4Runner Maintenance Checklist: What to Inspect Before Your Next Trail

Whether your 4Runner is a daily driver that sees occasional dirt or a full-time trail rig, preventative maintenance is what keeps trips fun instead of stressful. Before the next trail season—or even just a weekend run—there are a few critical areas every 4Runner owner should inspect.

This checklist focuses on real-world wear points we see all the time and simple upgrades that improve reliability without overthinking it.

Suspension & Steering: Check the Parts That Take the Abuse

Your suspension works overtime off-road. Before hitting the trail, inspect:

• Upper & lower control arm bushings

• Ball joints

• Tie rod ends

• Shock mounts

• Sway bar end links

Any clunking, wandering steering, or uneven tire wear is a red flag.

If components are worn, upgrading to heavier-duty parts now saves headaches later.

👉 4Runner Suspension Components

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/suspension

Underbody Protection: Inspect What You Don’t Normally See

Rocks, mud, and trail debris take their toll underneath. Get the truck safely in the air and look for:

• Bent or cracked skid plates

• Loose mounting hardware

• Frame contact points rubbing bare metal

If you’re still running factory skids (or none at all), aluminum or steel skid plates are one of the best reliability upgrades you can make.

👉 4Runner Skid Plates & Armor

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/skid-plates

Wheels & Tires: Torque, Pressure, and Clearance Matter

Trail damage often starts at the wheels. Before heading out:

• Torque lug nuts to spec

• Inspect sidewalls for cuts or bubbles

• Verify tire pressure for load and terrain

• Check for rubbing at full lock

If you’ve recently changed tire size, double-check clearance at the fender liner and body mount area.

👉 4Runner Wheels & Tire Accessories

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/wheels

Recovery Points & Mounting Hardware

Recovery gear is useless if it’s not mounted correctly. Inspect:

• Front & rear recovery points

• Hitch-mounted recovery gear

• Bolt tightness and rust

This is also a good time to replace old or rusted hardware before it fails on the trail.

👉 4Runner Recovery Gear

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/recovery-gear

Lighting & Electrical: Don’t Wait Until It’s Dark

Lighting issues always show up at the worst time. Before you leave:

• Test all auxiliary lights

• Check wiring for abrasion or loose grounds

• Verify switches and relays

Rock lights and auxiliary lighting aren’t just for looks—they make trail repairs and night runs significantly safer.

👉 4Runner LED Lighting

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/lighting

Interior Prep: Secure the Cabin

Inside the truck matters too. Loose gear becomes dangerous off-road. Make sure:

• Fire extinguishers are mounted

• Tools and recovery gear are secured

• Cargo barriers or storage systems are tight

👉 4Runner Interior Accessories

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/interior

Final Thoughts

Trail reliability isn’t about the biggest mods—it’s about preparation. A 15-minute inspection now can save a full weekend later. Whether you’re upgrading suspension, adding protection, or dialing in your setup, starting with maintenance always pays off.

👉 Shop All 4Runner Parts & Accessories

https://4runnerlifestyle.com