Well I've seen and heard of some really nice mods but are there any stock guys out there?

What I'm wondering is how far you can push a stock runner on the trail. Often I've heard that the runner is the most capable stock SUV. What is my stock limited capable of?

 

Wanting to run a stock rig on a trail....you would be suprised how far a stock rig could go with an exeperienced driver. the 4Runner is a capable off-road vehicle that in my opinio can out perform almost all the rigs out there!!

Mike

 

I'm currently running a stock '97, and I've been doing quite well with it.

I think you'll find most answers are depends on the "loose nut behind the wheel" more than the equipment.

You've got 11-plus inches of ground clearance, which can't be touched by any other stock vehicle I can think of.

I wouldn't plan on doing any serious rock-crawling, but the stock configuration does real well for trail running. Probably the big thing to pay attention to is to keep it slow, since you don't have quite the suspension travel of some of the modified critters.

But since I haven't managed to damage mine yet while playing in the dirt, I can't tell you where the limits are... I've happily avoided them!

All IMHO, of course!

 

Maybe a stupid question, but what does IMHO mean?

 

Yes, a Toyota truck, SUV in stock form is quite capable.
In fact my rig is in stock form.

It does not look like it with the addition of sliderz, bumper, winch, ect, but the drivetrain is untouched.

I'm not running lockers or anything (yet) just good M/S tires and stock 4WD system.
It does quite well for what I want it too.

If you want to gain a little more ground clearnace on a stock rig though, the running boards are the first thing to take off.
They can hang up on stuff and get ruined.
Put 'em in the garage, and if you sell the rig in the future, you can put them back on as a selling point.

Stump, IMHO, or IMO =
"In my humble opinion", and "In my opinion."

 

I'm pretty much stock. All I have are 1" bigger tires, front and rear sliders, and a quick disconnect anti sway bar. Check out my webpage for examples of my bone stock truck on slickrock trail.

4Runners are not the best stock off roaders out there IMO, though they are quite capable. Cherokees and GCs are better because of the solid front axle. I would guess land rovers are better too, but I haven't wheeled with one. Now, the older 3rd gens with the locker is a different story. They just might be the best stock SUVs out there (I'm talking absolutely bone stock, not even disconnecting the sway bar).

Off roading is mostly driver skill. Armor is also one of the best things you can do because it gets rid of the psychological barrier of body damage. That's why front and rear sliders were the first things I did to my truck. I don't care about departure angle anymore.

Steve

 

Well, this thread makes me feel a little better about my purchase.

I just got an '02 4Runner, but after doing more and more reading, I was wondering if I made a mistake.

So far I love my '02...but a part of me is thinking I should have gotten a '99 with a locker...

What are your guys feelings about this? I mean, heck, my '02 should be able to handle some good off-roading, right?

Thanks!

--Mark

 

Thanks for the replies...the main reason I ask is 'cos like many I'm a poor student on a budget and I wouldn't want have to use my student loan to beef the truck up!!!

Can anyone refer me to a page that will give me some basic knowledge on some light offroading and how I should be driving/handling my truck?

I'm a total newbie at this....thus far it's just been a city slicker. It only has 29 000 kms (sorry don't what that is in miles) on it going on 4 years now.

 

Here is some good reading.

All kinds of info on lockers, how to use a winch, Hi-lift jack, the works.
Corey

 

Thanks for the link Corey...that helps a lot...