Takin’ her out for the first time.

So I’m heading to Hidden Falls after thanksgiving and was thinking about taking out my stock 4Runner on some baby trails. So why shouldn’t I do it and what should I avoid?

 

The key is to make sure all 4 tires remain in contact with the ground at all times. Unlike the fate of my 2022 recently.

 

Nothing 4 Runner specific…have common sense. No splashing through deep puddles at 50, 4wd before you need it, air down some if possible, don’t pretend it’s a trophy truck…

 

Wow , hope everyone is ok from that. I think the 4R did its job protecting you and others.

 

Gonna need some backstory on that picture!

 

Are you going with anyone?

 

The 22 did its job remarkably - don’t want to hijack this thread too much, but will be creating a separate thread on how well it did. One word: stout. Wife was driving - deer jumped out in front of her. Total loss tho.

 

" A man's got to know his limitations."

Dirty Harry

 

Just enjoy it - first time in the trails will really help you realize what it was made to do. Its DNA is incredible. Avoid large rocks if it’s stock and remember to get the mud off asap when you get home. Helps avoid rusting.

 

So here’s the deal, I’ve got the 4wd package but other than that everything is stock. Keeping all 4 wheels on the ground is my biggest worry as I’ve heard these big ladies tend to roll over more than some. I’m not going alone, I’ll be with my homie and his Tundra/Taco “best gen” homies. But they all have way more capable off road rigs compared to my stocky gal. So probably gonna get bullied to take her out at least once but this is my first time as an operator and not a passenger and yea, it’s baby girls first taste of something other than highway. Just excited to see what she can do with just being stock and maybe make a Christmas list of parts for the next run around.

 

Do it with care. And be ready to comeback telling us what upgrades you are planning to do for the next outing! .

 

Cool. If they are experienced and real friends, they will help keep you out of trouble.

 

How resilient are the stock armor plates underneath? I mean the front one seems pretty thick when it falls on my head during oil changes and I’m planning on avoiding big rocks cause I don’t have the lift or tires to do much. Also side note, what’s the biggest inflatable mattress I can stick in the back for glamping?

 

It will do just fine offroad. The stock skids are junk but it's better than nothing. Luno for a mattress.

 

A stock 4runner is amazingly capable, but any vehicle needs to be run within it’s limitations. Just work your way in easy. Using more energy than you need, and not thinking through an obstacle are your worst enemies. Also, never giving up can be an enemy too

Can’t say enough about this!!! The company you keep off road will play a big part in your safety and how much money you’ll end up spending on fixing things (or on mods). It’s no fun being around full-senders that are just good at scattering parts all over the trails lol. I’ve been lucky making local friends through this forum and tacomaworld. Perfect blend of guys. Some more skilled and adventurous than others, but all grown ups that know we gotta drive all our rigs back home!

 

Keep the rocks underneath the tires. They are your friends.
Trying to straddle them is sometimes a mistake since these things love to "turtle out"

 

Good to know the 4runner did it’s job and took one for the team, but seeing that pic is pretty depressing. Looking forward to your thread on this.

 

when I see Ice, rain, snow.....

 

You paid for the whole tachometer, you damn well better use the whole tachometer.

 

The front skid can take a hard hit; worst that can happen is it bends. The other skids (engine, fuel tank) are basically tin foil, gravel guards at best. The transmission and transfer case are exposed, but their proximity to the transmission crossmember reduces the likelihood of them getting hit. You'll learn about what you need to upgrade after this trip, and gradually improve your trail driving technique as well.

 

Redline is my line!

 

In the old days, it was when the valves float!

 

Italian tune-up keeps the carbon deposits away!

 

I’m surprised no one has mentioned tires. Stock tires will be the weakest link, and fitting real all-terrain tires is the first enhancement a lot of people make.

Find a vehicle in your group that is closest to yours in terms of modifications and get behind it. Pay attention to how it navigates the trail and use it as an example of what to do (or what not to do.) In spite of what has been said regarding redline/tachometer, @McSpazatron is correct. Until you are familiar with your vehicle, momentum is not your friend.

Off-road drivers tend to fall somewhere on a continuum. At one end is the driver who enjoys pitting his heavily modified vehicle against the trail. At the other end is the driver who prioritizes getting from point A to point B, and then back to A. Both mindsets are totally legitimate, but it’s helpful to choose one or the other in advance.

 

Mmmm....That place looks familiar.

 

I didn't make it out that far, that's just a pose with the group. They were about doing more advanced shit, I was just filmin'. I just hit the pose rock and the tower, then ripped around the park trails till it got dark.

 

Ahhh, the old "deer ran out in front of me" story. Tell us more.