In North America, the vast majority of your driving will be on paved or improved roads. Especially since you live in the North East. Unless your heading down to Mexico is there anywhere you'll go that's not within maybe 50 miles of a paved road? You need to find a balance of being comfortable on the highway and capable off highway. I would just keep it as it is, with maybe a small suspension lift, lockers, and a winch. And maybe a rear shelf. I also like having a solar shower. Other than that I'd spend the money on just getting out and using it.
I have a bone stock 96 4runner I use for what you might call "expedition" use. It's a daily driver and we usually take two one week trips into southern Utah per year. IMO reliability is the #1 concern. It's much easier to get unstuck than unbroken. Yes, there are trails that a stock vehicle isn't going to cut it. That's why I have an fj40 on 38's. I also almost never drive it because it's 300 miles to the southern Utah parks.
I always remove the running boards, put on a roof rack with gas, the chairs, the tent, a highlift and shovel, and 2 mountain bikes. The back works best IMO to remove the back row seat bottoms but leave the seat backs in place. I separate the food and cooking equipment in front of the seats and the rest behind them. It keeps thing organized. We have no problem going for 7-10 days without any further support.
We also spend most of our days hiking and biking. There's so much to see that you just can't experience out the window. It would be a shame to visit most of the places I go and just drive around. If you really want to experience any natural area you gotta get out and hike it. Your bones gotta ache. Otherwise you might just as well save your money and get a coffee table book with big pictures.
Ultimately I don't think major modifications are necessary or even beneficial. Especially if you have a long highway trip to the area you want to go. I'd say buy a small gas stove, a big water tank, and a tent and go on a trip.
good luck
) Thanks.
