For those of us (myself definitely included) that are looking for more ground clearance, articulation, and to fit larger tires, one of the first things we usually do on modern Toyota independent front suspension trucks is lift the suspension. I'm not going to go into all of the manufacturers, configurations, philosophies, and voodoo that come up in a "what lift should I get … [Read more...]
4Runner Storage: ARB Outback Drawers
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! That's how I felt the second time my 4Runner got broken into in DC and had stuff stolen out of it (air compressor, tools, DeLorme GPS, etc.) This all went down over three years ago, and my solution to the problem was to get the stuff I keep permanently in the truck out of sight and secure in some storage drawers. I … [Read more...]
ARB Awning Long-Term Review
Out of all of the modification on my 4Runner, none gets as many comments as the roof rack-mounted awning. The comments come from 1 of two types - (1-the majority) those that think it is pretty ridiculous to permanently mount a sun shade to anything but an RV/porch or (2) curious overland-types that want to know who makes it, how I like it, and where to get one. The ARB … [Read more...]
Full Size Truck as an “Expedition Vehicle”? Absolutely.
Jeep JK. Land Cruiser. Defender. Tacoma. Discovery. 4Runner. If you ask members of our community what the "optimal" platforms are for an "overland vehicle", chances are these are these usual suspects will be brought up. But, what about the full-size pickup truck? Is America's job-site/mall parking lot staple, the full size truck, a worthy "overland rig"? You bet your … [Read more...]
Winter Exploration: George Washington National Forest
One of the best things about the East Coast is that we get all 4 seasons - which is great for offroad adventure in that the terrain changes all the time. Minivan-accessible routes in the summer months requires recovery gear for serious 4x4s in the winter months. This was the case for us this past weekend when we got out for a Saturday of exploration and sightseeing on USFS … [Read more...]
