Just moved to Salt Lake and need some advice

2016 Trail edition (KDSS) with 275/70R17.
Got really rural for the first time several days ago and a couple of things seem clear:
1) I should get some sliders.
2) I should strongly consider recovery boards, winch and a jack
3) I should probably not be doing this alone.
Less clear is the suspension. I (gently) dinged the undercarriage/skid plates twice on the way in (not at all on the way out--I'm learning). I suspect that a couple of inches of lift would be a good thing, but I really don't know the first thing about lifting/suspension for off road use and would be much obliged if someone could direct me to a primer online and/or make suggestions on how to make my rig more capable. (Not looking for beast-like, just would like to get in with a heavy load, a heavy kayak (100 lbs on the roof) and feel more confident in getting there and back.
If there are similar minded folks in the Salt Lake area who can give advice, recommend a group or forum, or recommend a place, I'm all ears.
Thanks,
Mal

 

If you perform a search on this forum you will find a lot of articles on this exact topic. There are so many suspension options…

king
Fox
Ironman
OME
Icon
Bilstein
and so much more…

I personally went with Ironman FCP stage 3 kit. Right now a lot of companies are doing sales because of the 4th so now is the time to buy if you have money.
https://ironman4x4america.com/
http://www.kingshocks.com/products/oem/toyota-oem/

and so much more. I wouldn’t go with cheap suspension but that is just me. Bilstein is one of the most popular options.

 

Welcome from Arizona! Use the search function, there are hundreds of articles, suggestions and ideas.

 

First, move #3 to #1.

 

Nice where did you go?
Depending on where you went alone some locations can get pretty gnarly fast and check out Overland bound forums there you will find lots of folks in Salt Lake area and more.

 

Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll start sifting through the posts and taking notes.
Agree with elevating number 3. Good to have the buddy system, not become a statistic.
Went into the Uintas. Alexander lake and area.

 

Oh Yeah! that is an Area if you are not familiar with So buddy up with someone who has been up there I been fishing there several times took FR-946 to FR-938 to the North East shore area set up camp and went fishing.
If you are going to hit new trails (new to You) Get something Like a Garmin Montana 700 <---- yeah I know it is for motor bikes but I like it because I can carry it with me also not too big but very useable since the maps are real good on Fire Roads as for lift stuff I'll stay out of saying much for that since I am not a KDSS 4Runner owner. Just keep in mind when you start adding sliders, Winch and other stuff of the like they all come with a cost--- like original purchase price, added weight that can equal added Fuel cost but it is about the Smiles per mile.

 

+Welcome from Wisconsin! You'll find tons of info here, make sure to try the 'search' in the upper right hand corner.. you'll love it !