[Liquidmantis]

While this will be a slow, basic build, filled with redundant copying of other people's stuff, I enjoy checking out others' builds and finding new stuff so I figured I'd contribute and maybe, just maybe, someone would find something useful in it. If nothing else, hey, who doesn't like 4Runner porn?

I don't plan on "serious wheeling", I just want a capable camping and exploration vehicle. I keep telling my Jeep brother that if it comes down to playing on rocks I'd rather be on my mountain bike. So currently I'm checking off some obvious items and then I'll address any weaknesses or needs as I go.

My truck was delivered on Pi Day, I lucked out and was at the dealer when the truck arrived. PDI and dealer installed stuff ended up pushing me to the next day, but I took her home with 2 miles on the odometer.







I quickly replaced the OE all-weather mats with WeatherTechs, and since I needed to change from a long history of roof racks for bikes to a hitch I bought a 1Up USA rack with two add-on trays for a modular capability of up to four bikes.



I also ditched the original wheels and tires for the TRD Pro wheels and 275 K02s for a massive improvement in looks. The shop guys were even commenting on how good it looked.

Before:


After:


Short term plans are:
* Done! Black out the roof rack rails
* Done! Plastidip the Trail faux aluminum bumper bits
* Done! TRD Pro grill conversion (waiting for the parts and walking funny for a while)
* Done! RCI rock sliders (ordering after payday)

Medium term plans are:
* Winch and bumper - considering an Undercover with recovery points as I like the front end, but need to see if I want additional clearance.
* Modest 2-3" lift - considering Icon Stage 3 but still learning and deciding.
* Skids - Full RCI aluminum set is at the top of the list.
* Roof rack - camping with a family of four+dog and taking bike gear means cargo space is at a premium. I imagine a roof rack will be a necessity but I'm trying to avoid too much wind noise when unloaded.
* Rear bumper - I like the look, just not sure about the trade-offs, mainly resale value concerns, visibility, and interference with the hitch-mount bike rack.

[Liquidmantis]

Alright, phase 1 of my face and butt work is completed. Stupidly spent money, but I love the look. Phase 2 is plastidip'ing the faux-luminum bumper valances but it's waaay to windy right now.

Before:


After:

[funken]

Damn, you and I have the same tastes.

- Switching from Taco to 4R
- MGM
- 1Up rack
- Switching tires immediately
- plasti dipping front valence.
- Live in CO
- DW-link bikes

Jealous! Hopefully I'll have one soon.

[Liquidmantis]

Originally Posted by funken

Damn, you and I have the same tastes.

Awesome! And good eye on the bike. That's my Mojo HDR, which luckily I really love so I can focus my play money on the Runner for now. I might be shopping for a new HT 29er later this season though.

Trying to start the Plastip'ing on the front now. Wind has died down a bit and I moved my woodworking tools and benches around so I can at least get the nose inside the garage door.

[Liquidmantis]

Alright, I was truly fighting the wind so my results might not be the best they could have been, but that's okay because I had some lift from my tight masking along the top anyway and will want to reshoot at some point. For the rear I think I'll do like DipYourCar recommends and just mask an inch back from the edge as I think the valance has enough of a gap at the top to still "self-cut" the Plasti Dip anyway.

Anyway, front is completed!

[marshal]

you have an incredible first name

[Liquidmantis]

No, you do!

[Liquidmantis]

She needs a wash but today I Plastidip'ed the Trail silver valance and knocked out the chrome. For the chrome I sprayed four coats of matte black Plastidip then two more with the graphite metalizer. I think it's a great match for the TOYOTA badge on the front TRD Pro trim.

[wadle5]

No lift required and no rubbing with the oversized KO2s on stock suspension? Runner looks great btw!

[Liquidmantis]

Originally Posted by wadle5

No lift required and no rubbing with the oversized KO2s on stock suspension? Runner looks great btw!

Thanks! She's definitely coming along. I had a slight rub on the driver side mud flap at full left lock. And just enough on the passenger side at full right that I could see it in the dust. A few minutes with a heat gun solved that easily though; I just reshaped the "bubble" that was causing the rub. I think it's just the way my alignment was done as there is plenty of clearance on the front liner.

[Liquidmantis]

My RCI sliders arrived and were immediately mounted! KDSS was no real issue.

[slynchrva]

Do the RCI sliders angle up slightly or are they completely flat?

Originally Posted by Liquidmantis

My RCI sliders arrived and were immediately mounted! KDSS was no real issue.

[jthompson261]

Good looking trail

[Liquidmantis]

Originally Posted by slynchrva

Do the RCI sliders angle up slightly or are they completely flat?

They're angled up. I'd guess it's the "normal" 15˚ kick up. You can get a hint of it in that last picture. I can take one in profile if you like. I haven't actually "field tested" them yet but I'm really happy with the sliders.

Originally Posted by jthompson261

Good looking trail

Thanks! She still has a ways to go but is coming along. I'm on budget lockdown for the next couple of months unfortunately. Can't wait for the lift!

[Liquidmantis]

I didn't take pictures but in the last few days I got my HID lowbeams installed, fabricated a bracket for my new ARB twin compressor and got it mounted, and put my old Yakima crossbars on so that I've got a place to carry my new MaxTrax and an axe and shovel. I also got the ARB diff breather kit but haven't installed it yet. My goal is to have it installed too before our trip to Ouray next weekend.