Yarden's 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 Build

[yarden]

A few months ago I purchased a 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 for a long term build/project. My wife and I have three boys, with our youngest now old enough to start (and enjoy) extended travel/camping, and we were ready for something with third row which is why we went with the SR5 instead of a Trail. I also already have ARB Lockers in the near future plans, so that wasn't an issue. I traded in a 2010 Silverado 4x4 LTZ, but have owned and built several Rovers (Disco's and Rangie Classic's) and some other 4Runner's/Tacoma's in the past. Anyway, I am excited and happy to be back in a Toyota product. It has been an absolute pleasure to work on and drive... and completely stock was already great offroad, as to be expected.

Here is an almost stock shot, with just the 265/70-17 Duratracs:

 

[yarden]

Bilstein 5100's @ 2.5" Front + Daystar 1.5" Coil Spacers in the Rear

I wanted to level the truck, kick the nose dive issue, and provide lift so after some heavy research I started with the tried and true 5100's at 2.5" in Front and added 1.5" Daystars in the rear. I only went with the daystars because there was backorder on the SAW coils at the time I ordered them. I will soon be moving to an OME setup as I did on my rovers, but for now this was an inexpensive solution. The 5100's really changed the ride for the best. Much of the nosedive when braking is gone and it generally handles better:

 

[yarden]

Gobi Stealth Rack + Ladder and @ Toyota Jamboree 2014 Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area Gilmer, TX

I needed a solid rack solution for a future Awning and RTT, as well as to carry light, bulky gear. I looked at ARB, Bajarack, and Gobi. I knew I wanted a full rack and Gobu provided that in a sleek design. I occassionally still have the need to fit in parking garages so it was an added benefit and made for a good platform. The build quality on these are superb...

 

[ebg18t]

Very nice!

 

[yarden]

OzTent Foxwing Awning & LED Rack Lights Front and Rear

I spent days researching and looking at the various awnings. Since we have a large family, I was concerned even the ARB 2500 wouldn't be big enough. I really wanted a wrap around awning like the Eezi-Awn Batwing, but I couldn't justify the price tag right now, with other mods still looming. I came across the Foxwing by Oztent and it was a perfect match. I knew the great quality that Oztent puts out, so knew it would be a good choice.

Here is a pic of it on the Gobi closed (I will add one with it open later):

One downside to this style awning on our trucks is the rear hatch... fortunately the iconic 4Runner Rear window rolls down!

 

[uscg2008]

That's a good looking 4runner

 

[Elk]

I love it. The 2014 front end hasn't grown on me yet, but your list of modifications is sensible and takes into careful account your family's needs.

 

[yarden]

Thanks for the compliments!

Shrockworks Full Bumper Bullbar + Warn M8000s winch + Shrockworks Engine Skid
I know there aren't many out there yet so here are some pics of the shrockworks bumper/bullbar on my 2014. I also installed the tried and true Warn M-8000s. I want to give a thanks to Josh Bertschy and his crew over at Baertrax Offroad in Dallas who did the install. There are not many shops I would trust with my truck, but their team, are in my opinion, the best in the business and still understand what customer service is.

I would also like to thank Mark @ Shrockworks who was always quick to respond to questions and other communications. Shrockworks delivered a top notch product, that was well worth the wait.

I also went ahead and had shrockworks build me the engine skid since it bolts up without any modifications to the bumper.

They just finished the install yesterday (which prompted me to start the build thread today).

 

[Tacoma13SR5]

That thing is mean looking witht the Shrockworks bumper! Great looking build so far!

 

[MCObray]

I dig the white powder-coated bumper. I'm falling in love with 5th gens.

 

[4Rescue]

WOW :Wow1: ... That Shrockworks REALLY cleans up that *ahem* "interesting" front end on the new 4Runners (Ok, I'll just come out and say it: the stock front end is ugly IMO). I gotta say I think it looks GREAT with the new bumper. Nice approach angle, good protection, improved looks... They oughta come stock that way. Good looking truck mate, looking forward to see what else you do with/to it cause it's coming along very nicely already.

Cheers

Dave

 

[bkg]

WOW :Wow1: ... That Shrockworks REALLY cleans up that *ahem* "interesting" front end on the new 4Runners

Sums up my thoughts well.

Edit: Are the pieces below the headlights plastic or steal? Almost looks like the filler plates work to make the bumper fit. It sits nice. I dig it.

 

[SigSense]

Great build. You are making some quality improvements. I am not liking the 2014 front end either, but the installation of the Shrockworks cleans it up nicely.

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

Wow. that is one mean looking 4Runner.

 

[4Rescue]

Not to derail your Build thread here, but is it just the TT model or was there a face-lift for that "stock" front end for the 2014's or a mid-year "refresh"??? I just saw another 5th Gen going down the road and it had a completely different front end (much more "sedate", although much more "blingy" and chromed out, no "gills" on the outer edges around the head-lights)...

Either way, Bumper/Tires/Rack etc... everything looks awesome on the truck and again I love what the bumper did for the front end (I'm a huge ARB/OME fan, but I think Schrockworks did a better job matching/working with the lines and enhancing the looks of the truck) and how the truck looks in general aye. The 5th Gen took some time to grow on me but when it's built right, like what you've done to yours, it looks GREAT.

Cheers

Dave