[tjaguilar]

Originally Posted by starclassic

So far so good—I've had great feedback, the low beams hold a really nice line and the brights do their job too



Really the question now is time—how long will they last?

Nice! I just got a cheaper set from eBay not much of a bright option but they're pretty darn bright. Feels wrong to have them so bright haha.


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[tjaguilar]

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[starclassic]

May 28, 2017

Over the past month I've been getting all the parts I need for the Big 3 upgrade. This weekend I finally got it all finished. This was a challenging project for me, and included lots of messages with Rip (thanks, dude), lots of trips to Autozone down the street, and probably about 8 hours total. I'm a noob with electrical, so I was taking my time to really understand things. This work was done in preparation for a new stereo/head unit and backup camera that I'm hoping to complete this summer sometime. And probably some fog lights and switches as well...

• Big 3 mod (beefing up the stock electrical system!)
• Custom acrylic Blue sea fuse box platform from @4-Ripcord
• Ignition relay (to keep new circuits from draining the battery when the truck is off)

I followed the walk-through directions from BFAD and 4-Ripcord for this project—they're really all you need.

As of the completion of this work, my idling voltage is 14.28V. Here are some photos from the process.

Custom acrylic platform for the 96-98 T4R—first bend and placement was spot on!


Blue Sea 120A and 100A breakers


Old stock cables


New 4G cables, breakers, fuse box, and ignition relay


All connected up and working well!


New ground location at alternator


Mistakes happen! I cut the original battery-negative-to-engine-block cable (in the middle—SAD!). So I installed a replacement, didn't end up being a big deal.


Idle voltage!

[starclassic]

May 29, 2017

99+ center console installed—Part 1

I've been raging without decent cupholders ever since I acquired the truck. Luckily I got a matching blue/grey center console from @Atomic6 and finally installed it over Memorial Day weekend.

This is part 1 of 2, in that I did not have time to completely unravel the wiring harness for the ECT, rear window, and security system. Those I've tucked under the driver's seat for now. Part 2 will involve me unraveling that harness, moving the wires over to the left of the steering wheel, and replacing them with OTRATTW rockers.

A tale of 2 consoles


Stock console setup, before swapping the bracket and handle


Comparing the 2 brackets—99+ is the shorter one on the right (if you're planning on completing this upgrade, that bracket is a must)


Functional! What a relief. Now I just have to relocate those switches...

[Rimcrew]

Beautiful truck, and very tasteful upgrades. Keep the pics coming.

[Smiley52]

Lookin good! Any plans to add another battery? I think I'm going to try to do the big 3 and do a dual battery system at the same time.

[Atomic6]

Center console looks great! I can't believe what a change that mod has on daily use of our 4Runners!

[96Runr]

Really like your write up w plenty of photos. Keep it coming👍🏽

[starclassic]

June 2, 2017

Successfully relocated stock center console switches (ECT, rear window, security sensor) to the left side of the steering wheel.

I installed a 99+ center console last week, which meant relocating a few switches that were in the old console. I'd tucked these under the driver's seat and needed to unravel the wiring insulation (lots and lots of electrical tape) all the way back to behind the dash to do this, so that the emergency brake wire could route separately to the center console, and the rest of the wires could feed to the new switch location.

It was laborious work, but straight forward. I have new OTRATTW rockers that will replace the ECT and rear window switches, but I didn't have time to install those today.

Stock wiring still taped up, as I'd had it tucked under the driver's seat.


After: only the emergency brake wire now goes to the center console. Had to tape mine in place since the new console I got was missing one of the plastic clips that hold it in place. I also zip tied it.


Here's the main switch wiring behind the dashboard; note the single green emergency brake wire coming off the right


Here's the dash all pulled out; the ECT and rear window wiring harnesses are hanging off on the left (white clip and black clip)


Everything done; stock switches in new location! Next I will replace the ECT and rear window with my OTRATTW rockers

[starclassic]

Originally Posted by Rimcrew

Beautiful truck, and very tasteful upgrades. Keep the pics coming.

Thank you! Will absolutely do so.

[starclassic]

Originally Posted by Smiley52

Lookin good! Any plans to add another battery? I think I'm going to try to do the big 3 and do a dual battery system at the same time.

My Truestart battery is doing well now; for now I may stick to OEM. But once I get lights, winch, and maybe air lockers ... definitely will upgrade the setup.

[starclassic]

Originally Posted by Atomic6

Center console looks great! I can't believe what a change that mod has on daily use of our 4Runners!

I know ... love how it fits so nicely, looks totally stock especially now that I relocated the switches.

[starclassic]

Originally Posted by 96Runr

Really like your write up w plenty of photos. Keep it coming👍🏽

Thank you! Will do.

[96Runr]

Looks nice
Are you gearing up for dual battery?

[aidanyota]

Love the build and a unique color I have not seen before! Looks very clean with the blacked out tires. By any chance do you know what mpg's you get with those 33's?