[Hi-desertT4R]

Ordered a set of Rock Rash Performance spindle gussets.

Rock Rash Performance Spindle Gussets | RRP

[Hi-desertT4R]

Was getting a ton of noise from my front brakes. Squealing primarily in reverse but they started doing it in forward as well. I was still on factory calipers which were almost 17 years old. Purchased and installed a Power Stop brake kit
KC137-36 Z36. I still second guess whether I should have upgraded to the 338 mm sport brakes or gone the 5th Gen conversion route but these seem to work very well for the price. After install I also fully flushed the system with Lucas synthetic brake fluid.

[Hi-desertT4R]

Stock gas tank skid served its purpose but it was time to upgrade. Ordered and installed an upgrade from RCI Metalworks.

Fuel Tank Skid Plate | 03-Present 4Runner / GX - RCI Off Road

[Hi-desertT4R]

Started to get a ton of play in the rear pinion. Decided it was finally time to re gear. Sent the diffs out to East Coast Gear Supply for Nitro 4.56’s and a Harrop/Eaton E locker. Can’t wait to get home from New Mexico and get these installed.

[LOSTR4]

That's going to be a wildly amazing upgrade!

[Hi-desertT4R]

Originally Posted by LOSTR4

That's going to be a wildly amazing upgrade!

I think so too! I hope to not only regain some of the drivability that I seem to have lost with stock gears and 33’s but gas mileage as well. I can’t wait to see what a difference the lower gears make while wheeling and the ability to have a locker in 2WD or 4WD will be pretty sweet.

[Hi-desertT4R]

A lot going on lately and haven’t really posted in a while. Truck went back together really well. Took a couple weeks to get the 500 mile break-in and oil change done. Did a few easy trails just to run the 4WD through its paces and the locker seems to perform really well. Did a local trail called Rocky Gap about a week ago with a few buddies. Gears and lockers make a real difference and I couldn’t be happier with them. I did end up losing alignment really for the first time while off roading with this truck. Also found my SRS airbag light coming on intermittently. Had my buddy scan for codes and pulled a few with the SRS airbag system and with the ABS system but on lights on except for the airbag. Dropped it off at the alignment shop and had my new tie rods installed and aligned (I was on 17 yo factory tie rods) and they rescanned the computer. We determined, which according to my research here on the forum that the clock spring is going bad. New one should be here in a few days.

[Hi-desertT4R]

Not a whole lot lately. Few little things here and there just mostly wheeling it. Did purchase the center hoop from True North Fabrications that I should’ve gotten in the first place but didn’t. Got it welded on last weekend. Too lazy to pull the winch out and the bumper off to fully repaint the whole thing. I’ll get it done soon enough.

[LOSTR4]

Looks great! How did you like the feel of wheeling with a locker et Al?

[Hi-desertT4R]

Originally Posted by LOSTR4

Looks great! How did you like the feel of wheeling with a locker et Al?

Thanks. I love having the locker. I haven’t done a ton of hard trails yet. I use it sometimes just in 2WD. ATRAC served me well for many years but this just makes things so much easier. It’s definitely worth the money and I wish I’d done it earlier.

[Hi-desertT4R]

Picked up an RCI transfer case skid plate on their Black Friday sale. Left work early today and got it installed. I’m happy that it works almost seamless with my homemade transmission skid plate.

[Hi-desertT4R]

I’ve done a shitty job keeping track of maintenance and build stuff lately but in the past month I’ve had to replace the battery. Picked up an EverStart group 27f AGM for sub $200. Been trying to figure out why the 4lo light comes on sometimes when doing 65-70mph and passing or downshifting. 4WD system works fine and no codes come up on my ScanGauge.

Replaced the transmission filter, gasket and pan bolts. Added some Lucas transmission treatment and refilled with Maxlife ATF at 164070. Filter and magnets were pretty dirty.

Installed a center console secret compartment that I got for Christmas.
Amazon.com

RCI t-case skid crossmember seemed to keep slipping down as there was only one bolt on each side horizontal into the frame that hold it in place. Installed some rivnuts in the bottom of the frame and enlarged the two small holes on the bottom of the crossmember then bolted it in with two extra 8mm bolts. Seems super stout now.

Rear brakes are making noise and the t-case output seal is leaking so I have parts on the way to replace those things in the next week or so.

[Hi-desertT4R]

Replaced the rear rotors and pads with a Powerstop kit. Replaced the rear upper control arms with a pair from Freedom Offroad. We’ll see how they do. Not seeing a whole of reviews or info out there on these. Seem pretty good.

[Runnin on E]

Originally Posted by Hi-desertT4R

Was getting a ton of noise from my front brakes. Squealing primarily in reverse but they started doing it in forward as well. I was still on factory calipers which were almost 17 years old.

Did you find out what was going on with your old calipers?

[Hi-desertT4R]

Originally Posted by Runnin on E

Did you find out what was going on with your old calipers?

Not sure if it was the old calipers or just crappy cheap rotors and pads. Powerstop kit has been great.