Hey all,

I'm strongly considering taking my 1990 4Runner off-roading and I wanted to know if any of you have any recommendations aside from normal maintenance that would need to be done before hand?

 

If you don't have an air compressor always a good idea to locate air machines closest to off-road spot. So you can air down and back up.

Otherwise take it easy and enjoy. Remember better to wheel by finasse that skinny pedal. You could review the tread lightly tips for off-roading some cool stuff that helps the legal wheeling spots stay open.

Have fun!!! And post pics!!!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I would post some pics however, my yota is in the shop. Head gasket blew and damaged the piston ring on cylinder 6. Getting the whole thing rebuilt.

 

get basic recovery equipment and know how to use it. also make sure your vehicle is equipped to even use the recovery equipment - for example not all vehicles have a good rear anchor point for a tow strap. don't go offroad by yourself whenever possible. a decent set of tires is always good for more traction, they don't necessarily have to be bigger size either....lockers are a good option too -- a rig with stock tires and rear locker will likely be more capable than a lifted SAS rig with open differentials. rock sliders are also a good idea if going places where you might pivot/high center off a rock/tree or even just to protect from door dings.

TONS of info here on YT and the web in general regarding your question. good luck.

 

Get a map of where you are going to go #1, then take some easy trails to start out and get used to how the vehicle behaves off the road. I would suggest a CB radio, extra oil, coolant, some basic tools, water and a blanket. Before you go, make sure all of your tires are in good shape and that you have a spare and a jack, take a camera and when at all possible another rig or at least another rider. Don't be afraid to roll the window down and stick your head out as your going down your line.
You don't need big tires, lockers and body armor right away, go out and have some fun, learn what you can do and how comfortable you are doing different obstacles. The better operator you are and a good eye for the right line can get you further then all the modifications anyway.

 

Going off road means so many different things depending just what part of the world you live in.

To some it is some dirt roads or fields others trips into the wild.

So plan and equip for the places you plan on going.

To me it means having to park really far away from the door at the Mall

 

Join a club to go on organized runs
don't wheel alone

 

^ the above posters all gave good tips; here's my list:

• go with friends/club
• follow an experienced friend's "line" (tire placement)
• install rock sliders for protection and jacking (can make ones from 2x4 steel for cheap if you have access to a welder)
• get a hi-lift jack -- lift and toss rocks under tire if you get stuck; hi-lift has wheel attachment if you don't have sliders yet
• make it run well first, do off-road upgrades later. don't skimp on maintenance.
• get a rear locker (auto-locker is cheaper, avoid spool)
• confirm your spare is good and accessible (e.g. have rod and the hoist mechanism works); also carry tire patch kit
• make sure you have everything you need to change a tire (e.g. do lug nuts have special locks?)
• take notes when you wheel it (e.g. check up-travel, etc.)
• take it slow & easy (i.e. when stuck, get out and look, don't just power over the obstacle with more gas, no matter what the joker you don't know is telling you!)
• bring cash in case you do need repair assistance (e.g. spare part, welding, diff oil)
• tread lightly: stay on the trail, leave no trace, don't camp within 100' of water, responsible fires, etc.
• bring a map, compass/gps
• have ample water (and/or filter) and be prepared to hike out if necessary
• low profile differential drain plug, particularly in the rear ($10)