violation's 4[theDog]Runner Build and Gear Review Thread

[Written 2016] Recently I bought Viair 32 Air Down Gauge to make airing down for trail runs easier. I paired with the Viair 88P Air Compressor to air back up after the run.

The Air Down Gauge works quickly and easily. It can be used as a normal tire gauge as well. Screw it on, then it's easy-peasy hands-free deflation. On my most recent trip, the deflator aired down each tire to 20 psi with the quickness. It's nice not to need to sit next you your tire, fingers on the tab to continue deflating.



After a trail run, the 88P Air Compressor comes in handy getting all of the tires aired up within minutes. The air compressor is going to be a temporary solution until air lockers require getting on board air gets put in the 4Runner (hopefully in 2017).

Reviews state that typical air compressor gauges are not very accurate. This appears to hold true for the Viair 88P as well. It reliably reads 5 psi off from the Air Down Gauge.

The 88P attaches directly to the battery, which makes for more power and quicker inflation of tires. This unit beat all of my friend's units (a Superflow unit similar to the 88p and cigarette charger compressors).



Five-stars for each new toy. Ready to use them again, soon!

[Update 2017] Still using the Air Down Gauge. The Air Compressor has now been relegated to back-up duty. However, I would highly recommend both to anyone looking to buy. The Air Compressor in particular seems to be the fastest for its type (battery-connected portable units).

violation said:

Do you keep a spare set of CV's in your truck when you go wheeling? My old OEM axles will become my spares.

I've not yet done any wheeling with the new Lotus CV's installed. And hopefully when I do, I won't have anything to say about them because they'll just quietly do their job.

But yea, I think using the front locker is what busted the CV's. Probably just need to be more discriminating on when to engage the lockers.

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My plan exactly, reboot and keep the OEM axles as spares , and pull the trigger on some lotus'.

I'm hoping that a true-trac with the lotus cv's will make for a good combo... less stress than a locker.

Thanks for the input man, you're truck is looking great. :biggrin2:

4WP Customer Appreciation Day at Hungry Valley SVRA

A fun event with food and raffles. They had three different group runs that day, and the dude there said my mostly-stock 4Runner would have no problem doing the "difficult" run. I love a good challenge, so I signed up.

The difficult run went through a gnarly wash, where for a good portion of the run it was like you were driving on the walls. A lot of butt puckering fun, and I escaped without any damage (except some more bumps on the running boards). Unfortunately their photographer (and I use that word loosely) never posted the pictures.

Lessons Learned
- Know whether your trail leader is right in the brain before following them.

Santiago Peak via Maple Springs to North Main Divide

Not much to be said about this route, except that it is a beginner-friendly route with a very nice mountaintop view at the end of the trail.

Among the rigs that I rolled with was a late model Subaru Crosstrek with a little bit of a lift, so any 4Runner can do the trip.

This trip we did a head-to-head comparison of a tire inflaters.

We had both cigarette lighter version and battery clamp versions. Battery clamp versions were superior, as expected. What was a bit unexpected was that the Viair performed noticeably quicker than the Smittybilt. Not only that but the Viair also simply felt and looked like a better quality product. Perhaps I'm biased since I own the Viair, so take that for what it's worth. The slightly better speediness of the Viair doesn't make any real world difference though.

The gauges for all of the inflaters seemed to be a bit inaccurate so it is recommended to have a separate tire gauge.

Yaesu FT-60R Handheld Ham Radio

The short of it is this: this Yaesu FT-60R unit is overkill. If you do not have your ham license, this thing will do everything you need and more. If you have your ham license and specifically want to get into the world of ham, apparently this is the handheld unit to get.

In deciding whether to go CB or go ham, my advice is to go ham. You are required to get a license, but it seems as though half the people we see do not have a license. If you are using repeaters and trying to contact strangers far away, then yes, get that license. If you are simply using it on the trails to keep in contact with your buddies, then legally you are supposed to have a license but in reality nobody cares. CB's have a more limited range and are not as clear.

Advising someone to break the law isn't a good idea, so don't take this as advise, just as my observations.

A lot of people use a cheaper ham alternative: Baofeng UV-5R handheld ham radio. If you are only using it on the trails, the Baofeng will likely do everything you need.

Only complaint is the strength of signal, which will be an issue on any handheld device. The solution will be to buy a bigger antenna so your reach will be longer.

ARB Air Lockers and Related Accessories

[Written in 2016]New gear for the 4runner:
- ARB Twin Air Compressor (CKMTA12)
- ARB Tire Inflation Accessory Kit (171302)
- ARB Air Locker Manifold Kit (171503)
- ARB 1-Gallon Compressed Air Tank (171601)
- ARB Air Locker (RD90)
- ARB Air Locker (RD132)

Oh boy, Black Friday was a wallet-emptying experience this year....



This air set-up is exponentially faster than the small portable air compressor for inflating tires. In fact, I can now be done inflating all four tires while friends using the portable air compressors are still working on their first one.

Using the air compressor to activate the lockers is quite loud. The air compressor is mounted in the engine compartment and causes a fair bit of vibration, and with the air tank mounted under the rear of the truck (where the spare tire was), extra air lines were necessary. Engaging the lockers does not require the compressor to remain running for long, though the compressor will turn on intermittently for short spurts of time. I though the compressor wouldn't need to come on at all after the initial start-up, but that's not the case. However, I still definitely recommend on board air for convenience sake.

[Update July 2017] I try to use the lockers sparingly, having recently busted my front CV axles. I have tested the rear locker by getting stuck and the using the locker to get unstuck. Works like a charm. Plus I feel so Boss when I flip them switches. Otherwise, I see them as a nice insurance policy in case I find myself stuck somewhere. Same goes with the recovery gear I always carry.

July 15: 111,111 miles



(two weeks later, today we are at approximately 111,180 miles lol)

Luminoodle XL LED Rope Lights

The Luminoodle is amazing. Its glow is a warm color, and is perfect for lighting up your camping area - be it inside the truck, in your RTT or around your kitchen. LED's don't attract as many flying insects, but be warned they'll still come for the lights.

The strip comes with a few magnets so you can stick them right onto your truck's body, or hung on your camping chairs. Allows for easy lighting. The light isn't too piercing to look at unlike some lamps.

One end you plug into your USB for power. Either plug it into your dash or have a small powerstick. I've never run out of juice using a powerstick.

Unfortunately I have no pictures of it in its lit 10 foot glory, because the rubbery coating is also a great one-time dog chew toy. Which I found out on the first trip with my Luminoodle. My 10 ft Luminoodle is now a 3 ft Luminoodle, but I still use it on every trip!

violation said:

Luminoodle XL LED Rope Lights

The Luminoodle is amazing. Its glow is a warm color, and is perfect for lighting up your camping area - be it inside the truck, in your RTT or around your kitchen. LED's don't attract as many flying insects, but be warned they'll still come for the lights.

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Just bought one! I saw they have an RGB version too but I went with the 10ft white. I also saw many companies seem to sell the same thing but much less but the Lumindoodle had all the reviews so I went with that brand! Thanks!

Outland Gear Solutions Roof Rack

[Written 2016] After some research on a limited amount of options on roof racks, I decided to go with a local fellow who runs his own business building roof racks. Since cargo space is at a premium for me (with the dog taking up the rear seat area), I thought a useful roof rack would be a good idea. Admittedly, there has not been a great need for it but soon we will start carrying a large propane tank for heat and cooking, which I would prefer not to keep inside the cabin. Beyond that, space inside the truck has been sufficient to carry the dog and our gear for 2 and maybe 3 day trips. However, it is very likely more space will be needed soon for longer trips, especially if we included another passenger.

The rack I went with is a full-length roof rack which will allow for maximum usage of the roof. Built by a local 4Runner enthusiast, it is low-profile and likely will be unnoticed by the untrained eye. It includes a removable sunroof panel. His business appears to mostly come through word of mouth, and I heard of his work through the 4Runner forum, where several local members have supported his small business.

The mesh bottom of the rack makes for a great looking rack, but also makes it difficult to install brackets for mounting other accessories. My fingers can't fit underneath the rack, and the holes are too small to get any leverage. I've tried a few different tricks to install brackets on the mesh, but in the end have thus far decided not to use brackets there yet.

[Update August 2017] If I had to do it over again, I would not get the removable sunroof panel. That panel is never removed, and I actually like having the mesh over the sunroof because it allows me to just leave it wide open when I'm not by the truck. I would also consider not having any of the mesh at all, as I lose a lot of usage of the lower perimeter tubing (since there is the mesh welded to it). That being said, the rack performs flawlessly, having carried lots of firewood, been used as storage for miscellaneous items (especially at camp). It's strong enough to allow two adults to nap on it and have kids play on it (supervised of course).

I'd also get additional cross bars for an RTT, since I am getting one now and am forced to figure out a mounting solution at the last minute. I will be getting the Free Spirit Recreation Adventure Series Hard Shell tent.

Since installation, I've also drilled holes in the front of the rack to install lights. Easy peasy with the right drill bit.

One of his racks is on my short list. Last time I checked with him he had taken a hiatus from making them, but maybe he's back to making them again?

Subscribed!

The truck looks great. Very nice build. I cringe a bit everytime I see that Excellon faceplate but I assume it soumds good.

trailbikerider said:

One of his racks is on my short list. Last time I checked with him he had taken a hiatus from making them, but maybe he's back to making them again?

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yea that's what i heard too. he's making other stuff instead now i guess.

wanna buy mine? now that i've had one, i have a better idea of exactly what i want. i've batted the idea around with him, to have him make me a new rack custom-spec'd but in a way that will be easier for him to build. not sure if he's up to that anymore if he's not making them at all though.

BrianSD_42 said:

Subscribed!

The truck looks great. Very nice build. I cringe a bit everytime I see that Excellon faceplate but I assume it soumds good.

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thanks

i'm not big into stereo equipment, so i was really looking for something cheap that'll do the job - mainly play bluetooth off my phone.

i'm an NPR podcast nerd

violation said:

yea that's what i heard too. he's making other stuff instead now i guess.

wanna buy mine? now that i've had one, i have a better idea of exactly what i want. i've batted the idea around with him, to have him make me a new rack custom-spec'd but in a way that will be easier for him to build. not sure if he's up to that anymore if he's not making them at all though.

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I could possibly be interested, pending price.

Loving the reviews and how thorough you are. Still hunting down a clean 3rd gen, but this is awesome and has me super motivated! Subbed!

Anza-Borrego New Years Trip

Christmas tree bonfires are fun. We spent the first night at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Lots of easy, fun dirt trails, washes and hills to run around on. Just need to be careful of the side-by-sides, quads and dirt bikes tooling around the area. Although there were plenty of people camping out for the new year, everyone seemed to respect each other's space. Noise was not really an issue later in the night, but then again I was quite drunk.

On the first night, I put the dog in the truck because it started to drizzle just a bit, turning a lot of the dirt into cakey mud. Dog had to go inside in order to avoid tracking mud up into the truck and on the sleeping platform (and all of my stuff). Unfortunately, separation anxiety got the best of him and he chewed through not only my brand new Luminoodle, but also my seatbelts (which were now holding on by little more than a thread).

Overall, I'd recommend the Ocotillo Wells SVRA as a fun, easy camp and mess-around spot.

The next day we drove into Anza-Borrego State Park. Being my first time there, I wanted to hit the more popular sites - while also hitting some trails. The rain from the night before left some water and mud in the washes, which was a nice fun-multiplier. No trail was very difficult and a stock 4Runner could have handled everything we did.

Toward the late afternoon, with no plan in hand, we started looking for a campsite. At first we were hoping to find a nice, flat spot to set camp, but it became apparent that the good spots were already taken. We ended up deciding to go to an established campground. On our way there, we passed a large lake bed with signs posted around the perimeter warning motorists not to enter. I'm sure the lake bed is normally dry, given our drought situation, but with the wet winter and recent rains, it was deep mud. One JKU was stuck pretty far in, to the point where I was certainly not confident my own truck wouldn't get stuck just trying to get into position to tow them out. As I recall, the signs said it's a minimum $500 ticket for trespassing. Poor suckers were doing everything they can to get un-stuck but I wasn't willing to risk it to save them from their own stupidity. I did tell the ranger at the camp site though, and he laughed and shrugged it off, saying a ranger on patrol will find them eventually. Obey the rules, kids, and don't ruin it for everyone else!

trailbikerider said:

One of his racks is on my short list. Last time I checked with him he had taken a hiatus from making them, but maybe he's back to making them again?

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He still makes racks and has been making a ton lately. He said he's about a month behind on orders and to contact him in September if I was wanting to have one made

violation said:

yea that's what i heard too. he's making other stuff instead now i guess.

wanna buy mine? now that i've had one, i have a better idea of exactly what i want. i've batted the idea around with him, to have him make me a new rack custom-spec'd but in a way that will be easier for him to build. not sure if he's up to that anymore if he's not making them at all though.

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I checked with him last week. He told me he is not taking any orders because he is backed up. He may take a new order from you since you're an old customer. That's a great looking rack. If [MENTION=143664]trailbikerider[/MENTION] falls through, I may be interested. I'm in norcal but grew up down there and have family in socal I visit often.

Your truck has gone a long way in a short amount of time. I wish you updated your build thread here as you went along.

violation said:

The next day we drove into Anza-Borrego State Park. Being my first time there, I wanted to hit the more popular sites - while also hitting some trails. The rain from the night before left some water and mud in the washes, which was a nice fun-multiplier. No trail was very difficult and a stock 4Runner could have handled everything we did.

Toward the late afternoon, with no plan in hand, we started looking for a campsite. At first we were hoping to find a nice, flat spot to set camp, but it became apparent that the good spots were already taken. We ended up deciding to go to an established campground. On our way there, we passed a large lake bed with signs posted around the perimeter warning motorists not to enter. I'm sure the lake bed is normally dry, given our drought situation, but with the wet winter and recent rains, it was deep mud. One JKU was stuck pretty far in, to the point where I was certainly not confident my own truck wouldn't get stuck just trying to get into position to tow them out. As I recall, the signs said it's a minimum $500 ticket for trespassing. Poor suckers were doing everything they can to get un-stuck but I wasn't willing to risk it to save them from their own stupidity. I did tell the ranger at the camp site though, and he laughed and shrugged it off, saying a ranger on patrol will find them eventually. Obey the rules, kids, and don't ruin it for everyone else!

Click to expand...

Yeah, that marker in the map looks like it is Little Blair Valley on the north side of the mountain/hill. I camped on the other side of the slope in Blair Valley last year and tooled around that area a bit. Both of those spots are dry lake beds with plenty of signs that say no motorized vehicles. As for the Jeep, Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!