Best advice to give before modifying

There have been quite a few people reach out to me with questions about modifying their rig... but they don't always give me an intended use. Just saying they want to "build" the 4Runner or "What lift is the best?" or "What tires are the best?" No purpose stated.

Because this lack of direction, I find myself giving similar advice every time. Here's a copy/paste from the last one.



"The best advice I can give you is to use your rig and be careful about taking people's advice. Lots of people will say you need (insert mod) to do (insert use)... But that's not always the case.

The best way to go about modifying any vehicle is to use it first, then you'll figure out it's strengths and weaknesses. Tackle those weaknesses one by one and you'll soon have a vehicle that is purpose built for you. Be careful not to over-do it and compromise on road capability. Every off road mod will compromise some aspect of on road drivability... So you'll have to weigh those pros and cons.

So mod carefully after plenty of research. And remember to enjoy the journey."



What advice would you give?

 

^^^This is sound advice. There's no real sense in modding a vehicle without ever having taken it to where you intend to use it. I don't know how many times I've read comments about how surprised someone was at how capable a stock 4R really is. I'll add this: every mod will negatively affect MPGs.

 

The advise I givee is to do research and to buy what you intend to us the 4R for. For example, if you're not off roading and will just use it for "around the town" then leave it alone. Bigger tires, lifts etc is expensive.

 

My advice is 42's or GTFO!

 

First mod for new runners from factory, tires. Then see what it can do, see what needs you have then.

 

Raptor lights.

 

Best advice is read the thread about the guy that lifted, busted his shocks and was denied warranty work....

 

Spacer lift?

 

I’ll bet that 90% of the motivation for 4Runner modifications is purely for aesthetics

 

Yeah, it's actually in the "what have you done to you 4runner today thread". I misremembered and though it was a standalone thread

 

No, you should not warranty that rust spot on your hitch.

Yes, that sound is normal.

No, you should not warranty that paint chip.

 

True. But I'd say this isn't really a bad thing. It's your money, your truck, do what you will. All good!

But there's a big difference between some road oriented suspension vs extended travel suspension for off road.
Big difference between some very aggressive RT/ MT tires vs some aggressive *looking* AT tires that are more pavement oriented.

The use should dictate the mods. Without having direction people will inevitably purchase mods they regret and/or waste a ton of money buying stuff they do not need.

 

My advice is similar to the OP’s but begins with telling people not to buy into the myth that they need a bunch of mods to enjoy their 4R off the pavement. A stock 4WD 4R and some common sense will get the large majority of owners wherever they want to go.

 

Exactly. If you're not seeking out obstacles and known hard trails the likelihood of you coming across an obstacle that requires 35s and extended travel suspension are pretty low. Especially when you consider these harder sections typically have a bypass line. If you're just looking to go camping in public land, a stocker will likely get you there (and back) with no issues.

Now, if you are looking for those hard trails, hard obstacles, and going to off road parks, then yes... Maybe you could use some extra capability. But you WILL pay for that. Not just for the mods, but also in the trade of MPG and road manners.

Don't get me wrong. I love a very off road capable vehicle. But this idea that you may "need" that stuff needs to be checked. 90% of the time, people don't. They get lost in the build and forget to enjoy the journey. What the heck is the point if you don't go use the rig for what you built it for?

I fully intend to send a link to this thread to the next person who PM's me about "I want to build my 4Runner... What lift do I need... and can I fit 35s?"

 

Stock, except for tires and rims, which are $runner pro rims and same size tire, just more meat. Oh and the RTT

https://youtu.be/CnBj2gaTwjs

I did lift it shortly after this.

 

I would add to your excellent advice to not do everything at once. If you make too many changes at the same time and something’s not right, it may be difficult to sort out the issue.

Buy the truck … live with it for a while.
Perform mod A … live with it for a while.
Perform mod B … live with it for a while.
Etc.

 

Very well said. I would tell people "Don't do it unless you've driven your 4Runner for a minimum of 1yr or 12k miles". Get a real feel for what it will/won't & can't/can do. Like it was said earlier, the 4Runner is highly capable in bone-stock trim. Most of us (myself included) mod it so it looks cool and so we can flex on others on this site, in person or on the various social media platforms.

Oh, and I would tell them that only communists install raptor lights.

 

"On a scale of 1 to 10 (where 10 is rear-steer rock lizard), how hard are the trails you plan to tackle with your 4Runner?"

 

I’m grateful I found this forum and got really good advice to take it slow and easy with the mods.

My 4runner was my first 4x4. At first, my use case was aspirational, since I really wanted to use mine off road but didn’t have much experience. The best advice I got here still holds. Get good AT tires, then sliders for protection. Then a mild lift with good quality suspension components. This is enough to make your 4runner a monster off road. The mods that came after that for me definitely each have required more compromises, but by that point it got easier to really know what I wanted and I was willing to live with the drawbacks.

 

Save your money - mods are addictive and they could mess you up if you are not careful.