** 2013 4Runner Limited ** A day in the life of 'ToDro'... build, pics & vids

[jpclark]

I've owned 'Todro' (pronounced Tow'dro... "Dro" being my Black Labs nick name and "To"... well... this is a Toyota) for just under a year. Now that I'm beginning the major mods, I figured I'd start this thread, recount her history, and share the fun we've had together. I purchased her from Don McGill Toyota in Houston back in April of 2013. The first picture below shows what she looked like out of the gate. When I was making the purchase, a salesman at the store told me about an offroad park relatively close and we planned on hitting the trails the week after. So.... just a few days after making the purchase, I went to Discount Tire to take off the 20's and pick up a set of 17" MB TKO rims (inexpensive and available in the shop) as well as a set of 265/70 R16 BFGs.

 

[jpclark]

At the same time I put on the new shoes, I ordered what I figured were the bare essentials for off-roading. First, was a snatch cable and d-ring receiver mount. I keep those in the recessed compartment in the rear of the truck. (Seriously, the 1st 2 times I took her off-road, I used this equipment to extract 3 different people... fortunately, I wasn't one of them!) I also picked up a collapsable rut tool which stores neatly in a storage pouch in a small space in the rear. Last but not least, I picked up a portable air compressor and storage bag. This stores securely in the small space on the other side of the rear compartment - you'll see the fit in the photo. This makes airing down and up a total breeze when in remote places. Jumper cables (in their pouch) store in the open space behind where I keep the compressor. Now, time to hit the trails.

 

[jpclark]

Houston used to be home to a small ORP called Sugarhill... it's where I first got the taste of anything other than concrete. After a few learning runs out there, I managed to explore most parts of the park. A few pics from a dash-mounted iPhone and external mounted GoPro are below. Last but not least, I compiled the last run into a video. (Just cut me a little slack... remember this is my first venture off-road.)

Off-Road at Sugarhill ORP video

 

[jpclark]

This next video was running along Matagorda Island to watch the sunrise. Pic below made the long drive all worth while.

Cruising Matagorda Island video

 

[jpclark]

And 1 more... this last video brings me up to date on the fun so far. Probably my favorite spot for wheeling is in between the dunes at San Luis Pass at the southern most point on Galveston Island. This run was just before Christmas. (In case you were wondering about the Christmas lights along the roof rack.)

4-Wheeling San Luis Pass

 

[jpclark]

As I mentioned in the beginning of the thread, I'd been waiting for the wife to buy her new car before I go all out on the rig I just bought last year. As of 2 days ago, that's no longer a barrier.... Shrockworks bumper & rock rails, Warn winch and Icon stage 2 lift are all on order. (Lessons learned from the excursions mentioned prior... already managed to tear the heck out of the front bumper and flimsy aluminum running boards.) But I also had some lessons learned right in the garage - in the form of scuffing the door on the wall when opening and coming in to close, SO... I purchased the hood and door guards. I have to confess - Toyota's door guards were a PITA to install securely (I recommend a rubber mallet or a regular hammer and a folded up towel) but WOW... I don't think I've seen a door guard this slim before. (Yes... it's on the truck in both of the last 2 photos... you can barely see it at a normal distance.)

 

[Rubberdown]

Hey that looks fun! We should get the Houston folks together for a beach run down in matagorda and do some fishing or something. I want to hit up no mans land with a group some tim too! I think a few other Houstonians have expressed interest in this as well.

 

[_SP_]

Nice wheels. Im about to order a set myself. Did you have to use the special installation kid from DTD ? its 55$ :laser:

 

[J-BlickPhoto]

Hey that looks fun! We should get the Houston folks together for a beach run down in matagorda and do some fishing or something. I want to hit up no mans land with a group some tim too! I think a few other Houstonians have expressed interest in this as well.

:iagree:

 

[clin9383]

i concur

 

[jpclark]

Hey, I'm definitely game. I've done that run. Matagorda isn't the prettiest run... Beach littered with industrial garbage... The run north from Seargant is cleaner but a little less technical. Just FYI... The Texas Four Wheel Drive Organization is planning a weekend run on Padre Island National Seashore the weekend of 3/29. Either of you attend those get togethers?

One last question... Is there a "Houston" thread here on T4R? I hadn't seen one... Maybe I'll start one this evening.

 

[Rubberdown]

No there isn't. I suggested regional sub forums but tha hasn't been enacted on here. But... Let's do it! I figure most are close to Houston, San Luis pass isn't to far.

 

[jpclark]

Nice wheels. Im about to order a set myself. Did you have to use the special installation kid from DTD ? its 55$ :laser:

No, I didn't. I'm not familiar with the kit you're mentioning?

 

[jpclark]

[MENTION=80990]Rubberdown[/MENTION], [MENTION=93894]J-BlickPhoto[/MENTION], [MENTION=464]clin9383[/MENTION] Why don't we target an upcoming weekend. FYI... I wasn't sure if you knew, but one of the local chapters of the Texas Four Wheel Drive organization is planning a weekend run on Padre Island National Seashore the weekend of 3/29. (Drive down Friday, hit the island 8:00am Saturday... 60 miles out / 60 miles back... then head home Sunday morning.) I and the wife are seriously considering that. BUT.. if y'all just want to hit Matagorda, I'm game for the weekend after. PM me if ya like and I'll give you my email and phone number.

 

[_SP_]

No, I didn't. I'm not familiar with the kit you're mentioning?

I think its just lug nuts. Did your factory lugs work on the MB TKO rims

 

[jpclark]

I think its just lug nuts. Did your factory lugs work on the MB TKO rims

They did not. I needed to pick up a new set from Discount Tire.

 

[_SP_]

They did not. I needed to pick up a new set from Discount Tire.

thanks I guess thats the "fit kit"

 

[jpclark]

Icon Stage 2 suspension lift installed as well as the new XD 17x9s with a -12 offset... Took a bit of trimming to accommodate the 265/70s.

 

[jpclark]

I'm not sure if this officially counts as part of my "build" but it sure is daggum nice!