Advice on what to get first...

[Azrunner27]

Ok guys/gals. This is my first post here but i have been readin this forum for a while.I just put my lift in(ome heavy) and am wondering what to do next. Im debatng between the ARB bumper and new wheel and tires. The tires I have on there now are 265 goodyear at's and the seem to do me ok for now. Any input and advice would be great.

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

Well it all revolves around what types of recreation you want to do in your 4Runner. Extended trips? Multi-purpose? Daily driver?

What year of is your rig? What is your budget? What type of trail conditions do you find yourself in?

 

[Azrunner27]

It is a 2000 4runner. I like to do some modertate trails around az. I have about 1000 dollars to spend. I know a guy that is selling some 33in muds with 16in steelies for 800 and they only have about 100 mi on them but I was also thinking that the bumper would give me a better approach angle and free up some space when i do go to get some tires as well as the ability to throw a winch under there.

 

[ttora4runner]

How much lift do you have and what tires are you currently running?

I'd say get sliders and a skid plate first to help protect your vehicle some but they would do no good with bald tires. So if you need tires get those first and then sliders and skids.

 

[Azrunner27]

The tires i have on there arent the best for wheeling.Im afraid of the sidewall structure and how easy it would be to tear it. also the tread on them also isnt the best for traction on the trail. as far as sliders and skids..who do you recommend

 

[ttora4runner]

If your tires are crap get those.


Budbuilt skids ( a little pricey but worth it)
Sliders (Stubbs Welding)there's the basic set to the hardcore set.

 

[4Rescue]

An Arb bumper seldom HELPS your approach angle, it does however protect you and yours like no other. Personaly I'd go with the tires and see if you can't find someone localy to build you a set of sliders for the other 200 bucks... It'll be nice to have 2 sets of tires because you're probably going to want to run the more stock set when you're not on the trail for gearing/power reasons.

Cheers and welcome mate

Daev

 

[dustboy]

sliders now, I say. Cheap protection for what otherwise would be very expensive body repair. From what I've seen, local fabricators don't seem to be any more expensive than mail order, and you won't have to install them!

 

[toy_tek]

I'd agree with Dave. I drove quite a few "moderate" trails in AZ before I added heavier bumpers with only minor damage to the stock bumpers. You will feel much more comfortable with sliders though, as damage to your rocker panel area is expensive to fix. As T mentioned Stubbs Welding sliders, I also have a set and he is great to deal with.

For trail running I sort of go with the idea of "use what you have" and you'll figure out what you need. If you find your stock tires aren't up to the task, then by all means upgrade. Otherwise you'll see stuff on the internet and stuff on other people rigs on the trail and then you'll have this huge list of stuff you want, that may or may not be what you actually need.

Don't forget a few bucks for basic recovery equipment.

One question: does your truck have a stock e-locker?

 

[Azrunner27]

Thanks guys. ill look into the sliders now. also to answer 111db question yeah it has the stock e-locker. i appreciate the help!!

 

[Nullifier]

Personally I say sliders and skids. The under chassis / drive train and the rockers are by far the most vonerable and expensive to repair from trail damage. Then I would go for new tires on the stock wheels. Alum rims are fine for the trails you are driving especially with a spare.