First time 4Runner owner - what are the must do mods?

tacosandbeer · Apr 24, 2025

Hello, I'm soon to be a 4Runner owner (6th-gen TRD Off Road Premium) after owning a subaru for a while. I initially wanted a truck (Ford Ranger) so I could get my stinky muddy dog out of the cabin after long days of hunting, but it didn't fit in my garage so here I am. The 4Runner at least has a window I can roll down in the back to get the wet dog smell out after a day in the fields.

I primarily will use the 4Runner as a daily driver, a vehicle from which I pheasant hunt (varying terrains - farm fields, swampy areas, etc) and a tow vehicle for a center console boat and maybe a camper.

One thing I've noticed is the seeminly infinite number of aftermarket accessories and modifications available to 4Runners. My question is, is there anything I should really focus on modifying immediately once I take delivery in a few weeks? Or is it pretty good to go as a stock vehicle, and modify as I have time and/or extra money (lol)?

Note: I'm new to this forum, and forums in general and tried the search function and it didn't pull up a post that overlapped with what I'm trying to ascertain - apologies if this is the hundredth version of this post, and thank you for responding.

72and10bulls · Apr 24, 2025

tacosandbeer said:
Hello, I'm soon to be a 4Runner owner (6th-gen TRD Off Road Premium) after owning a subaru for a while. I initially wanted a truck (Ford Ranger) so I could get my stinky muddy dog out of the cabin after long days of hunting, but it didn't fit in my garage so here I am. The 4Runner at least has a window I can roll down in the back to get the wet dog smell out after a day in the fields.

I primarily will use the 4Runner as a daily driver, a vehicle from which I pheasant hunt (varying terrains - farm fields, swampy areas, etc) and a tow vehicle for a center console boat and maybe a camper.

One thing I've noticed is the seeminly infinite number of aftermarket accessories and modifications available to 4Runners. My question is, is there anything I should really focus on modifying immediately once I take delivery in a few weeks? Or is it pretty good to go as a stock vehicle, and modify as I have time and/or extra money (lol)?

Note: I'm new to this forum, and forums in general and tried the search function and it didn't pull up a post that overlapped with what I'm trying to ascertain - apologies if this is the hundredth version of this post, and thank you for responding.

There are so many Mods you can do to your new incoming 4runner. You could also leave it bone stock and it will provide all of your needs and wants. I would suggest running the vehicle for a while and evaluate how it is performing to your specific needs then work from there. Also there are so many Mods that are inexpensive to personalize your 4runner. Main thing is to get it out an have fun in it. Tint the windows get some screen protectors badge overlays or give it a 3" lift and add 35s. You are going to love your new 4runner!!!

run4eb · Apr 24, 2025

tacosandbeer said:
Hello, I'm soon to be a 4Runner owner (6th-gen TRD Off Road Premium) after owning a subaru for a while. I initially wanted a truck (Ford Ranger) so I could get my stinky muddy dog out of the cabin after long days of hunting, but it didn't fit in my garage so here I am. The 4Runner at least has a window I can roll down in the back to get the wet dog smell out after a day in the fields.

I primarily will use the 4Runner as a daily driver, a vehicle from which I pheasant hunt (varying terrains - farm fields, swampy areas, etc) and a tow vehicle for a center console boat and maybe a camper.

One thing I've noticed is the seeminly infinite number of aftermarket accessories and modifications available to 4Runners. My question is, is there anything I should really focus on modifying immediately once I take delivery in a few weeks? Or is it pretty good to go as a stock vehicle, and modify as I have time and/or extra money (lol)?

Note: I'm new to this forum, and forums in general and tried the search function and it didn't pull up a post that overlapped with what I'm trying to ascertain - apologies if this is the hundredth version of this post, and thank you for responding.

This may not be the kind of mods you're talking about. But if you're a music lover, one of the first things I am doing is installing the BeatSonic amplifier behind the screen. I'm sure the audio system is a fine system, but I have heard people say it's not quite as full and clear as it could be. And coming from my 2016 4Runner SR5 with an amp I installed, it makes a huge difference and think it will make the new JBL system sound even better.

*BACKORDER* Beat-Sonic ENA-3T3 Plug and Play Encore Alpha Power Amplif | Beat-Sonic USA

Looks like it's on backorder unfortunately but this is the one that is on the way to me, picking up my 6G tomorrow and may even get it all wired up that day. Congrats on the ORP!

Rellims · Apr 24, 2025

First off welcome! 2 categories in my mind, function and personalization. It sounds like it will handle all that you have planned for it function wise stock. I would say a good investment would be all weather mats to protect from the muck from hunting. Widow tint is usually a good move.

FirstFourRunner6 · Apr 24, 2025

run4eb said:
This may not be the kind of mods you're talking about. But if you're a music lover, one of the first things I am doing is installing the BeatSonic amplifier behind the screen. I'm sure the audio system is a fine system, but I have heard people say it's not quite as full and clear as it could be. And coming from my 2016 4Runner SR5 with an amp I installed, it makes a huge difference and think it will make the new JBL system sound even better.

*BACKORDER* Beat-Sonic ENA-3T3 Plug and Play Encore Alpha Power Amplif | Beat-Sonic USA

Looks like it's on backorder unfortunately but this is the one that is on the way to me, picking up my 6G tomorrow and may even get it all wired up that day. Congrats on the ORP!

I installed the same thing on day 1 but it made the sound crackle so I ended up taking it out.

Hacksaw · Apr 24, 2025

Before doing mods, some basic things to check are: cold tire pressure using a good, accurate gauge (many/most seem to be overinflated from the factory and many dealers don't seem to check this before delivery), engine oil level, and (reminding myself I still need to do this) put it in 4WD 4H on a straight stretch of pavement just to make sure the actuators are able to go back and forth between 2H and 4H). Also do a visual check on coolant and brake fluid levels.

run4eb · Apr 24, 2025

FirstFourRunner6 said:
I installed the same thing on day 1 but it made the sound crackle so I ended up taking it out.

Aw man. Well that's tough to hear after spending $350. Especially after the amp in my "old" 4Runner worked so great. What clock position did you set the gain to?

FirstFourRunner6 · Apr 24, 2025

run4eb said:
Aw man. Well that's tough to hear after spending $350. Especially after the amp in my "old" 4Runner worked so great. What clock position did you set the gain to?

Tried a couple of settings. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring myself to justify the $350 price tag and ended up returning it. Let me know how yours works. Maybe mine was just defective.

run4eb · Apr 24, 2025

FirstFourRunner6 said:
Tried a couple of settings. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring myself to justify the $350 price tag and ended up returning it. Let me know how yours works. Maybe mine was just defective.

Totally understandable. I'll report back.

4runner4 · Apr 24, 2025

Also first time owner and honestly from my perspective so far after owning just the base SR5 for a month is not much for daily use.

if you’re trim has the wireless charging then really nothing to do. Mine doesn’t so got a plug in rubber one. That might be about it. Oh and a small car trash can.