New Member and first time Toyota owner Illinois

Good morning all,
New member and first time Toyota owner in Illinois here. Just picked up a new 2023 Black TRD ORP. I have been a Volkswagen fan for a long while and owned 5. I thought I would try my hand in the 4 Runner since they may be going away from this body style soon. I think personally they look good stock. What I enjoy about this model are the large old school chunky dials and manual 4x4 gear shifters. I do enjoy some of the advances in technology in vehicles over the years but prefer less electronic components to break. Being a VW Fan I'd prefer it was as strong as the older diesel VW Touregs. I would prefer it having a tow rating of 7700-7800lbs for small travel trailers. 5000lbs just barely seems adequate unless your are going for a popup or camping gear like ground tents / rooftop etc. I currently own a 191BHK KZ Escape trailer about 3600-3700lbs dry. I tow it with another vehicle but wouldn't mind trying it on occasion with the 4 runner. I also do like many of the aftermarket mods they have floating around for personalization. I would welcome any suggestions or best routes for the following modifications I plan to do in the next couple years.
1. Suspension lift possibly? Leaning towards Old Man Emu set. ( Larger Tire package possibly) - I bought the 40th anniversary 17" Bronze rims out the door and have a plan to put them on the stock tires this weekend. Would you recommend a larger Off Road tire now that fit on stock suspension or wait for a suspension lift?
2. TRD Pro Grill and raptor lights maybe
3. Low Profile bumper with winch
4. Roof racks and Rock rails (Jury still out on that and brands)
5. TRD Skid plate (After market with oil access or OEM?)
6. Side Exhaust dump necessary? Read some have issues with scraping it on certain terrain during Off Road.
7. Lighting and switch panels (Lights, Lights and more lights - Head lights Tail Lights rack lights recommendations?)

Appreciate all your time and glad to be a new owner. So far so good I like it.

Respectfully,
PointmanUSMC

 

Welcome from Denver!

first upgrade is always badass tires!

 

Welcome from Arizona and welcome to upgradesR,us.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from the center of the bourbon universe.

 

welcome

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Maryland. I started with tires and by the time I was done I was many $$$$$$$ poorer but I had step rails, wheels, rear ladder, ditch lights, raptor lights, behind the grill lights, light bar, replacement for lights, kicker sub-woofer, hidden winch, exhaust, new headlights and tail lights, and oh yeah a magnuson super charger. Oh the fun never ends. Have fun with yours!!!!!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to the forum PointmanUSMC!

 

Welcome to the family.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Semper Fi. I hear ya on the fairly simple layout on the 4Runner, at least the ORP. At first I had doubt in the 'crawl control' system in the vehicle, but we've used it a few times, and it works. The manual 4X4 engage lever is tons better than the electric rotary wheel, it's positively in gear when you pull it back, and while it's not always crucial, it's in gear.. now! Not waiting for the light to quit flashing. You'll like the 4Runner, have fun with it.

 

Welcome form Texas. Thank you for your service!

 

Welcome!