modify family car or buy a dedicated car for off roading?

[ypyun]

@SkiBikePlay i thought the mts/cc mod was not possible in the 21 model year. i might install a rear e-locker for more control but i doubt it's necessary based on what i've done so far.

fwiw my current plans are to install slee sliders, arb skids, and lightweight 265/65r18 at tires (procrastinating on which one to choose). i have verified with a gps unit that the speedo is slightly off. i'm hoping slightly larger tires will correct the speedo. also procrastinating on if/how i want to do the bumper chop. my main concern is how to replace the splash guard in front of the radiator. i think it is designed to prevent debris from getting into the radiator.

 

[r2m]

I have modified my 2018 GX460 and a 2009 4Runner as daily drivers and off-road adventures (hunt, skiing & fishing). R2M's list above is solid. My only tweak is to add MTS and Crawl Control to maximize your GX's potential and your abilities.

I agree with adding the Multi Terrain System and Crawl Control. Just forgot to add to the list.
Adding the MTS and CC is a great alternative to not having front and rear lockers, and depending upon the driver, better than locking diff's!
Even though I already have front and rear lockers, I still added the MTS and will do the CC sometime in the future.

 

[Banandalorian]

I agree with adding the Multi Terrain System and Crawl Control. Just forgot to add to the list.
Adding the MTS and CC is a great alternative to not having front and rear lockers, and depending upon the driver, better than locking diff's!
Even though I already have front and rear lockers, I still added the MTS and will do the CC sometime in the future.

MTS is a no brainer. I got the module on sale for like $150 shipped, it's actually plug and play, and is less than an hour to install.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

MTS is a no brainer. I got the module on sale for like $150 shipped, it's actually plug and play, and is less than an hour to install.

I really need to get one while I can.

 

[r2m]

I really need to get one while I can.

Probably one of the cheapest and easiest/bang for the buck mods one can do! (next to adding fuzzy dice to the rear view mirror)

 

[BigSwede]

I have had a dedicated trail rig in the past, but I don't do hardcore rock crawling any more, and bought the GX precisely because it can do everything I want - light to moderate off roading, overlanding (room inside to sleep), and towing my camper as needed. The V8 rumble is a bonus.

 

[Mountaintrails]

I used to be a wheeler with rigs pretty much dedicated to offroad use. Jeep CJ's mainly. I have built 13 of them. If I wasn't wheeling I was wrenching and sometimes I was wrenching when I should have been wheeling. I don't have any of them anymore. Having a dedicated trail rig is best if all you want to do is go wheel offroad but if you want an adventure rig were you drive for hours to someplace then want to go catch a couple trails to get you someplace? Then the GX is the right rig. I have a lift and receiver winch on my 470, I tow a smallish camp trailer and go on adventures but do not make it a point to damage my rig.

 

[SkiBikePlay]

@r2m
Stealing a good list:

• First stage: Wheels and Tires. Add Sexy Look: Red Vinyl Tail lights; LED white interior lights
• Second stage: Suspension/lift (depending upon how large your new tires are, you may need the suspension sooner rather than later.
• Third stage: Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control & Shift Power Throttle (or similar) and LED Spot Lights (stealth 30" under grill)
• Third stage optional: Armor = skid plates and rock/rail sliders
• Fourth stage: bumpers, tire carrier if you want that.
• Fourth stage optional: would be roof racks with ARB awning
• Fifth stage: electronics, e.g. auxiliary lighting, HAM radio, winch, more power sockets (USB, 12 VDC), etc.

 

[SkiBikePlay]

@SkiBikePlay i thought the mts/cc mod was not possible in the 21 model year. i might install a rear e-locker for more control but i doubt it's necessary based on what i've done so far.

fwiw my current plans are to install slee sliders, arb skids, and lightweight 265/65r18 at tires (procrastinating on which one to choose). i have verified with a gps unit that the speedo is slightly off. i'm hoping slightly larger tires will correct the speedo. also procrastinating on if/how i want to do the bumper chop. my main concern is how to replace the splash guard in front of the radiator. i think it is designed to prevent debris from getting into the radiator.

Not sure about 2021. My 2018 accepted both computers.

 

[BigSwede]

@SkiBikePlay also procrastinating on if/how i want to do the bumper chop. my main concern is how to replace the splash guard in front of the radiator. i think it is designed to prevent debris from getting into the radiator.

I had this concern also. I took a piece of stainless steel sheet (aluminum would work too), put two bends in it and screwed it to the metal behind the bumper (using self-tapping screws) and bolted to the crossmember under the radiator. I think it will work well to prevent damage to the AC condenser from bouncing debris.

 

[ypyun]

finally completed the modifications. ended up doing the following

* front recovery points
* rear diff breather
* rci skids from bumper to transfer case (this seemed to decrease the clearance under the transmission)
* slee slider steps
* nitto ridge grappler tires in stock size (unclear if the next size up would fit with the factory hitch so i held off for now)

my wife did not want me to chop the front bumper so i held off for now. the shop i took it to told me that the bumper would flap around if i chopped it. has anyone experienced this? they recommended the cbi bumper. apparently it is relatively light.

no change in interior noise. still 67-68db at 70mph on concrete.

the slee sliders are just what i was looking for. they look stockish, plenty wide to be a step, and have good traction.

i suppose i'll find out if this is sufficient when i go the the eastern sierras this summer and death valley in the winter.

here are a few photos.

let me know if i should be creating a build thread at this point.

 

[r2m]

Look'n pretty good! Are you considering a fuel tank skid in the future?
Since you said you only went as far as the t-case with skids and the tank is aft of that.

 

[ypyun]

> Are you considering a fuel tank skid in the future?
depends on how often i cringe in the sierras this summer. i hope the front tank skid will take the brunt of the impact if any. if i need it i will buy it.

 

[OCGX]

> Are you considering a fuel tank skid in the future?
depends on how often i cringe in the sierras this summer. i hope the front tank skid will take the brunt of the impact if any. if i need it i will buy it.

The stock 4runner fuel tank skid bolts right up. You can find them cheap.

 

[suitcase]

I have the CBI front bumper on my 2017 GX with stock suspension and it's been fine. I actually can't notice any difference in handling. I've got a Dobinsons IMS kit, but haven't been able to get it installed just yet. I did have a problem with the CBI bumper touching up against what I think was the AC line. I had to take an angle grinder to the part of the bumper where it made contact and grind out a little channel about maybe a centimeter deep.

It sounds like your plans are similar to mine. I'm just looking to get a bit further out there. I've got a set of aluminum CBI skids, aluminum RCI fuel tank skid, and RSG sliders. The sliders were necessitated after a trip to Jawbone Canyon put a nice gash in the side steps. I also happened to tweak the lower chin of the front bumper cover. That prompted the CBI bumper. I'm pretty much a newb, but a good friend has a modded out LC 100 and knows what he's doing. He's done some serious rock crawling and has the trail scars to show for it. His LC is his fun car though while my GX also has to serve as the everyday family vehicle. I've got some pin striping and did cringe. I debated for quite a while between steel vs aluminum skids or maybe steel front and rest aluminum. In the end, I decided I didn't want the extra weight of steel and that aluminum would be fine for the types of trails I want to do. So far, I've done some trips to Death Valley, Alabama Hills, and eastern Sierras and the GX has been great. The stock height has made me a bit nervous at times trying to keep up with my LC buddy, but hopefully I'll get to that lift soon.

 

[BigSwede]

my wife did not want me to chop the front bumper so i held off for now. the shop i took it to told me that the bumper would flap around if i chopped it. has anyone experienced this?

Yes it can. I experienced some fluttering at highway speed, I cured it by tying the fascia corners to the inner crash bumper. There are various ways to do this, I just ran strapping around the turn signal/fog light cluster to the crash bumper, seems to do the trick.

 

[ypyun]

thanks for the advice about the front bumper both seem like good options to me. it already has some bad rashes. i also unseated the bumper from the front wheel well (i was able to bolt it down again). defiantly a necessary mod imo just haven't figured out a way to persuade the missus.

 

[BigSwede]

thanks for the advice about the front bumper both seem like good options to me. it already has some bad rashes. i also unseated the bumper from the front wheel well (i was able to bolt it down again). defiantly a necessary mod imo just haven't figured out a way to persuade the missus.

Yeah I can't see going off road much without at least the trim... even then I've had issues with approach angle, to the point where I just placed an order for a Victory Strike bumper.

 

[ypyun]

sitrep

completed a few of the funtreks trails in the eastern sierras. here are some of my thoughts/opinions in bullet point format.

1) difficulty: coyote flats > mazourka canyon > kavanough ridge > buttermilk canyon > deadman pass > copper mountain > alabama hills > bodie ghost town

2) damage: pinstripes, dented/scratched skid plates, scratched sliders, scratched rear bumper, scratched front bumper, tire chuncking

3) tools used: work gloves, driving gloves, 10mm socket (to reseat the front bumper), tire pressure gauge, pen, air pump

4) wouldn't do buttermilk canyon again

5) for my skill level it was helpful to have a spotter on coyote flats and mazourka canyon.

6) is tire chuncking expected from an all terrain tire?

7) surprised to see fewer people than when i've backpacked in the sierras.

8) my gx handled everything without any fuss. 4lo and kdss took care of most of the obstacles. atrac took care of the rest. having a narrow maneuverable vehicle gave me a lot of options. i like how it "just works". the last thing i want to be doing is fiddle around with some controls when i'm in a precarious situation.

9) my hat is off to any subaru owner that goes up coyote flats. i do not think i'd have that kind of persistence. low range makes the intermediate trails a lot more manageable.

10) mods: skids and sliders definitely saved me a few thousand dollars in repairs. the stock skid would have been destroyed on these trails. alabama hills and bodie ghost town are the only trails that can be comfortably done in a passenger car. personally i'd want a good set of skids and sliders on all the other trails.

11) factor in hand wash, wax, and interior cleaning after a trip

12) Andrew St Pierre White (4xoverland) and Ronny Dahl have the most useful 4wd info on youtube for a novice.

13) i wouldn't do this with a manual unless it had very low gearing.

14) next will be a family trip to death valley and formal 4wd training. i might also drive part of the mojave road (everything but the water crossings).

 

[JDUB fab]

[/QUOTE]

6) is tire chuncking expected from an all terrain tire?

[/QUOTE]

What psi did you run? also temperate possibility? In the North East certain spots are known for eating tires, like Pennsyltucky. Others have smoother rocks. Could be just the terrain?