Help me build my Overland 4Runner

[Sunpilot]

I've spent, literally, 4 days combing forums and web sites, gathering info for my new build. My head is exploding! LOL I'm asking for advice and input now, and maybe with your help, and what I've learned, I can make some good decisions on what to build.

Here's my platform: 2007 4Runner Sport Edition. In great shape, just got it on Tuesday. It is a V-8, so no worries about power.

I want to use it for overlanding, forest trails, gravel roads, mild technical trails once in awhile. I plan to go where no man has gone before! Actually, mostly National Parks, Mojave Road, all over Cali, maybe to Alaska, etc.

I will be using a roof top tent, and will have new front and rear bumpers, as well as all the gear needed for extended stays off road. Given all that, I expect to add a fair amount of weight to the stock vehicle.

I will be starting off with suspension upgrades, then tires, and all the rest will come after the suspension.

My dilemma now is which shocks, upper control arms, spring rates, suspension travel, etc. will I really need. I'm thinking an Icon stage 2 kit, which has decent coil over shocks for front, uniball UCA's for extended travel, and about 2.5 - 3" total lift. It should allow me to comfortably fit 33" or slightly smaller tires.

What are your thoughts? Is this overkill, or not enough, or just right? I realize everyone has their own opinion of just right, so what's yours?

 

[BlairB]

I think Icon Stage 2 is a good direction to go other than the rear coils. What is your timeframe for building everything? I only ask because if you do all your suspension assuming all the extra weight you will add it will ride really harshly until you do, but if you build it for stock weight/go with the Icon 2" you may end up investing in at least different rear coils down the line. I have been down that path.

I would say if you are going with a rear bumper, tons of gear, tire carrier etc... you will see that you quickly surpass most of the standard rear coils carrying abilities. I went with custom variable rate (240/300 lbs) CSS coils through Deaver. I had All Pro 3.5's before that (and Icon 2" before that) and they just don't handle the weight all that well and you ended up with lots of sag when loaded down. The problem is without the weight I have now my truck would ride terribly. Fully loaded (rear bumper, 3-5 gallon jerry cans, fridge in the very back, drawers, tools, camping gear etc...) I would guess I am now around 3.5" of lift.

Also, I love the 255/80/17's BFG MT's that I am running on my 4Runner. I do have a 1.5" body lift and had to trim the body mounts, but they have always performed great and seem like a really nice balance. I am actually picking up my 2nd set of them sometime next week.

 

[Sunpilot]

I think Icon Stage 2 is a good direction to go other than the rear coils. What is your timeframe for building everything? I only ask because if you do all your suspension assuming all the extra weight you will add it will ride really harshly until you do, but if you build it for stock weight/go with the Icon 2" you may end up investing in at least different rear coils down the line. I have been down that path.

I would say if you are going with a rear bumper, tons of gear, tire carrier etc... you will see that you quickly surpass most of the standard rear coils carrying abilities. I went with custom variable rate (240/300 lbs) CSS coils through Deaver. I had All Pro 3.5's before that (and Icon 2" before that) and they just don't handle the weight all that well and you ended up with lots of sag when loaded down. The problem is without the weight I have now my truck would ride terribly. Fully loaded (rear bumper, 3-5 gallon jerry cans, fridge in the very back, drawers, tools, camping gear etc...) I would guess I am now around 3.5" of lift.

Also, I love the 255/80/17's BFG MT's that I am running on my 4Runner. I do have a 1.5" body lift and had to trim the body mounts, but they have always performed great and seem like a really nice balance. I am actually picking up my 2nd set of them sometime next week.

Nice looking rig! I'm shooting for something similar to what you have done.

My time frame is...get 'er done! As soon as I settle on a suspension, the rest will follow in short order. I have a lot of free time, so I can work on it every day if I want to. Hoping to be done before the end of the year, well, with most of the major stuff anyway! You found it necessary to trim to fit 33" tires? I was hoping I could stuff them in there without much hassle with the suspension I am looking at.

 

[BlairB]

Nice looking rig! I'm shooting for something similar to what you have done.

My time frame is...get 'er done! As soon as I settle on a suspension, the rest will follow in short order. I have a lot of free time, so I can work on it every day if I want to. Hoping to be done before the end of the year, well, with most of the major stuff anyway! You found it necessary to trim to fit 33" tires? I was hoping I could stuff them in there without much hassle with the suspension I am looking at.

Good deal! I am excited to see your build. On the trimming front, it really depends (hate to say that). If you are getting bumpers you may be able to get away with no or minimal trimming. With my tires I found it necessary because they were slightly taller than most 33's. Any trimming you have to do will probably be very minimal.

 

[Sunpilot]

Good deal! I am excited to see your build. On the trimming front, it really depends (hate to say that). If you are getting bumpers you may be able to get away with no or minimal trimming. With my tires I found it necessary because they were slightly taller than most 33's. Any trimming you have to do will probably be very minimal.

I gotcha on the trimming. I'm getting ready to order parts today or tomorrow. I should be in full build mode by the weekend. After the suspension, I'll do the tires/wheels, then turn my attention to timing belt and water pump. They were done about 60,000 miles ago as far as I can tell, but since I'm doing everything else, why not get this out of the way too? Bumpers and winch will follow. After that, I go inside for nav, electronics, radios, etc. Then outfit the rig for camping/exploring! Getting excited!

 

[p nut]

Just drive it. Most likely you won't need most of the mods you mentioned for the stuff you're doing. 4Runner is pretty capable stock.

I'd just get some good AT tires, make sure all maintenance items are good, throw a tent in the back and just head out. After a few outings, if you feel the need to add a RTT, get a good rack and throw one up there.

 

[Sunpilot]

Just drive it. Most likely you won't need most of the mods you mentioned for the stuff you're doing. 4Runner is pretty capable stock.

I'd just get some good AT tires, make sure all maintenance items are good, throw a tent in the back and just head out. After a few outings, if you feel the need to add a RTT, get a good rack and throw one up there.

I thought about that, but since I am retired with nothing to do...I will outfit it to go where I have always dreamed... I like the thought of the rtt...makes sense to me, and if I do a trailer later, I can always mount it on the trailer. What tires do you recommend?

 

[jgilbreath]

Personal opinion only, i would stick to a load range c tire for weight and comfort. Cooper at3 comes in a 275/70/17 c. If you are wanting a larger diameter tire that is more aggressive check out nitto ridge grappler, several sizes in a load c.

 

[p nut]

I thought about that, but since I am retired with nothing to do...I will outfit it to go where I have always dreamed... I like the thought of the rtt...makes sense to me, and if I do a trailer later, I can always mount it on the trailer. What tires do you recommend?

Tried and true BFG KO2's for me. Tough sidewalls, good snow performance, and wears well.

 

[Sunpilot]

Thanks for the input on the tires fellows... I appreciate it

 

[Arktikos]

If it has the XREAS suspension, you may just want to add some mild spacers. If it were me, I would stay closer to stock rather than run big tires on a 3 inch lift.

 

[Sunpilot]

Well, I took the plunge. I am deleting the XREAS system. I ordered my suspension today as a first step... Icon uniball UCA,'s, Icon stage II kit with extended travel front coil overs, Icon Overland rear springs and extended travel Icon rear shocks. Nothing radical, but capable of giving me 3" of lift if I want it. The springs in the rear will help as I intend on doing a bumper, and expedition gear (which will add a lot of weight back there). I'll be starting my build thread as soon as the suspension parts roll in, probably next week. BTW, is it appropriate to have a build thread on more than one forum?

 

[bdp1978]

I'll be following along as removing the XREAS is something I'm considering as well.

 

[Sunpilot]

I'll be following along as removing the XREAS is something I'm considering as well.

Cool, I'll get a build thread started next week...if you have any advice or suggestions as I go along, please feel free to chime in! The more the merrier.
One reason I am deleting the XREAS is the truck has a noticable lean to the passenger side, and I fear with the miles on it, the shocks would need a rebuild, and that gets expensive, from what I've been reading. So, why not go with something better that fits my needs more appropriately?

 

[p nut]

Good thinking on replacing XREAS. Get some OME in there and you'll be happy.