“Smokey” My 4th Gen 4Runner
2006 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition | Titanium Silver | V6, 4WD, 195,000k
My 4Runner has been through plenty of builds and changes since 2006. From taking on washboard flash-flooded desert trails in Utah, to getting stuck in a ditch in the tribal wilderness for 16 hours in Montana, and multiple moves across the west - Smokey has been with me. I put together a list of equipment I’ve used and also items I always bring, even including my camp kitchen setup. Links provided, updated regularly. Most 4runner items can be found for any type of 4Runner including the 5th gen. Feel free to send me a message with any questions or recommendations on your build!
Majority of products listed are linked to where you can buy. Each amazon click and purchase kicks me back a few doubloons.
Tires & Wheels:
Kenda Klever 285/70/17s (33”s) - 6 in rotation - I used to run the Goodyear Duratracs (which are incredible for snow/mud) but decided to switch it up on recommendation on a friend. The Kenda’s are a great discount tire and have performed well while I’ve been in the PNW. I’ve been surprised about how well they handle in deep water on the highway, climbing muddy forest roads, and even through snow.
Black Rhino Dugger (17 x 8.5”, 6 x 139.7mm, 0 offset)
Spidertraxx 1.25" Hub-Centric Wheel Spacers - I used to run these before I added the 33” tires and needed some more clearance, they are USA made and give the truck a great wide stance.
Suspension/Clearance:
Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers - I’ve thought about upgrading to a more aggressive kit, but I’ve just never needed it. The Bilsteins are adjustable, bombproof, and give an amazing ride for any stock vehicle. If you are running steel bumpers I’d recommend something else. But for a great all-around ride that you can rely on for years, I highly recommend the Bilsteins.
FJC Coils - I lucked out finding a friend who upgraded his coils on his FJ and I picked his up and run them on the 4Runner. If you don’t have the same luck, I highly recommend the Dobinsons kits.
Energy Sway Bar Bushings - High performance and durable. Great for offroad types.
Body Mount Chop (BMC) by Auburn Offroad - Plenty of shops can do a BMC. Great to give some additional clearance when adding bigger tires. Had a good experience with Auburn Offroad in Washington.
Engine/Performance:
K&N Cold Air Intake (V6 link) or (V8 link) - Hear it roar! Was surprised how easy this mod was to complete. Creates so much engine space and power. Improved my MPG and looks clean too. On my list of must-have-mods for the 4Runner.
Tool Design Custom Dual Battery Box - Laser cut dual battery frame setup.
MagnaFlow Performance Muffler and Exhaust
Custom TRD Battery Clamp Kit
Scuba Mod (Extended Differential Breathers) - Link to 5th Gen Vid, the Scuba Mod reroutes your rear diff breather up to the gas tank to allow deeper river crossings (better than a snorkel). Recommend for anyone wanting to feel comfortable in deep water.
Car Lighting and Camp Lighting:
Amber Light Cover x2
PIAA 520 ATP Lamps x2
DDM Tuning 35w 5500k HID Low Slim Ballast Kit (Headlights) - These lights are great for your eyes on long-road trips in the dark. Does require some repositioning so you are not blinding everyone, because these are bright! But well worth it. The 5500k gives you a white/blue color.
SEALIGHT 9006 LED Fog Light Bulbs, 3000K Yellow (Fog Lights) - Cheap, easy, plug and play. Great yellow tone without the swap of something more expensive like the Diode Dynamics lights.
White LEDs Interior and Doors Swap - Probably the first mod I recommend to anyone. Easy, cheap, and good for anyone. I did doors, ceiling lights, and even vanity mirrors. They are bright and way better than any factory lights.
Extreme 38" X6S Slim Amber/White 180W LED Light Bar - Great for campground hunting in the dark, or even run the ambers during foggy nights, or offroad. High quality and holding up well. Look out for their constant deals!
AUXITO 912 921 6000k LED Backup Lights - Instead of installing extra lights, why not replace your main ones? These turn your backup lights into bright LEDs to allow great visual clearance when backing up.
Auxbeam LED Light Bar 4" 18W LED Pods 1800lm Flood Beam for Ditch Lights - the amazon special! Great functioning lights for those on a budget. Good for ditch lights or reverse lights. Great all around. Easy install.
Portable Magnetic Motion Sensor LED - Nice to have a motion sensor LED that you can move around, stick to the roof rack, to the bumper, or anywhere magnetic. Makes it easy in winter when going to check on gear or something nearby without needing a headlamp or other light.
Exterior:
Toyota Front Skid
Ricochet Full Body Skid Kit (Front, Arms, Transmission, Transfer Case)
Defiant Long Tube Light Bar
WeatherTech Window Shades Front/Rear
Prinsu 4th Gen No-Drill Roof Rack with Awning Mount
CBI Ditch Light Mount Brackets 4th gen
Tepui 6’ Awning Orange (Now made by Thule)
Gobi Driver Side Ladder with Spoiler
Wilco HitchGate Solo High-Clearance Swing-Out Tire Carrier
Hitchage Table Addition via Hooke Road - Bought bolts and secured this table to the Wilco hitchage. Fits my camp chef grill perfectly.
Interior:
Sony XAV-AX1000 Head Unit w/ Carplay - Huge upgrade from a standard dash. Apple Car Play is a must!
ScanGauge II Engine Scanner - Give you an engine readout of any issues, and lets you clear any codes.
Lev-O-Gage x2 - These are a dream when setting up camp. Cheap and easy adhesive installs to level yourself out.
Weather-Tech All-Weather Mats - I’ve been running these for years and they are still kicking ass.
Hanging Attic Storage - simple mod to add extra storage or separate your blankets, sleeping bags, or even clothes during long road trips.
Tackform Magnetic Phone Mount x 2 - So much more effective than the clip mounts, easy to pop on and off. Use these for my Tablet and Phone.
Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Battery and Inverter - Easy to tuck in back of seat or keep in glove box. Consistently having a charge from the car or from a solar panel on the sun roof.
Goal Zero Nomad Solar Panel - Usually place this on the sunroof opening or on a side window during long drives to charge my goal zero gear.
