98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

[rickashay]

Holy crap, that picture is insane!!! :jaw drop:

haha yah, they are nuts! I got them in the mail today - gunna be the hardest retrofit I've ever done. The projectors is ********* HUGE.

im thinking im super interested in ordering a set from you with those lenses...

Do it.....

:cheers:That is some crazy light output...You can illuminate 10 highway lanes easy with those projectors....I like!...Oh yeah I remember you mentioning that you give fellow members some discount, i'm just so glad i'm a fellow Canadian, too!:biggrin2:

lol, whenever your ready, we'll talk! haha I'm still trying to get Victor to pull the trigger!

Awesome!

Thanks man!

THanks Addison!

No problem Rob, sorry about the emblem not working out!



In other news:

I randomly decided to Satoshi my grille. I just need to paint it and get the emblem on and it's done. I'll have some pics up this weekend. It turned out awesome!

My Lightforces are half converted to HID, yes, half. hahah

 

[tbst]

I know when you put the lights on you were talking about getting a bumper this spring. Still planning on that? Which bumper?

 

[rickashay]

I know when you put the lights on you were talking about getting a bumper this spring. Still planning on that? Which bumper?

Hey man, keep me posted on your DSM order and when you get your lift on!

Yah, I'm planning on doing a front and rear bumper this spring/summer. I just may decide to replace my rear one first though as mine is bent to sh*t and I think it is one of the more limited factors in my trucks capability at this time. The stock front 98 bumper has a really good approach angle, but the rear just sucks for departure.

Probably going CBI Hybrid or Addicted Offroad rear and a custom tube/plate bumper up front.

 

[BrandonF]

Near the beginning of your build thread, you mentioned that you were getting 13 mpg city so you replaced the front O2 sensor. I've gone through a couple tank fulls now and I realized that I am getting about 13-14 mpg, and thats with my manual transmission and driving as efficiently as I can. I cleaned my MAF and throttle body, but it hasnt seemed to make any difference. Did replacing the sensor cure the problem?

 

[rickashay]

Near the beginning of your build thread, you mentioned that you were getting 13 mpg city so you replaced the front O2 sensor. I've gone through a couple tank fulls now and I realized that I am getting about 13-14 mpg, and thats with my manual transmission and driving as efficiently as I can. I cleaned my MAF and throttle body, but it hasnt seemed to make any difference. Did replacing the sensor cure the problem?

Sorry, I must have missed this post. I have got better MPG's but it's really hard for me to pin-point what has been most effective. Here are a couple notes regarding my fuel consumption:

- Initially I replaced the front O2, air filter, plugs, wires, T-Belt, water pump, fuel filter, thermostat yadda yadda... (tune up/maintenance stuff) and the mileage slightly improved. Was it specifically the O2, I'm not sure...
- Also I've been constantly adding weight and mods that will effect the mileage ever since I bought this thing so anything I have gained, I have probably lost elseware (lift, tires, sleeping platform, roof basket etc...)
- Our winter gas is the sh*ts and I always get worse fuel economy in the winter due to both more idle time and the bad fuel. I've been getting about 14mpg in the city this winter. However I just logged ~470kms on the highway this weekend and got 18.4MPG.
- last summer I was getting around 16MPG in town and up to 22MPG on the highway (after I had completed all of the maintenance mentioned above)

Hope some of that jibber jabber helps...

OH, some mods:

Finished my Satoshi grille

20120312-IMG_1113 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr
I think it turned out suuuppper good. I mean my bondo work isn't perfect (first time using the stuff) but I'm happy. The Lightforces cover most of the emblem when they are up - but when I build a front bumper and the lights are farther away from the grille, it will be more visible.

The Lightforces are officially converted to 50w HID's. Yes, they are bright. (pics of output soon)

And, the holy grail LS460 Bi-Xenon projectors up against my "tester" set of headlamps. I have to see how to cut them to get the projectors to even fit in the reflector bowl before I try to cut up my new set of 99+ headlights. As you can see I have my work cut out for me. lol no pun intended.


20120308-IMG_1074 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr


20120308-IMG_1076 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

 

[fightman80]

That looks sweet Addison! I've been on the fence for a long time about whether or not I liked the "Toyota" emblem on our grils with the Satoshi Mod.... but I like yours! :guitar2:

 

[blcktpgsr]

Ok so should i send you my recently acquired 2001 headlights now?:naughty:

 

[rickashay]

That looks sweet Addison! I've been on the fence for a long time about whether or not I liked the "Toyota" emblem on our grils with the Satoshi Mod.... but I like yours! :guitar2:

Thanks Rob! Usually I'm not a huge fan, but once I saw "trailhead's" grille I knew I liked it. The emblem is from a 1990 4Runner. Bigger than the popular landcruiser emblem and smaller than the new FJC emblem. Plus it was FREE. haha

Ok so should i send you my recently acquired 2001 headlights now?:naughty:

lol we need to first make sure I havent waisted all my money on these projectors and physically get them to fit! Otherwise, yes.... yes you should! :biggrin2:

 

[BigFishAllDay]

The grille came out cherry Rick. I like that emblem on there too. RE the new projectors, you weren't kidding! Those things are HUGE. I'm sure you'll find a way to make them work.

 

[BrandonF]

Sorry, I must have missed this post. I have got better MPG's but it's really hard for me to pin-point what has been most effective. Here are a couple notes regarding my fuel consumption:

- Initially I replaced the front O2, air filter, plugs, wires, T-Belt, water pump, fuel filter, thermostat yadda yadda... (tune up/maintenance stuff) and the mileage slightly improved. Was it specifically the O2, I'm not sure...
- Also I've been constantly adding weight and mods that will effect the mileage ever since I bought this thing so anything I have gained, I have probably lost elseware (lift, tires, sleeping platform, roof basket etc...)
- Our winter gas is the sh*ts and I always get worse fuel economy in the winter due to both more idle time and the bad fuel. I've been getting about 14mpg in the city this winter. However I just logged ~470kms on the highway this weekend and got 18.4MPG.
- last summer I was getting around 16MPG in town and up to 22MPG on the highway (after I had completed all of the maintenance mentioned above)

Hope some of that jibber jabber helps...

**SNIP**

Ok thanks. I appreciate the detailed response. My highway mileage seems to be ok but its the city driving that's absolutely terrible, even with a light foot. Before some highway miles today, my gauge was down to about 1/4 after only 180km of city driving. I guess I'll start with the O2 sensor and go from there.

 

[rickashay]

Ok thanks. I appreciate the detailed response. My highway mileage seems to be ok but its the city driving that's absolutely terrible, even with a light foot. Before some highway miles today, my gauge was down to about 1/4 after only 180km of city driving. I guess I'll start with the O2 sensor and go from there.

Keep in mind that the gas gauge on our rigs (or at least mine) is WAY off. I use the first 1/4 tank within 25kms of travel. To give you an idea the other day I was on the highway and my "empty light" came on. I was 90kms away from the next gas station. I made it to the gas station after clocking 467kms on one tank. The empty light came on at around 380kms. We have a 70L tank I believe and I still only put in ~59L of fuel.

So, to the point, the gauge is not a very good way to measure your economy unless your actually tracking the distance you travel vs. volume of fuel consumed.

 

[BrandonF]

My mpg calculations are based on the trip counter vs number of gallons put in at the pump. But I do see what you mean about the fuel gauge. It read 1/4 after 180 km, and I'm now at 310 km and the empty light just went on.

Was your check engine light on before you replaced your O2 sensor? I talked to the local dealer today and they said that the check engine light would be on if the O2 sensor is malfunctioning. I figured I'd change that out first, but now I'm stumped as to how I'm going to get my mileage up.

 

[VaYotaDude]

:nicethread: :snacker: Cant wait to see what comes next!

 

[rickashay]

I've been busy the last few days with the 4Runner. I've been pretty busy applying for jobs and trying to finish school so I haven't had much time to spend on the Runner, other than wheeling last weekend. :wink2:

Pics here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112078-some-canadian-wheeling-pics.html

However, the weather was WAY too nice today and I knocked a few things of the "to-do" list.

First, I finally completed the "Tacoma Whip Mod." I ordered a new assembly and it came with a silver antenna. I wanted a black one so I was lucky enough to find a black mast on a wrecked Tacoma about a month ago and got it for free! The black mast seems more flexible than the silver mast, so that will work great for my needs. Funny thing was a really bent my auto-antenna mast when I was wheeling on the weekend so this could not have happened at a better time... no more antenna worries! Sorry no pics of the process, pretty straight forward other than those annoying fender lining clips... I just cut them off and bought a few new ones to replace them with. The finished result:


20120403-IMG_1165 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

Next, I had ordered the TRD throttle body gasket. There has been some debate as to weather or not this has any real improvements but I thought, for $6, what the hell....

TRD part #: PTR29-60030

Side by side of old vs. new:


20120403-IMG_1164 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr
You can see the old gasket is squared off and not fully round like the TRD gasket. Driving it around today I don't think there is much difference in power or anything but subjectively I think there is an increase in throttle response. I also believe in all the little things adding up to something more substantial, so maybe this, the Airaid intake pipe, and the deckplate (when I get around to those latter two) will ad up to minimal increase in power. Hey, every bit helps!!

I also replaced my PCV and TPMS. Super easy and no pics of those....

Finally was the steering rack guide. All the parts (new stuff and some old)

20120403-IMG_1166 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

I found this bolt/nut combo lying around my garage and used it to thread in the new cap.


20120403-IMG_1168 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

New roller guide sitting next to the old guide:

20120403-IMG_1169 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

All buttoned up:


20120403-IMG_1170 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

*keep in mind that if you use the bolt/nut method to thread in the new cap, you won't be able to reverse it. The bolt and nut will just un-thread instead of the cap. I just turned the new cap in until there was two thread showing. In retrospect I will hunt for a "5/8 threaded rod connector" or something next time I'm at the hardware store, at which point I can torque it to 18ft/lbs and back it off slightly.

This last pic is stolen from the wheeling pics. I put my Budbuilt IFS skid on and this photo proves it! haha


20120331-IMG_1132 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I measured my front suspension before and after the install:
Before - hub-to-fender: 23"
After - hub-to-fender: 22.75"
So it sagged around 1/4". I will be checking this again, when the Belly skid goes on and it's time for an alignment....

 

[fightman80]

Nice additions man! How's your steering since changing the Steering rack bushing?

I've recently swapped out the Stabilizer bushings on the front, and wow! Huge difference in road manners man!

Once again, nice work on the rig, can't wait to see your next update dude!

 

[rickashay]

Nice additions man! How's your steering since changing the Steering rack bushing?

I've recently swapped out the Stabilizer bushings on the front, and wow! Huge difference in road manners man!

Once again, nice work on the rig, can't wait to see your next update dude!

Thanks Rob!

With the new Inner/Outer tie rods I did last summer, the poly steering rack bushings, and the new style steering guide, the steering is substantially tighter feeling. The only "play" I have in the front end is a little in my UCA bushings and I still need to have a look at the steering rag joint. UCA's are on my hit list so I'm not worried about the bushings there....

Yah, poly stabilizer bushings will greatly improve your on road responsiveness. I would like to go that route when I get quick-disconnects and throw my front sway bar back on.


My friend recently gave me some "lower shock mount skids" from All-Pro that were bought with the intention of going on his FJ before he ended up selling it. I did a quick check last night and they are going to work perfectly on the 4Runner! stoked. I'll grab some photos when I throw them on.

 

[rickashay]

A couple shots from the Crowsnest today. Apparently last week we couldnt get enough of the snow so we went out again today. Perfect day: blue skies, warm and sunny, all day! I don't think I've ever seen so many recoveries in one day though... lol 25-30??? I need a winch and bumpers. BAD.


20120408-IMG_1194 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1188 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1218 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

non-"Duster" material:

20120408-IMG_1241 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1198 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1217 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1225 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1229 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

 

[Victor]

A couple shots from the Crowsnest today. Apparently last week we couldnt get enough of the snow so we went out again today. Perfect day: blue skies, warm and sunny, all day! I don't think I've ever seen so many recoveries in one day though... lol 25-30??? I need a winch and bumpers. BAD.


20120408-IMG_1194 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1188 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1218 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

non-"Duster" material:

20120408-IMG_1241 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1198 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1217 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120408-IMG_1225 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

It was a great day today! Everyone was grinning ear to ear in their Toyota 4WD's and were eagerly awaiting their next stuck (myself included). The snow was so unpredictable that you didn't know if you were going to sink or not. When that oops did happen, boy did you ever sink! If you wanted experience snow wheeling, technical recoveries...This was the run to be on! Great day Ad!

RiceFarmer out!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Your trip reports make me happy.

BTW, what's that broken metal pipe all about? Hope nobody hit that thing.

 

[rickashay]

It was a great day today! Everyone was grinning ear to ear in their Toyota 4WD's and were eagerly awaiting their next stuck (myself included). The snow was so unpredictable that you didn't know if you were going to sink or not. When that oops did happen, boy did you ever sink! If you wanted experience snow wheeling, technical recoveries...This was the run to be on! Great day Ad!

RiceFarmer out!

Such a wicked day Vic!!

Your trip reports make me happy.

BTW, what's that broken metal pipe all about? Hope nobody hit that thing.

lol thanks BFAD! I guess I should explain the broken pipe... The area we were in is full of old coal mining structures. They used to mine coal for steam train engines there back in the day (wish I had more specific dates). Some of the ruins in the other pics are from the same town and that metal pipe is actually a super old fire hydrant. I just thought it was pretty cool :nerd: