Well crap. Here comes the FNG.

Hey, all! EffinNewGuy here.

The goal for the family was to find a comfortable, off road (light duty) capable vehicle right out of the box. In my mind, there were only 2 options: Jeep (Wrangler or Gladiator) and Toyota (4Runner or Tacoma). I'm not interested in any Jeep product without the 4.0 inline 6.

I owned a 2009 TRD Off Road Tacoma extended cab for a year before I met my wife and realized I needed a bigger car. It was traded for a Supercrew F150. Sold that a couple years ago to get into a smaller more fuel efficient car (enter the TDI). The Tacoma was noisy, and didn't ride very well. It was a 6MT and took some serious work to keep it at 65 mph. I've always been a fan of 4Runners, with 3rd gens being my favorite. But the wife won't let me get anything that old or with that many miles, no matter how much I tell her they go forever.

I started looking at relatively newer used 4Runners (even looked at a GX460 - just didn't like it). When I looked at a 2017 with 35K from NY/PA with a bunch of rust underneath for just a couple thousand less than new, the wife told me to check out a new one. Who am I to argue with her logic?

So, I landed a Silver 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road (non KDSS, no sunroof) for almost 13% off sticker before tax tile and fees (less than $900).

First mod is complete. I zip-tied my Lego Darth Vader keychain to hang from the rear view mirror.

I just ordered parts to do the rear diff breather mod based on Wanderlost Overland's video for my second mod.

I'm also planing a DIY roof rack based on the SuperFastMatt video on YouTube and a DIY awning using a 6x8 heavy duty tarp from Home Depot. It will be a slow overland build. Tires and suspension will be replaced when the OEM stuff breaks or wears out.

My priorities are modifications that are going to be more function over form. I'm sure a lot of my stuff maybe ugly, but it must meet the following requirements:

1. I can do it myself with limited tools,
2. Cheap (DIY whenever possible),
3. I can build it better and cheaper, and
4. Has to enhance the family overlanding/camping experience.

I realize that's kind of a long intro, so I'll sign off for now.

 

Nice! Excited to see the DIY projects!

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome! Nice!

 

Howzit!

 

Nice choice. Loving my '18 ORP. Welcome.

 

Welcome and very nice truck. I see you already had someone at the dealership helping you mod something...

 

Welcome, nice

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Haha, I was pointing out a spot the "detail" department missed. It was promptly taken care of.

 

Welcome from Arizona

 

Welcome. I second the excitement of watching your DIY projects.

 

Nice, welcome aboard

 

Greetings from Boston, can't tell from the photo if you will be facing salty winter driving conditions with a brand new awesome truck. If you are, (like me) one of the first things I did for my '17 SR5 Prem was get a complete Fluid Film undercarriage spray ($300) and do yearly touchups ($100). Product really works at preventing rust & it will only smell funny for a little while.. https://www.fluid-film.com/undercoating-locator/

 

I'm in South Carolina, no salt here. However, I am originally from Cincinnati and know all about road salt and brine solutions. I plan to fluid film or dow something before ever heading to Ohio to visit family again.

 

Welcome from FL.