Basic mods for overlanding/4x4 remote camping (255/80/r17 content)

Hello everybody,

So I think I have the basics done for some fun overlanding I think.

Here are the mods:
Toytec lift kit for TRD Pro 4Runners
ARB Differential Breather Kit 1 68.40 68.40T
Nitto Ridge Grappler LT255/80R17 121/118Q E tires
Rhinorack Heavy Duty Trackmount 3 Bar Roof Rack
Freespirit Adventure Series Tent 55"

Had the RCI rock sliders put on at an earlier date.

Here's the truck post mods. The 5th tire fits very well in the spare tire well btw.






The work was done by Sierra Expeditions in Mesa AZ. They treated me really well and the work went very smoothly and the truck drives great. They did the work for a great price as well. I highly recommend them.

BTW what kind of pressure do you all run for 255/80/r17's, road and when airing down?

 

Truck looks great!

 

Spectacular! Which lift kit did you do go with from Toytec? is it just spacers to fit the 33"s? Any fender trimming required, or places it still rubs?

 

looks good

 

I can't find those sliders on RCI's website.

 

Here they are:
https://rcimetalworks.com/product/10-19-4runner-rock-sliders/

I got them with the top tread plate.

 

This one: The truck has a 1" lift compared to a stock 4Runner as I understand it, and with the Toytec 2" lift, it basically has a 3" lift now. The Nittos are advertised as a 33.31" tire compared to the stock 31.6" tires that come with the TPRO.

I needed no fender trimming or body chop, although I was prepared to do either or both. Will from Sierra Expeditions told me there is a small chance that I'd need a body frame chop, but it turned out not to need it.

I just took it on Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona which doesn't require tons of articulation but there are some pretty tall rock obstacles and severe grades. I noted no rubbing whatsoever, even with tight turns on uneven rock formations.

I aired down to 18 psi and the truck was like a freakin' billy goat, it handled that totally legit trail without breaking a sweat.

I used the "rock" terrain select, and I elected to engage the locking rear differential only mostly when I got to the gnarly rock climbs/obstacles. There is a very steep and pretty wild rocky descent called "the Steps" which is...pretty wild. Because of the severe grade and extreme rockiness I used the "Crawl" feature, on the Lowest speed setting. It worked like freakin' magic, it was amazing. I didn't experience any scraping at all, even though I expected some on "the Steps", but that Crawl feature controlled the descent extremely well and kept any bouncing to an extreme minimum so no issues whatsoever.

I'm extremely happy with the lift and the Nitto Ridge Grappler 255/80's. The suspension feels more taught/firm on the road which I like, and it is fantastic off road with the tires aired down.

We should have taken lots more pictures and some video but we weren't in the mood to over document and let that get in the way of the experience!
Here are two photos so you can get an idea of the amazing views from this trail.

 

Phenomenal write up & truck!
Thanks for all the detailed information.
It is much appreciated (I have yet to use hill decent & cannot wait).
Trip looks amazing. Sounds like you all had a great time!
Thanks again.

 

You are most welcome kind sir!

If you ever have a chance I highly recommend this trail, but I think it can get very busy during high season. Traffic was very light on the trail because I think it is off season here now due to the heat. It was 100deg but dry of course and with great breezes, so it was very comfy as far as I was concerned. Good luck out there!

 

I'm considering 285/75r17 for my wife's truck. That's just slightly taller and wider than what you are running. Do you have any pics of the spare stuffed in there? That was my concern that the spare would not work under there. Thanks. Your setup is awesome !

 

I don't.. but I'll try to take some pictures of the spare tire in there later today or tomorrow..I tried to take a picture at one point when the truck was done and the lighting made it so that you couldn't see much. From slightly remote prior research though I seem to remember that a 255/80/r17 is about the biggest you can fit in there but I could be wrong. Stay tuned, I hope I can get a descent picture.

 

Awesome thanks man

 

Did you get the FSR through Sierra Expeditions as well? How many nights do you have in it so far? Any quirks with the tent that you've noticed so far?

 

I think you'll be hard pressed to fit a bigger tire in there! To me it looks like the 255/80 fits in there with no room to spare.

 

One night only, but for what it is worth we really liked it. The mattress is 2.5" but it is pretty firm. We may put some kind of soft pillow top on it, but it is nice that it is firm since if you put a Yeti cup down or something like that it won't tip over. Other than that no real quirks. The only remotely arduous part about setting the tent up is taking the cover off, but that takes only a few minutes. Once that is off, the tent sets up stupid easy.

Biggest unpleasant surprise was the mpg loss. Going up hills on the highway with a headwind dropped our MPG to like 13.5, going like 65-70mph, but I guess nothing good comes for free.

We got the tent at Overland Expo West directly from FSR. They had a promotion where you got their Ready Light which is around $250 for free, which was an awesome deal if you ask me. The Expo was mind-blowing in scope, size, and cool factor. You need to check it out.

 

Yeah haven't made it up to the expo yet.....maybe next year. I've got a shorter height bedrack on my Tacoma so hoping the mpg hit isn't terrible with just a bit of tent sticking up.

 

That is one great advantage of the Tacoma, is being able to have that tent set up like you are describing! Safe travels!

 

Thank you for doing that.

 

That is a nice looking rig. Congrats!

 

Thank you sir!

 

how does it ride with the 255/80/17 E load? been struggling with jumping back into this load rating. had it on a tacoma with OME, but this is for the family rig and i want some more smoothness

 

GOT THESE ON MY TACOMA AND LOVE THEM. GOING WITH SAME SET FOR WIFE RUNNER. LOOKS GOOD MAN.