USMC_4runner

I bought my 4runner (silver '05 SR5 4wd) back in july and have since taken it off road a few times. I'd like to turn this into a somewhat serious trail rig during the next year or two. Haven't really done anything yet but i wanted some input. I'll be going active duty (USMC) in 2 months so i'm not planning on commuting much in the next 10-20 years (hopefully) so a hit in a few mpg isn't going to kill me, however i would like some input on what these mods will do to handling/performance/economy. Right now, i'd like to put a shrockworks bumper (or maybe ARB depending on the wait), winch, OME kit, Sliders, beefed up skid plates, and maybe a rear locker (ARB) if i get stationed somewhere where i'll need it. What would be the best MODS to do first (i'm thinking ordering the bumper, then getting the suspension when the bumper arrives since you need a beefed up suspension for the bumper) and then adding on from there.

scuba

I remember reading the statement before the order should be.
1. Lockers
2. Armor
3. Lift
4. Tires

Someone correct me if im wrong

flatland4runner

Yeah do the locker(s) first then build from there. By then the lockers will let you get far enough to realize the need for armour.

Chapman88SR5

Tires are by far the best first upgrade, unless you can afford lockers.

scottd

To some extent, its a matter of opinion about the best order for mods. I think its important to know where you want to go with it so you don't waste money changing the same thing twice.

I agree that a good set of tires should be the first priority - the original equipment tires are street tires, provide poor traction and won't take much abuse.

I would hold off on lockers until the end. The ATRAC on these truck works fairly well and is definitely better than your typical 4x4 with open differentials. Besides, considering the poor ground clearance these trucks have in stock form, having a locker without a lift and sliders will just get you into trouble.

My second priority would be either armor or a lift. You can make arguments for both. Sliders and skids are a definite must if you want to wheel hard and if you don't have a lift, you will definitely make use of them on moderate trails because of the poor ground clearance. If you lift before sliders and skids, you should be able to run moderate trails without too much worry. If you invest in some adjustable coilovers, you could lift early on and adjust them later to compensate for added weight from armor, bumpers and winch.

By the way - I have OME lift, Shrockworks sliders and 265 70 r17 BFG all-terrains on my 4-Runner. I did the lift and tires soon after I bought it and added the sliders a few months later. I am very satisfied with this set-up.

crolison

I used my armor a while before i had a locker.

I saw:
-Sliders
-locker
-lift
-tires

my next step is rear bumper, then crawlbox

Matt16

Considering the ground clearance on these trucks isn't great, I'd do armour first. Oil sump, tranny, T-case, and gas tank, then rear bumper, sliders lastly front bumper.

Then choose a tire size and lift to match, no more. Then get lockers and gears all at once.

Belize Off Road Team

Tires
Lift
Armour
Locker(s)

SAINT_B

My stock 06 4RUNNER V6 has nearly complete skids minus rear diff. I just installed OME 885 front and 895 rear with stock x-reas shocks. I love the ride. Very smooth. Next I will be getting tires (285x70 17). Just throwing the info out there. Oh my runner sits only 3/4 of an inch high in the rear. Perfect!

Will_4R

Which skids do you have? Does the OME shock/coil work with x-reas, or did you have to remouve the x-reas? How the OME set up compare to the stock x-reas in handling and ride?

As for the OP question (not to totally hijack the thread) I am going with armour before tires/lift mainly because it is more affordable.

algranger

it depends on what you want out of your truck. if you want performance, go like this
locker
lift
tires
trail armour

if you want the feel and look of a modded lifted truck go
lift
tires
armour
locker
or switch lift/tires with armour.

SAINT_B

kept the x-reas shocks. Ride is smoother due to better quality more progressive rate OME springs. X-reas does work with the lift I will loose a little articulation at full extension due to stock shorter length shock. I am very happy with this set up so far. Virtually no body roll and smooth valving in the x-reas Yamaha shocks. If you get your rig up off the ground you are far less likely to make contact unless you are rock crawling. I installed all 4 springs myself. It was easy and the lift (3RUN-FRC-885) is $359.99 from TOYTEC.

Will_4R

So if I understand you, I can install just the OME spring with the stock shocks? You don't need the OME shocks with the springs? I wonder if the the x-reas shocks can work with the x-reas part or our suspension system.

It sounds like your set up is pretty good either way. You got the lift for a good price, and the stiffer springs for added armour. I am guessing this is better than just a spacer lift.

SAINT_B

Yes with x-reas you can install just the front and rear springs. If you would like I can send some pics of my truck: me e-mail address is saintbeau@gmail.com

SAINT_B

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...2691aa1c90.jpg

SAINT_B

[IMG]//c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...2691aa1c90.jpg[/IMG]

SAINT_B

SAINT_B