2A4R 's Off-Roading Minivan Build

Figured I'd start a thread to keep track of the purchases and modifications to my 2019 TRD PRO Super White. I'm also welcoming any advice and the inevitable "why in the hell did you do that?!?" comments to steer me in the right direction!

The vehicle is our daily driver and with several trips out of state per year, I'm not trying to do any crazy modifications. Gotta keep the MPG's as high as possible! I'll be sticking with the stock Fox suspension and stock wheels and tires. But with that said, I want to get the most out of the off-roading capabilities of the 4Runner.


First night with the new rig next to my wife's 2001 Limited with 240,000 miles!




First "mods" made:
-Replacement of the factory running boards with predator steps
-Removal of that awful PRO rack
-Tints all around including windshield strip

 

After 4 months and 10 days from placing my order, my Gobi stealth was finally delivered!

Honestly I love the way my rig looks without any roof rack or rails at all and if it was possible I would keep it that way. Unfortunately, I need the useable storage space for family trips since the dog will be occupying the trunk (and he drools all over everything)

 

I am not a fan of the Predator steps, that will probably be the first thing you damage. A flat slider would serve you better, and give you more protection. JMHO

 

Agreed. Even a flat slider that's not angled up will give you about 2.5" more clearance vs the Predator steps, maybe even more than that, as I base that figure on the oem step, which is a bit higher than the Predator.

 

Piss off this is MY build not yours!!!
Just kidding, this is the advice I'm looking for! I completely agree and would love angled sliders eventually. I went with these because I got them for a decent price (and they were a birthday present so didn't have to pay anyway) and I thought they would provide a bit more protection than the plastic OEM boards.

 

H9 conversion on the Low Beams is a worthwhile upgrade.

 

Also, something like this might make it easier to get up to the Gobi.

$50 Rightline Gear Moki Car Door Step for Car Roof Access As Seen On Shark Tank, 8.75 by 3 by 5.25"

https://smile.amazon.com/Rightline-...&keywords=car+door+step&qid=1590084166&sr=8-2

 

Seeing as how I might not install the Gobi ladder, I think these will definitely be useful

 

I picked up one of those at a local REI, you'll be glad if you get one. Very useful.

 

Installed my Gobi stealth along with a Rigid E-series Midnight edition 40" lightbar.
Also got a Thule Motion XT for luggage during road trips since the dog has claimed the trunk

 

Rigged up a pully for lifting my pelican case onto the roof. The case has all my recovery gear, and is quite heavy. It would be impossible for me to hold it, climb the ladder and swing it up there without banging it into the vehicle. At current weight, the box is just shy of 120lbs.

Recovery case contents:
-ARB 17,600lb 30' Snatch Strap
-Rhino USA 8' Tree Saver (since I don't have a winch yet it'll be used as a bridal strap between my two front recovery points)
-Rhino USA Shackle Hitch Receiver
-Rhino USA Shackle 2pack
-Warn Winch Line Damper (x2)
-Morflate tire inflation system
-Tow strap (x2)
-Tow chain
-Tire repair kit (x2)
-Jumper cables
-Stanley SimpleStart Jump box
-Ball hitch
-Ratchet straps
-Misc. tools
-550 cord
-Moving blanket
-First aid kit
-Plastic seat covers

 

Nice bud. Any wind noise at highway speeds?

 

I haven't done too much highway driving since putting it on, but around town under 50mph I haven't noticed any increase in wind noise. My wife drives the vehicle most and she has not mentioned any wind noise

 

ARB dual compressor is finally wired up and operational! I tested it out with my Morrflate tire inflation / deflation system. Both work GREAT!

The Morrflate system is super easy to use and ensures all 4 tires are equally pressurized. I aired all 4 down, simultaneously, to 20PSI. I then used the compressor to air them all up, again, at the same time. The compressor got all 4 tires aired up to 33PSI in 2 minutes and 15 seconds!
Definitely satisfied.

 

I moved some of the factory push switches around to make room for my Air On Board ORM style switches. I wanted my AOB light bar switch and my AOB compressor switch to be in the row of four switches on the dash. When more lights come, they'll go there too.

Moving the factory switches was a PITA!! They come out super easy, however, for some ridiculous reason, Toyota puts these notches in the slots for the push button switches. The switch itself has corresponding tabs which line up with the notch. The problem is, each factory switch and switch hole are different!!! Therefore, in order to move the windshield wiper defroster and the power inverter switches, I had to cut out the notches in the dash to match the tabs on the switch. Anyway, it was worth it and is now done!

 

I noticed that when I was trying to move switches around. PITA!

Your re-arangement looks good! Nice and clean

 

Going back to the running boards, I would much rather have sliders (angled or flat) but for the time being the flat plastic OEM are working well for me, especially on the gravel. I do not have many (if any) rock chips being they catch almost everything being slung up from the road.

 

Thanks man! Yea, it's inconvenient but definitely doable, a little Dremeling or cutting away some plastic and you're set. I can't stand the look of random blank switch panels all over the place and in between other live switches.

A place for everything, and everything in its place!

 

First trailer towed with the 4R. She made easy work of the 1,000lb pop-up. Now to plan a trip!