[jdm_rider]

Well, I am finally going to get off my butt and start writing my build thread.

As of 6/13/2016


Some background of how I ended up with the T4R. I bought my first truck after my deployment in 2011. I purchased a 2008 tundra 5.7 that I was going to use as a reliable DD to haul my motorcycle around and get into the mountains for snowboarding. Shortly after owning the tundra the mods began, AFE intake and exhaust, OME suspension lift, 17" FN BFD wheels wrapped in 35" nitto trail graps, 35% tint all around, black out headlight housing, and a few yakima goodies.



Near the end of 2014 I stumbled upon 2 youtube channels "overland bound" and "expedition overland" after watching their videos I knew that was something I wanted to do. The tundra being the big B**** that it is makes it difficult to navigate trails.

Enter the 2015 T4R TE


Within the first 2 weeks of owning the T4R I wanted to see what the stock setup could do, including the wonderful HT tires that toyota decides to put on these from factory.

Hollister Hills SVRA, where I gave the T4R its first pin striping.


I ran into another '15 T4R TE owner.


After the trip to Hollister Hill and nearly ripping off the running boards I knew I needed more protection for those rocker panels.

My first and most important mod IMO, welded on Brute Force Fab rock sliders with kick outs. The sliders will also double as protection from door dings from other cars.


With the sliders on and Bald Mountain OHV a short distance away it was time for another adventure.


https://youtu.be/RpKuzghd1NY
https://youtu.be/1FV6KzRvbLE

Around March/April time frame I put in an order for Radflos ultimate performance kit which included their 2.5" shock w/ resi 2" eibach rear spring and total chaos UCA. I also came across Jinkos Gobi group buy.

While waiting for those to come in the fun doesn't stop.


Videos of the swamp lake trail on quads.
https://youtu.be/75zEgF30Tt4

Chillin at Pisbro


End of June the suspension and gobi rack come in. FINALLY!



Gobi rack on first before the lift. My brother is 5'4" and I am 5'6" it was a PITA to install the gobi rack. Note, if you have the ladder attachment do not attempt to lift the tail gate with the rear slider down. It may or may not come down on your head.



Tepui 6ft awning installed, another awesome group buy by Jinko


Last and best thing to go on. While I had the stock suspension off I removed the front sway bar.

[SR5Bart]

Very nice man. She's looking great. I'm still cleaning out mud from mine from last Saturday's adventure haha

[jdtaylor42]

Very nice bro! I am back and forth on getting sliders or a roof rack next. Decisions, decisions.

[jdm_rider]

As much as I would've loved to have MT tires on the rig I didn't want to wear down good tires commuting. So I went with BFG KO2 285/70-17 E load. Don't ask me about gas milage or weight because I honestly don't care about my MPG. If I wanted a fuel efficient vehicle I would've bought a yaris.



Decided to plasti-dip the hood for "anti-glare" functionality. Plus it looks pretty shanazzy.


Bald Mountain OHV again with my friend who owns a 3rd gen.


At millerton Lake for some kayaking/fishing



Last big off road trip Red Mountain OHV to Red Lake.




Video of Red Lake trail.

https://youtu.be/skojBowepvY

I am free from sway bars.


Stay tuned I will be building a DIY drawer system for the back real soon.

[jdm_rider]

Originally Posted by jdtaylor42

Very nice bro! I am back and forth on getting sliders or a roof rack next. Decisions, decisions.

If you go off-roading where possible rocker panel damage can occur I would say go with the sliders. A couple hundred dollars can save on thousands of possible body damage. If you don't off-road as much or in too harsh conditions I would say the roof rack. I personally needed both especially since I put two 50lbs dogs in the back of the rig I need storage up top.

[jdm_rider]

Originally Posted by SR5Bart

Very nice man. She's looking great. I'm still cleaning out mud from mine from last Saturday's adventure haha

I go off-roading so often I wonder why do I even bother spending 2hrs cleaning the interior just for it to get all dusty again within a week lol. Gotta pay to play I guess.

[jdm_rider]

Exhaust was a little banged up from crawling.


All better now.

[jdm_rider]

started wheeling at 6am didn't get done until 3pm.


posing next to cencalfoothills15's 3rd gen.



Just a portion of the overland bound group.





showing everyone up with his open diffs.

[K2lip]

Where did you get the flagpole setup that's on your hitch? If there's anything I need right now, it's that.

[Slow]

Nice build man Dig it. Like the Bald mountain pics and you are Brave man going to hollister with running boards not to many leave alive.
Just ordered a '16 trail to replace my FJ cannot wait to start a new (but oddly familiar) build.

[jdm_rider]

Originally Posted by K2lip

Where did you get the flagpole setup that's on your hitch? If there's anything I need right now, it's that.

i bought it last minute at pismo because i forgot my other flag. but its essentially just square tubing with 2 holes drilled. 1 hole for the trailer hitch and the other for the flag pole which is held in by bolts. I bought the setup at pismo for $17 I believe.

[jdm_rider]

Originally Posted by Slow

Nice build man Dig it. Like the Bald mountain pics and you are Brave man going to hollister with running boards not to many leave alive.
Just ordered a '16 trail to replace my FJ cannot wait to start a new (but oddly familiar) build.

Thanks brother appreciate the kind words. I actually wanted a FJC in iceberg white initially but when I test drove my friends I didn't like how cramped it was and all the blind spots, which pushed me towards the 4runner.

[Slow]

Originally Posted by jdm_rider

Thanks brother appreciate the kind words. I actually wanted a FJC in iceberg white initially but when I test drove my friends I didn't like how cramped it was and all the blind spots, which pushed me towards the 4runner.

Yeah initially the FJ blind spot sucked but i got used to it pretty quick. I like that i gain only a few inches of wheel base and some A/D for what seems like allot more space with the 4R. Plus we will now have 2 5th gens

[K2lip]

Originally Posted by jdm_rider

i bought it last minute at pismo because i forgot my other flag. but its essentially just square tubing with 2 holes drilled. 1 hole for the trailer hitch and the other for the flag pole which is held in by bolts. I bought the setup at pismo for $17 I believe.

I'll check it out. Thank you, sir.

[Pmharris423]

I love this build thread, not many I've seen in blue but your's takes the cake. Very happy to see you offroad the thing like it should be. I'm interrested did you replace the tailgate struts or keep them stock and deal with the ladder?