Top Ways to Trick Out Your 4Runner

Make this off-roader even tougher on the trails.

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Words and Photos by Peter Boyer

Based on the early Toyota Hilux platform, the 4Runner is a proven, capable, body-on-frame 4X4 that has evolved through five generations, has a strong following and is considered one of the most reliable off roaders for the trails and backcountry roads.

The 5th Gen (2010-present) remains a sturdy rig with serious trail-cred thanks to its 4 L fuel-injected V6, 5-speed automatic transmission, and proven traction control systems and modes. But what accounts for the 5th Gen’s popularity and which mods are most sought out by owners to improve or personalize it?

Aside from ramping up its exterior with the common bling, it’s important to first understand what lies beneath the 4Runner and how it can handle tough conditions in stock form.

The most capable 4Runner trims for the trails and overlanding are the TRD Off Road (OR) and TRD Pro. Some of the appealing upgrades (but not limited to) are the rear locking differentials and the A-TRAC traction control system, which can be engaged/disengaged and dialled in with the Multi-Terrain Select or Crawl Control, negating the necessity of a front locker.

In addition to a number of other appointments both models share, theTRD Off Road comes with the Kinetic Dynamic Stabilizer System (KDSS), along with the standard suspension. In contrast, the TRD Pro has the aftermarket Fox suspension and uses standard stabilizers. So, if you intend to change up your suspension yet keep the lift below 6 cm (2.5 in), the TRD Off Road will give you optimal on- and off-road capabilities, with the KDSS.

Ideal 4Runner Mods

I’ve owned many Toyota 4X4 pickups since 1980 and drove them through some rough places in Northwestern Ontario and the Yukon. I graduated to the 4Runner TRD Off Road in 2018 from a 2015 Tacoma. Now with 55,000 km (34,175) on the clock, it’s lightly modified for off-road and overland duties. Except for the suspension upgrade, annual fluid filming, and a few warranty checkups, I’ve done the mods myself to upgrade the vehicle’s capabilities.

Tires

The most common mods to any 4x4 are wheels and tires. My OR came equipped with P-rated tires, so my first mod was to swap them for a set of BFG K02s. These are great AT tires. They are ‘ luggy’ yet quiet and their E-Range is tough for the gravel roads I like to travel on.

While 33” tires are popular, adding them on the 4Runner requires a lot of adjustments for proper fitment without rubbing. From what I have seen, however, they do look good. Although I’m OK with removing mud flaps, altering inner fender liners and doing a body mount chop, I don’t like losing performance from the higher gearing that larger tires require. Plus, 4Runners don’t have a lot of extra horsepower or torque for larger tires unless they are regeared, which I didn’t want to do.

Swapping out wheels is a popular mod as well. But I kept the stock OR wheels, which are a little wider than the ones on the SR5, Limited and Pro. They also have a valve stem protective design that I like when going off-road.

Keep in mind that with the stock tire size, the best mileage I could get was 12.6L/100 km with 13.3L/100km being closer to the norm. If you go with larger tires and are also thinking about adding some appointments (and the extra weight) like skid plates, rock sliders and a rooftop tent, you may need to carry a few extra jerry cans of fuel when travelling to remote places.

Suspension

The suspension I installed was a major improvement. In summary, I added a 2.5 IFP Kit, set at the factory default height of about 4 cm (1.5 in) as well as JBA UCAs and a 1.3 cm (.5 in) spacer to the rear to ensure it was level. So far, it’s been bulletproof on the trails and has performed extremely well in the heavy salt/sand snow belt area where I live in Ontario.

Bumpers and Winches

Another mod I completed was a pair of Victory 4X4 bumpers after visiting the company’s facility in Portage, MI, just before the COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of the U.S./Canada border. I was given an unofficial tour of their shop and was very impressed.

As my goal with any mod is to keep weight to a minimum (as the 4Runner is a heavy vehicle to begin with), I decided to install the company’s aluminum Blitz bumper, which saved 11.3 kg (25 lb) over the comparable steel version. Unfortunately, Victory’s rear bumper was only available in steel due to the strength it needs to mount a heavy spare on an optional swing-out. I was fine with the extra weight of steel on the rear bumper since I may decide to add a swing-out later.

However, in the end, I didn’t end up installing a swing-out due to the extra step it takes to access the cargo area. Nonetheless, the bumper added a lot of protection to the sides, rear and heavy-duty recovery points. It even provided space to install some extra LED backup lights.

Since I often go offroading solo, I needed a Warn VR EVO 10-S for the front, which not only offers peace of mind but I can recover other wheelers on the trails when the duty calls. Fortunately, I’ve only used it once. The total combined weight of the bumper and winch is 48.7kg (107 lbs).

Cargo Rack

There are many options when choosing a cargo rack. Mine is a ¾” Front Runner Slimline II and has several accessories that make it very versatile.  What I like about it is it reduces wind noise and its size allows me to still enjoy the 4Runners sunroof.

The primary function of my cargo rack is to have a secure space to carry a second spare as well as to store a variety of recovery gear. It’s also strong enough to accommodate a rooftop tent should I decide to get one at some point.

I think the 5th Gen 4 Runner is a modern classic. I wish I still had one of those 1980s pickups that friends and I used to run hard in Northern Ontario. Have I stashed a couple of 5th Gens in a barn for the future? I haven’t but it’s something to ponder. Until then, I’ll continue to use my rig as intended, hopefully for many years to come.

More About KDSS

Available on early 5th Gen Trail Editions and OR 4Runner models, KDSS offers the best of both worlds for wheeling enthusiasts. It incorporates a hefty stabilizer bar to provide flatter cornering and roll stiffness at highway speeds. It also uses sensors to release this stiffness at low speeds on rough terrain to deliver optimal articulation offroad. This is accomplished using a set of hydraulic cylinders on the front and rear stabilizers. Critics argue the system limits extended travel compared to an aftermarket setup, but the gain from having better handling at highway speeds is worth it.

Abundant Aftermarket Supply

The 4Runner aftermarket is almost as vast as it is for a Jeep. Coupled with a strong dealer network throughout North America (even in small towns and remote regions), parts can be obtained if you frequent areas few dare to visit, providing peace of mind in the event the worst happens.

DIY Friendly 4Runner

Another benefit of modifying the 5th Gen 4Runner is that it’s relatively easy to do for DIY’ers. There are countless YouTube videos covering a variety of repairs, maintenance, and installations. User forums and local 4X4 clubs are other great sources of information about the 4Runner. Toyota enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and skills.