What off-road mods to be done first?

Swapping Philips H9s or Osram 220 H11s in your low beams will double headlight output, roughly $20 or $44 respectively. Solid investment to improve lighting performance. Lots of info in the 3rd gen headlight thread.

Otherwise I would use your truck as you intend and then identify the shortcomings and mod accordingly to address them. You can get all sorts of advice about mods, but you'll only know if they are really beneficial to you after using your truck for what you intend.

 

X5 on rock sliders. Frame mounted, bolt on sliders. They will save you from expensive repairs. Also keeps the soccer moms from swinging their doors into your truck at the mall parking lot.

 

The more weight you add the more you would benefit from a tune

 

raptor lights and red nipple rings

 

https://unsealed4x4.com.au/how-to-drive-outback-roads/

https://axlengear.com/4x4-off-roading-basics-intro-beginners/

http://www.outbackcrossing.com.au/

 

Sliders first then skid plates - at least a good steel engine skid plate but I would go all the way back (and yes I a gree with the exhaust reroute which is not expensive. Speaking of exhaust cutting the exhaust off just after the axle cost $0 and will save you from bashing it on the rocks sticking out the back. Something you don't hear mentioned often but spindle gussets - not expensive and worth every penny if you go off road.

 

If it's just for trails, not rock climbing, then you are overbuilt. You can run a Camry down a trail...

 

This^ If you’re just off-roading then you are pretty much all set. As others have mentioned a good set of skid plates and some traction boards are icing on the cake.

 

As a “blue collar guy” you have already spent more than my old white collar guy self. Save your money for your girlfriend and enjoy your truck as is. You really don’t need to do anything to an OR.

If you only have the stock OR splash guards and you want to drive over boulders, an actual skid plate will help slide over them. My TRD Pro skid has lots of scars.

Rock sliders are also useful for getting through obstacles and keeping your doors working. Mine have many scars.

I road dirt bikes weekly for 8ish years and never added any armor or any other modification. Stop overthinking and get out there and have fun.

 

You can definitely take your truck as is, but,

I don't think there's any harm on adding skid plates, preferably steel. Start with the big three: engine, transmission, transfer case.

Some skid plates can double as a catalytic converter guard to prevent it from being stolen.

Rock sliders should also be considered as well. They protect your rocker panel. If your rocker panel gets damaged, there is a chance the door may not close anymore (once you open it) and they cost thousands to repair.

Some rock sliders has fill plates so they can double as a step.

 

Uh . . . . no. It really depends on what level trails off road we are talking about. Yes a stock TRD Off Road with those GoodYear Wranglers or whatever they are called is pretty capable and can do trails rated "easy" or 1-3 with ease and I guess somebody with experience could do them in a 2WD Camry although I wouldn't think it very smart. With some experience that stock Off Road could do intermediate or 4-6 rated trails I guess but now you can have some rock obstacles deeper ruts and drop offs ext. I did some of those on stock Off Road suspension but with 32s (265/75R16) aired down KO2s and rock sliders and Engine skid plate but I had the help of some experienced spotters. Still I took some hits - nothing major but enough to realize sliders and skid plate was a good choice. Good AT tires, sliders and a good front skid late IMHO is where you start. The OP is set up to go way beyond that. When you start hitting the difficult/extreme 7-10 rated trails you need to be armored up and bigger stronger tires - suspension geared to going off road . . . . and no a Camry ain't doin those trails , a stock Off Road isn't either without getting broke. BTW - I carry a spare CV axle and a spare tie rod and tools in my recovery box with the recovery straps and soft shackles and traction boards and hi-lift jack etc. because that stuff can and does get broke on the trail.

 

A Pillow & Blanket & a case of beer

These trucks can jump triples with ease.

 

Keep in mind, these item’s weights add up quickly, especially on this little truck.

 

That's a good point - when you start weighting these trucks down the MPG goes way down and at some point you really need to think about a re-gear. A tune like OTT (there are others but OTT is my choice) IMHO is just a good idea even for a bone stock mall crawler just because the stock tune sucks . . . . gear hunting etc. - great for Toyota's overall numbers but not great for Taco drivers.

 

Rock Sliders are the most important mod for serious off-roaders, and probably the most essential piece of armor that's needed.
I'm using lighter weight steps, but I think they'll work for me.
I'd say a winch and real bumpers would be the 2nd best mod.
Those mods may be the only armor that I'll be running. I'm pushing gvwr.

 

You should be more capeable because you're fully locked compared to most of the built trucks that you see with every bolt on accessory possible.

Regear, spindle gussets, LCA frame brace kit, tie rod sleeves, u bolt flip kit, sliders, full skid package, F&R bumpers, winch, 33" + tires w/ full size spare, rock lights, recovery gear just to name a few. Don't forget your tire plug kit

Also, pictures of your truck are mandatory here

 

hummmm . . . . I agree with sliders first but I don't agree with steps in place of sliders. First, and most important steps are attached to the body where as sliders are attached to the frame. You bash those steps on the rocks you are going to have serious body damage - they are the first thing that need to go - that's what sliders are for - my sliders have saved me a couple of times. Second, as you say steps are light - and provide no real protection. And third, lots of inexperienced noobs end up getting their steps ripped off on the trail. The winch and steel bumpers (I guessing that's what you mean by real bumpers) are fine but add a lot of weight so you need the appropriate suspension to compensate. So I would say the second best mod is an engine skid plate at a minimum ideally work your way all the way back.

 

I don't disagree with anything on your list except tie rod sleeves. I was going to go that route but the shop I go to advised against it because they said it just moved the point of failure up to more expensive and difficult components to replace where as tie rods are relatively easy to replace even on the trail. The U bolt flip (although I did it) really doesn't do all that much and the rock lights . . . meh - I guess if you wheel at night.

My U bolt flip with extended bump stops and I cut the exhaust off just past the axle

 

The most important mod is the clear title mod.

 

U bolt flip, because the OEM U bolt plates are like boat anchors that can drag on anything. Plus, like your setup, they just look cool.
Same with the tie rod sleeves