Tax returns, where to start

My 4runner is bone stock, I'm a noob and don't have the slightest idea where to start. I know it's a slippery slope and my dreams are far bigger then my bank account. I think I've been watching too much extreme 4x4 because I find myself on the trail gear website looking at their rock assault axles knowing full well it's going to be a while before I can afford something like that, besides the fact since i've had my 4runner I've played in the mud a bit but no wheeling (I need to fix that last part, would like to get out and meet you guys) . Anyway where is a good place to start? Lift, Armor, i read one post where someone suggested dual transfer cases. Anyone have some advice ?

Here's a similiar thread: https://desertrunnerst4r.forumotion.com/t94-general-questions-from-one-new-to-the-world-of-mods

I'd start with a good set of tires. If you've already got decent ATs, go to recovery gear (I carry a Bushranger exhaust jack, a hilift, a comealong, and an assortment of straps, drings, etc). Then lay in some trail spares - belts, hoses, fuses, a cv shaft, some extra ball joints and tie rod ends, fluids, etc. Some people think that's too much to carry, but I think you'll think otherwise if you get stranded with no way to get your truck off the trail. Then you can start looking at armor - I'd do sliders, skid plates, rear bumper, in that order. I wouldn't worry about a front bumper unless you thrash your stock one or get a winch and need somewhere to mount it. Some way to put air in your tires is always good.

By the time you've got all that collected, you'll have been out and about a couple times and should have a much better idea what you want from your truck and what you need to get it. You might decide that you like it stockish. You might decide that a dual battery setup and a fridge and rooftop tent will let you get off pavement more and for longer. You might get the wheeling bug and decide you need huge lift and crawling gears and that. Hell, you might just decide you need a first gen to abuse on the trail instead of thrashing that purty 3rd gen of yours .

If you need instant gratification, I'd go for tires and a set of sliders, you can't go wrong with those. After that, I'd wait until you know you need something else and you know what it is. I see so many guys that overbuild their trucks in one direction or another and regret it later, don't be that guy.

Come down to the Swell with us, weekend after this - you'll amaze yourself with what a stock 4Runner can do.

Just read that other post, best advice I've ever heard. Up until now all I have really heard or read on various websites as well as from friends and family is the go big or go home line of thinking. After reading this I have a much better picture of where to start and how to go about this. I've got some new Cooper Discoverer ATP's on there they have done well in mud and snow. Recovery gear and trail spares sounds like a good place to start.

100%NewZealand wrote: Cooper Discoverer ATP's

I've got a set of those too. Great tires!