[Tironeous]

I’m not sure if I would consider this a build thread, but this is where I’ll be posting about my truck. I guess this is more for me than for anyone else, but if you enjoy it please leave a comment.

2005 Limited V8 4WD Shadow Mica

Purchased - February 22, 2020 with 140,868 miles

Current:



Day 1:

Doggo Approved


Makeshift “bike rack” in South Lake Tahoe.

[Tironeous]

My sub blew so I decided to replace that. It’s nothing too crazy, but fits the factory location and sounds much better. I’m still using the factory amp.




Shortly after the install I realized just how poor the 15 year old JBL speakers sounded compared to the new sub. I decided to replace the fronts with 6.5” Focal components and the rears with 6.5” 2 way speakers. These speakers are highly efficient so I wasn’t worried about the ohm rating being different than factory. Unfortunately, I didn’t take pictures.

Next was the headunit. I wanted CarPlay and looked at a number of units. It seemed too costly to go for wireless CarPlay. My logic was if I’m using it for maps, I’d likely want my phone plugged in anyway to not drain the battery. Also, make sure you get a headunit with a capacitive touchscreen. This is the type of technology used for smartphone displays and not all headunits use this. I’ve always liked Sony products.






Lastly I added a new backup camera. The hardest part was snaking the wires through the tailgate. I eventually got this sorted and the quality it outstanding compared to the factory unit.

[Tironeous]

Picked up a set of Trail Edition wheels for $200. Also removed the running boards. My suspension looks less saggy now.

I may eventually add bigger tires. The problem is the truck came with fairly new tires already. They’re small at 265/65/17 but I drive mostly highway. I’m leaning 255/75/17 C-Rated tires, which should fit the spare with the V8 hitch. Going to try and get more life out of the current tires before looking for something bigger.




Also got a bike rack. It’s an Inno INH305.



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[Tironeous]

ATF Fluid Change - 146k miles

Catching up on some maintenance, this is something I wanted to do. I’m the second owner and I believe it’s on the original fluid. It was shifting fine but now it’s extra smooth and I have additional peace of mind.

This guide was a great resource ATF Exchange (using the cooling line). Here’s some additional thoughts on my process.

Drained pan via drain plug - a little over 3Qts came out. It was black and I suspect it’s never been replaced.

Refilled what came out via fill plug with 3/8 tubing and funnel up top. The flow was nearly as fast as me pouring it in.



Turned the truck on and drained 2 Qts via transmission cooler into a jug. I found using this connection to be a lot easier than crawling under the truck. This took about 25 seconds.



Replaced 2 Qts via funnel.

Repeated these steps (2 Qts out / 2 Qts in) until I exchanged a total of 13.5Qts. It started to look a lot cleaner towards the end. I saved the extra half quart to overfill and drain via the overflow plug.


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[Tironeous]

LEDs make a difference.


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[montijo505]

Which head unit did you get? Looks nice!


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[Tironeous]

Originally Posted by montijo505

Which head unit did you get? Looks nice

I've got the Sony-XAV-AX5500 and I am very happy with it. One thing I didn't mention about the install was it's a single DIN chassis behind the double DIN display. This helped with wire management inside of the dash.

[Tironeous]

Ordered my suspension today!

Bilstein 6112 HD (650lb springs)
Bilstein 5160 and billet mounts
Icon 2” rear springs (52700)
KYB top hats
1/4” spacer

Current hub to fender measurements are roughly 19” front and 20.5” rear. I think it’s sagged about 1” over 150k miles. Hoping to get 2.5” front and 2.0” rear (over stock not sagged height).


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[Tironeous]

Parts are starting to show up! The 6112s are back ordered though.

[Tironeous]

Found a good deal on some used Total Chaos UCAs. The previous owner had them on a Tacoma. It appears the part numbers are the same as 4Runner. Just missing 4 of the big washers. I’ve contacted Chaos Fab to see if they can send me some replacements.

[montijo505]

Originally Posted by Tironeous

Found a good deal on some used Total Chaos UCAs. The previous owner had them on a Tacoma. It appears the part numbers are the same as 4Runner. Just missing 4 of the big washers. I’ve contacted Chaos Fab to see if they can send me some replacements.

Inquire with TC but I’m pretty sure the taper for the uniball is different on the 4R/taco spindles.


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[Tironeous]

Originally Posted by montijo505

Inquire with TC but I’m pretty sure the taper for the uniball is different on the 4R/taco spindles.


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Thanks for the heads up. Exact same part numbers but good to check it out and validate.


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[Tironeous]

Called Chaos Fab and they said UCAs are exactly the same from Taco to 4Runner (at least in this application). Part # 96504. They asked me to send them pictures and validated I’m only missing 4 washers, which I already knew. I’ll be good to go as soon as those come in!

[montijo505]

Originally Posted by Tironeous

Called Chaos Fab and they said UCAs are exactly the same from Taco to 4Runner (at least in this application). Part # 96504. They asked me to send them pictures and validated I’m only missing 4 washers, which I already knew. I’ll be good to go as soon as those come in!

Nice score, those look brand new!


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[Tironeous]

Originally Posted by montijo505

Nice score, those look brand new!


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They have like 5k miles on them or something. I wasn’t planning on getting UCAs, at least not at this point. They popped up on a saved search alert I setup on Offerup. The price was right so I pulled the trigger. Now if my 6112s would just ship I’d be in business!