Today ordered by Rigid Ultraswing which includes Ultratable. Need to order a Rear Camera Relocation Kit and Rigid doesn't have any for the 4Runner so looking at possibly doing the C4 Fab kit

So its been a bit since my last update. Some stuff I don't care for and others I love so let me update you since I've been across country and to several offroad events. First major change was adding the Dobinson Suspension Kit. Honestly I feel this was the best purchase I made. The ride is incredible and I love the stance and my 4Runner performs awesome on or off pavement. Without a doubt I would go back to Dobinson for this exact same kit. Cooper Tires would I buy them again? Not sure. They haven't been as bad as the Goodyear Tires I had that started cupping for no good reason which Goodyear did not stand behind on there warranty so they are dead to me. I love BF Goodrich KO2's but they aren't the same with newer models. I don't have an answer but I feel as though I would not go back to Cooper Tires but can not give an exact reason why. I think its they are not naturally balanced like other tires I've had so there is a vibration when driving my 4Runner at or above 80mph. Next was the CaliRaised Roof Rack which includes the lightbar across the front and cube lights on either side. Quality of Cali Raised roof rack seems to be there so nothing against Cali Raised. I originally purchased the roof rack to accomplish two goals which is 1. give me a light bar for that night driving and 2. plan was to add a roof top tent. Well plans change. The lightbar is so dang bright that if I'm offroading with anyone, I can not turn it on. Its just too bright and same goes for the cube lights on the side. Figured I'd use them when camping but its too bright. Easier to just carry a portable light. Also downfall of having all these lights on your roof is you have this wire that runs up the edge of your windshield from engine compartment to the roof rack. Doesn't look horrible but not exactly sexy either. If I did this again I would not get a roof rack. I just don't use it. Front Bumper with winch, lightbar and AuxBeam. Absolutely would do this again. Its awesome and love the look of my 4Runner with the bumper upgrade. I have used the winch to test but never needed it since I do have a 4Runner. I run the amber Driving Light on the bumper all the time since it just makes my 4Runner look more bad ass. AuxBeam its super easy to turn any of my lights on and off with a push of a button. So what about the MorrFlate 4 tire air compressor. I have used this alot and very happy with it. When I need it, the thing just works. I have nothing negative to say about it since it just works as you want it to and yes I would recommend. Element Fire Extinquisher I would get again and again and again. They take up less space than a traditional Fire Extinguisher and they work a ton better. They don't expire as quick as a traditional and so you are more likely to have a working method of putting out fires with you by just carrying an Element with you. Easy to carry. BuiltRight HitchHolder seemed like a good idea. Its heavy duty but nothing keeps the hitch from rattling or working itself loose. I would not purchase this again and honestly I took it out and put it on my shelf to collect dust until my next Garage Sale.

So what started off as a "good deal" turned out to be a money pit like everything I purchase. The vehicle is a 2009 Toyota Rav4 with only a 131k miles which is far less than anyone else had for less than $5000 It appeared pretty clean car with some imperfections like minor scratches and some small dents in body but no rust anywhere. Tires are an offbrand with decent tread. Not licensed so only able to drive around subdivision and not get it up to speed which is where it all fell apart. First stop was the dealership to have them do an inspection and opened pandoras box. Quote to fix found issues was over $8000 (most expensive fix is probably the rear differential seals leaking like crazy) Paid a little of $5300 for other stuff and not everything.... Brought it home and ordered a driveshaft from 1aauto which was $1000 cheaper than dealership was charging (not including labor). Installed driveshaft and the manual and every website said torque the front bolts to 26ftlbs which snapped the bolts off.. stopped after two. Could not extract the snapped bolts so had to pay $80 to have it towed to Muffler Man which charged me $600 to fix that and install a muffler. Now the check engine light comes on if car sits for more than a day and so I decided to purchase a OBDII scanner from Autozone (on sale for $128) and found its the O2 sensor even though I paid Toyota to replace it last time (which was stupid because they are so easy to change). In an effort to see if its just stuck in the ECU I took the negative battery cable off for 30minutes and put it back on to see if that fixes the reoccuring O2 P1058 error message. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors).. all 4 are not connected to the ECU (issue existed before I unhooked battery). I verified tire pressure is 44psi on all four tires and yet stupid light is on. Need to figure out where the reset/relearn button is. They say its down by the OBDII port or on the dash or in the glove box.. so far haven't found it yet but thats for another day. I did check into some name brand tires and found a set of 4 balanced and installed for $300 which is a steal but his tires are fine for now.. maybe before winter. We purchased the vehicle with one broken key with a bunch of tape to hold it together. Ordered a new cut key from Toms Key $100 and then realized its a smart key so you need the programmer otherwise the vehicle won't start. So thats another $154 with a $70 deposit... now we wait. What's left to do... program a new primary and spare key fix leaking rear differential clean or replace headlights (very cloudy) replace headunit with carplay compatible (GPS, Spotify, etc)

Focus: Maximum power and efficiency using the TNGA-F global truck platform. Engines: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (i-Force) or a 2.4L hybrid (i-Force Max). Features: Rear coil spring suspension for improved ride comfort, available 14-inch touchscreen, and new Trailhunter off-road trim. Changes: Increased torque and towing capacity, but early models may have limited availability and potential first-year software issues.

Focus: Modernization, comfort, and advanced off-road technology. Engines: 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L Atkinson-cycle V6. Tech: Added Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and improved safety tech (standard on newer models). Updates: 2020 facelift, standardizing more features across trims.

A lot of us will end up carrying lots of tools with us because we just never know what we will face while on the trails. Some companies have been so kind to help trim it down to just what we should need for our 5th gen 4Runners and here is a list of some of those kits. Red Dog Tools 5th Gen 4Runner Kit Steelman PRO - $289High Quality Red Dog Custom Tool Kit for the Toyota 5th Gen 4Runner 2010-2024 Model Steelman Pro Customized, heavy-duty nylon tool bag One impact adapter/reducer set One ball pein hammer One set of slip joint pliers One set of long nose pliers Five combination wrenches One flare nut wrench Two screwdrivers One breaker bar One quick-release ratchet Eight sockets (varying sizes) One specialty sockets (axel nut) Two extensions Steadfast Systems 5th Gen 4Runner (10-23) Specific Tool Kit - $7905th Gen Toyota 4runner specific curated 3/8” sockets from Wright Tool; featuring Wright Drive Technology, these include use case specific deep well and specialty sockets if necessary. 5th Gen Toyota 4runner specific curated Wright Tool combination end wrenches with Wright Grip Technology. Various Wright 3/8” drive extensions, accessories and rachet(s). Knipex Pliers Wrench, Needle Nose Pliers, Locking Pliers. Gedore Locking Pliers Megopro Screwdriver, specifically for automotive applications. Hyde Utility Knife. Grayvik Rip Style Claw Hammer. Eklind Metric Allen Wrenches. Mayhew Striking Pry Bar. Steadfast Systems MTR Flap Module Steadfast Systems MTR PALS Module Steadfast Systems Small Modular Pocket (SMP) Steadfast Systems Large Modular Pocket (LMP) and if you opt for the Heavy Duty Kit (which jumps the price to $990) it also adds in addition to the above 3x Steadfast Systems LMP. Trusty Cook Dead-Blow Hammer. Knipex Needle Nose Locking Pliers. Gedore Large Locking Pliers. Large Breaker Bar. Mayhew Alignment Tool. Midwest Bulldog Shears. Overland Outfitters The Essential Tool Kit for Taking Your Toyota Off-RoadTool kit Work gloves Breaker bar 35 mil socket Pry bar, small and big Paper towels Brake clean Ratchets — normal 3/8ths, stubby 3/8ths and 1/4 inch with extensions Sockets in metric sizing Extra spark plug socket Sledgehammer Punches Vice grips/pliers Channel locks Screwdrivers — flat head, Phillips head, torx + a multi-bit Round file for your chainsaw Crescent wrench Metric wrenches — from a tiny 8 mil to a 24 mil Flare nut wrench in 10 mil Wire brush Pipe wrench Allen keys Lock tight Knife blades Exacto knife A bag of various bolts (in case a bolt breaks) Bailing wire Penetrating lube Electrical components, like butt connectors and wire

Purchased a couple of items in preparation of some upcoming winter wheeling MORRflate Compressor with 4 tire inflate/deflate Element Fire Extinguisher Hitch Holder for my Factory 55 receiver recovery

Interested in a swing out tire carrier with shelf. This one slides into the hitch (NOTE: No recovery points using something that slides into hitch) Ultra Swing by RIGd This is a full install which includes cutting the bumper and splicing in the wire harness to relocate the rear camera. NOTE: Viking4x4 does not do installs but super friendly crew. Viking Adventure Rear Bumper

Got a call today and they scheduled me in for Jan 5th and need it for a week. Getting before measurements to see if the extra weight decreases my space between tire and fender FRONT 7 1/2" from tire to fender REAR 8 1/2" from tire to fender

YES PLEASE!!! https://youtu.be/zM29VBWd3QQ?si=VapAk8vPRUuuOE1v Another great video showing this awesome vehicle

Check out this video Another great comparison of old versus new

Text Ken’s Kar Kare today and they said only thing they are waiting on is the wiring harness for roof rack lights. Getting close

Yesterday I ordered some recovery gear from a Michigan company I met at a Discover 4x4 Adventures event in 2022 called Snow Way Dude. Crawler Offroad.. great bunch of people.

2025-11-03 Talked to Ken Jr (Expedition Vehicle Outfitters) and he's on his way out to the SEMA show in Vegas but asked if I could text him the request (as shown in previous post) and they worked up the following quote. QUOTE TOTAL: $7649 Front Bumper Quote :$4800 $1159 - C4 4Runner Lo-Pro Winch Bumper (Full Height Bull-Bar powder coated) $ 875 - 30" LED Light Bar: Baja Designs S8 30" Driving / Combo Amber [PN# 70-3013] $ 83 - Baja Wire Harness: Baja Designs S8/IR Wire Harness [PN# 64-0122] $ 950 - Winch: Warn VR EVO 12-S [PN# WAR103255] $ 88 - Fairlead: Factor 55 1" Thick Gunmetal Gray [PN# 00016] $ 146 - Winch Shackle: Factor 55 Flatlink Gray [PN# 00050-06] $1220 - Labor (assuming $150/hr * 8.1hrs) $ 55 - Freight $. 92 - Shop Supplies $ 199 - Tax Roof Rack Quote: $2900 $850 - Cali Raised Premium Roof Rack [PN# CR2836] The dimensions of the roof rack inner area is 82"x48" $370 - 43" Dual Focus [PN# CR4292] $306 - 360 Lighting [PN# CR3818] $250 - 360 Wiring [PN# AAA9290] $976 - Labor (assuming $150/hr * 6.5hrs) $107 - Tax AuxBeam Install PAID DEPOSIT 11/5/2025) which covers parts: $5353.87 (already purchased the auxbeam and power tray so just paying for labor on that)

So what's Next? Need a winch and roof rack so carefully approaching how I want to do this with what products. A huge fan of companies that give any kind of military discount and both C4 Fabrication and Cali Raised both offer a discount for military. PARTS LIST ELECTRICAL AUXBeam AR-800 (8 Gang) and Power Tray $358.85 - purchased 2025.10.29 Left Mount from 4Runner Lifestyle on left $110.76 - purchased 2025.10.29 Really like the Middle Mount to utilize those cubbys that don't really get used FRONT BUMPER C4 Fabrication LO PRO w/Full Height Bullbar Powercoated (SKU: 1100-1114-30-FH-01NA) & 30” combo beam lightbar (PN# 70-3013) ($885) Front Bumper with Warn VR EVO 12-S winch (PN# WAR103255) ($1070) Factor 55 Fairlead (PN# 00016) ($110) Winch Shackle Factor 55 flatlink black (PN# 00050-04) ($160) —total from c4fabrication TOTAL without install $3500. (C4 offers military discount) ROOF RACK & LIGHTBAR CALI RAISED LED PREMIUM ROOF RACK (part# CR2836) with 43”Lightbar (part# CR4292) with 360 Lighting kit (part# CR3818) plus wiring harness (part# aaa9290) TOTAL without install $1998. (Cali Raised offers military discount) KC Universal Wire Hider $25 - https://www.kchilites.com/universal-wire-hider-kc-6300.html PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER So I could possibly install all of this myself but the difference is I need this to be a solid install so when I'm in the middle of a tough adventure I don't get stranded due to a loose wire or something not working like it should especially the winch. I decided to go with Yota Xpedition since they have a pretty great following and they are the closest to Michigan that I like for the install that specializes in Toyotas Yota Xpedition -- 8007 Quarry Rd, Alburtis, PA 18011 (9hr drive) They only install what they carry and they are not fans of Warn Winches and I don't see any winch as reliable. Never had any issues with my warn 12k winch on my K5 blazer DECISION: no. Willing to drive to a toyota focused facility. I do not want to drill holes to do this install and want high quality. Unlimited Offroad sent email asking for a quote evening of 2025.10.31 (anders) Kens Kar Kare (Expedition Vehicle Outfitters) called on 10.31 and started the process for a quote

Had Kens Kar Kare (10653 W M-21, Fowler MI) install June 16th at 8am (2025) - Dropped Off June 18th at 3pm (2025) - Picked Up Would I recommend Kens Kar Kare to anyone for installation work? Absolutely.. awesome crew and very happy with the work. My only grip is they are so far away (almost 2hrs) but I'm willing to travel for such great service. Dobinson IMS Suspension System 2 x DOBINSONS COIL SPRINGS PAIR (BLACK) - C59-302B DOBINSONS 2.2" IMS MONOTUBE STRUT - EXTENDED TRAVEL - IMS59-50574 2 x DOBINSONS 2.2" IMS MONOTUBE STRUT - EXTENDED TRAVEL - IMS59-50574 DOBINSONS COIL SPRINGS PAIR (BLACK) - C59-327B 1 x DOBINSONS COIL SPRINGS PAIR (BLACK) - C59-327B DOBINSONS 2.2" IMS MONOTUBE SHOCK - IMS59-50701 2 x DOBINSONS 2.2" IMS MONOTUBE SHOCK - IMS59-50701 JBA High Caster Upper Control Arms (Required W/ Lift For Proper Alignment) Strut Caps Off Road Alignment Service Super Bumpstop Kit BORA Off Road Wheel Spacer Set, Black 1.25" Copper Discoverer Strong Hold AT KensKarKare_2024_Toyota_4Runner_TRD_Off-Road_Premium_invoice.pdf

Now I’m in the 4runner club, what are some upgrades to perform? I’m going to break it up to expensive upgrades and less expensive upgrades because if you are like me you run that credit card up on an expensive item which means you gotta wait a bit before you can run that credit card up again. So for the in between times I’ll put a list of some less expensive upgrades so you can feel you are still doing something. Let’s find what we want to rack that credit card with first. EXPENSIVE UPGRADES Suspension ($4000 parts) Most everyone wants to add that nicer stance.. usually its 2-3” and some popular brands that offer a Toyota specific lift is companies like the most popular ARB with there Old Man EMU suspension, Rancho, BDS and even TRD has a performance suspension. Roof Rack ($1300 parts) Just about every 4Runner you see on the road has some sort of Roof Rack. Sometimes loaded with gear, kayak or very common now is a RTT (Roof Top Tent). Some of the most popular roof rack brands include Sherpa Paint Protection Film (PPF) - $8500 In todays world paint is not as great as quality as it use to be. Now paint chips easier, scratches easier and all around doesn’t stand up to every day as well. With Paint Protection it adds a layer on top of your paint that will take the scratches and harmful rays instead of your paint. Some popular brands include 3M, XPEL are some of the top dogs in the PPF arena. Wheels - The stock TRD 17x7 rims are nice and great for the winter since skinny tires are the best for some winter tires but they are cast aluminum and are not beadlock so airing down gets sketchy. The rims I love for year round but mainly summer and offroading I will always get the Hutchinson Defense and Mobility Beadlock Rims. Have them on my K5 Blazer for the last 10 years and still look awesome, function great. I want that same quality on my 4Runner but instead of 7" wide they will be a bit more width like 8.5" is what is used on the Tacoma possibly. Tires ($1300) This can vary a ton depending on what you are going for as a goal. Factory my 2024 came with Bridgestone duler H/T 265x17 which look like a street tire. I would not trust these tires offroad. From reading around on other reviews some of the most positivily talked about tires include: Toyo AT3, Falken Wildpeak, BF Goodrich KO3, Nitto Grappler (Before getting tires you may want to wait until you get the suspension lift Front Bumper w/Winch $1300 So many choices and ways you could take this path but I have my eye on a C4 front bumper with some bar lights, hidden 12k lb winch. It would serve me very well for years.

After recovering from the shock of how expensive the new 6th gen 4Runner will cost it made my decision rather easy. I am in the process of purchasing this beautiful 5th gen TRD offroad premium. I found Financial Plus Credit Union will give me a loan for 84 months @ 5.99% which no one even comes close to. Also checked on insurance and its going cost me around $159/month. So enough of the boring financial stuff, lets talk about what is comes on the new/used 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium. Then add these extras after the 4Runner left the dealership 5 yr ceramic re coating done professionally Completely wool wax undercoated 2 days after it was purchased from motor city rustproofing (every aug re-apply $300) Bullet mounting system installed for all your phone and laptop camera stuff Complete black out kit installed AVS valance front and back Heavy duty Miller cat shield installed over catalytic converters Trd pro front skid plate installed to replace oem black Avs snorkel install from rear axle breather port Complete 15 % ceramic top of the line window tint all widows and front widows 7 in top strip done by tint world in Livonia Complete rago rear window Molly panel and top connector installed Comes with 4Runner cement gray cooler As you see its a nicely built 4Runner with all these extras at least $4000 worth. 270-HP 4.0-Liter V6 Engine 4Runner’s legendary reliability continues with power from its 4.0-liter V6 engine. With up to 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, you have all that you need to take you from adventure to adventure. Part Time 4x4 Giving you more control of your 4Runner’s capabilities is an available four-wheel drive 4-wheel-drive system that provides high- and low-range options. Select High 2 (H2) for daily driving and for the best fuel efficiency, High 4 (H4) for more traction under 55 mph, and Low 4 (L4) when you need to drive slowly or help in trekking over difficult terrain TRD Off-Road Delivering consistent performance when the going gets rough, TRD Off-Road’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) * helps steady the course. And TRD Off-Road’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and part-time selectable 4WD help you take on rock, dirt and mud—without losing your grip. Take on every adventure with style to match your purpose. TRD Off-Road features unique 17-in. alloy wheels with black-painted inserts and TRD Off-Road badging on the side of the rig. A hood scoop and black-painted roof rails finish off a rugged look that says you're itching to get out there. 5000-Lb. Max Towing Capacity With 4Runner’s ability to tow up to 5000 lbs., * venturing into some of nature’s toughest ranges doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. 4Runner adheres to SAE J2807, the standard for tow ratings set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof Take it all in. 4Runner’s available power tilt/slide moonroof brings you closer to the great outdoors, without you even leaving your seat. Smart Key System With Push Button Start No need to reach into your pocket or purse with 4Runner’s Smart Key System. Lock and unlock the front doors and open the trunk by simply carrying the Smart Key. Once inside, just press 4Runner’s convenient Push Button Start, and you’re ready to roll.

well i have to pull back on reigns. Toyota has raised prices so much on there products like the 4Runner Trailer Hunter ($70k), Sequioa TRD ($80k+) just put these desirable vehicles out of reach. these prices are what i would expect from the luxury toyota brand of Lexus. I’m shifting gears to grab the last year 5th gen and letting the dream of the 6th gen fade away.

Sooo excited for the new Toyota 4Runner CONS I see are no recovery hooks on the front of the 4Runner (only the rear) Not sure how a winch will get mounted worried about water crossings with so much electronics (older generations had no problems but little electronics) Much Much more expensive everyone says stay away from 1st year model PROS I see are Sexy as hell looking (great design.. way better than the land cruiser) TrailHunter is already built with everything you need to hit the trails from the factory (so warranty) excellent mpg for 4runner finally still body on frame

The very first SUV built by Toyota became very popular. Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. At the time, the U.S. military went to Toyota due to the need of a capable vehicle for efforts in the Korean War. The Toyota Land Cruiser drew inspiration from the famous original Willys Jeep. Like the Land Rover that preceded it, the original Toyota Land Cruiser was inspired by Jeep’s CJ. The first prototype ran Toyota’s B-type 6 cylinder engine. The aesthetic drew inspiration from the military Jeeps driven by U.S. military personal stationed in Japan. Unsurprisingly, the Willy’s legal team came after the Toyota Jeep BJ. Ownership of the name Jeep belonged to the American manufacturer. So, in order to avoid stepping on the toes of such a trademark, Toyota renamed the new military truck. The first Toyota Land Cruiser sold with new badging in the mid-1950s. The FJ40 is a well-loved model even today, and restored builds are sought after and pricey. By 1953 production of the Toyota BJ was in full swing with three model variants on offer: the BJ-T touring model; the BJ-R radio vehicle; and the BJ-J cowl chassis which could be equipped with a special custom body such as for making a fire-engine for example. The first retail two-door Model BJ models were conceived as purely utilitarian 4WD vehicles for police and forest workers. In 1958, Toyota introduced a hardtop version and started selling the Land Cruiser in North America. The 20 Series Land Cruiser entered the market as the new “civilian version” of the military truck. Toyota also improved on the suspension and shortened the wheelbase. This is also the first Toyota Land Cruiser that ever made it stateside. In 1960, the iconic 40 Series (the model today’s FJ Cruiser was inspired by) went on sale. It promptly became Toyota’s best-selling model between 1961 and 1965 in the U.S. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles.

Looks like I may have stumbled onto a solution that appears to be working So I read somewhere that I adjust that potentiometer to 44.9k ohms resistance when measuring on the back side of the tach. Well when u turn as far as u can it’s 43k at the most and when we tested it was 4000 rpm right from the get go. Then I was like, it was at 33k ohms and rpm was 3000 and then 43k it’s was 4000 and with my timing light I can see it’s actual 1600rpm so change the password ohms to around 18k and it should read about right. bam! Worked like a charm

Hey everyone, new to the forum and was hoping to get some help since I’m out of ideas First a little about the truck. it’s a 94 T100 4x4 DX Manual Trans with the 3.0L V6 Below is comparison of the original cluster with no tach and the new/used cluster with a tach. note: everything works with the new cluster but it shows 3000RPM when the timing light shows 1500RPMs i know there is a blue potentiometer that appears to have a Phillips screw and I thought I read u could adjust the rpm this way but to access it you would have to take the rpm faceplate off so not sure how am I suppose to adjust this tach so it’s correct? any ideas is super appreciated

Had to fix a few things Both CV Axles (purchased from PartsGeek) 555 Balljoints from PartsGeek 555 Idler Arm from PartsGeek Clutch Master & Slave Cylinder from Marlin Crawler ASIN Clutch and a Flywheel from Marlin Crawler Noticing gas leak around where the gas tank is.. need to check into that Also want to change the basic gauge cluster to one with a tach from an SR5 model. Clusters on eBay for anywhere from $140-$220 but you need to know if you have an electronic speedo or cable ran speedo. Need to bring the truck in the garage and address the gas leak first. A new Toyota gas tank runs around $700 but I believe I can fix it for less but unfortunately I just filled the sucker up. Note there was no gas leak until I filled it up so its probably a hole somewhere near the top of the tank.

So I acquired this 1994 Toyota T100 DX Longbed 4x4 with the 3.0L engine and Manual 5spd Trans. Runs good and it appears to have had the timing belt and water pump replaced and a fresh tune up but it idling high. Clutch pedal doesn't disengage. You push the pedal to the floor and it doesn't return to the original position. The bed is pretty rusty on the outside. The bed itself seems okay. Frontend is loose (needs balljoints and possibly idler arm)