Overcoming Adversity: This 4Runner Does it All

• September 26, 2024
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar

They say necessity is the key to invention and such is true for this ’14 Toyota 4Runner. Owned by Michael Devecchio, the need for a vehicle capable of traversing the great outdoors came when he moved from South Orange County to Mammoth Lakes, CA. It all started during a time when he needed a change of pace in his life and a buddy was able to convince him to move. Trading in a potentially dangerous lifestyle for peacefulness in this mountainous region proved to bring a positive note to his life.

Adjusting to New Obstacles

Besides adjusting to a slower way of living, the move would also bring other obstacles as well. The biggest of them all, Michael was in need of a vehicle to get around town in. So, he purchased ’92 Toyota 2WD pickup but soon found out that Mammoth sees a full four seasons and that means there is plenty of snow in the winter. Though he could get around, he didn’t want to get stuck anymore and knew that a four-wheel-drive vehicle would make things easier. Hence, he upgraded to an ’88 Toyota 4Runner that had that function.

This SUV opened a whole new can of worms for Michael as he entered the realm of off-roading and camping in remote areas. This is basically when he caught “the bug” of customizing his rig to traverse trails with ease and his inspiration was another 4Runner parked at a gas station he would pass on a regular basis. From then on it was all about what mods he could do next to make it more capable.

The New Project

Things changed when he found out that his sister was selling a 2014 4Runner, which he was interested in picking up as a daily driver. Though that may sound like a good plan to others, most truck enthusiasts can’t help from taking things further on any vehicle he or she owns. So it was only a matter of time when Michael would turn wrenches on this vehicle once he acquired it from his sister.

Ready for Lift Off

Though these 5th Gen 4Runners are stout and pretty capable in stock form, they can benefit from some upgrades. The biggest of them on this rig was fitting a set of 38-inch-tall tires for maximum clearance for obstructions. Getting this done, a Wicked Creations plus 5 long travel front suspension kit was added along with a Total Chaos spindles gusset kit to combat the added stress. Giving a lift and smooth ride is a set of King-Offroad 2.5 bypass coil-overs with reservoirs.

Helping out the rear is a set of Freedom Off-Road adjustable upper and lower control arms combined with King 2.5 shocks equipped with Icon vehicle Dynamics 3-inch springs. Other mods include a 1-inch body lift, DRT Fabrication front cab mount relocation kit, steering rack cooler, and bumpstops customized by Earth Crawler. Protecting the underside is skid plates from Cali Raised and RCI, as well as rock sliders from Trail Standard Offroad.

Gripping Reality

With all the suspension mods finalized, it was time to attach a set of large rollers to maximize this 4Runners abilities. Michael chose to go with a set off 17-inch Lock Offroad wheels adorned by 38x13.50R17LT Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires. Since this truck sees both pavement and loose terrain, Michael went with this mud terrain tire as it has an aggressive tread pattern with leading edge and side lug blocks for enhanced traction. Making these tires extra attractive for Michael, the tread block arrangement was computer designed to be much quieter on the road than Nitto’s previous mud terrain tires.

Looking the Part

Moving on to the functionality of the exterior, the front bumper was removed and replaced by a rugged version from Addicted Offroad with LED lighting and a Superwinch for recovery purposes. For the rear, Michael added a Nyguen works bumper with a hitch and swingout that holds a spare tire. Up top is an RCI Offroad roof rack that has extra lighting for nighttime visibility.

On the inside, the factory seats were covered in Seat Covers Unlimited Neo-Sport neoprene seat covers that repel dirt and stains from spilled liquids. The interior was further enhanced with Cali Raised Molle panels mounted in the back for storing additional equipment like the Overland Kings onboard air compressor. Transforming the dash is a Phoenix Automotive vertical screen head unit system that provides a modern entertainment experience as well as navigation.

The Adventure Continues

Despite moving back to Southern California and starting a family, Michael's love for off-roading has remained strong. He continues to explore trails with his 2014 4Runner, sharing his passion with loved ones. While he believes the 4Runner is mostly complete, he's already contemplating future projects, including a solid axle swap for his 1988 4Runner. Given his track record of impressive customizations, we can expect more exciting endeavors to come.

Hard Facts