Smoked LED tail light on a 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner

Our Favourite 5th Gen 4Runner Mods: Day-One Basics to Full Builds

Ask ten 5th Gen owners where to start and you'll get ten answers. Here's ours. These are the mods we'd do on a 2010–2024 4Runner, in roughly the order we'd do them: cheap fixes first, then weekend projects, then the big-ticket build parts. Every mod lists what you need, how long it takes and where to find a full walkthrough.

The short version

Tier Time Examples
Day-one basics 5–30 minutes each A/C drain extension, filters, LED bulbs, chrome delete, storage
Weekend projects An afternoon MOLLE panels, LED tail lights, diff breathers, oil drain valve
Full builds Shop day or a long weekend Tires, suspension, sliders, skids, roof rack, bumpers

Day-one basics

Cheap, quick, and you'll notice every one of them.

1. A/C drain hose extension

The A/C evaporator drain on the 5th Gen can drip onto the frame on the passenger side. Over a few Canadian winters, water sitting on salted steel is not what you want. Extending the drain routes it past the frame.

  • Parts: about 12" of 3/8" ID hose and a 3/8" barbed connector
  • Tools: none, or a plastic pry tool
  • Time: about 5 minutes, from under the passenger side
  • Walkthrough: Trail4Runner's A/C refresh guide (steps 1–2 cover the drain extension)

2. Engine air filter

Easiest maintenance job on the truck. Stick with a good OEM-size panel filter. If you go with an oiled reusable filter, don't over-oil it, since excess oil can foul the mass airflow sensor right behind it.

3. Cabin air filter

Lives behind the glove box. On a truck that sees gravel roads and dusty trails it gets dirty fast, and a fresh one is noticeable on the first drive.

  • Parts: cabin filter, Toyota 87139-50100 (charcoal) or 87139-YZZ10
  • Tools: none. Empty the glove box, release the stops and let it drop
  • Time: 5 minutes
  • Walkthrough: same A/C refresh guide (steps 4–6)

4. LED interior and reverse bulbs

The factory dome, map and cargo lights are dim and yellow. LED replacements plug straight in and make the cargo area usable at a campsite. Brighter reverse bulbs make backing up at night far less of a guess.

  • Bulb sizes: dome and cargo DE3175 (31 mm festoon), map 194, reverse 921, licence plate 168
  • Tools: plastic pry tool for the lenses. A Phillips screwdriver helps for the reverse lights
  • Time: 15–30 minutes for the full set
  • More: Trail4Runner's bulb size chart and reverse light install

5. Kill the chrome

The silver trim on the dash and wheel dates the interior. Peel-and-stick overlays fix it in minutes.

6. Fix the storage Toyota forgot

The space under the armrest is empty, and the door pockets are too shallow for a phone.

7. Pedal covers for winter boots

  • Parts: aluminum pedal set (gas, brake and footrest). Automatic transmission only
  • Tools: basic hand tools
  • Time: about 15 minutes

Weekend projects

Give yourself an afternoon and basic hand tools.

8. Rear window MOLLE panels

The dead space over the rear windows becomes mounting space for recovery gear, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

9. LED tail lights and mirror signals

The biggest visual change you can make to the back of the truck, with no splicing.

  • Parts: Smoked or Prism LED tail lights (compared here), plus sequential mirror signals if your mirrors have factory signals (2014–2024)
  • Tools: basic hand tools and a plastic trim tool. Warm the clips first in cold weather
  • Time: about 30 minutes for the tail lights

10. Diff breather relocation

The factory differential breathers sit low. If you cross water or deep slush, a relocation kit runs them up into the engine bay so water doesn't get pulled into the diffs.

  • Parts: a breather relocation kit (for example ARB 170112), with hose, fittings, a manifold and a filter
  • Tools: Phillips screwdriver, 14 mm or adjustable wrench, utility knife, wire cutters, and a drill if you use self-tapping screws to mount the manifold
  • Time: 1–2 hours
  • Walkthrough: Trail4Runner's breather kit install

11. Oil drain valve

A valve that replaces the drain plug. Oil changes get cleaner and faster, especially in a driveway or on a trip.

  • Parts: a Fumoto valve for M12 × 1.25 drain plugs (the F133 series). Confirm fitment on the listing before you buy
  • Tools: 3/4" open-end wrench, brake cleaner and a drain pan
  • Time: 15 minutes during an oil change
  • Walkthrough: Trail4Runner's Fumoto install

12. Ditch lights

Light pods at the base of the windshield light up the edges of the trail where it actually turns.

  • Parts: ditch light brackets (bolt-on, no drilling), a pair of LED pods and a wiring harness with a switch
  • Tools: socket set and basic electrical tools for the harness
  • Time: 1–2 hours including wiring

13. Hitch recovery point

A rated recovery point in the rear receiver. Never use the tow ball for a recovery.

Full builds

This is where budgets go. Do these in a sensible order and you'll avoid buying parts twice.

Step What to decide Read more
1. Tires Your final tire size. It drives lift height, trimming and gearing Tire size guide
2. Suspension Lift or level matched to tire size and the weight you carry, plus upper control arms to keep alignment in spec Lift and level kits
3. Sliders Bolt-on or weld-on rocker protection Rock sliders
4. Skid plates Protection for the oil pan, transmission and transfer case. Aluminum is lighter, steel is tougher Skid plate buyer's guide
5. Roof rack What you'll carry: a rooftop tent, awning, recovery boards or lights Roof racks
6. Bumpers and winch The heaviest step. Re-check your springs afterwards Front bumpers

For overland gear we stock, see our overland and protection collection.

Where we'd start with $300

A/C drain extension, both filters, interior LEDs, the climate control overlays, the console compartment and a pedal set. Every drive feels different, and it all goes on in an afternoon. When you're ready for more, add MOLLE panels or tail lights.

Everything 4YOTA sells ships from Edmonton with no duties or brokerage. Not sure what fits your truck? Email support@4yota.com with your year and trim. Install steps for every part we sell are on our Install Guides page, and you can browse all 5th Gen 4Runner accessories. Part numbers and walkthroughs from other sites are listed for reference. Confirm fitment for your exact year and trim before ordering.

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Common questions

What should my first mod be on a 5th Gen 4Runner?
Start with cheap, quick fixes: an A/C drain hose extension, fresh engine and cabin air filters, LED interior bulbs and a chrome delete. They cost little and you notice them every drive.
What is the 5th Gen 4Runner A/C drain mod?
A short hose extension on the A/C condensate drain that routes the drip away from the frame, so water doesn't sit on salted steel. It takes about five minutes.
Where is the cabin air filter on a 5th Gen 4Runner?
Behind the glove box. Drop the glove box, slide out the old filter and slide in the new one.
Should I buy tires or a lift first?
Decide your tire size first. It determines what lift, trimming and gearing you need, so you don't buy suspension twice.
What is a diff breather relocation?
A kit that moves the differential breathers higher, usually into the engine bay, so water isn't pulled into the diffs during crossings.