To dampen noise on the SR5, I have:
1. Installed Dynamat on the hood in the dimpled areas, then inserted an aftermarket hood liner (this made a noticeable difference)
2. Pulled the wheel well liners and backed them with Amazon sound mat (noticed a difference in rain and snow),
3. Pulled the back hatch cover and backed it with Amazon deadener (this helped cut down on reverb), and
4. Pulled the headliner and installed Sound Skin Wavy across the entire roof (this made a huge difference -15 db), to do this I had my body shop remove and reinstall the liner which took them 2 hrs and cost me $350. I run Victory 4x4 roof bars which are low profile but not as aerodynamic as others. In the past I ran Thule Aeros which create less noise and weigh less.
I may insulate the lower half of the doors when I have time, as this is relatively easy.
In case it’s helpful, I have also made these mods with an eye toward not adding weight which kills the mileage which has only marginally improved in 1 Gen:
TRD Alum Engine Plate
Trailhunter 18s with Falken Wildpeaks - lowest cost way to gain an 1” in clearance. Run at 37 psi to max mileage.
Toyota hooks on front
Victory Roof Bars
17” Spare with 33” tire (it fits but does not ride as high as I would like
Washable Air Filter which I clean 1x per quarter - I also clean the throttle body every.6 months. Both are key to gas mileage.
Braille Lith Ion battery that weighs 5 pounds vs. 40 lb stock battery. Yes it’s $250 more than a stock battery but it pays for itself in a year with improved mileage.
Amber covers on fogs to use as yellow running lights.
Diode Dynamics Amber Ditch Lights with backlighting for bad weather and to noticed on two lane highway, day and night.
Yota Exp Apple charger plate - game changer. Large water bottle holder which fits on molle up front.
Small bungee mesh panel in right rear hooked to D ring that’s screwed into plastic with self tapping sheet metal screws, this keeps stuff in place.
MTM divide ammo crate as a toolbox that’s easy to move around.
Plano 108 quart trunk with wheels as an overlanding box. NRS XL dry bad as an overlanding duffle. Both go on roof.
Riversmith Quiver - 4 rods.
Wweathertech mud flaps and mats.
I like the ride of the truck off and on-road. The stock shocks and springs are surprisingly good, especially with the wheels and tires. Acceleration is nice, as is the extra torque. I have never had a locker on a 4R, so I can’t comment. I not a rock crawler, but I get into a ton of mud and steep terrain with confidence.
