Feature Friday: Ruben Beltran’s Trail-Ready 4Runner

Ruben Beltran has built his 4Runner around one thing: actually getting out and using it. Known as @smoke_trd_pro on Instagram, his setup combines long-travel suspension, extensive armor and recovery equipment with the lighting, storage and camping gear needed for longer trips off the pavement.

It’s an extensive build, but nothing feels added just for the sake of adding it. The upgrades work together to make the 4Runner more capable on the trail while still supporting the trips and experiences Ruben built it for in the first place.

And it’s been put to the test. When we asked Ruben what he loves most about his setup, he didn’t name a particular mod. Instead, he pointed to the places it has taken him and the fact that it has handled some of the toughest trails he’s encountered without any issues.

Built for the Trail

A capable trail build starts with what’s underneath it, and Ruben has put plenty of attention there.

His 4Runner rides on a Dobinsons MRR long-travel suspension setup paired with a full Apache Off Road rear link system, Perry Parts bump stops and 34-inch BFGoodrich KO3s. Together, those upgrades give this build a solid foundation for the kind of terrain Ruben actually uses it on.

Protection is equally extensive. Ruben went with an RCI bumper and sliders, along with full skids, a fuel skid and lower-link skids. A Borne Off Road 10K winch adds another layer of capability when self-recovery becomes necessary.

It’s a combination that makes sense for a 4Runner that's expected to leave the easy route behind.

Lighting & Electrical Upgrades

Lighting is another area where this build goes well beyond stock.

Up front, Ruben runs Morimoto XB Evo headlights, complemented by Diode Dynamics fog lights, ditch lights and rock lights. He has also added the Aspire Auto Accessories Brite Box Anytime Fog Kit, giving him more control over the lighting setup when he needs it. 

At the rear, Ruben runs Aspire Auto Accessories G1 Stealth LED Tail Lights, giving the 4Runner a darker, more modern look that fits the rest of the build. A Blaze Off Road Garmin power switch system with custom harnesses helps keep the growing list of electrical accessories organized.

It’s a good example of how lighting can serve two purposes on a build like this: changing the overall appearance while also adding useful visibility once the sun goes down.

Ready for Longer Trips

Ruben hasn't limited the build to trail performance. There’s a full travel and camping setup here as well.

An UpTop Overland Bravo roof rack carries a 23Zero Walkabout 72 rooftop tent, while an Arcane Warrior 108L Flex storage box gives him room to keep gear organized. An ICECO VL45 ProD fridge handles food and drinks on longer trips.

He’s also equipped the 4Runner with an ARB onboard air compressor, an especially useful addition when airing down for the trail and airing back up before heading home. A Midland MXT-275 GMRS radio takes care of communication when traveling with others.

Ruben’s setup isn’t just built to handle tough trails. It’s also equipped with the gear he needs to stay organized, comfortable and prepared for longer trips.

Inside the 4Runner

There are plenty of thoughtful upgrades inside, too.

Ruben has added full MESO Customs interior lighting, Bevinsee MOLLE panels, Canvasback second-row and rear cargo liners, and Yota Twins paracord grab handles. A Lab Ops Gear 4Runner accessory dash mount gives him a dedicated place for equipment up front.

He's also running a WOLFBOX G900 Tri-Pro dash cam, a three-channel setup that gives him front, rear and interior coverage. For a rig that spends plenty of time both on the road and out on the trail, it adds an extra layer of visibility and recording without feeling out of place in the build.

Together, the interior upgrades keep the setup organized and add some useful functionality for both everyday driving and longer trips.

The Details That Finish the Build

Some of the most interesting parts of Ruben's build are the upgrades you might never notice from the outside. A Yotawerx Blackhawk tune adds to the overall performance, while R1 Concepts slotted rotors, pads and brake lines upgrade the braking system front and rear. Under the hood, billet details from Blaze Off Road, SDHQ and Bevinsee replace several factory components, including the battery tie-down, battery terminals and fluid reservoirs.

A custom Tom Woods rear driveshaft rounds out the drivetrain upgrades, another detail that shows just how much thought has gone into the build from top to bottom.

What We Love About This Build

What stands out about Ruben's 4Runner isn't one particular part, it's how complete the setup has become.

There are plenty of impressive components on the build, but the suspension, protection, recovery equipment, lighting and camping gear all support the same goal: having a 4Runner that can actually take him places.

And it definitely has.

When asked what he loves most about the setup, Ruben didn't point to a particular modification. He pointed to the experiences it's given him and the fact that it's handled difficult trails without giving him problems.

We also asked the question every modified 4Runner owner eventually has an answer to: Is there anything you'd do differently if you started over?

For Ruben, not yet.

With a build this extensive, that's saying something.

More Than Just the Build