4Runner Platinum off-road mods recommendations?

[NPS Ranger]

I plan on getting the 4Runner Platinum. I am looking for recommendations on upgrades I can do to make if more off-road capable. I am replacing my 2005 SR5 4Runner that I have had for 20 years, so the platinum will be a big upgrade. I live in San Diego now, so 95% of my driving will be city/highway driving. But I still what to spend some weekend doing some off-road camping trips on Forest Service and BLM lands. I plan on adding a skid plate. I think that a lift kit could also help. Should the shocks be changed? Should the tires be changed? I’m not sure what other things I could do that are worth the money and will work with the AWD of the Platinum? Any ideas would be helpful.

 

[Nodak]

if you intend to do off road mods, the platinum is probably the least likely model to get simple due to the AVS system.

its like the old xreas system, you pretty much have to rip it out to get some really good off road hardware to work properly.

i have seen some mods that work with the tundra AVS system, but not many are planned around that system in the mod community.

 

[4R Platinum or Die Trying]

I plan on getting the 4Runner Platinum. I am looking for recommendations on upgrades I can do to make if more off-road capable. I am replacing my 2005 SR5 4Runner that I have had for 20 years, so the platinum will be a big upgrade. I live in San Diego now, so 95% of my driving will be city/highway driving. But I still what to spend some weekend doing some off-road camping trips on Forest Service and BLM lands. I plan on adding a skid plate. I think that a lift kit could also help. Should the shocks be changed? Should the tires be changed? I’m not sure what other things I could do that are worth the money and will work with the AWD of the Platinum? Any ideas would be helpful.

If you are planning on light off-roading, like you say in your post (Forest Service roads) the Platinum will be plenty capable for that. But....if you are wanting to add a skid plate then I don't think the Platinum is your best choice. If you are doing off-roading in which you would need a skid plate, then look at the Trailhunter or Pro or adding one to other trims. Skid plates and the Platinum, Limited and even the TRD Sport don't really go together (20 inch wheels and highway tires) in my opinion.

 

[bandit67]

Changing the shocks isn't really necessary if only 5% of your use is Forest Service type roads. There's no need with that limited amount of off-roading to be driving like you stole it, which is really what off-road shocks are designed for - to minimize foaming and/or heat failure of the shock oil. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery & wildlife, and the Platinum should do just fine. If you want to beef it up a bit for your off-road use, remove the chin spoiler, add some skid plates, and buy a set of 18" wheels and AT tires, and call it good. Anything more that that type of off-roading would justify something like the TRD Off Road Premium.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Me personally, if I was buying a Platinum and planned on 95% street driving with the occasional forest service road mixed in, I would definitely NOT put a lift on that vehicle. That trim is the most luxurious of all the trims, I would leave it as is for the most part. But.....your money, your vehicle, but you are smart to ask for input from others.

 

[4R Platinum or Die Trying]

To each their own. We all get to build our rigs how we want. I just think, with 9 different trims, there are better choices than the Platinum if you are doing legitimate off roading. I think it's silly to have a skid plate on a Platinum. I'm sure there are some out there, but you don't see Limited's with skid plates. The Limited and the Platinum aren't really skid plate trims. If you do plan on over-landing to the extent where you need a skid plate, I'm just saying the Trailhunter or Pro would be better, or adding a skid plate to one of the other trims. But that's just my opinion and I understand others may disagree.