Toto.Runner - Build Thread [Picture Heavy]

P_nlsn said:

Maintenance Stuff
New BFGoodrich 35x12.5 KO2s after 47.8k miles (bad alignment wore the front inside bald, quarter/half tread left on rear)

Drivetrain + Suspension
Dobinsons IMS front struts
Dobinsons C59-354 front coils

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Just finished up a bunch of work on the front end. Replaced my cheap aftermarket CVs with OEMs pulled from a junkyard. Rebooted with Dobinsons inner and outer high clearance CV boot kits. Replaced my cheap aftermarket LCAs with OEMs because the aftermarket ones allowed the ball joint to spin inside the seat. And installed Total Chaos alignment tabs because my stock ones had flattened out, result in a bad alignment that wore the inside of my front tires completely bald.

The rebooting process really sucked. Trying to get the boot on destroyed my fingers, and grease went feakin EVERYWHERE, but it was so much cheaper than brand new OEM CVs, so I guess still worth it. I used hose clamps to hold the boots on because the metal band clamps it came with are stupid. I used a 3-5" (#72) on the cup side and a 3/4-1 3/4" (#20) on the shaft side

P_nlsn said:

4wd Actuator Repair

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Welp, dove into tearing down the 4wd actuator over the weekend. I was a little ambitious - I'm staying in an RV for an out-of-state internship, so I had minimal tools and no garage. I did it with the truck in a gravel lot in the summer heat, so this would have been a lot easier and quicker if I was back at home. But hey, I was able to get it working again, and I got it back on the truck, so win-win!

Full write-up:4wd Actuator Teardown/Repair

I saw a trend about asking ChatGPT to roast your truck, so I figured I'd give it a go. Honestly was pleased with the first two responses where that was all it could say after calling it a beast. But the next two were funny. The line about the tires killed me cause its actually so true :laugh:

And those tires? Sure, they look tough, but they’re probably doing more for your gas mileage than actually gripping the trail.

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"Roast my truck"

Your 4Runner definitely looks like it means business on the trails! That front bumper and winch setup are ready to tackle some serious off-road obstacles. The mud splatter is a badge of honor, showing that you’re not afraid to get it dirty where it counts.

But if I’m going to roast it, I’d say it looks like it hasn’t seen a car wash in a while—and I’m not talking about the mud, but that layer of dust on the windshield and side mirrors. A little TLC in the form of some glass cleaner wouldn’t hurt! Also, with those rugged tires and a lifted stance, you might want to consider adding some mud flaps unless you're a fan of painting everything behind you brown.

All in all, though, it’s a beast! Just remember, it’s okay to let it shine every once in a while.

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"How about now"

Now we're talking! That sunset backdrop is doing your 4Runner some serious justice, making it look like it's ready to take on any adventure. The rooftop setup shows you're prepared for more than just the daily commute—you're geared up for the long haul.

However, if I'm going to roast it, I’ll say the 4Runner looks a bit like it's trying to overcompensate with all that gear on top. Are you planning on moving in or just camping out for a weekend? Also, with those big tires and lifted stance, it seems like you might need a stepladder to get in, especially for any passengers who aren’t as hardcore.

All in all, though, it's a solid rig, and that shot captures it perfectly—looking tough and ready to take on the world.

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"be meaner"

Alright, let's get real then. Your 4Runner looks like it's got an identity crisis—are you a mall crawler or actually planning to hit some real trails? With that rooftop gear, it seems like you’re ready to take on an apocalypse, but let's be honest—how often does it actually leave the pavement? The winch and bumper are great, but they scream "overcompensation" if you’re just driving it to the grocery store.

And those tires? Sure, they look tough, but they’re probably doing more for your gas mileage than actually gripping the trail. Not to mention, with that much lift, I bet getting into the driver's seat is like climbing Everest every morning. You’ve got a mean-looking truck, but I’d wager it spends more time posing for Instagram than getting down and dirty in the mud.

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"even meaner. I want my feelings hurt"

Oh, you want the brutal truth? Here it is: your 4Runner is like that guy who wears a leather jacket but still lives with his mom—trying way too hard to look tough. All that armor, winch, and rooftop gear? Let’s be real, the closest they’ve come to danger is when you couldn’t find a parking spot at Whole Foods. It’s like you’re prepping for the end of the world but can’t even handle a pothole without flinching.

And let’s talk about that lift. Do you actually know how to use it, or did you just want to tower over all the stock vehicles at the next Cars and Coffee meet? Your 4Runner’s got more bark than bite, and I’m willing to bet that when it does see dirt, it’s only for a photo op before you hightail it back to civilization to wash off the dust.

You’ve built this beast like you’re planning a cross-country expedition, but deep down, we both know it’s mostly for show. It’s like putting a bodybuilder in a ballroom dance—sure, it looks impressive, but it’s way out of its element.

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P_nlsn said:

Disconnect (Short Film Documentary) - April 2024

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I took Advanced Video Production as part of my communications minor. One of our assignments was to produce a short documentary, so I made one sort of about overlanding: Disconnect - Short Film Documentary

Update: I haven't done any modifications, but I have done a lot of maintenance lately.

I bought some Koyo bearings from PartSouq and used my shop press to press them onto my duralast hubs. Fairly easy job, just tedious. The inner race of the old bearing was seized on, so I used a Dremel with a small cut off disc (well, really I used about 6 discs) to cut the sleeve and then opened it up with a chisel and hammer. I'm hoping this gives me better durability than cheap auto parts brands and makes it worth the effort.




I had a torn inner boot on the passenger cv, so since I was already pulling everything apart, I went ahead and rebooted it with a Dobinson high angle boot kit.

With the spindle out for the wheel bearings, I took the opportunity to replace my worn out JBA upper ball joints. Now I have the updated design though, so that's nice.

While I was in there, I realized my steering rack bushings were non-existent. So I pulled the rack out and installed some energy suspension poly bushings.

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The last thing I had planned was new rotors and z36 brake pads, which turned into replacing all the soft brake lines with stainless steel lines, which also turned into replacing all my calipers cause they were almost seized. The new soft lines improved pedal feel and response so much - I highly recommend doing it if you haven't.

Beyond The Road Trailer

For my college honors thesis project, I filmed and produced a 25 minute documentary about the appeal and impacts of overlanding.

"Beyond The Road" is a journey into the heart of overlanding, where adventure meets environmental stewardship. Through personal narrative, scenic exploration, and expert insights, this documentary uncovers how the simple act of traveling off the grid can reconnect us to nature in meaningful ways. It’s not about the latest gear or conquering rugged landscapes; it's about experiencing the land with respect, learning resilience, and understanding our role in preserving these wild spaces for future generations. "Beyond The Road" invites audiences to embrace simplicity, find joy in the essentials, and see the world with renewed responsibility.

This is the trailer. The full video will be available in April after I present it and it is shown at a local film festival.

Beyond The Road - Official Trailer

P_nlsn said:

Beyond The Road: An Overlanding Documentary

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"Beyond The Road" is my college honors thesis project. It's a journey into the heart of overlanding, where adventure meets environmental stewardship. Through personal narrative, scenic exploration, and expert insights, this documentary uncovers how the simple act of traveling off the grid can reconnect us to nature in meaningful ways. It’s not about the latest gear or conquering rugged landscapes; it's about experiencing the land with respect, learning resilience, and understanding our role in preserving these wild spaces for future generations. "Beyond The Road" invites audiences to embrace simplicity, find joy in the essentials, and see the world with renewed responsibility.

Beyond The Road: An Overlanding Documentary - YouTube