Hunting in a 4Runner

[Jakeb]

View attachment 1009901



Wtf?

seems like stock height I can only fit 275’s which are more expensive and just a little bigger. I mean would they honestly get me more places than good 265’s? And be worth the gas mileage loss? I’m not totally against it, I’m just more of a function over coolness person.

 

[woods89]

I traded the title for the tow bill

In my case the tow company wanted to charge me for the tow and then they would "dispose" of the vehicle for free if I gave them the title. That didn't set terribly well with me and I made some calls, found a Toyota specific salvage yard 40 or 50 miles from the tow company who would give me $1,000, and just had the tow company take it there. To be fair, they had to come 50-60 miles up to where it was wrecked.

So essentially I got the same deal, just not from the tow company.

One of those deals that would be a lot easier to deal with close to home, not a 1,000 miles away like I was.

I'm still thinking about rolling a Bronco2. If I remember right they're pretty small, right? Nothing you have inside is very far from you!

 

[Jakeb]

Sleeping on top of a drawer system next to 2 105's is where I settled with no plans to change. Perfect rig for a solo hunter

I like this setup, I didn’t realize you could fit 2 105’s in the back and have room to sleep. Got any more pics of your drawer setup?

 

[coya]

I like this setup, I didn’t realize you could fit 2 105’s in the back and have room to sleep. Got any more pics of your drawer setup?

They fit like a glove. Lucky for me my dad was looking for a wood project at the time. Lemme know if you wanna see anything else and I can take more photos

 

[N2TRKYS]

I bought a 2018 TRD OffRoad brand new and put mods on it that I wanted for hunting out West. I love it and it has worked great for me.

 

[Jakeb]

I bought a 2018 TRD OffRoad brand new and put mods on it that I wanted for hunting out West. I love it and it has worked great for me.

What all did you do to it?

 

[Poser]

What are you folks airing down to? 15 lbs?

I most often air down to 20 psi, sometimes just 25 for grated roads (faster to air back up and can drive faster) and occasionally as low 15 if its super chunky, but below that is where you start getting into the realm of needing beadlocks. I had a friend who rolled a tire right off the rim from being too low and going to fast/cornering too hard.

Here's what I for for my '01 T4R tranny fluid. I change my engine oil at 5k. Every 2nd or 3rd OC, I drain the tranny oil from the pan (~4.3 qts.) and replace with new. My tranny fluid looks like new since it's practically replaced every three drain and fills.

Be careful of not replacing your transmission fluid too often. It is the one fluid on your vehicle where changing it too often can be detrimental. At a certain mileage, you are relying, to a certain degree, upon particle build up in the gearing to maintain function. Obviously, too much build up, too much metal and oxidized fluid will eventually fail, but changing it too often can lead to issues.

Its a bit of a balance. I am aware that some mechanics will not service a transmission that has gone 100k without a change as, at that point, there is too much risk for creating issues. (its also the case that Toyoats dealerships will be more than eager to take your money for a flush even though you haven't changed the fluid in 200k miles). A irregular system flush can lead to the same issues. There is also a chance that changing the fluid (drain and fill) too often can lead to the same issues since you are likely cycling out the vast majority of the fluid. Some amount of that dirty fluid, in the simplest possible terms, is "holding things together."

If you want to be liberal with the fluid changes, 50k (instead of 60) would probably be fine, but every 2nd-3rd oil change is only 10-15k -that may cause your issues at higher mileage. It probably seems counterintuitive, but this is what I've learned from hours on youtube university + driving high mileage Toyotas. You might switch that maintenance schedule to the gear oil in the transfer case and diffs as those components will benefit from more frequent changes.

 

[N2TRKYS]

What all did you do to it?

Gobi roof rack
Bilstein 5100 shocks all around set to level the front
BFG KO2 in stock size
Baja Design Squadron Pro driving combo fog lamp replacement(in yellow) I did the plug and play kit so I could use the factory fog lamp switch
Tail as Turn reverse light kit(this is a game changer)
Ultra LED bulb replacement for high and low beam headlights
Husky floormats, including the cargo area
Green bulbs in the door lights
Southern Style Offroad hybrid front
bumper with a 20” BajaDesign lightbar
Southern Style Offroad rock sliders
Warn 8000 lbs winch and replaced the cable with winch rope for weight savings

I may have missed something. It’s not alot compared to what some folks do, but it’s gotten me to several turkeys, mule deer, and elk out West since I’ve had it. Lol

 

[COJoe]

ts a bit of a balance. I am aware that some mechanics will not service a transmission that has gone 100k without a change as, at that point, there is too much risk for creating issues. (its also the case that Toyoats dealerships will be more than eager to take your money for a flush even though you haven't changed the fluid in 200k miles). A irregular system flush can lead to the same issues. There is also a chance that changing the fluid (drain and fill) too often can lead to the same issues since you are likely cycling out the vast majority of the fluid. Some amount of that dirty fluid, in the simplest possible terms, is "holding things together."

My 2007 4runner is sitting at 259,400 miles. I bought it at 247,000 miles 1.5 years ago. I have no idea when it was last changed, if at all. A friend from church is a manager of a local trusted repair shop and said they won't flush the fluid for me because it's too risky with the mileage. In your opinion, is it still safe to drain and fill the transmission fluid?

 

[Kurts86]

I’ve been using a 4Runner the last 3 seasons and here is my take.

They basically don’t need anything besides good AT tires. Any modifications that add weight or wind resistance quickly kill a 4Runner or Tacoma. I only use my roof basket for instance on trips I need it, otherwise it comes off and the highway fuel economy goes up 1.5-2 mph’s. It’s really nothing to turn a 19-20 mpg 4 runner into a 16 mpg 4Runner on the highway.

I have the leveling inflatable mattress for mine and it’s amazing to camp in solo. It’s basically an RV and UTV combined.

I have dented the stock steps and I would like rock sliders and some light skid plates after off-roaring in CO, WY, MT and AZ.

The cup holder inserts are pretty annoying as they stick to your mug and not the 4Runner.

 

[huntcookwrite]

@Jakeb - regarding the cargo carrier - get a one piece rack with a 2” rise/lift on the main beam. The one piece rack eliminates annoying squeaks and rattles. The 2” rise provides enough ground clearance to not mess with your departure angles. And the cargo carrier can be sized to easily hold a full size 150 quarter cooler, enough to haul frozen meat in on the trip home.

View attachment 1009757

If you have the budget, upgrading to a pakmule is 100% worth it. I keep mine on my 4Runner most of hunting season and barely notice it’s there. Then hauls coolers, deer, Christmas trees, skis, kids crap — everything no problem.

 

[Jakeb]

Gobi roof rack
Bilstein 5100 shocks all around set to level the front
BFG KO2 in stock size
Baja Design Squadron Pro driving combo fog lamp replacement(in yellow) I did the plug and play kit so I could use the factory fog lamp switch
Tail as Turn reverse light kit(this is a game changer)
Ultra LED bulb replacement for high and low beam headlights
Husky floormats, including the cargo area
Green bulbs in the door lights
Southern Style Offroad hybrid front
bumper with a 20” BajaDesign lightbar
Southern Style Offroad rock sliders
Warn 8000 lbs winch and replaced the cable with winch rope for weight savings

I may have missed something. It’s not alot compared to what some folks do, but it’s gotten me to several turkeys, mule deer, and elk out West since I’ve had it. LolView attachment 1010192

Nice! Thats pretty similar to what I’m planning. How do you like the gobi rack?

How did the 5100’s affect your ride? Is it much stiffer?

The reverse light mod is interesting. I’ll have to look into it.

How did you store the elk meat?

 

[N2TRKYS]

Nice! Thats pretty similar to what I’m planning. How do you like the gobi rack?

How did the 5100’s affect your ride? Is it much stiffer?

The reverse light mod is interesting. I’ll have to look into it.

How did you store the elk meat?

The Gobi is awesome.

The 5100s took the brake nose dive away.

The reverse light kit is definitely worth it. Choose the brightest bulb they offer.

With coolers on my 4-wheeler trailer. However, I could’ve easily put it in the back of my 4Runner.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Link to a leveling self inflatable mattress??

 

[PeteinMT]

Here is one

Shop 4Runner Mattress: Deepsleep 4Runner Foam + Air Mattress Bed

5" foam car camping mattress for ultimate comfort. Durable, weatherproof, easy setup. Solo or pair for cozy Toyota 4th and 5th gen 4Runner car camping.

deepsleepoverland.com

 

[Jakeb]

Question about roof racks coming from a person who knows absolutely nothing about them. It seems like there are 2 different types. The basket type (gobi, Baja rack) and then the crossbar type (Sherpa, prinsu).

My uneducated thought seems like the basket type is way easier to strap different items to and way more versatile. The crossbar type needs you to basically buy some type of bracket or connector to strap stuff too. And doesn’t seem like you could easily strap something that you haven’t planned on throwing up there.

Is this actually the case or am I overthinking it? I can get the crossbar type for a little cheaper, but I will pay more for a basket if it actually is more versatile.

As of now I’m really close to getting a bajarack.

 

[KenLee]

Eye opening isnt it. I rolled a bronco years back and between rifles flying outta windows and the factory jack ripping outta the wall an ping ponging around...Made a guy think about what all was in there

Rollovers are much more boring when drunk

 

[eddielasvegas]

If you have the budget, upgrading to a pakmule is 100% worth it. I keep mine on my 4Runner most of hunting season and barely notice it’s there. Then hauls coolers, deer, Christmas trees, skis, kids crap — everything no problem. View attachment 1010654

You aren't joking about having the budget, but sure looks well built and sturdy.

Is it rock solid (meaning no wobble, rattles, etc.) when loaded or when empty?

Eddie


P.S. I have not heard of this carrier but I must add this to the list of T4R accessories.

 

[coya]

I have a prinsu and they have tie down rings that can be attached to the rack quick

 

[huntcookwrite]

You aren't joking about having the budget, but sure looks well built and sturdy.

Is it rock solid (meaning no wobble, rattles, etc.) when loaded or when empty?

Eddie


P.S. I have not heard of this carrier but I must add this to the list of T4R accessories.

I’ve never had any issues with wobbling or rattles and have put it through the wringer fully loaded on 6+ hour drives regularly. I have their original model and it’s been going strong for 5+ years with zero maintenance besides some occasionally WD40 on the pin and lock.