Where to start, so many options and mods.
- Thread starter nerfherder101
- Start date
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
The TRD-Sport should have the rear limited slip, so it'll offer you a bit better traction than the open diff but not as much in the tough spots as a differential locker.
I find the best mods aren't too the vehicle itself. I would focus on education/training/practice, a few recovery and repair tools and I like to carry supplies sufficient for an overnight (if I wasn't already planning on it). You never know when an outing will go longer than anticipated.
The tire argument depends a lot on where you go. The places I go don't require a lot of ground clearance and have fairly good traction, so any ole' tire works great for me.
I find the best mods aren't too the vehicle itself. I would focus on education/training/practice, a few recovery and repair tools and I like to carry supplies sufficient for an overnight (if I wasn't already planning on it). You never know when an outing will go longer than anticipated.
The tire argument depends a lot on where you go. The places I go don't require a lot of ground clearance and have fairly good traction, so any ole' tire works great for me.
That's great if you are going within towing distance of home, but I wouldn't want to be doing a long overland trip with a truck modded for power. I also see no reason for gears unless you're going way bigger on tires or adding a lot of weight, but I'm also running 255/75R17's - not 35's. My old 80 series on 35's armored like a light tank needed gears badly, but it was still usable.
Here is your answer.
River19
Observer
I've been using my 2001 tundra as my hunting rig for over a decade and it has been mostly stock with exception of better tires and some minor front shock upgrades over the years......it is very capable as it is; just don't be stupid with it.
While I would love a winch, I don't want to have to drop large coin on a bumper and then upgrade the springs to avoid the sag etc. slippery slope. Might just get a hi-lift and some recovery equipment.....for a fraction of the price I would be able to get out of hopefully anything else I could get into.
I find the best mods are the ones you really need, not the ones that a forum is hot on. For example, for me, snorkles look cool to some, but if I have to do a major water crossing deep enough to be a problem, I really ****ed up somewhere. To me it isn't needed for my rig. I drive this thing 225 miles to our cabin and 225 miles back, I need decent on road manners as well.......so that comes into play. Extra lighting is at the top of my list at this point however.....many snowy trips through the mountains with no light.....plus the damn deer and moose on the sides of the roads.
Since I hunt with my 3 bird dogs, I get more excited about gear storage and keeping the pups comfy, fed, and watered than the latest in long travel remote reservoir shocks.
Be honest with what you are going to use your rig for and build what you will use/need. But what the heck do I know, I just roll through 30-50 miles of logging roads Every weekend for 3 months......lol
While I would love a winch, I don't want to have to drop large coin on a bumper and then upgrade the springs to avoid the sag etc. slippery slope. Might just get a hi-lift and some recovery equipment.....for a fraction of the price I would be able to get out of hopefully anything else I could get into.
I find the best mods are the ones you really need, not the ones that a forum is hot on. For example, for me, snorkles look cool to some, but if I have to do a major water crossing deep enough to be a problem, I really ****ed up somewhere. To me it isn't needed for my rig. I drive this thing 225 miles to our cabin and 225 miles back, I need decent on road manners as well.......so that comes into play. Extra lighting is at the top of my list at this point however.....many snowy trips through the mountains with no light.....plus the damn deer and moose on the sides of the roads.
Since I hunt with my 3 bird dogs, I get more excited about gear storage and keeping the pups comfy, fed, and watered than the latest in long travel remote reservoir shocks.
Be honest with what you are going to use your rig for and build what you will use/need. But what the heck do I know, I just roll through 30-50 miles of logging roads Every weekend for 3 months......lol
I hear you on not knowing where to start. My first order of business on my 4Runner was sliders. They definitely help keep the rockers safe from dings. My next plan is to install FJ coils and Bilsteins for about a 2.5/1.5" lift. Followed by transmission and transfer case skids.
While bumpers, RTT, fridge, etc would be nice, i don't wheel that hard or that often. A cooler, stove and ground tent serve my purpose well. I have considered a hidden winch, but i avoid wheeling alone, so no need for a winch quite yet.
While bumpers, RTT, fridge, etc would be nice, i don't wheel that hard or that often. A cooler, stove and ground tent serve my purpose well. I have considered a hidden winch, but i avoid wheeling alone, so no need for a winch quite yet.
Doc_
Sammich!
You need a tube bumper so u can weld a bottle opener on it ...
I ended up bolting mine to the dash, it seemed kind of dangerous to reach around to the bumper to open a beer while driving.
Joking aside, I definitely agree with the "run it 'till you find its limitations, then improve" mindset.
If I were to do any one mod sight-unseen it would be a traction aid like a limited slip or a locker depending on conditions and goals. Sliders would be #2.
As long as you have a strap, a come-along and wingmen a winch can wait, most Toyota pickups and Tacos can clear decent-sized tires just by beating down the pinch welds, fridges are neat but you can manage well with a cooler until you feel the need to step up.
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