Build Thread: Sixstringsteve's 2005 4Runner Lorenzo

[sixstringsteve]

Double decker removed. The mounting holes will give me a lot of options for my storage platform.

I'd be happy to trade my double decker for a non-double decker trim piece. Let me know if any 4runner guys out there want to swap.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I have a gen 4 also same year and color and everything. First post couldn't have been better or more accurate... Mine is sport edition with cloth otherwise identical. I go back and forth on whether I would have preferred leather / limited.

I see you have the JBL stereo too. I would be interested in some sort of trade if you decide you'd rather have a limited (DVD, NAV, JBL, back up camera, sunroof). Does yours have a sunroof?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I decided to get started on the storage platform tonight. The goal is to be able to fit the small action packers underneath the platform, and for the platform to be able to store heavy stuff if needed.

I quickly got to work making some cardboard templates and came up with this design. It has little tabs that fit down inside the slots for the double decker deck.

Then I began to worry about these panels rubbing the interior trim pieces over time. And I was worried about being able to keep the boards vertical with weight on them. So I scrapped that design in favor of one that has worked well for me in the past. I use unistrut to make a frame, then I hang sheets of plywood from the frame. It's nice and light, easy to install and deinstall, and adaptable.

I didn't get much done because I ran out of unistrut and had to get more. It's anchored into the floor where the double decker was anchored. These are tiny little 10mm bolts holding it in. I'd like to spread the load more, but really the bolts are just there to keep it from moving forward and back. I plan on tying in to the 2 nearby tie down loop mounts for more triangulation. More to come in the following days.

 

[Kevin B.]

I had to google unistrut, that might be just what I think I need. Do you find that at any hardware store?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Yup. Both lowes and home depot have it. There are two depths. This one is the 13/16" depth (shallower). It ends up being perfect for 3/4" plywood in between the bards.

The brackets are insanely expensive ($1.50 for each L bracket) but I like it. I've welded it in the past, but I don't want to mess with stripping the galvanized coating and repainting, so I opted to bolt it together.

 

[Kevin B.]

Saw this today -

That's kinda hot. The front bumper could flow better, but I wouldn't kick that out of bed for eating crackers.

 

[sixstringsteve]

not my cup of tea, but I give him points for thinking outside the box and not being afraid to cut up his runner.

 

[sixstringsteve]

my lift arrived yesterday. I got the front spacers installed last night. It was very straightforward. I like the new easy design with stud extensions that don't require disassembly of the strut. The sway bar got in the way a few times, it definitely would have been easier to completely remove the sway bar before doing the rest. Overall not bad.

I plan on installing the rear spacers today, then alignment tonight. Pics to follow.

 

[Marsh99]

What a tease... no pictures?

 

[sixstringsteve]

It was raining and I finished at 1:30 AM. No pics 'till tonight.

 

[STAG]

What a tease... no pictures?

He can't post pics of its current state. With just the front lifted it looks all pre-runner-ey, and everyone would bug him to leave it with just the front lifted.

 

[sixstringsteve]

It's actually only about .5" lower in the rear. I'm afraid the 1.5" rear spacer may be a bit too much in the rear. I guess that'll be good when it's loaded up for trips.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've got a 3000 mile road trip coming up. In the past I would dread taking my tacoma on a trip this long because it was loud and less than comfortable, plus it didn't have tons of power. This 4runner, on the other hand, is a dream on long trips. It's super comfy on the freeway, easy to drive, and it has plenty of power in any situation. I made the right decision to sell my tacoma and buy this for this stage of my life.

 

[Kevin B.]

Steve's 4Runner with a Cali squat would be awesome. Please post pics so I can go troll the 4th gen guys on T4R.

 

[Marsh99]

I want to see a picture because I have thought of doing a leveling kit on mine.

 

[Marsh99]

I've got a 3000 mile road trip coming up. In the past I would dread taking my tacoma on a trip this long because it was loud and less than comfortable, plus it didn't have tons of power. This 4runner, on the other hand, is a dream on long trips. It's super comfy on the freeway, easy to drive, and it has plenty of power in any situation. I made the right decision to sell my tacoma and buy this for this stage of my life.

Yeah no more crazy double down shifts with the cruise control on.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I never pushed my tacoma that hard, but the difference is night and day. Not to mention the leather, JBL sound sytem, and the comfy ride.

I'll take a pic for you before I lift the rear. What would it take to level it? 1.5"? 2"? I'm at 2.5" up front and it's a bit taller in front than back.

 

[Marsh99]

My Tacoma's cruise control would always down shift on the slightest incline, but 33's and stock gears could have been the problem. I just love that these 4runners you can set the cruise at 75 mph and take soldiers summit with not to much effort.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got the rear lift done on my lunch break. It's getting an alignment right now. Here are the specs I gave to the tech:





Camber: -0.15 (+/- 0.75*)
Caster: 3.22 (+/- 0.75*)
Toe In: 0.04 to 0.08 inches
SAI: 12.65 (+/- 0.75*)


It’s ok if the L side camber number is a hair closer to zero than the right. It'll equal out with the drivers weight and full fuel.

-The toe-in should not be zero even though that's "within spec". It needs a touch of toe-in for stability.

-The caster should be the highest positive value (within spec) they can achieve AND be equal. So, what will happen is they'll need to determine which side can achieve the least amount of positive caster and then match the other side to it.

 

[Tonkaman]

Who did you take it to that is willing to meet your personal alignment specs? I tried that a couple times and just got looked at cross-eyed