My Adventure Rig Build - 3rd Gen 4Runner
February 2024
One of my favorite ways to explore the world and look for photographs is in my vehicle. For me it is an essential piece of kit. I need off-road capability, utility, and enough comfort and space to be able to go out and explore the world around me. For my entire driving life I have been a Jeep guy. I have owned 6 different Jeeps over the years and my most recent one was a 97 TJ that I rebuilt from being totaled. I really loved it.
However in January of 2024 we found out we were pregnant with our third child. We were absolutely thrilled about it but it meant the Jeep would probably have to go. There was just no way for me to get three kids in that tiny back seat. For a long time I had been interested in owning a 4Runner and I had been bugging my friend Bob that whenever he decided to sell his I would be interested. He takes really good care of his equipment and I knew it would be an awesome rig.
Of course I had to take it out for some glamour shots.
March 2024
As you can see in the photos above the rear-end was starting to sag quite a bit after 200k. It’s a common problem in these. Since I knew I planned on carrying a bit of weight when camping I decided to upgrade the rear springs to som HD ones from Old Man Emu.
After the Lift Springs
It finally sits right and looks right. Much better. The new springs drive great too.
Sherpa Roof Rack
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be able to mount my RTT for trips to the backcountry. After a lot of research I decided on the rack from Sherpa Equpment Company. They are based up in Berthoud so I was able to pick it up from the warehouse. It looks great, is built like a tank, and was crazy easy to install.
RTT
Threw on the RTT. It is definitely big for my rig, but it looks great and drives great too. With the heavier springs in the rear it sits almost perfectly level when loaded which is ideal.
Moab
Once everything was setup I took it on its first real trip. Some friends and family and I spent 4 days in the backcountry of wester Colorado and the Moab area of Utah. It handled the trails like a champ, was crazy comfortable, and we had zero issues…with the 4runner, the Jeeps were another story.
Removed Running Boards
I removed the running boards for now. It looks taller and cooler but the steps are really useful, especially with kids.
Roof Box
I bolted a Harbor Freight rifle box to the roof for camping tools. It probably won’t live on there all the time but it is useful for camping for sure.
Camping
Did a little bit of winter camping with it. This time I put the RTT on the little off-road trailer I have. I actually prefer this setup to having it on the roof when a trailer is practial.
New Wheels
I was in the market for some replacement tires, and this set of SCS wheels and Goodyear tires popped up on Marketplace. The tires were at about 50% but the deal was too good and I really liked the look of the wheels. Second best upgrade yet, after the rack. Really feels like my 4runner now.
Off Road Lights
In July of 2025 I added som Baja Designs Squadron Pro’s that I salvaged off my old Jeep before I sold it. I haven’t wired them in yet. I want to install an S-Pod or something similar but I haven’t decided on which one or where to mount it yet. That will be a project before next summer.
Sound Deadening
Due to an unfortunate situation with some spilt milk, I had to completely remove the carpet, so I decided to take that opportunity to install some sound deadening material. I used the Amazon Basics version due to some good reviews and a good price and it worked great. The difference it made is really pretty wild. I did the entire floor, front and rear, including the wheel wells, and it is seriously much quieter inside. Feels heavier and just nicer. I highly recommend this upgrade. I plan to do the doors and maybe even the roof this spring.
As of January 2026
Well that pretty much catches us up. I did re-install the running boards for now. I actually dig the way they look until I am able to invest in some sliders. I plan to post regular updates as they happen now, but I had to do this ultra-mega-post to catch up for the last couple years before I could.
This is my favorite car I have ever owned and I have some awesome plans for it and a couple great trips already on the calendar. Let’s gooooo!
