Budget Build Breakdown: 5th Generation 4Runner Mods to Get you On the Trail Fast
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly off-road build to get you on the trails before the weekend starts, look no further than a 5th generation Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner has been a popular off-road vehicle for years, and the fifth-generation has been in production since 2010, a favorite among enthusiasts. Thanks to Toyota’s well-known reliability, there’s a 4Runner in everyone’s price point - high mileage isn’t scary with these trucks.
With its rugged body-on-frame construction, V6 engine, and impressive off-road capabilities, the 4Runner is a go-anywhere SUV that's built to take on any adventure. Since the body style has been kicking around for so long, there are tons of aftermarket parts and accessories available. Whether you’re looking for suspension upgrades, rooftop tents, or anything in between, IAG Off-Road has the parts you need.
Once you’ve had your fun with your 4Runner in its new-to-you, or maybe even factory form, here’s what we recommend for the first five changes and accessories for your 5th Gen 4Runner.
SUSPENSION UPGRADES
An upgraded suspension is essential for any serious off-road truck, and the 4Runner is no exception. By raising your rig, you’ll provide extra clearance and allow for larger tires, which in turn gives you better ground clearance and improved traction on rough terrain.
For something cost effective, IAG Off-Road has options for the 5th gen 4Runner that start with the basic lift kits from Eibach, and ICON Vehicle Dynamics offers popular suspension upgrades for a wide range of price points, and capabilities - whether you’re looking for maxed out long-travel that soaks up every bump, or just a little more capability on the trails.
As a bonus, check out the extra clearance you’ve got for wheels and tires with that new set up, and give us a call. We can set you up with rugged wheels designed to take a beating and new tires for all the off-road traction you need.
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ROOF RACK
If you need to carry camping gear or a lot of equipment, a roof rack is a must-have accessory. A roof rack provides additional storage space and allows you to carry bulky items such as fuel cans, traction boards, or light bars. They’re a great jumping off point for a rooftop tent, too.
Here at IAG Off-Road, our most popular roof rack options for the 4Runner are the N-Fab Roof Rack, and the ARB Flat Rack. Whether you go with one of those, or another option (we have many available), make sure you confirm fitment. While some roof racks lean more “universal,” you do have to make sure you choose one that fits your rig, and whatever you want to use it for.
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WINCH
CA winch is a powerful tool that can help you get out of sticky situations when off-roading. Once you get comfortable using one, you’ll never go without a winch mounted and at the ready. If you get stuck in mud or snow, a winch can pull you out with ease. You can even pull your friends up tough obstacles, and then make fun of their inferior trucks when you get to camp. The Superwinch is a great winch option for the 4Runner. It’s more than capable of handling the weight (you need a minimum of twice the weight of your loaded rig), and is backed by their long-trusted product guarantee.
Think about installing a winch before you choose a bumper - it may impact the bumper you choose!
Make sure if you decide to mount a winch to your rig that you know what you’re doing when you use one. Winches used improperly can become a major risk to life and limb. Useful? Yes. Just know what you’re doing - we’ve gone over some basics here TK. This is also one area where it’s important to buy quality equipment, for all the same safety reasons.
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LED LIGHTING
If you do a lot of off-roading at night, or in low-light conditions, LED lighting can be a game-changer. LED light bars and pod lights provide bright, powerful illumination that can help you see obstacles and hazards on the trail. Popular LED lighting options for the 4Runner include the Baja Designs Squadron Pro and the Rigid Industries D-Series.
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ARMOR
If you plan on doing any serious off-roading, skid plates are a must-have accessory. Skid plates will protect the underside of your rig from damage caused by rocks, stumps, and other obstacles. Popular skid plate options for the 4Runner include the ARB Line and the ICON. Depending on how aggressive your build is, and how aggressive you get on the trails, you may want to look at sliders and bumpers, too.
Sliders will protect the sides of your truck (and especially your windows) should you take a serious impact below your doors. It’s easy to do when you’re scrambling over rocks, and a rock good slider will take the hit and let you keep trucking down the trail (without glass all over you and your interior, or jamming your door shut permanently). Just because it’s a budget build, doesn’t mean you want to tear it up for no reason.
Bumpers are a major piece of the armor puzzle, but they also open up loads of options when it comes to other accessories like your winch, lighting, and spare tires. Make sure to take into account what you want your new bumpers to do (besides take a hit) - it’ll help you decide on the right option for you.
If all you need is a way to keep your rig safe in the face of a rock garden, take a look at the Pro-Series from Westin - it’s a budget friendly steel bumper option that will meet those needs. For something with more aggressive looks and room for a winch, check out the from Addictive Desert Designs - it’s got all the features you need.
Whether you’re looking forward to time on the trails, or you just want to get the most out of your new grocery-getter, the 5th Generation 4Runner is a great choice, and the complete line of IAG Off-Road Accessories can get you all the style and function you want out of your rig. If you’re looking for advice, need help with an install, or just don’t know what 4Runner upgrade you might want to check out next, IAG Off-Road has the expertise you need. Give us a call at (410) 840 - 3555 or shoot us an email at sales@iagoffroad.com - we’d love to help!
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