04-01-2017, 03:31 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Matt's 07 - Build to the perfect Daily Driven wheeler
Hello everyone!
After searching day and night, and everywhere around me in a 250mi radius, I finally picked up my 2007 4runner Limited 4WD!
I come from the Mazda and Subaru world, owning a 1993 Miata and 2013 WRX. After a few camping trips, and finding a few dirt trails on the way, I took my WRX on them. But that was short lived since there were obstacles that were going to kill my car or something of that nature. Both are amazing cars to drive, autox and mod. But ever since I was little, and the road trips my parents took me on to Utah/Arizona/Colorado, I've always wanted a 4x4 rig to get me through those dirt roads. Growing up, I got into the outdoors. Car camping, then camping, then backpacking. After owning the miata and wrx, I realized, maybe it's time to get myself a 4x4 and start overlanding. My requirements were quite simple. Just a reliable rig that wouldn't fail on me when I do venture out into the unknown, had decent amount of space, and had a large following to help me whenever I needed help(forums).
That gets me where I am now. I'm excited to start doing some maintenance to the 4runner, and begin to slowly modify it over time. While I don't plan on doing anything too crazy, I do plan on doing mods in the order of lift -> tires -> body armor. In between i'll add small amenities such as lighting, cargo organization, etc.
The 4runner was very clean for a 10 year old car, and it looked like a mom had just used this car to drive her kids around considering the seat position selector, position 1 was used and I was squeezed, and position 2 had no setting. Along with some glitter underneath the 2nd row seats. 4hi and 4lo engage without any problems, and the car was maintained at a car dealership, so I have the records off car fax. Took the car off the lot on February 2017 at 117,253miles.
How she sits right now:
As of September, 2021
As of October 31, 2018
As of December 18, 2017
As of September 2, 2017
As of June 3, 2017
As of May 21, 2017
Last edited by theoutbackdream; 01-10-2022 at 03:24 PM.
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04-01-2017, 03:32 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Modifications
Interior:
- LED Map/Cabin/Trunk Light
- USB power port
- Steering Wheel Cover (No Documentation yet)
- Shift knob
- Cobra 19DXIV CB radio
- Uniden Pro520XL CB Radio
- Midland 18-2442 Magnetic Antenna
- Firestik 4' Fiberglass antenna
- Pioneer 4100NEX
- White LED Cluster Swap
Exterior:
- Aluminum Valve Caps
- Ebay Special Led Light Bar (Unboxed) (Installed, Mounted and working)
- FJC Trail Team Wheels (Just Bought)
- General Grabber AT2's 265/70/17 (Mounted)
- Stealth LED Light Bar
- Front Grille Amber running lights
- Nitto TerraGrappler G2 285/70/17
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W's 285/70/17
Armor/Recovery
- Trail Gear 67" Rock Sliders
- Relentless Fabrication Predator Front Bumper
- SmittyBilt 98495 XRC Synthetic Rope Winch - 9500 lb
- RCI Metalworks Front Skid Plate
- RCI Metalworks Gas Tank Skid Plate
Suspension/Driveline:
- Bilstein 5100's @ 1.75 with KYB top hats and Moog FJC 81108's (Install pics)
- (After Install pics)
- Moog FJC 81081 + Daystar Rear 1.5" rear spacer
- Front Swaybar Delete
- 1.5" Wheel Spacers + Fender Trimming
- Bilstein 5100's @ 0 w/ OME 886 coils in the front
- JBA STD High Caster Upper Control Arms
- Moog K500017 Lower Ball Joints
- Power Stop Z17 Evolution Plus Ceramic Pads + Rotors
- Denso Iridium Long-Life plugs (SK20HR11)
- Goodridge 2-21186 Braided Steel Brake Lines
Misc:
- DIY Rear diff Breather Mod
- Viair 88p Quick Release mod
- HCF Delete
- DIY splash guard
- Headlight Cleaning
- DIY Cowl Intake Mod
How To's:
- How to Drain and fill our sealed transmissions
- Paint Factory grille
- Replace Knuckle Seal
- Replace Idler Pulley
- Headunit Install
- Stealth LED Light Bar
- Front Grille Amber Running Lights
Trips
2021
- December 2021: The Big 5 in Utah!
- September 2021: Hollister Hills SVRA
- July 2021: Eastern Sierras
2018
- November 2018: Fordyce Jeep Trail... Big Mistakes were made...
- November 2018: Signal Peak + Fordyce Lake
- Aug 2018: Hollister Hills SVRA
- July 2018: Corral Hollow + Sourgrass
- June 2018: Mammoth + Yosemite
- May 2018: Sourgrass Trail
- May 2018: Eastern Sierras
- May 2018: Long Canyon Road
- May 2018: Prairie City
- April 2018: Prairie City
- April 2018: Folsom Lake
- March 2018: Eagle Lakes
- March 2018: High Lakes
2017
- December 3, 2017: Frank Raines OHV
- October 28, 2017: Plummer Ridge Trail + Baltic Ridge Trail
- October 21, 2017: Prairie City + Local Dirt Road
- September 2017: Signal Peak
- August 2017: Eastern Sierras: Alabama Hills, Reward mine, Coyote Flats, Bishop
- July 2017: Prairie City SVRA, CA
- July 2017: Latrobe, CA
- June 2017: Hollister Hills SVRA, CA
- April 2017: Alabama Hills - Lone Pine, CA
- April 2017: Bishop, CA
- April 2017: Old Coast Road - Big Sur, CA
Last edited by theoutbackdream; 01-19-2022 at 01:59 PM.
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04-01-2017, 03:33 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Last night, I got around to removing the air intake filter since I wanted to check if it needed replacement. It was brand new! How did I check? I smelled it, and it smelled like Walmart.. Yea... Don't judge...
Now, for the past two days i've owned the car, the cabins had a bit of a weird smell that's been giving me a headache/allergies. I figured, I'd pull the cabin air filter to check.... I'm quite glad I did... It was CAKED. Pictures don't do justice since there was a lot more in the blower fan itself.
Also, when I pulled the glove box out, I found a source of my rattling.. The piston that slowly opens the glove box was just rattling around since the plastic pin had snapped off from the original owner...
Now, there's three things...
1. I have a clicking sound from the passenger rear when I make turns or hit a slight bump... No idea where this is coming from, but i'll look at it later today.
2. There seems to be a weird sound of something moving behind the dash even with the fan/AC off. It sounds like an animal moving around, but there are no signs of that, as far as I can tell... I'm hoping that it's just some debris that passed through the filter, since the filter wasn't installed 100% properly as one of the edges was lifted off the filter carrier. Thoughts on this?
3. Looking for a lift kit.. I've been looking at Rough Country 3" lift, DayStar Spacer 2.5/1.5 lift, or try to source a used one. My research shows that the RC kit is garbage, so I'm looking at the others currently. The spacer lift for me makes sense since I don't plan on rock crawling. More so, just want ground clearance for bigger rocks that may have fallen on the trail. The other option, fork out a bit more for a used set of OME's or something similar, which has been highly recommended, but I don't think I'll be needing something that crazy... Thoughts?
Last edited by theoutbackdream; 07-20-2017 at 03:21 AM.
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04-01-2017, 03:34 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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On the bright side of things... Found an extra set of aluminum valve caps, since the car didn't come with any, and had a set of LED's to be used in the map lights. Probably will order a set of new LED's since they are dim. But will be doing the dome and trunk lights, as soon as I get them in the mail. A Map light mod will be in order since it's hard to get in the car at night!
Along with that.. my rear seat button is missing.. Better go buy one...
Last edited by theoutbackdream; 07-20-2017 at 03:44 AM.
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04-01-2017, 03:35 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Troubleshooted my issue with the car not starting in the morning. Tested parasitic draw and alternator. Left the car charging over night, but still had issues the next morning. Replaced the battery with an Everstart MAXX battery with 750CCA, should be nice. Swapped it in the walmart parking lot, got some weird looks, but whatever. Car starts turns over in 2 cranks. Will be looking into rewiring the connections to the battery though..
Found some left over LED's from my WRX and threw them in. Interior is a million times better at night, although, I should be getting around to that Map light mod sometime... Picture from outside the car...
Last edited by theoutbackdream; 07-20-2017 at 03:45 AM.
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04-01-2017, 03:35 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Well today was quite productive.
Spare Key:
Got my spare key and got it cut. Programming was a breeze. Finally have a spare, so I don't have to worry about loosing my only key.
Audio:
Looking around and finally found the head unit I'm going to pick up along with the parts needed for the install as this gen is quite confusing, offering 3 different headunits, with different harness.... It's a head unit from china, but it has android on it, which is what I'd like. I had a Pioneer NEX 4100 in my WRX, and it was too buggy. Figure for about $150, it'll be worth a shot.
Now....
Suspension:
Need some input on this, but i've been thinking about just buying a set of Bilstein 5100 front struts, and max it out at 2.5" with the factory springs. The rears will be kept stock and use a spacer, as it seems this is a common combo... Opinions on this?
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04-01-2017, 08:43 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Iowa
Posts: 3,146
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Iowa
Posts: 3,146
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Looking forward to this practical build out. I'm glad you got away from the lift kit of the daystar idea, although it does what you want it to do it is a horrible ride, wear quickly and 90% of individuals who install it end up installing an actual lift shortly after. My only qualms with Billies is personally one of mine blew out with no significant hard off roading, and they are notorious for bending? For a budget friendly approach and outback tested and proven, I would maybe look into Old Man Emu(OME) or like you said a used set in the classifieds from someone else upgrading. Congrats on the new car, and it seems to be a more common theme of members on here that were former Subie owners. Anything done to it?
__________________
-2013 T4R SR5-MYSALSA-KO2's
-(SOLD)2006 T4R SR5. Nautical Blue Metallic. 255/70/17 General AT2. LED Interior Swap. Toytec Ultimate 3inch lift/Icon 2.0s Rear, SHROCKWORKS Front Bumper, OEM FJ wheels, WM Roofrack, slowly working it up. My Build thread HERE
-(SOLD)2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. BMW Mica Blue paint job. Cobb stage 2 tuning. Other modifications.
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04-01-2017, 09:02 AM
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#8
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Member
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: San Diego
Posts: 164
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: San Diego
Posts: 164
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theoutbackdream
Well today was quite productive.
Audio:
Looking around and finally found the head unit I'm going to pick up along with the parts needed for the install as this gen is quite confusing, offering 3 different headunits, with different harness.... It's a head unit from china, but it has android on it, which is what I'd like. I had a Pioneer NEX 4100 in my WRX, and it was too buggy. Figure for about $150, it'll be worth a shot.
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I'm curious which head unit you got and how you like it? I'm looking at those Android units too but definitely hesitant. I like the idea that I can load up my Off-road navigation apps too.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
__________________
2004 V8 4x4 Sport - Icon Stage 2 3/2" lift- TC UCAs - Icon 3" Overland Springs - MK6 Level 8 Wheels 0 offset - KO2 275/70R17 (upgrading to Nitto Ridge 285/75R17 34" soon) - Lots of lights, DIY switches
Many more mods to come plus build thread
Follow me on IG: @ChaseOverland
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04-01-2017, 11:42 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wadle5
Looking forward to this practical build out. I'm glad you got away from the lift kit of the daystar idea, although it does what you want it to do it is a horrible ride, wear quickly and 90% of individuals who install it end up installing an actual lift shortly after. My only qualms with Billies is personally one of mine blew out with no significant hard off roading, and they are notorious for bending? For a budget friendly approach and outback tested and proven, I would maybe look into Old Man Emu(OME) or like you said a used set in the classifieds from someone else upgrading. Congrats on the new car, and it seems to be a more common theme of members on here that were former Subie owners. Anything done to it?
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Yea, I thought about only doing a lift, but I realized that articulation may be necessary as well... Figure I might as well do it right first.
Interesting to hear! I haven't read of the bilstein's having problems so this is a good eye opener. I thought about OME but considering the price point of the bilsteins I thought they were the better buy, but I guess not.
I realized that too. Many subaru owners go to 4runners or vise versa as their next car.
Not that much done to it. Downpipe, catback, fuel pump, TMIC, Intake, Tune, F/R sway bar, Koni Yellows w/ swift springs, subframe bushings, and a few more things.
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04-01-2017, 11:44 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
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Real Name: Matt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by techoguy
I'm curious which head unit you got and how you like it? I'm looking at those Android units too but definitely hesitant. I like the idea that I can load up my Off-road navigation apps too.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
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I haven't gotten it yet, nor have I ordered it. I just selected it out of physical appearance, but I'm trying to look for more reviews on the head unit or anything I can try to find out about it before I fully pull the trigger on it.
It would be like this one.
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04-01-2017, 11:55 AM
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#11
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Member
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: San Diego
Posts: 164
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theoutbackdream
I haven't gotten it yet, nor have I ordered it. I just selected it out of physical appearance, but I'm trying to look for more reviews on the head unit or anything I can try to find out about it before I fully pull the trigger on it.
It would be like this one.
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Ah okay. That's where I'm at, I've read a lot of reviews and articles about them but haven't purchased yet either. One down side I keep reading is they don't work with Android auto or Google voice or "okay Google" rarely works without a hack. But I'm still tempted to try one
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
__________________
2004 V8 4x4 Sport - Icon Stage 2 3/2" lift- TC UCAs - Icon 3" Overland Springs - MK6 Level 8 Wheels 0 offset - KO2 275/70R17 (upgrading to Nitto Ridge 285/75R17 34" soon) - Lots of lights, DIY switches
Many more mods to come plus build thread
Follow me on IG: @ChaseOverland
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04-01-2017, 12:55 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: California
Posts: 1,439
Real Name: Matt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by techoguy
Ah okay. That's where I'm at, I've read a lot of reviews and articles about them but haven't purchased yet either. One down side I keep reading is they don't work with Android auto or Google voice or "okay Google" rarely works without a hack. But I'm still tempted to try one
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
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Yea, I've read to many things that make me turn back from certain headunits, such as the bluetooth module failing, or wifi cutting out, or audio cutting/noise problems, etc..
Why do you need android auto in an Android based headunit? There are apps that do the same as Android auto, but better IMO. The only difference is that it's not integrated....
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04-01-2017, 03:51 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Thornton, CO
Posts: 11
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Don't use the aluminum valve covers!!! They will seize and it will not be fun. I've been there.
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04-01-2017, 05:17 PM
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#14
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Join Date: Nov 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joefbtg28
Don't use the aluminum valve covers!!! They will seize and it will not be fun. I've been there.
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I agree. I've had it happen to me before. The plastic caps are boring but they don't seize and they at least keep the crud out.
__________________
2014 Super White Trail Premium My build thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...ld-thread.html
2008 SR5 4X4 V6 Better late than never build thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-ge...ld-thread.html
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04-03-2017, 12:43 AM
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#15
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Join Date: Sep 2016
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Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theoutbackdream
Why do you need android auto in an Android based headunit? There are apps that do the same as Android auto, but better IMO. The only difference is that it's not integrated....
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I don't need Android Auto, but I use it on my phone now and in general it's just easy for anyone to use plus the built in suggestions and notifications. So it would end nice to still be able to use. I've read about people installing Android Auto on these type of units and the units no longer boot properly. Overall, I'm still going to be getting one of these units though. So I'll be interested to see which one you end up selecting.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
__________________
2004 V8 4x4 Sport - Icon Stage 2 3/2" lift- TC UCAs - Icon 3" Overland Springs - MK6 Level 8 Wheels 0 offset - KO2 275/70R17 (upgrading to Nitto Ridge 285/75R17 34" soon) - Lots of lights, DIY switches
Many more mods to come plus build thread
Follow me on IG: @ChaseOverland
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