions on side steps for us short people? It's not a major ordeal getting in but some side rails would make it that much easier. Need something that won't rust since the beach is so close.

 

Not an issue for beach but steps are a magnet for catching stuff on trails. I have seen several get sheared off. OEM predator tube steps are aluminum and can often be found cheap as take offs if they meet your needs.

 

All the side steps/rock rails will rust, eventually. Especially when exposed to the salt water air in Florida.

Pick the set that best matches your budget and needs. For short people though, if your wallet can afford it, I recommend the after market power steps. The kind that the Limited has. They drop down very low, so vertically challenged people like you, can step in to the can with ease.

If you can't swing that cost, I recommend getting a running jump.

 

This looks perfect, Toyota OEM accessory, and doesn't break the bank:

Part Number PT938-89200

 

domino effect is good

 

A good site to browse through!

https://trail4runner.com/

 

As a follow up to 5thToys comment about steel bumper, my SSO slimline with full hoop was only 45-50 lbs over stock set up. Thats less than a C load tire.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzZOGHEHKjU