4ever4running's 2002 4Runner Build

[blizz86]

In anticipation of adding a ton of weight to the front with the bumper and winch, I picked up a set of OME 882s and Nitrocharger shocks from another member. My goal is to install the new coils/shocks this weekend and get everything aligned so everything is ready to go when I get my bumper (hopefully next week!).

My question is: Will I mess anything up by installing the OME 882s and Nitrocharger shocks without the additional weight on the front? I know it will ride like crap but I won't be driving it much (no more than 30 miles or so) so I just want to know if I run the risk of doing any damage).

I dont believe you will, unless theres something awry in the install lol. Plenty of people on here run 883 with no additional front weight.

 

[4ever4running]

I dont believe you will, unless theres something awry in the install lol. Plenty of people on here run 883 with no additional front weight.

Thanks for the response man. I would imagine that the 882s and 883s are pretty similar and that the 882s just have a slightly stiffer spring rate to compensate for the additional weight.

 

[blizz86]

[No message]

 

[4ever4running]

Final Preparations are Complete

This morning I was able to get my OME 882s swapped in. Everything went pretty smoothly, but now I have the dreaded driver side lean, so I am sitting about 3/4" higher on the passenger side. I haven't gotten an alignment yet, but I doubt that an alignment will correct that much of a difference. Has anyone run into the same problem? How can I level it out?

Old:

Old removed:

Old vs. new:

New:

And the lean...
Driver side:

Passenger side:

Last but not least, these just showed up...

I was really excited but completely confused because I didn't order them...It turns out that it was a late "thank you" gift from my parents since we hosted them for Christmas. Great thank you gift if you ask me!

 

[4ever4running]

Also, is there anyone in the DC area with a welder who would be willing to help me cut my frame rails and weld the caps on once my Shrockworks comes in? I will supply the beer and I'm willing to compensate for your time/materials.

 

[4ever4running]

I can hardly believe it but my ShrockWorks is finally here!!! :whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo:

I already have an appointment to get the frame caps welded on this Friday so I should have everything installed and buttoned up by the end of the weekend!

They do a great job wrapping everything up and making sure it isn't damaged during shipping.

Teaser

 

[4Running Daily]

Party!

 

[mcaz5]

Ah! That's thing looks awesome, can't wait to see it on the rig!! Looks well worth the wait!

 

[smkd13]

Nice face!!! I mean bumper

 

[Kurtis]

Is that thing mounted yet?!? Shit....

 

[JWaldz]

SEX! Yummmmmmmmmmmm


(finally)

Weight is adding up.. maybe TBU sooner than later???

 

[02running]

very nice. gonna look good on the runner cant wait to get my odl bumper in

 

[4ever4running]

Ah! That's thing looks awesome, can't wait to see it on the rig!! Looks well worth the wait!

I can't wait either! Too bad I don't know how to weld, I definitely would have called in sick today :barf:

Nice face!!! I mean bumper

Haha it does look like a face. I'll have to see if I still like the red fairlead after everything is installed.

Is that thing mounted yet?!? Shit....

I wish...To whoever said patience is a virtue :flipoff:

SEX! Yummmmmmmmmmmm


(finally)

Weight is adding up.. maybe TBU sooner than later???

Thanks dude!

Yeah I'll have to see because the TBU means new wheels+tires since I only have 15" wheels, so big $$$$. I will probably run the current setup until I wear the tires down then go with new wheels, 35s, and the TBU.

very nice. gonna look good on the runner cant wait to get my odl bumper in

Thanks man!

 

[smkd13]

I can't wait either! Too bad I don't know how to weld, I definitely would have called in sick today :barf:

good sir that would be a good thing to learn to do lol not that hard and easy to learn.

 

[4ever4running]

good sir that would be a good thing to learn to do lol not that hard and easy to learn.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely want to learn to weld, I just don't know anyone who can teach me. I have looked into taking a class at a local community college or trade school, but the classes I have found are all during the week and I work anywhere between 40 and 60 hour weeks so the only free time I really have is on the weekend.

 

[smkd13]

Ok so here is a good way to do it and I know that it is gonna sound kinda weird but use YouTube. There are a ton of videos out there on how to weld mig/tig/stick/oa. The channel I like is welding tips and tricks. I am a self taught welder and my welds have improved but I would trust my welds Offroad. Just takes the ant to learn. Oh yeah and always here to offer any help

 

[4ever4running]

Ok so here is a good way to do it and I know that it is gonna sound kinda weird but use YouTube. There are a ton of videos out there on how to weld mig/tig/stick/oa. The channel I like is welding tips and tricks. I am a self taught welder and my welds have improved but I would trust my welds Offroad. Just takes the ant to learn. Oh yeah and always here to offer any help

Huh I didn't even think of YouTube as an option I might just have to look into that...

I guess ultimately I would like to take a welding class so I can learn all about the different types of welding and techniques first hand. But right now I just don't have the space to use/store or the money to buy a welder.

 

[4ever4running]

Quick question for everyone running an aftermarket front bumper: How much space do you have between the bumper and body to allow for body flex? I think Shrockworks recommends 1/2" but I have seen guys go anywhere from 1/4" to 3/4" so I'm wondering what you guys recommend based on experience.

 

[smkd13]

Yeah it is a spendy thing to get into but a good welder wil run you about 400-600. YouTube can show you the techniques and tricks to it but the only real way to learn is to practice it. I just read everything I can about it and then when I get access to a welder I just play around on it. A class would be ideal cause it would teach you about penetration and what to look for like perocities (air pockets in the weld). Easiest is MIG second is called flux core which is unshelled MIG. Stick and oxyacetylene are next on difficulty and TIG is by far the hardest but has the least amount of imperfections.

Welding is simple but really complicated at the Same time.

 

[4ever4running]

Yeah it is a spendy thing to get into but a good welder wil run you about 400-600. YouTube can show you the techniques and tricks to it but the only real way to learn is to practice it. I just read everything I can about it and then when I get access to a welder I just play around on it. A class would be ideal cause it would teach you about penetration and what to look for like perocities (air pockets in the weld). Easiest is MIG second is called flux core which is unshelled MIG. Stick and oxyacetylene are next on difficulty and TIG is by far the hardest but has the least amount of imperfections.

Welding is simple but really complicated at the Same time.

Yeah I guess I just have to find someone who has a welder and would let me play around with it so I can just practice and get a feel for it. Thanks for the info!


Well this weekend didn't quite go as I planned...My buddy who was going to help me out ended up having a family emergency, so I tried to tackle the install myself. I had a 3 ton jack and a pair of 6 ton jack stands so I thought I could do it without a problem...WRONG!

After struggling with it for about 3 hours, I just couldn't get the bumper to fit between the brackets, so I had to give up. I'm really bummed that I couldn't get it installed but I'm even more upset because while I was wresting with it, I put some marks and scratches in the powder coat...Nothing major, but I think it's enough for me to just spend the money to have it professionally installed. Is there an easy way to touch up powder coat or did I completely screw myself?