Newbie with stupid questions

First post; new member but long time lurker. Have been a long time Toyota fan 20+ years. Everyone in the family drives a toyota. I just got my first 4Runner; coming from a Tacoma. Love this ride, 22-ORP. I do 80% highway, 15% farm work & 5% off-road. I am about to make a few changes to the rig so I have a few questions for the seasoned members here…

1. I plan on upgrading the tires stock size 17”. Have been looking at the Toyo ATIII, but also interested in the Cooper rugged trek (they just look mean). Does anyone have experience with Cooper? I know and trust the TOYO and probably the best tire. Thoughts?
2. I plan on leveling it; looked at the spacer kits but also looking at 5100 shock upgrade. From my understanding the front 5100 needs to be set at .75 and the rear at 0 to achieve a level setup. Is that correct? Which would have the best ride quality?
3. I plan on replacing the main skid plate, but I want one that has oil change access. I am lazy and have it changed at the local shop and every time they put the pneumatic driver taking the plate on and off I cringe. Any suggestions on a replacement; I plan on getting the whole underside protected as the budget allows.
4. I am looking at a hitch carrier vs a roof rack for carrying junk I don’t want inside the vehicle. Considering a hitch carrier that can stay in place but raise up when not used. Thoughts?

Thanks for your opinions and recommendations. I just don’t want to waste money doing things twice.

 

Answers to questions:

1) If you're going to spend most of the time on pavement, a Toyo ATIII or Cooper would suffice just fine. I spend 98% of my time on pavement (Hey, I'm a proud mall crawler!) and I have really aggressive looking Falken Wildpeaks.

2) You don't need to level it. The "rake" is there for a reason. Plus you'll hear a lot of old school guys warn you about how shitty spacers are. The 4Runner should have enough lift for what you need to do, when you go offroad. But take it offroad a few times to really find out if you need a spacer lift, a real lift or if you need to leave it as is.

3) You can get this kit (I think) all in one, or buy it piece by piece. Naturally it's cheaper to buy it all at once, if your budget will allow it. https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/pr...YNHtRmrKg6D8uxowIMgCGEqAeYWqNtikaAhZKEALw_wcB

4) Harbor Freight makes exactly what you need, and it's reasonably priced.
Amazon has a pricey-er one, but it has rails: https://www.amazon.com/KAIRAY-Carri...69&mcid=3ee0371846d33d96ba571dd81f9da425&th=1

P.S. Post pictures of your ride so we can check it out.

 

The ARB skid set is a reasonably priced set of skids that are definitely better than the oem skids as far as protection, but they don't have a removable access plate to get to the oil filter, unless they've added that recently.

 

Bud Built skids have an access plate for the filter. Bought mine in 2016 and they can take a beating.

leveling kit is a bad idea. As soon as you put some weight in the back (or that basket) then it is looking pretty ass end down. Rake is there for a reason.

 

Welcome. Gonna agree with leaving the rake with the intentions of put that kinda weight in the back.