Evolution of a 5th gen 4Runner daily driver

[Gary Bzzz]

I bought my stock 2017 4Runner SR5
in August and pretty well immediately knew I'd make some modifications.
This is my daily driver as well as Adventure Overlanding Rig.
As time and $ allow, there is much more I'd like to do - my approach is to do things that make an immediate impact to the way I use my 4x4's historically and to add capabilities I've not had to date. AND - to do this while keeping a conscious eye on the scale.
So far, and in order, I have built the cargo storage / kitchen slide out, had a Rhino Rack from Road Warrior Racks put on, and ordered Sliders and an aluminium front skid plate from RCI.
I'm sure I'll love the RCI Metalworks gear when it arrives and I can say for sure that if you're in the Denver area (and beyond) you should check out Matt and Brandon at Road Warrior Racks - these guys are awesome

 

[Boort]

@Gary Bzzz

Now that you've had the Rack and RCI armor on for a while how are you liking the ride?
Have you made any suspension mods yet?

I just saw that they are having their tax day sale so I was thinking of some sliders or underbelly armor for my 4th gen. But I have not yet decided on suspension so I was wondering how your's was riding.

Boort

 

[thejoking__explorer]

Love what you’ve done with the cargo area! I would love something like this for the back of my 4Runner.

 

[Boort]

@thejoking__explorer

Love what you’ve done with the cargo area! I would love something like this for the back of my 4Runner.

After talking to @Gary Bzzz at a couple of the Front range meetups and seeing the results as he put the finishing touches on his drawer set, I'm currently building a similar set based off of these free plans https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/free-camping-overland-drawer-plans-4runner.11881
Mine are taller than the ones in the plans to stow some of my gear, (Not as tall as the ones in Gary's 4runner since I want to sleep on them) and currently I'm only building 2 drawers instead of the drawer with the extending stove shelf like Gary and the plans call for.

Another good DIY video I used ideas from was
If you're not handy (or just want to save time) here are the list of other options that I considered to get you started:
https://www.goose-gear.com/products/side-x-side-drawer-module
http://sleeoffroad.com/products/products_drawers_main.htm
http://www.truckvault.com/Products/By_Vehicle/SUV.php
https://www.weatherguard.com/products/truck-tool-boxes-equipment/pull-out-storage?ipp=24&cp=1&sort=default&tts=1522561851200
https://www.dobinsonsprings.com/index.php/accessories/storage/rear-drawers
(Get in touch with "Dobinsons Mike" over on T4R.org if interested in these.)

Boort

 

[Gary Bzzz]

@Gary Bzzz

Now that you've had the Rack and RCI armor on for a while how are you liking the ride?
Have you made any suspension mods yet?

I just saw that they are having their tax day sale so I was thinking of some sliders or underbelly armor for my 4th gen. But I have not yet decided on suspension so I was wondering how your's was riding.

Boort

The ride is great - I don't notice any difference other than a bit of wind noise at high speeds. All in all I think I added about 150 net pounds between the sliders, front skid plate (aluminum) and the roof rack. My drawer system with the gear I keep in it all the time adds another 80 or so. I've been talking with Toytec about a lift and wheels/tires but haven't made any decisions yet.

 

[Boort]

@Gary Bzzz

Good to know, Wow only 80 lbs with gear? I'm thinking I've way overbuilt. I'll have to weigh mine I'm guessing 100-120 lbs dry w/o carpet installed. and I was working to keep the weight DOWN. Doh!

I've got the RCI sliders on order now. I've been talking to the guys at Slee over the last couple of days on getting the OME suspension, still on the fence between the BP-51's and the Sport. I'm learning that if I don't like my choice I can swap them out in 80k for ToyTech, Icon, Fox, or something else that comes along.

Boort

 

[Gary Bzzz]

@Gary Bzzz

Good to know, Wow only 80 lbs with gear? I'm thinking I've way overbuilt. I'll have to weigh mine I'm guessing 100-120 lbs dry w/o carpet installed. and I was working to keep the weight DOWN. Doh!

I've got the RCI sliders on order now. I've been talking to the guys at Slee over the last couple of days on getting the OME suspension, still on the fence between the BP-51's and the Sport. I'm learning that if I don't like my choice I can swap them out in 80k for ToyTech, Icon, Fox, or something else that comes along.

Boort

Yeah- I made my boxes very light (and inexpensive) as a prototype basically in case I didn’t like it. So far so good. The weight is just some basic stuff - when I add in tents etc I’m way up.