The Passion and Purpose Behind Cecil Sebastian’s 4Runner Build

From dedicated caregiving to off-road exploration, Cecil Sebastian (@trd_mamba_) lives a life driven by passion and purpose. His 2020 Toyota 4Runner is more than just a capable rig—it’s a reflection of his journey, built for adventure and inspired by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Meet Cecil Sebastian

Hailing from Ontario, California, but with deep roots in Walnut, California, Cecil has dedicated his career to making a difference in people’s lives. As the co-founder and CEO of Mother of Mercy Homes Inc., he is committed to providing compassionate care for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, he leads CSS Consulting as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, working closely with regional centers and the Department of Public Health to develop personalized care programs.

His commitment to the community extends beyond his profession. For over 20 years, Cecil has served as the head wrestling coach at Walnut High School, shaping the next generation of athletes through mentorship and coaching. He is also actively involved in Trail Wolves and Rodeo X Rigs, aligning his love for adventure and service with his dedication to making a positive impact.

From Car Audio to Custom Builds

Cecil’s passion for vehicle customization dates back to his high school days, when he upgraded the radio head unit in his 1989 Toyota Camry. His early interest in import race cars evolved when he got his first Toyota Tacoma in college—though limited funds kept him from modifying it the way he had envisioned.

Over the past four years, he has fully immersed himself in the off-road and overlanding scene, gaining hands-on experience with modifications that enhance both performance and aesthetics. Through this journey, he’s learned the importance of planning and vision when building a vehicle—carefully selecting parts that align with his goals and ensuring every upgrade serves a purpose.

Why the 4Runner?

Toyota’s reputation for durability and off-road capability was a key factor in Cecil’s decision to build his 2020 4Runner. While the Land Cruiser and Tacoma were strong contenders, the 4Runner stood out as the perfect balance of rugged performance, daily drivability, and aftermarket support.

Its terrain-conquering features—from advanced traction control to specialized driving modes—ensure it’s ready for any challenge. With a vast network of aftermarket parts and accessories, customizing the 4Runner to match his vision was both seamless and rewarding.

The Vision Behind the Build

Cecil’s 4Runner build was inspired by his love for off-roading and adventure. His goal was to create a vehicle capable of tackling rugged terrain and remote destinations while providing comfort for long-distance travel.

His modifications were guided by:

• Durability – Ensuring the rig could withstand the toughest trails.
• Performance – Enhancing capability without sacrificing reliability.
• Personalization – Reflecting his unique style and preferences.

Each upgrade was carefully chosen to align with his lifestyle and adventure needs, making this 4Runner an extension of his passion for exploration.

Building a Trail-Ready Machine

Overcoming Challenges

Transforming the 4Runner into an off-road beast was an exciting but demanding process. One of the biggest challenges was choosing the right modifications—with countless options available, narrowing down the ideal setup required extensive research.

Another hurdle was finding trustworthy shops to bring his vision to life. After careful vetting, Kaizen Offroad and Aiden James Customs proved to be the perfect partners, delivering expert craftsmanship and precision.

Joining the Off-Road Community

Beyond the technical aspects, the build process introduced Cecil to an incredible community of off-road enthusiasts. Through social media, meetups, and events like Rodeo X Rigs, he connected with like-minded individuals who offered advice, support, and inspiration.

What started as a vehicle project evolved into a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and skill-building—reinforcing the idea that off-roading is as much about the people you meet as it is about the places you explore.

Favorite Modifications

Cecil’s top upgrades enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of his 4Runner:

• Suspension System: King Shocks & Total Chaos suspension provide exceptional stability, control, and ride comfort, making rough trails feel effortless.
• Armor: Outgear Solutions rear bumper & rock sliders blend seamlessly with the 4Runner’s design while adding crucial protection.
• Roof Rack: The ProSpeed Roof Rack offers a sleek, low-profile design for intuitive gear storage.
• Wheels & Tires: Nitto Trail Grappler tires combined with Lifted & Driven LD97 forged wheels (with custom beadlocks) provide the perfect balance of aggression and functionality.
• Lighting: Rigid Industries lights deliver unparalleled durability and visibility, ensuring a clear path on night trails and dusty conditions.
• Audio: The OEM Audio+ system maintains stock interior space while producing crystal-clear sound for long road trips.
• Exhaust: The Carven Exhaust Dump Exit enhances the engine tone, adding a deep, aggressive sound without excessive volume.

While he’s completely satisfied with the build, Cecil admits that a supercharger could be a future addition to give his 4Runner an extra power boost.

Unforgettable Adventures

Cecil’s 4Runner has taken him on countless memorable journeys, including:

• Joshua Tree National Park: The iconic desert landscape and hidden trails made for an unforgettable camping experience.
• Trona Pinnacles: The alien-like rock formations created a surreal backdrop for an impromptu getaway.
• Alabama Hills: Driving through its maze of rock formations and exploring old mines and caves added a touch of history to the adventure.

Lessons Learned on the Trail

One of the most challenging moments came during a snow run at Lytle Creek. When the 4Runner got stuck on a steep hill, its weight distribution caused a nerve-wracking tilt. Thankfully, with guidance from his Midland radio, Cecil engaged Crawl Control, allowing the vehicle to carefully adjust throttle and braking to navigate out of the tricky situation.

This experience reinforced three key lessons:

1. Always be prepared – Conditions can change quickly.
2. Stay calm under pressure – Patience and problem-solving are crucial.
3. Reliable communication is essential – A Midland radio can be a lifesaver in remote areas.

Advice for Future 4Runner Owners

For those looking to build an adventure-ready 4Runner, Cecil shares this advice:

• Define your needs – Tailor the build to your specific adventures.
• Invest in essentials – A solid suspension, durable tires, and recovery gear are must-haves.
• Stay connected – Midland radios and navigation tools keep you safe.
• Enjoy the process – Building a rig is a journey, not a race.

What the 4Runner Represents

Cecil’s Toyota 4Runner is more than just a vehicle—it embodies versatility, self-sufficiency, and a passion for adventure. It encourages others to embrace the outdoors, push their limits, and seek new experiences.

Looking back, he knows he made the right choice with Toyota. His 4Runner has never let him down, proving itself as both a reliable daily driver and a capable off-road rig.

With his 2-year-old son now old enough to join the adventures, Cecil looks forward to creating lifelong memories—one trail at a time.