[hoppyjr]

[QUOTE=
I am aware, but the 4Runner ones have been out of stock for some time. I think it looks fine.

[hoppyjr]

Todays update. I previously mentioned swapping out the KC Slimlight LED lights for Morimoto 4Banger HXB combo beam pods, on Caliraised low profile ditch brackets. Today we swapped the OEM “Premium LED fog lights” for a pair of Morimoto 4Banger HXB, this time in the wide beam pattern. The results are amazing.

Photos do the talking. Taken with iPhone 14 Pro and I do not adjust exposure.

The last two shots include my auxiliary high beams, which are explained in a previous post.








Here is a garage door comparison of beam: Morimoto 4Banger on drivers side, Toyota Premium LED fog lamp on passenger side.

[hoppyjr]

Replaced all four bump stops with the upgraded Supersprings progressive bump stops. While these are significantly larger than the stock ones, stock is very hard rubber, whereas these are able to “squish” under load and absorb impact.

Think of it as the difference between falling on your butt versus falling on your butt with some really firm pillows attached. With the firm pillows your butt hits the ground sooner, but they help mitigate the impact.

There are some decent videos on YouTube. First impressions? I like them.

They aren’t cheap, but watch for sales. They are running 15% off, but I snagged mine during a 25% off sale.

[hoppyjr]

Last weekend’s project was to install the Dr.KDSS module, which allows push button deactivation of the KDSS system.

The KDSS is programmed to activate at 12 mph, allowing for more articulation and thereby more comfort when moving slowly over rougher terrain.

Since there may be times when we want to go a little faster, say on a dirt road, we may still want that increased travel & comfort. The Dr.KDSS module allows this at the push of a button.

Toyota could offer the same, but the liability of someone with no common sense having the system inactive is a lawsuit waiting to happen so they don’t. Since I have common sense, I won’t leave it deactivated on the paved roads.

Hard to show it in photos, but the harness is plug & play under the dash. Mine is connected to my SwitchPros controller.

[Gclark949]

Can you provide some details on your NMO roof mounts? I don’t see many brave enough to drill holes in the roof and I want to. My ham antenna mount does not give a ground plane and pretty much sucks. I have the Rago NMO that looks like a ditch mount. I use non ground plane antenna but not good results.

[hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by Gclark949

Can you provide some details on your NMO roof mounts? I don’t see many brave enough to drill holes in the roof and I want to. My ham antenna mount does not give a ground plane and pretty much sucks. I have the Rago NMO that looks like a ditch mount. I use non ground plane antenna but not good results.

I had a friend do it who installs equipment in emergency vehicles, but I watched and helped a little. Pretty basic really; measured, marked, and drilled the holes. Mounted the bases, screwed on antennas. We did add a bead of silicone around the base in addition to the supplied gaskets. Works great. We only needed to drop the rearmost portion of the headliner to gain access. I’d do it again without reservation.

[hoppyjr]

Since I don’t intend to rock-crawl or do the serious off-roading that others might, I actually downsized tires to the stock 265/70 size.

My son took the new 275/70 K02’s for his Jeep JK, which works great for him. I went with C-rated K02’s in 265/70. They are lighter than the 275’s and I’m more than pleased with their performance.

[hoppyjr]

I experienced two modifications that I came to regret and one that never materialized (in the next post).

The two regrets:

- KC Slimlight LED lights: great lights, but my original bumper mounting location wasn’t ideal as it didn’t provide a good range of adjustment. Those have been removed and Morimoto 4Banger pods & ditch brackets have facilitated the additional forward lighting I wanted. The KC’s may get installed on my old Chevy pickup.

- Viper Cut: while Brad did a great job, and it was necessary when I had the 275 tires, I just prefer a stock appearance. I plan to keep this 4Runner forever and when running 265 tires, a stock bumper works fine. I ordered a replacement from Painted OEM Parts online. It arrived color matched and packed well.

I’ll get updated photos when the weather is nice.

[hoppyjr]

things about the hood…..

I’m not a big fan of the non-functional hood scoop. My original plan included the LED light bar from Armor Light Co. and a black TRD Pro scoop. At least that would make the scoop have a purpose.

Without going into detail, the LED bar arrived defective and my overall experience with Armor Light Co. was not pleasant, so I cannot recommend that product or company.

I still have the black Pro scoop but haven’t installed it. [edit: done 5/18/23)

[hoppyjr]

One more thing….

This week I received the C1R hitch mounted light pod from Diode Dynamics. This provides a simple plug & play solution, giving an additional white led reverse light, red led tail light, and bright led brake light with an optional pulse capability. It plugs in behind the trailer wiring connector, leaving the connector usable and clean.

Initial impressions are positive. When I pushed it into the receiver hitch until it clicked, the pod stuck out a bit and had a little bit of a rattle/looseness to it. I simply pressed in a bit more until the light lens was flush with end or hitch receiver and it’s all good now.

Photos when time permits, but I would buy this again without reservation.

Edit:

Although I’ve never used my hitch, there is rust around the receiver area. I’ll need to sand and paint that soon, but here’s a shot of the C1R hitch pod light I the off position. I’ll get night shots when I have someone to help out.

[hoppyjr]

Friday’s project included three new items and one “swing and a miss”.

The mod that didn’t work out was the new ScanGauge 3. While it is feature packed, I found more negatives than positives, so it went back. Among the negatives; no auto display dimming, only digital gauges, poor mounting options.

The stuff that worked out well:

- WeatherTech hood protector / bug deflector

- WeatherTech side window deflectors

- TRD Pro style front skid plate. This one is the version for KDSS, from CarHomeTrim.

All the WeatherTech parts went on quick and easy - and the quality is evident. I’m pleased.

The skid is also much nicer than expected, being thick, sturdy, and apparently well made. It did require I remove the plastic shield that goes between the stock front skid and bumper. I plan to trim that piece and reinstall later. I like that this skid has an access panel, eliminating the need to remove the full skid for oil changes.

Here are some updated photos, taken today.

[Bobby12many]

Truck is looking great! Your lighting upgrades are very nice. Do you have a closer-up picture of the new fogs installed (off)? Interested to see how they look compared to OE LEDs. Performance looks pretty fantastic... which is good considering the $$$

Looking forward to pics of the reverse light performance. I'm mulling options for improved rear illumination and this is a pretty elegant solution.

Cheers

[hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by Bobby12many

Truck is looking great! Your lighting upgrades are very nice. Do you have a closer-up picture of the new fogs installed (off)? Interested to see how they look compared to OE LEDs. Performance looks pretty fantastic... which is good considering the $$$

Looking forward to pics of the reverse light performance. I'm mulling options for improved rear illumination and this is a pretty elegant solution.

Cheers

Thanks, I’m very happy with how everything it’s working out.

Here are a couple close up photos.

[hoppyjr]

I installed the Kicker full speaker upgrade kit from Trail Grid Pro, into my 2022 Off Road Premium.

Used their YouTube video as a guide and all was very straightforward.

I don’t have an amp or subwoofer as the TRD Pro does, but the speakers made a noticeable improvement in sound quality. Midrange seems more defined, highs are crisper, and bass feels more punchy. Overall I’m satisfied.

I’ve added a link to the kit I used and a link to the install video, in case you’re interested.

Kicker Plug & Play 8 Speaker Bundle Upgrade | '10 - '23 4Runner

Kicker 8 Speaker Plug & Play Upgrade Bundle Install | 2014 - 2022 Toyota 4Runner - YouTube

[hoppyjr]

Next up: I still have the KC Slimlight LED spots from my initial lighting package upgrade.

The plan is now to mount them upside down, suspended from the center (Toyota) part of the grill.

The original bumper mounted install didn’t provide the adjustment I wanted, partially due to the curve of the bumper. The new install should give me the straight ahead spot I’m after.

Bonus that I’ve got the snap on amber covers, which should help in the rain or snow we see in the mountains up here.

I’ll update with pics when done.