[MickT]

This will be my first build thread. I started with a 04 V8 Sport with 95K miles. My intent is to end up with an Overland truck designed for back country travel. So far I have added the following:

Total Chaos
UCAs
Boxed Stock length LCAs
Full rear link set and skids
Adjustment cam gussets
Shock tower gussets
Spindle gussets
Toytec Boss lift
SCS Stealth 6 wheels

The truck spent a week at The Gear Shop in Calgary for welding and installation. They did a great job and they will do all of the future work that requires welding and fabrication or crawling around under a truck.

The next phase will be Budbuilt skids and beefy sliders. The Nokian Rotivas have been great winter tires in the previous years but they are nearly gone so they will be replaced with 285 Duratracs for summer and true winter tires. That's all for now stay tuned.

[Jeffrey_VB]

Good looking Runner!!!

[MickT]

Thanks Jeffery. I have a couple of updates. The tires are rubbing at full lock in reverse so I need to do some trimming before I get the new tires. The front axles seals were leaking again and the axles are worn so it looks like they will be my last set of NAPA axles. I have the Toyota ones on order, should be in soon. I am also getting the drive shaft balanced and new Toyota u-joints installed. I am slowly restoring the truck mechanically and I would like to have a body off restoration done right before I retire. This will be my camping, fishing and over landing rig. The skids and sliders will be the next project, leaning towards Budbuilt. That is all for now.

[MickT]

Build is going slow with lack of time and money. I had the CV joints replaced with stock Toyota units along with a drive shaft balance and new Ujoints. Also installed ARB differential breathers. The latest install has been the 285/70R/17 Duratracs. Some rubbing issues, I had to remove the front mud flaps and trimmed the hell out my fender liners and lower face of front bumper. Looks great but MPG has suffered.

Front bumper and winch may be next with winter just around the corner (we got our first dusting of snow on Friday) and solo camping trips I will need a plan C if the Maxtraxs don't bail me out. A front bumper is $1700 plus $1000 winch and install. My other option is the 5pce Bud skids and a hidden winch mount and winch for less money because I can install everthing myself. Opinions welcome....

[Wavesport]

Bumper! Build looks great!

[LOSTR4]

Bumpers are worth the price! Completely changes the look and adds function to your outdoor adventures. Don't expect it to increase mpg either...

[MickT]

Thanks guys I am leaning towards the bumper. I like the CBI bumper although I am interested in a hybrid tube and plate as long as it will take a winch. I have found some for earlier Gens but not for Gen 4s.

[Range]

Originally Posted by MickT

Thanks guys I am leaning towards the bumper. I like the CBI bumper although I am interested in a hybrid tube and plate as long as it will take a winch. I have found some for earlier Gens but not for Gen 4s.

Look at Plate Front Bumper 4Runner (2003-2009) [aor-plate(4runner 2003-2009)] - $979.00 : Addicted Offroad is a full service Parts, Sales, and Fabrication company offering offroad parts for all makes and models, Addicted Offroad

[MickT]

Thanks I found a picture of this bumper and really liked it, but there was no description. That helps a lot.
Cheers,
Mick

[wadle5]

Originally Posted by MickT

Thanks guys I am leaning towards the bumper. I like the CBI bumper although I am interested in a hybrid tube and plate as long as it will take a winch. I have found some for earlier Gens but not for Gen 4s.

Not too familiar with the Great Norths territory. But a great fab place in Vancouver is Bullet Proff Fabricating. I would recomm them as well to research further.

[MickT]

Thanks I will give them a call, anytime I can avoid the 30 cent penalty on the dollar that is cool. I took the 4runner fishing tonight and did a closed road "bypass" that involved a really steep ditch access the new tires and lift made a huge difference, I am not sure I would have tried it stock. All the wheels stayed on the ground and it was cleared with no drama. I am really looking forward to the winter. I picked up a TJM compressor and ARB tire repair kit so airing down will be a new advantage this winter. With a winch and the maxxtracs should be much less exciting this winter.

[MickT]

TJM Portable Compressor | TJM Australia | 4x4 Accessories

The new compressor. It got some great reviews for the price. I wanted to go with the ARB on board option but we use our small motorhome(20ft) on the forestry trunk road and it will be great insurance for those trips as well.

[MickT]

This is a list of my latest Mods and maintenance:

-I ended up jacking up the front end another 1.5 inches to reduce the rubbing.
-Painted the entire under carriage after sanding and a Rust Check primer.
-Plastidip on flaking chrome front and rear bumper inserts.
-Removed my rattling running boards.
-Removed the roof rack with factory rack delete kit.
-Changed the plugs at 190K they still looked great but replaced them with NGK Irridians.
-Replaced airfilter.

I am really happy with the look and I am hoping the plugs will help with the lost fuel mileage(caused by tires). Although it is better after I checked my speedo with 2 GPS and found out my usual 120-130k speed was closer to 135-145KPH.

[StephenVP]

Very clean, I wonder how much of a difference adding the Lower control arms would make

[rcvoelkel]

She's a Beaut! Nice looking runner!