My Noob 2019 Build. The "Trooper"

Hello all,


I am a noob 4Runner owner. Just bought myself a new 2019 SR5 Premium with third row, since I have too many kids . The idea was to get a vehicle that fits the family, while allowing me to have a "truck" and have some fun. I mainly drive to/from work, with road trips with the family on highways. That said, we do have some land in the mountains of Colorado, and do like to get on the trail for fun. I won't be doing any serious rock crawling or anything like that, but I want my 4Runner to be capable.

I am 100% open to suggestions or criticisms/reviews from other 4Runner experts. I will post what I am going for, and I look forward to feedback from the community.

Here are my build goals:

1. Handling moderate offroad situations
2. Remain practical as a daily driver
3. Look good with the "Black on white" Trooper theme. Think Stormtrooper!
4. Keep a reasonable budget whithout compromising on quality.

Current Mods

- $0 Blackout lettering (came with the purchase, talked them down to a $0 cost as part of my negotiation).
- $577 Predator Side Steps. Bought at Toyota, installed myself! Easy bolt on mod.
- $?? Interior tray liners. Will try to add pics. Basically rubber tray inserts that look neat. Wife bought for me as a surprise, so don't know cost

Running Total= $577


Future Mods

- Upgrade wheels. Thinking TRD wheels unless there are better/cheaper options.
- Upgrade Tires. Open to suggestions for a reasonable A/T or "Offroad" tire that is still practical for daily driving.
- Skid Plates. I want some under armor. What is the recommended "minimum" under armor plating? Good brand? Looking at RCI right now.
- Roof rack. I want a nice, all black, low profile, FULL SIZE roof rack that will work with the sunroof. Not trying to spend insane $$$ for it. Thinking $500 price-range.
- Front Bumper/Brush guard. Thinking of a $400-$500 black from grill guard. There are many options online. Open to suggestions.
- Possible suspension lift, maybe 1-2", nothing crazy.
- Pedal commander or "Sprint booster" to get some better/faster throttle response.
- Black Fenders. Mainly for the looks and "black on white" theme.


Will update as time goes on! Looking forward to feedback.

Here are my new purchase pics!

 

FIRST MOD - Predator Rails $577

Just a pic of the install. Super easy bolt on. Took about 30mins with a ratchet.

 

UPDATE - "Breaking Her In"

Took the "Trooper" up an offroad...road... and she handled amazing with all stock parts. I went uphill at a pretty quick pace, turned around at the top and came down nice and easy. Family had a blast hopping around and we got some great pics. Wife has the scenery pics on her phone, but I got a pic of the 4Runner .

This particular road isn't too bad, but there are a few washout spots and tranny poppin rocks here and there. Some guys bottomed out their BMW on the way down...

"Breaking her in"



Some Trail action!

 

Reserved

 

Welcome from 4 ft away. Its about time!!

 

We uhh...work together

 

If I were you I would do all the esthetic things you want..make it visibly yours..sounds like you have a plan..I left my 18 trd offroad stock and drove it until I got stuck but not too bad..then I swapped for real tires from the stock h/t tires to nitto ridge grappler stock size..haven't gotten stuck yet ..all else stock..but I live near ocean so no rocks..just dirt,sand and mud..that truck stock will surprise you..good luck

 

Welcome from FL. Got the mods under control.

 

Yeah, I'm all about practicality and style in one package. My future roof-rack will serve as a mount point for my kayaks/camping supplies while maintaining a low profile appearance.

I was happy with the ride quality/performance yesterday on the dirt road. My only complaint so far with stock is that damn eco mode...Hence the pedal commander or similar is on my list. That's about $300. I will look into those tires.

Thanks! So far I am a happy 4Runner owner. Now i see these things all over town! And yes, my list grows daily

 

Nice plan! I blacked out my fender flares, and have seen a few others who have done the same. I wish Toyota would have given that option from the factory.

 

How did you do it and let’s see the finished product

 

Looks great!

 

Sweet

 

I've never done well with keeping white vehicles looking good, but I like what you're doing. We traded in our Sienna for my 4Runner last summer...with a family of four, plus the occasional friends onboard, I wasn't sure that it was a good idea as the Sienna has so much more room for pax and cargo without having to use a roof box, but we haven't missed the extra room too much.