FFgh0s7

I have a stock 2001 4-Runner and I was wondering what the best first thing to do would be to get it offroad ready? I have a 91' Black 4-Runner that is stock and you don't even have to do anything to it, for it to beat most vehicles, however I would love to upgrade my 2001 4-Runner. Also, anyone know of anywhere or a book/guide like the Haynes series for a 2001 4-Runner. Thanks!

Crux

Remove the running boards!

sabre

Welcome to the board..I have a stock '01 myself but I dont offroad so I cant help. But someone will be along shortly to help.

lee

hi, welcome to the board! my 01 is stock height, but you'll probably need:

- a lift
- remove the running boards
- meaty tires (bfg t/a ko's, bfg mud terrains, bridgestone dueler revo's to name a few choices)

that should be it, for simple changes... post some pics of your runner. good luck!

EDIT: also, for the manual, just use the search feature here. im sure youll find what you need here, but even better explanations.

sabre

and when you take the running boards off..sedn them to me

leebee

welcome to the board, hope youre independantly wealthy! as crux mentioned, loose the r/bs, your ground clearance is pretty good as it is. everything (t/case cross memeber & gas tank) is all tucked up and out of harms way, your tires are roughly equivalent to 32's i think, you may want to pick up a set of steel wheels and some good a/t or mt/r tires for 'froadin, a class lll-lv hitch if you dont already have one and an extra tow hook up front. if you get a tongue for the hitch, youll want at least two shackles that fit the hole for the ball, a couple of 3" tow straps, the bigger the rating the better, a dowel rod at least 3/4" dia for coupling the tow straps together, h/d leather gloves, an old blanket to toss over the tow straps when in use, a high lift jack. oh yeah, save the best for last, a hayes/chilton manual or check out bobsr5 (i think) hes a mod on here and has a link to the fsm you can download. this is a starting place, check out other members sig line at the bottom of their posts, you will see all kinds of things you can do!

lee

Tacoma Dude

If you're limited on funds do the tires first. The lift will help but the tires will help you more.

lee

^^^ true.

i want new tires BAD.... but im trying to wait till i get in touch with NE again to get my lift kit.

FFgh0s7

I've actually been looking at taking the boards off my 4-Runner but it looks as if it will leave it looking somewhat obscure where the boards meet the part over the tire. Also, if anyone has a bumper for a 2k1 4runner let me know, I dented the hell outta mine.

lee

do you have the limited fender flares?

if so, it looks like itll be weird, but when you do it, it look just fine. im keeping mine on for now, then when i lift, im gonna try to install some retractable ones.

i have short passengers!

Paul H.

Take the boards off and replace them with sliders, then get the tires.

Bob_98SR5

hi,

first thing to do is to look in our tech section for ideas. build your knowledge in there and start searching based on your research in the tech section.

as for your question, "what to do first", depends on what you want to use you 01 4runner for. offroading? daily driver? bling? define what your goal is and then we can give you a better answer.

the online FSM manual can be found in the first stickied link in the "maintenance section"

Bob

gwhayduke

The first thing to do is to get out wheeling. You'll figure out what you need as you get out. If you drag your butt then do a lift. If you have to do a lot of water crossings, then diff breathers. Getting into mud or crawling, lockers.

Just wheel it.

Crux

If you do a lot of water crossings and you don't have diff breathers, what side effects will you see?

gwhayduke

Milky front & rear differential gear oil. Possible bearing and gear damage over the long haul.

FFgh0s7

I am a total newb at car repair, I mean I can change my oil, ix flat tires etc, but other than that, I have no idea about anything.. Anywhere I can go with Diagrams? Also, how easy it to remove the running boards and waht do I need?

Darx

Ignore everything. Buy sliders!

However if you are going to put a body lift on it then wait on the sliders and do the body lift then get sliders made to match the lift. Protect the investment then trick it out.

Bob_98SR5

did you read what i wrote above?!?!?!

re running boards: look underneath and it will be VERY apparent to even the most noobiest of noobs on how to remove them.

Bob

Dozer

I agree with Darx, but don't do it the hard way like I did. I put the sliders on without ever thinking I would get a body lift. The first time I put them on they were too high and were hitting the pinch welds during daily driving. I cut them off and moved them down. Recently, I got a body lift, and now they could be moved up. PITA. Sliders, lift, tires, bumper/winch, BL, rear bumper is the progression I have chosen so far.

I do have a front 2001 bumper in good condition I would part with. Email me with an offer if you are interested.

Dozer

kevinL

Im jsut a beginner on here looking to start with mods but..... not much can beat an actualy toyota dealer repair manual. I have one there are 2 books for it. you can go to any dealership and ask for the 800 number to call to order any repair manual for any vehicle. the cost at teh time fo me was around 160 shipped.