Help! 4Runner anxiety!

So I'm on day one. 06' TRD off-road PreRunner.
Need to get started. I need some tips/pointing in the right direction on the a couple of mods to get started.
Constant 12v accessory plug mod.
Steering wheel control mod? Can you add controls to a truck that came without it from the factory?

What other first mods do you guys recommend.
What lift is a good cheap start?
Should I stick with 16" or move up to 17" wheels?
Thanks!

 

First off there are no good cheap lifts. Save your money and do it correctly so your alignment numbers are obtainable. Rim size is really up to you but if your doing this cost effectively 16" tires in a larger size tend to be cheaper also you can use the stock rims. The 16" rim also gives you a little more sidewall which will improve ride quality. Important for a prerunner because momentum is your friend.

Forgot to mention, clean or replace the faded headlights. I hate the look of oxidized lights. BTW nice truck.

 

What in thee HELL does that have to do with 4Runners?

 

Planning on aftermarket wheels. Was thinking of starting with a level kit or bilsteins etc. I don't do heavy off-roading, mostly hauling dirt bikes in and out of woods, so fire roads etc....

 

PreRunner Day:One. Sold 4Runner yesterday.....
Missing her Already.....

 

If I were you find some '16 and up Tacoma struts and rear shocks in the classifieds. They will give you approx. a 1" lift to level off the truck and you will find the ride much better. If not doing anything hard core go with the aftermarket 17" rims. To me they just look better.

 

you can add the steering wheel controls you'll just have to replace the spiral cable and if you have a aftermarket radio you'll need a interface kit

 

What about making the accessory plug 12v constant (so I can charge my phone with key off)? I did it to both of our 4Runners....

 

Cool, I had to deal with the interface kit on the 4Runner. When you say spiral cable, you're reffering to the clockspring, right?

 

If you did it to the t4r then you'll have no problem doing it to your taco

 

yes

 

For the effort involved, I wouldn't bother with 1" lift.

Adding steering wheel controls is expensive (need new airbag and spiral cable), but everything is plug-n-play: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installed-steering-wheel-audio-controls-on-my-08.316944/

Do the tailgate anti-theft mod if you live in a city. Either use a hose clamp or purchase a purpose-built lock: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-theft-how-to-prevent-it.27829/ Alternatively, install a Pop-N-Lock locking tailgate handle.

Whole bunch more mods: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.7174/

Lowest-effort 2.5" lift are Rancho Quicklift RS999915 complete assemblies, $300 and no messing with a spring compressor: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2160136&cc=1432865&jsn=404

 

Cool, wasn't sure if it was different or not...

 

More pics of the 4Runner!

 

Why would you trade a 4runner for a 2wd old Tacoma?

 

^^ This. Not to mention that your 4Runner looked badass!

 

Lol
I had gone as far as I could go with the 4Runner. It was an 05' v8 awd/4x4 that got 14-15 mpg without the trailer and bikes behind it. Also, you'd never have known it but it had 250k and I got a pretty good offer, actually a really good offer.
The PreRunner is an 06' with 120k.
So now I can leave the trailer at home for day trips. We do very little off roading. And well, we do still have a 4Runner

 

Another approach is to keep your wallet in your pocket, and only break it out when you find things you'd like to improve, because the truck fails at something you want it to do.

For the type off pavement use you describe, it's quite capable stock.

 

This thread confuses me... title says 4Runner, first post talks about steering wheel controls and then rims of a Tacoma, then something about a 12v mod that isn't really a question but a statement?

Then there are pictures of a 4Runner and pictures of a Tacoma.

 

That's not the way it works on TW.