2003 4Runner

[Clark White]

Hey all, a buddie of mine has a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. He uses it as a a DD most of the time, some camping and off road, but nothing major. He is looking for a new front bumper, either an ARB/TJM kind of thing, or maby just a brush guard. Main interest in this is for crash protection. What would you guys suggest as far as bumpers/minor lifts/other mods for this kind of use? Gas mileage is of a concern with rising prices as well.

Thanks!
Clark

 

[Photog]

Bumpers: ARB or Shrockworks
Lift: Donahoe rear springs, and OME front springs
Shocks: OME or ?
Lockable storage space in the rear.
32"-33" tires
0mm offset wheels, or 1" wheel spacers
Good alignment
Remove front mud flaps and running boards

 

[teotwaki]

Shrockworks and ARB make great bumpers for the 4Runners. The extra weight will probably impact gas mileage. The front coilovers will need to be beefed up and there are lots of options with Donahoe's being the best.

 

[Desertoutpost]

I would go ARB and OME, I love Aussie Stuff, it is over built for what we would ever use in the states!

 

[taco chaser]

I'll can build you a tube bumper that's just as strong but about a quater of the weight. I need the work and it will be alot cheaper.

 

[Photog]

The OME springs work great; but if you don't have an extra 200 lbs in the back, all the time, the OME rear springs are just too stiff for a DD. That is why I suggested the Donahoe rear springs. Demillo also has a good rear spring. They are about 20% stiffer than stock, and a little taller, giving about a 2" lift in the rear. With the 3" OME lift in the front, the rig will be level. With this lift, the CV joints are at the same working angle as they were in stock trim, just upward, instead of downward.:jumping:

Jim is correct about the Donahoe coilovers. They seem to be the best. For a DD with mild offroad activity, you will probably be just as happy with the Sway Away coil overs. Either way, it is the most expensive way to go (short of racing equipment).

 

[Clark White]

Hey, thank you all for your great advice, I will pass it all along first thing in the morning with I see my friend again.

Thanks again!
Clark

 

[taco chaser]

sliders

I couldn't attach these to the private message, hope you get them, made these for an 06 tacoma ext.

 

[p1michaud]

Wheel spacers.

0mm offset wheels, or 1" wheel spacers

Photog,
Could you elaborate a bit on this recommendation?
Personally I would never recommend spacers to anyone for a vehicle used as a DD. Instead I would recommend he used his existing wheels with the largest tire he can clear. It would be nice to get more feedback from the proposed uses for this rig.
Cheers,
P

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

My suggestion would be armorology...

I would recommend Armorology...

He does exceptional work :chowtime:

This is my DD. My bumper is attached to the frame on 8 points per side. Very stout and functional.

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Andrew Walcker]

I'll can build you a tube bumper that's just as strong but about a quater of the weight. I need the work and it will be alot cheaper.

I'll vouch for Matt's work any day of the week, top notch fabrication!

 

[Kilroy]

I couldn't attach these to the private message, hope you get them, made these for an 06 tacoma ext.

Glad you posted. Your work looks excellent.

 

[Photog]

Photog,
Could you elaborate a bit on this recommendation?
Personally I would never recommend spacers to anyone for a vehicle used as a DD. Instead I would recommend he used his existing wheels with the largest tire he can clear. It would be nice to get more feedback from the proposed uses for this rig.
Cheers,
P

I understand the desire to use stock offset, as it keeps the load between the bearings, as it was designed. The design problem with modern suspensions is, they have moved the upper balljoint up next to the tire. If your tire gets any wider, it starts to rub on the upper ball joint. You also do not have room for any type of chains.

By moving the tire outboard, just enough to prevent rubbing on the upper control arm, you can use a larger tire. (Not going to discuss why you would want to use a tire larger than the passenger-car tires that come on the current crop of SUVs).

Unless you are racing through the desert, and hammering your suspension, you will not hurt the bearings by moving the center of the tire out by 1"-1.25".

If you are racing and pounding your rig on the trails, your bearings will already be on the list of things to maintain.

I would prefer a wheel with a 5mm - 0mm offset; but the wheel spacers I am using now are working just fine (and I was originally skepticle of them).

 

[Clark White]

Primary use of the 03 4Runner would be highway driving. Hardest trail he would be likely to drive would a 2.5, maby a 3 (1-5). Most of the trail use would most likely be for camping with his girl friend. I'm trying to talk him into a winch however, because he does enjoy playing in the mud. He says he can't envision really using his rig for rock crawling/more difficult trails (I'm trying to talk him into this though! :chowtime: ).

 

[taco chaser]

Glad you posted. Your work looks excellent.

Thank's that means alot to me , I hope to do more work and I like being able to help people build there rig's for cheaper, and the more respectful people on the trail help keep our lifestyle a reality.