2025 Limited Build Evolution - chrome delete & mods: Peak Lift Kit, Method +18 offset, Wildpeak AT4 285/70/18, Prinsu, RCI skid plates, heritage grill

[Unlimited4R]

Based in Phoenix, after 8 years and countless miles offroad and on, I parted ways with my '16 (probably overbuilt) 5th gen SR5 Premium for a '25 4Runner Limited in late May. Like the previous iteration, I need the 3rd row option (4 kids) as a foundation for my builds. Here's a quick summary of what's been done and what's next for this one:

• Debadged and ceramic coating from Detail PHX
• Beat-Sonic amplifier
• Redline Tuning hood struts
• Screen ProTech matte finish display protection
• Lasfit floor liners
• Peak Performance Trail kit suspension lift - Given all of the other models getting 34-35" tires with limited/no rub, I figured I could get a 33.5-34" tire option with this lift. With the Active Variable Suspension in the Limited/Platinum, I knew this option would work but wasn't sure how well. I didn't get a significant increase in lift (closer to 1" in the front and not 2") after install. More on that later.
• Method MR316 18 x 9 wheels (+18 offset) wrapped in Falken Wildpeak AT4 285/70R18 load C tires - 33.5" tire height installed as seen below.

• Prinsu Pro Roof Rack - A lot of options, but I went with what I know. I ran a Prinsu Roof Rack on my 5th gen and really never had an issue with it. Went for the Pro model for the added support with the static/dynamic weight support. I also painted the under side plates in a grey/silver.

• RCI aluminum front skid plate (really tucked in as compared to the 5th gen)
• RCI rock sliders - Blind bolts, paired with inset bolt options from RCI. They provided 2 inset bolts (ideally they should offer more for the unthreaded options) but those were perfect for the driver side. I did incorporate blind bolts to reinforce the options that RCI provided (4 on the passenger/5 in the driver). I can post where I positioned those bolts.

• TRD Pro Heritage grille swap - Beautiful match with the existing silver accents already on the Limited (lower front and rear bumper, Toyota logo on back).

What's Next?

• NYTOP Fender flares in matte black - reducing the poke of the current configuration of wheels/tires (a couple weeks out on delivery).
• Upgrading the suspension to a 3" lift option. AVS be damned. Keeping the stock setup with spacers isn't my long-term plan, so I'm working with my local shop to upgrade from here.
• Full size spare - I know the current spec is to fit a 33" max tire underneath. As I started to explore the undercarriage and how much real estate is there to work with, an idea crossed my mind:
  • If I push out the trailer plug port (about 1/2" forward, straightening it), and hammer outward the two tire brackets (about 1/2") I should be able to get me the 33.5" space to support my 285/70R18 spare underneath.
• Conversely, if I don't pursue the adjustments to force a spare underneath, I will most likely opt for the Wescott spare tire carrier. I mountain bike, so I need something with enough strength to support my rack(s) and bike(s). Wescott's option allows for the tire to sit to the passenger side and will limit relocation needs for the 2 rear cameras (backup and digital tow cameras). Alternatively, I may see what rear bumper options come out that include a tire carrier and limit the camera relocation requirements too.
• Onboard air compressor and rear locking diff.
• A-pillar lighting
• Possible intake upgrade
• Potential front bumper options/winch - seeing what options become available.

Ready to get this thing dirty.

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[ROBERT18452]

Very nice

Have you seen a difference in fuel mileage with the new wheels and tires?

 

[Rusty Rattler]

Very nice

Have you seen a difference in fuel mileage with the new wheels and tires?

Ofcourse you will see less mpg….Wide and tall = less MPG

 

[Unlimited4R]

I've seen a steady decline in MPG, as expected and as stated above. At the moment, I'm sitting at 15 in eco mode. It's still better than the MPG on my 5th gen, and it's less to fill the tank so it's a net win overall.

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

I've seen a steady decline in MPG, as expected and as stated above. At the moment, I'm sitting at 15 in eco mode. It's still better than the MPG on my 5th gen, and it's less to fill the tank so it's a net win overall.

Does ECO actually save gas?

 

[Unlimited4R]

Save gas? I think it helps waste less if I am being honest. The drive modes are akin to the Pedal Commander - really regulating throttle, which is maybe saving a little gas. I haven't done a full comparison of eco vs comfort vs normal vs the boost modes to see how quickly I burn through a tank. I'd say at most it's incremental.

 

[OnePunchPan]

How was the grille swap on the limited and did the lift kit affect your cameras/driver assist systems at all?

Love the build!

 

[Unlimited4R]

How was the grille swap on the limited and did the lift kit affect your cameras/driver assist systems at all?

Love the build!

Thanks! For the grille swap, it wasn't difficult - just a more intricate puzzle as compared to the 5th gen. I followed the Rave Off Road Youtube video outlining the their grille swap/install - the first part of the video is a great guide to getting to a point where you can swap out.

On the camera relocation - if you look at the grille pic above, you see that I have the option to move the camera up from its current position to the upper grille assembly. I did not buy and extender and don't see the need given the prime location in the lower grille assembly. So I have a subtle cutout if I ever change my mind there. Now, on the driver assist systems - you do need to detach a few during the disassembly, but as long as you plug everything back in - no issues. I forgot to plug in the grille fan (my 5 year old distracted me) and when I left to run some errands, I was getting some alerts/errors/doom messages from the 4Runner. Luckily, that was a simple action of popping the cover off the top and plugging that back in.

 

[Unlimited4R]

And no, at the moment, there has been no impact on the driver assist features from the current lift configuration. Honestly, there wasn't much gain in the front height going from the 265/55R20 to the 285/70R18 (about 2 inches), but the body lift gain of an inch really didn't net anything to impact any sensors or driver assist features. I will report back in once I bump up the lift a little bit more in the near future.

 

[OnePunchPan]

Thanks! For the grille swap, it wasn't difficult - just a more intricate puzzle as compared to the 5th gen. I followed the Rave Off Road Youtube video outlining the their grille swap/install - the first part of the video is a great guide to getting to a point where you can swap out.

On the camera relocation - if you look at the grille pic above, you see that I have the option to move the camera up from its current position to the upper grille assembly. I did not buy and extender and don't see the need given the prime location in the lower grille assembly. So I have a subtle cutout if I ever change my mind there. Now, on the driver assist systems - you do need to detach a few during the disassembly, but as long as you plug everything back in - no issues. I forgot to plug in the grille fan (my 5 year old distracted me) and when I left to run some errands, I was getting some alerts/errors/doom messages from the 4Runner. Luckily, that was a simple action of popping the cover off the top and plugging that back in.

Okay so I'm gon be real.. I have a feeling I won't be able to do this within 3-4 hours so I may have to ask a professional lmao

Mostly bc I live in an area where the sun will get blazing hot and I don't have a garage/carport. But shitttt I'd try if this wasn't my wife's daily as well. Your Limited trim is definitely a role model for sure

 

[Unlimited4R]

Okay so I'm gon be real.. I have a feeling I won't be able to do this within 3-4 hours so I may have to ask a professional lmao

Mostly bc I live in an area where the sun will get blazing hot and I don't have a garage/carport. But shitttt I'd try if this wasn't my wife's daily as well. Your Limited trim is definitely a role model for sure

I live in Phoenix. It's summer and my garage basically gives me more humidity and reminds me why I moved to the desert. You can do it! Just get up early and follow the video here: - it's really not that complicated.

 

[OnePunchPan]

I live in Phoenix. It's summer and my garage basically gives me more humidity and reminds me why I moved to the desert. You can do it! Just get up early and follow the video here: - it's really not that complicated.

Fk. Alright. I'll make some plans and carve out a day to do this. Will post updates here!

 

[Unlimited4R]

Next items up for me (installing today/this weekend):
- Westcott Billet Tow Hooks
- Westcott low profile ditch light brackets
- Diode Dynamics SS6 Fog Light kit
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro Light pods

I will post some process pics, but probably not all (I tend to forget about taking in-process pics).

 

[Keroppi]

Next items up for me (installing today/this weekend):
- Westcott Billet Tow Hooks
- Westcott low profile ditch light brackets
- Diode Dynamics SS6 Fog Light kit
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro Light pods

I will post some process pics, but probably not all (I tend to forget about taking in-process pics).

Did you end up installing these? Would like to see some process & result pics. Thanks.

 

[Unlimited4R]

Hey @Keroppi and anyone else looking for an update - I did end up adding those plus a few other things. Here's the latest and what's next/left to do:

Installed:

• Diode Dynamics C2 standard chase lights (flood) - I modified the bracket slightly to allow me to mount these under the roof rack cross bar. On my 5th gen, I had these sitting above and never loved the look. Additionally, with this install, I needed to factor in the spoiler and getting enough clearance to mount and avoid contact. I ran the wiring in through the driver rear taillight and under the floor trim all the way to the dash switch controls.
• Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro ditch lights
• Diode Dynamics SS6 fog lights (amber) - I should have done this when I did the Pro grille swap - if you are doing the grille swap - add the fog lights at the same time!
• Westcott low pro ditch light brackets - easy install. Set up is a little tight with light placement near the wipers, but not enough to touch or be an issue.
• Westcott billet tow hooks - finish looks clean paired with the silver lower bumper valence and RCI skid plate in raw.
• ARB Brushless Single Compressor - perfect fit under the hood. Sufficient for airing up when needed and eventually running a locker (probably next year).
• Rough Country paint matched fender flares - I had initially looked at the NYTOP option, but getting the paint matched was going to be an additional $1k. This was clearly the better option. Added ceramic coating and installed pretty quickly.
• (not pictured) Ark crash bracket delete - thanks to those who did this already - paint matched the factory bolts and cut back on some of the rub from the 285/70/18s.

Next up:

• King Suspension 2.5 lift kit with reservoirs, etc. That is happening soon - really not enjoying the Peak spacers with the stock Limited suspension paired with my current wheel/tire setup. Unfortunately, on the Limited, the spacer lift options don't provide as much clearance as the other 4Runner models. Bumping up the lift to give me a little more clearance for off-road trail access.

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