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Buying new 4Runner today - need general input on modding

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Skeptic04, Apr 9, 2019.

  1. Apr 9, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #1
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    I'll be putting money down today for my first 4Runner; a new 2019 TRD Off-Road Premium with KDSS. There weren't any KDSS models close by, so they need to drive it from Austin to Houston, which means I won't have it until the end of the week.

    There are several mods I'd like to do early on to the base model I'm getting; blackout emblems, exhaust tip, new wheels/tires, side steps, etc., and I'd like some feedback.

    1. Are these mods that a novice should be able to handle? I don't know if I need to have the dealer or find a garage to do these for me.

    2. What's the best online source for these mods/parts? Based on some random google searches, there are some 4Runner parts sites that pop up with lots of options, but I don't want to order poor quality or someplace that doesn't deliver.

    3. What's the best way to offload the stock wheels & tires that came with the car for good value? Is there a market for these?

    Thanks for the help!
     
    HoBoDanny and PrettyGoodSam like this.
  2. Apr 9, 2019 at 7:15 AM
    #2
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    #1: i havent really done any of that yet so im not sure, but it all seems relatively "easy". there are threads, tutorials and youtube videos that will help immensely.

    #2: search this site and the other 4runner forums for links and reviews of vendors, websites and their respective experiences. there are also facebook groups. vendors have good relationships with these forums and sales/group buys pop up from time to time. the vendors are also very responsive so you can contact them directly.

    #3: there is a for sale section here you can post them on. i have had success with craigs list, facebook marketplace, and the letgo app for selling stuff. sold 4 tires on letgo last year.

    congrats on the new ride! dont forget to post pics ;)
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  3. Apr 9, 2019 at 7:44 AM
    #3
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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  4. Apr 9, 2019 at 8:38 AM
    #4
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    Cruising these posts most people seem to be of the opinion when wheels/tires go up for sale their a dime a dozen as most of the people are doing what you are. You'll probably pretty much "take a bath" compared to what the dealer gets or in your case got. But hey obviously give it a try better than them sitting around.
     
  5. Apr 9, 2019 at 9:31 AM
    #5
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    There is a market for stock OR wheels, they are popular on Tacos and other trim level / other year 4Rs. They tend to go for $300 + on Toyota sites and CL.
     
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  6. Apr 9, 2019 at 11:58 AM
    #6
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Welcome! :thumbsup:
     
  7. Apr 9, 2019 at 12:15 PM
    #7
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    Welcome!! To answer some of your questions
    1) a lift/4x4 shop or do it yourself. Toyota will charge more and are not experts in aftermarket parts.
    2) ebay, Amazon, or seller directly. Do research before you buy to see if it is a top quality product, and you should be fine
    3) yes a massive market people with SR5 owners they buy them because it is cheaper than a new set of tires and they get cooler looking rims imo. Plus 4th and 3rd gen owners who want cool rims are a large buyer for stock rims on newer models.
     
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  8. Apr 9, 2019 at 3:49 PM
    #8
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

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    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Welcome! I might be interested in wheels depending on your location :devil:
     
  9. Apr 9, 2019 at 4:29 PM
    #9
    MattMo

    MattMo Life's too short not to!!

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    TRD Cold Air intake system Pro-Comp Vertigo with BFG LT285/70R17 KO2 ICON 0-3.5" Suspension System - Stage 2 (Tubular) ICON Rear shock shin guards ICON Adjustable track bar RSG METALWORKS Angled sliders with a kick RSG METALWORKS KDSS Skid plate Metal Tech Rear Bump Stop Drops RAD RUBBER DESIGN Nitrile Rubber Engine SPLASH GUARDS Body Armor BackBone Hitch Skid AVS Hood and Window vents Front windows and Moon Roof Tinted Pedal Commander Wet Okole seat covers LED lights in and out RAGO Modular Storage Panel System Driver and Passenger RAGO Low Profile ditch light brackets with Baja Designs Squadron Sport Driving/ Combo LED Lights RAGO Ditch Bracket Antenna Extension for the Go Pro RAGO Antenna Mount - Stainless Steel Secondary Air Pump replaced the foam to a Uni Filter UP-107 1” clamp-on breather. Fog Lights changed to Xenon Depot Xtreme LED Pro H16 Yellow Bulbs Lamin-X protective film in Yellow C4 Fabrication Rear Diff Skid Plate Lamin-X door cup clear scratch protectors Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Kit (Tail as Turn™ Module +Backup Module) with XP80 LED Cool White for old turn signals GOBI ladder Overland Equipped Bolt-On Steps RotopaX Ladder Mount Brackets for RotopaX Fuel cans SDHQ ABS Speed Sensor Guards Smittybilt Element Ramps ArcLight LEDs Icarus Hatch Lights eXtreme ARTEC INDUSTRIES Toyota 5G Venture Roof Cross Bars Silver Wing Clam Shell Rooftop Tent Anytime Backup and Front Camera Full Kit (Camera and Switch) ARB Differential Breather Kit Diaz Fabrication Devil Horns clear anodize Pro-Comp LED Rock Lights ARTEC INDUSTRIES 5G Venture bumper with Smittybuilt winch ABB 2500 awning GOBI Stealth full w/moon roof (ARB and Shovel Axe mounts) On order:
    Welcome and Congrats from Nor-Cal!!
     
  10. Apr 9, 2019 at 4:58 PM
    #10
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    2017 4Runner Smashed Ass Edition
    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    I’m the last person you want to ask about mods. Oh, and welcome!
     
    Skeptic04[OP] and scottalot like this.
  11. Apr 9, 2019 at 5:41 PM
    #11
    White runner

    White runner New Member

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  12. Apr 10, 2019 at 2:55 PM
    #12
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    I'll let you know. What's your timeframe? I'd probably be 2-3 weeks out from having everything done.
     
  13. Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58 PM
    #13
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    :thumbsup: Let it out...let it out. I'll be happy to sort through the stream of consciousness for any useful nuggets. I'm wading into unknown territory with this project!
     
  14. Apr 10, 2019 at 3:01 PM
    #14
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    Still a newbie here, but I've picked up that the KDSS vs non-KDSS topic may be one of those dead horses....yet I'm going to go there for a minute.

    KDSS models are hard to come by in TX. The dealer found one on the other side of the state that they are bringing in for me, but now they're playing hard ball on price since there aren't any other options and they know I want that system. Since I wouldn't know what I'd be missing out on, how big of a mistake would it be to switch to a non-KDSS model (otherwise identical) for a few thousand less?
     
  15. Apr 10, 2019 at 3:26 PM
    #15
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    Oh boy.

    You’re really going to get two answers on this but, my question for you is. What is your intent with your 4R? Daily driver that sees occasional offroad? Daily driver that also sees some pretty decent offroad trails and locations. Daily driver that sees hard core stuff and a sticker that says chicks dig body damage on the rear quarter panel?

    Mine is a daily and I do take it offroad and I’m not afraid to test its limits. I have KDSS and it’s my second 4R with KDSS. It improves the road manners considerably more than a non KDSS version (SR5, Pro and OR without). It was a deal breaker for me and one of the reasons I did not opt for the TRD Pro. The KDSS improves the articulation as well as decreases body roll in cornering and nose dive under hard braking.
     
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  16. Apr 10, 2019 at 3:55 PM
    #16
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    For now, DD with occasional light offroad use. But we're moving to Colorado within a year and my hope is to have opportunity to really put it to use as well. Probably nothing really hardcore, but enough to get the adrenaline going.

    The onroad benefits are what have me convinced KDSS is something I'd really want to have. I've had trucks in the past, but I've been driving sports cars the past few years, so I'm a bit spoiled in my onroad driving habits.
     
  17. Apr 10, 2019 at 3:59 PM
    #17
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    Best advice I can give is, don't hold your breath waiting on parts.
     
  18. Apr 10, 2019 at 4:05 PM
    #18
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    Cost aside....is this a frequent problem with KDSS?
     
  19. Apr 10, 2019 at 4:10 PM
    #19
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    Don't know about kdss, but many of the fabricators are not on the Amazon prime time line. If your lucky they have a phone number that you can call and talk to a real person. "Hours feel like days, days feel like weeks".
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2019
  20. Apr 10, 2019 at 4:11 PM
    #20
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    Gotcha. Good to go in with realistic expectations...
     
  21. Apr 10, 2019 at 4:46 PM
    #21
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I also preferred mine with KDSS.

    Feels like the damn thing is stuck to the road even with a lift. Handles better than my wifes Highlander.
     
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  22. Apr 10, 2019 at 4:47 PM
    #22
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    No idea what he’s referring to.

    My last 4R ran for almost 90k miles before I traded it in for an STi and I had zero issues with the KDSS. I had some @BAMF sliders on it too.
     
  23. Apr 10, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #23
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    I got the impression he was talking about ordering parts for random mods and such.
     
  24. Apr 10, 2019 at 9:13 PM
    #24
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    So that's basically me and how I have used mine the past 3 years...I put on RCI aluminum skids, sliders, and better tires and called it good. The 4 is very capable stock and I just wanted to protect it as much as I could.

    I'm just now transitioning to phase II ;). An it's going to take a while to complete it. Money, money, money.
     
  25. Apr 11, 2019 at 6:44 AM
    #25
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    I have KDSS on my 2018. I only wanted two options KDSS and Sliding Cargo Tray. Also I did NOT want sunroof. Found exactly what I wanted and bought it.

    I knew most of my miles would be on the road (by far) and I thought I would really like the KDSS because I tend to drive with purpose. I REALLY like the KDSS and how the Runner handles for an SUV.

    However, after having it for a year +, no way I would pay a premium for it from a dealer trying to squeeze me for more money. I'd buy one without KDSS from a different dealer.
     
  26. Apr 11, 2019 at 7:22 AM
    #26
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    So you love it but wouldn't hold out for it...that doesn't help at all! ;)
     
  27. Apr 11, 2019 at 7:25 AM
    #27
    Skeptic04

    Skeptic04 [OP] New Member

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    How do you like the sliding cargo shelf? I played around with it on the lot, and I'm not sure I see the value. Takes up extra space, which is made up for by doing what exactly?
     
  28. Apr 11, 2019 at 9:06 AM
    #28
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    No. I love it and don't mind paying the extra $$ that comes with accessories (ie you pay more for power windows than you do for non-power windows) but I would not pay extra dealer mark up because a vehicle had KDSS. Just like I refused to by a PRO because every dealer around here wanted $5-$15K over MSRP.
     
  29. Apr 11, 2019 at 9:11 AM
    #29
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    Then don't get it.

    Personally, I like the fact that I can slide it out and reach items that are towards the front of the vehicle. I also like the fact that it makes for a flat surface to sleep on back there (I plan to camp a bit in mind). I also installed custom tie down rails so that I can secure all of my off road gear yet still pull it out and have access to everything from three sides of the tray instead of just the back. It makes for a handy workbench out on the trail, whether it is fixing a part or making/eating a tasty sandwich. I use my runner for a variety of adventures so the sliding tray comes in handy.

    But lots of folks don't like them.
     
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  30. Apr 11, 2019 at 9:34 AM
    #30
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    do you have any photos of the tie down rails you installed? TIA.
     

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