Audiofreak97 4Runner kind of build thread

[audiofreak97]

I really need a different user name... but...

Picked up my 01 4runner due to my Tacoma's self destruct. Not sure where it's headed, but I have some ideas.

First off:


Typical 4Runner, just like every other on the road... pretty boring. Future mods will be either Tundra/FJ80 or OME... just like every other lifted 4Runner on the road... some sort of rear bumper, sliders and possible front winch bumper. All coming if/when money becomes available.

1st trip in the dirt to test the traction control to see exactly what it does:

 

[audiofreak97]

1st 'mod' was to take the Budbuilt skid off my Tacoma and get it on the 4 runner. It's beat and bent but it's held up and it's earned it's place on the new 4runner:
Test fit:


And painted:


Battle proven... though I don't remember what I hit.


Then took it out, again to make sure the 4 wheel drive lever worked. Didn't do too much due to tires, running boards and lack of time. Learned why the traction control is hated too...

 

[audiofreak97]

Next mod, if it isn't a lift, will be sliders... I'm thinking of something like a running board where its more of a step, but able to take a rock and hold the weight of the truck. Any ideas/suggestions?

And sorry for the horribly washed out pictures. The camera on my phone sucks apparently...

 

[sixstringsteve]

Next mod, if it isn't a lift, will be sliders... I'm thinking of something like a running board where its more of a step, but able to take a rock and hold the weight of the truck. Any ideas/suggestions?

I think that's a great idea. I can't remember how the running boards attach. Do they attach to the body or to the frame? I wonder if you could plate the bottom of the running boards and run some legs to the frame to have a slider that looks factory.

 

[audiofreak97]

6 bolts each to the body. I might cut the sliders off the tacoma and modify them to what I want. But I cant make up my mind on anything... so...

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've only done it on one of my rigs, but I wonder if welding a slider directly to the body of a vehicle (like jeeps do) would be sufficient. I'm thinking a piece of 1/4" channel layering up against the body. That would be super tucked-in, and would still protect the vehicle.

 

[ttora4runner]

Next mod should be the AndyMod 2.0 to take care of that traction control system.

 

[audiofreak97]

I was reading up on that and the... I can't remember the other mod where you can turn traction control on and off without restarting (Bagel Mod or something). I haven't decided which one would be better.

 

[audiofreak97]

I found some running board style sliders by Slee, but it looks like they only make them for the newer Toyota's. Something like those are what I'm looking for... I was thinking maybe some 2x4 or 2x6 square tube and try and make something similar (though not as nice looking). That 1/4 inch channel would be cool low profile though!

 

[sixstringsteve]

These are the only 2 pics I have of my 2x3 rectangular tube I welded to the rocker panel of my body (but not the bed). I really liked that setup, but it didn't stick out enough to stand on it.

 

[audiofreak97]

Took a little trip and now I have a new list of wants/needs for future trips.

Decided to head to Moab to get away for a few days. Stopped in Sego for the first night and found that having a bright flash light is nice, but having additional lighting would make things a lot easier. So I'm on the look out for a couple LED flood lights to attach to the roof rack. Slept in the back of the 4runner since I don't have a water proof tent and it was supposed to rain (which it did... a lot).



Sego is a really cool place to explore too:




Drove up to Gemini Bridges and back down to Moab via Shafer Trail and Potash Rd. I had never done Shafer Trail before and I'm glad I did. It was cold and windy in Canyonlands, but near perfect down in the canyon.



Anyways. By the second night I decided that some sort of foam padding is a must for the next trip. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheap roll up padding to toss in the back? I found a thin mattress pad but it wasn't nearly enough to make it more comfortable. Thought about though sleeping platform/storage builds, but I don't know if I really want to commit to something like that for a few times a year that it would actually get used. Though it might be worth looking a little more into...

I don't want to bombard this with a ton of pictures, but if anyone is interested all my pictures are here: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/audiofreak97/library/Sego and Moab

 

[audiofreak97]

We made a stop in price to find some ghost towns, but didn't find much of anything. Gosttowns.com is a quick and easy resource but out of date. What are some that are worth stopping at and still accessible?

 

[Kevin B.]

Check out expeditionutah.com for ghost town research. The database is still coming together, but it's WAY better than ghosttowns.com already.

 

[ricsrx]

RIP

 

[audiofreak97]

Changed jobs and lost my internet time. I've done a couple updates to the 4runner.

I wasn't too sure about doing the Andy mod but after the "snow" we did have I quickly made my mind up.

I didn't want any switch for the mod, I wanted a "trac off" button. It took a bit of searching but I found one. A quick wire snip and a relay later it it was done.

I figured while I was under there wiring I would run some power back to the rear seats for some USB chargers. Road trips should be a bit easier not having the my daughters fighting for power.

And i picked up a 10 inch light bar to make driving down dirt roads at night a bit nicer

Still trying to figure out what lift I want and what the next mods I want. I have two 3x3 lights to put somewhere. Either on the roof rack to shine on either side of the truck or getting some brackets and mounting them on the cowl...

 

[Troop92]

Looks good, man.

 

[ttora4runner]

There's an update to the Andy MOD so the trac off switch functions like it should.

 

[audiofreak97]

Thanks.

The functioning trac switch is something like the bagel mod right? I was going to do that but I'd need to make the momentary switch an on off switch. Once I figure that out I will be giving it a try.

 

[audiofreak97]

Picked up CBI ditch light mounts for my 3x3 lights I've had for a while now. With the grill light and the 3x3 lights driving at night is sweet.

Also sold the Tacoma so I decided to jump in and lift the 4Runner...

Still trying to decide on tires... I've got a good deal on some Kanati Mud Hogs. Heard decent reviews but I'm open to suggestions...

 

[sixstringsteve]

Such a clean runner.