4ever4running's 2002 4Runner Build

[4ever4running]

Has that 4runner banner peeled? I have a banner I want to put on my windshield, but my dad is worried about it messing up the wipers, or the wipers messing up it. Have you had a problem with either of those scenarios?

I have had the banner on for a little over 3 years and it held up great and didn't peel at all. I also didn't have any issues with it interfering with the wipers or with the wipers damaging it.

I actually just recently removed the banner because it was getting dirty and just didn't look as good as it did when I put it on, but I can't complain because it lasted 3 years without any problems.

 

[HedgehogOutdoors]

I have had the banner on for a little over 3 years and it held up great and didn't peel at all. I also didn't have any issues with it interfering with the wipers or with the wipers damaging it.

I actually just recently removed the banner because it was getting dirty and just didn't look as good as it did when I put it on, but I can't complain because it lasted 3 years without any problems.

That's good, one of the newer members in the explorer post has a Ford sticker from the same brand my banner is from, I'll ask him how his has held up. I appreciate the help, maybe I will actually get to put the banner on there!

 

[4ever4running]

It has been a while since I updated because I haven't had much time to work on my truck over the last couple months...Work, moving to a new place, life, blah blah blah have all gotten in the way. I have been able to do a few small things though:

1) Removed my "4Runner" windshield decal - I like the cleaner look so I doubt that I will replace it with anything.
2) Removed my TRD decals from the front doors and put some new ones in the stock location on the rear quarter panels. The decals on the doors were getting pretty banged up by dirt, mud, and other debris from my tires.

3) Found a better, more permanent mounting location for my exterior OBA compressor fitting.

Now, on to the most important part....what's next?
1) Install my LC coils. After having my LC coils sit around for months, today I finally ordered the parts I will need to get them installed. I ordered some extended brake lines and a panhard drop bracket from Toytec and ordered some Tokico GE4095 shocks from AutoAnything. While I was at it, I also ordered a front differential drop from Toytec that I will install when I install the OME coils in the front.
2) Install my OME 882/Nitrocharger 90004 coils/struts. A little while back I bought a lightly used set off another member with the hope that I could eventually install them when I get an aftermarket bumper, winch, etc. And I am happy to report that the wait will finally be over! (hopefully)
3) Order a Shrockworks bumper! (Hopefully) Earlier in the thread I mentioned that my company announced everyone would be receiving an annual performance bonus, however, at the time I didn’t realize that it wasn’t going to be paid until the 15th of October...Well the 15th is rapidly approaching and I am in the process of negotiating with the wife to let me use it to buy a Shrockworks bumper. I have wanted since the first time I saw it, but I haven't been able to afford one...Wish me luck and stay tuned (hopefully for good news!)...

 

[4ever4running]

Tokico GE4095 Update

Unfortunately, I just got an email from AutoAnything telling me that the Tokico GE4095 shocks are no longer available and have been discontinued. I guess that's what I get for waiting so long. But this puts me back a square 1...I was doing some more research and found some Bilsteins (Model #24-014786) that fit a 91-97 Land Cruiser. Will these work or am I searching for the wrong year/make/model? Has anyone used these? Any other suggestions?

 

[4ever4running]

ShrockWorks!!

Awesome news (at least I think so)....I just ordered my ShrockWorks front bumper!! I went with the following options:

-Standard width (I would like to get fender flares eventually, but I think it will still look fine without the extended width)
-Black powder coat
-Full tube center hoop & headlight guards
-1" or 2" body lift brackets (I didn't realize that they are actually adjustable which is perfect because I eventaully want to steup up to a 2" body lift)

I gave Mark a call at ShrockWorks and was able to get my order placed. I must say that I am extremely impressed with their customer service. Mark was able to answer all my questions and provide recommendations. I also explained that I was worried about throwing down over $1,300 for a bumper that I won't get until January-February, and he said, "no problem, you can just pay half now and the other half when your bumper is ready to ship." So that is exactly what I did. The only think I am kind of bummed about is the long wait...Hopefully it will give me some time to get some accessories together (Lightforce 240 blitz, PIAA 510's fogs, XRC winch). Let the waiting begin...

 

[Dous]

Awesome news (at least I think so)....I just ordered my ShrockWorks front bumper!! I went with the following options:

-Standard width (I would like to get fender flares eventually, but I think it will still look fine without the extended width)
-Black powder coat
-Full tube center hoop & headlight guards
-1" or 2" body lift brackets (I didn't realize that they are actually adjustable which is perfect because I eventaully want to steup up to a 2" body lift)

I gave Mark a call at ShrockWorks and was able to get my order placed. I must say that I am extremely impressed with their customer service. Mark was able to answer all my questions and provide recommendations. I also explained that I was worried about throwing down over $1,300 for a bumper that I won't get until January-February, and he said, "no problem, you can just pay half now and the other half when your bumper is ready to ship." So that is exactly what I did. The only think I am kind of bummed about is the long wait...Hopefully it will give me some time to get some accessories together (Lightforce 240 blitz, PIAA 510's fogs, XRC winch). Let the waiting begin...

Good things come to those who wait!

That Shrockworks is by far my favorite bumper, but I don't think I would be able to stand the wait

 

[JWaldz]

Congrats on the ShrockWorks order!

As far as how much it cost.. I know the feeling of dishing out money all at once. My tires and front diff are worth 3 grand alone! However, when you're able to just put half down I find it easy to either make payments per month if they'll let you. Or just pretend you are and put the money aside elsewhere every month. Seems cheaper that way lol :thumb3:

 

[4ever4running]

Good things come to those who wait!

That Shrockworks is by far my favorite bumper, but I don't think I would be able to stand the wait

I just hope I don't have to wait too long...

Agreed, no offense to anyone but I don't think there is a better looking bumper on the market IMO. I have wanted one for years now so a couple more months won't be the worst thing in the world.

Congrats on the ShrockWorks order!

As far as how much it cost.. I know the feeling of dishing out money all at once. My tires and front diff are worth 3 grand alone! However, when you're able to just put half down I find it easy to either make payments per month if they'll let you. Or just pretend you are and put the money aside elsewhere every month. Seems cheaper that way lol :thumb3:

Thanks man!

Yeah I hear ya man, I was in the same boat when I bought bigger tires and regeared. Unfortunately, now that I have done a lot of the "smaller" projects and upgrades, only the big and expensive ones are left (i.e. front and rear bumpers, skidplates, etc.).I just wish stuff wasn't so damn expensive.

 

[Bryan3GT4R]

I ordered my bumper from them last week, I feel your pain on waiting that long for it.

 

[rideexileex]

Took exactly 6 months, to the day, for my bumper to show.

 

[4ever4running]

I ordered my bumper from them last week, I feel your pain on waiting that long for it.

Nice! What options did you end up going with? You'll have to keep me posted when you get yours since mine won't be far behind

Took exactly 6 months, to the day, for my bumper to show.

Man 6 months is rough. Did you get yours as a part of one of the group buys or something? When I called them and talked to them directly I was told that it would probably be finished in late January - early February.

 

[rideexileex]

Nah, I just wanted one so bad and in time (ha obviously didn't happen) for a trip to moab that I just paid full price. In shrockworks credit, they did compensate me for the wait.

 

[Bryan3GT4R]

Nice! What options did you end up going with? You'll have to keep me posted when you get yours since mine won't be far behind

Pre runner hoop, shackles, flared for a limited, bare steel, I am going to have it powder coated the same color as my cladding.

I also ordered their sliders!

 

[4ever4running]

Nah, I just wanted one so bad and in time (ha obviously didn't happen) for a trip to moab that I just paid full price. In shrockworks credit, they did compensate me for the wait.

Yeah I am just wanting to get mine in time for some end of winter/early spring wheeling. I'm not surprised at all that they gave you a discount, I have nothing but good things to say about their customer support so far.

Pre runner hoop, shackles, flared for a limited, bare steel, I am going to have it powder coated the same color as my cladding.

I also ordered their sliders!

Nice! I had trouble deciding between the pre runner hoop and the full tubing, but ended up going with the full tubing because I like the look a little better. Plus, it provides more room between the bumper and the tubing to run bigger lights, and I am hoping to be able to run some Light Force 240 blitz 9.5" lights.

 

[4ever4running]

I just got my parts from ToyTec, now I'm just waiting on my shocks....

 

[4ever4running]

I am organizing a trip to GWNF on November 3rd if anyone is interested: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maryl...494-gwnf-trail-run-11-3-12-a.html#post1197148

 

[4ever4running]

Update on Rear Shocks

October 9th
After getting an email from AutoAnything saying that they did not have the Tokico GE4095 in stock and that they were discontinued by the manufacturer, I thought I would try one more company so I placed my order

October 11th
I got an email from the company that said the part would have to be ordered from the manufacturer and that they would provide shipping/tracking info when possible

October 19th
After not hearing back from them, I called today to check on the status and unfortunately they said the same thing that AutoAnything said.

So, I did some research and ended up ordering some KYB MonoMax shocks (Model# 565027). I went with the KYBs because they got really good ratings and the MonoMaxs are designed for a heavier load and harsher use so I figured they will be just what I am looking for. I ordered them from Amazon for $120 out the door. I'm hoping to get everything installed next weekend so hopefully I can get them by then...

 

[4ever4running]

When I got home from work yesterday my shocks were waiting for me which means I can finally get my LC coils installed this weekend! I still need a couple random parts, but nothing a quick trip to the auto parts store can't fix.

 

[4ever4running]

I was finally able to get my LX450 coils, shocks, and new sway bar end links installed this past weekend. I wasn't able to get the extended brake lines installed because my wife wasn't around to help me bleed the brakes but I am hoping to get that done sometime this week. I also wasn't able to install the panhard drop bracket because I don't know how to weld so I will probably take it to a local off road shop and have them weld it on for me.

Overall the install went pretty smoothly but it took me a little longer than I expected (about 5 hours from start to finish). It was a little tricky to get the axle to flex enough to replace the coils since I was just using a floor jack and 2 sets of jack stands. Also, it was also a PITA to get to the top shock mounts to get the bolt on and off. Since I have a 1.5" body lift, I was able to reach my hand through the gap in the frame and the body to get to the bolt, but I can't imagine trying to do it without a body lift. There has to be an easier way to get to that bolt, right?

New coils
Blue, yellow, white - 8.75 wrap = Drivers side
Green, yellow, white - 8.25 wrap = Passengers side

Old coil and shock removed

Old coil vs. new coil

Old shock vs. new shock

New coil and shock installed

New sway bar end links - Rather than spending over $100 on extended sway bar end links, I build mine using trailmix's thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/97769-built-new-swaybar-endlinks-my-runner.html. Thanks trailmix!

The final product, I am really happy with the result! (Sorry for the crappy pictures, it was dark by the time I finished everything up and Hurricane Sandy has prevented me from taking better pictures over the last couple of days so there will be more to come).

For anyone doing this with a floor jack and jack stands, here is the easiest way that I found to get the axle to flex enough to get the old coils out and the new coils in:
1) Remove the lower shock mount and sway bar end links
2) Using a floor jack (I would recommend at least a 3 ton) positioned at the lowest point on the frame (I used the gas tank skid plate) jack the truck up as high as the jack will go.
3) Place a set of 6 ton jack stands under the frame (I placed the jack stands under the factory trailer hitch) and allow the jack stands to support the frame.
4) Use the floor jack to raise the rear axle
5) Remove the tires
6) Use the jack to raise the rear axle as high as it will go without lifting the frame.
7) Place only one 3 ton jack stand on one side of the axle (I started with the passenger side)
8) Slowly lower the jack (This should cause the axle to flex since only 1 side will be supported)
9) If necessary use coil compressors to remove the old coils and install the new ones (My old coils didn't need to be compressed very much to get them out, but the new ones definitely did)
10) Use the jack to raise the rear axle again
11) Switch the 3 ton jack stand to the other side of the axle and do the same on the other side.
12) Reattach the shocks and sway bar end links and put the tires back on.

 

[JWaldz]

Everything looks great. I like the stance now :thumb3:

Just a little tip on the shock boots. Cut that dumb zip tie off, move the boot down so it's not all twisty and stuff, and put one of those stainless steel pipe clamps on it. It works a lot better. If you want to be more precise with it, flex out each side and adjust the boot accordingly.

like these

Hope the shrockworks bumper is still on schedule. Can't wait to see it!