98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

Damn. We might need to redefine sexy based off your truck. How are you liking the MTZs? I don't have too many miles on mine but I love them so far.
 
I think I've told you this before, but watching this build unfold always makes me think of "what could have been" had I chosen to build my '97. Every addition you make to this truck just makes it more and more refined. It doesn't just look nice, it looks like it's built for a purpose, like a fine tuned trail eating machine. It will always be one of my favorites.

Great choice, man. Everything is tied together so well now.. The bumper really worked out well with your setup.


20121014-IMG_3078 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

It's finally starting to come together..... Now I've got a few sets of headlights to build, including my own!!!

GET TO WORK! I've been looking forward to seeing those headlights.
 
Absolutely amazing! I really love where your going with your build, makes me rethink some of the decisions I've made haha. But seriously your rig keeps getting better and better.

Btw is that vinyl you put in the headlights still original or did you have it redone professionally?
 
Damn. We might need to redefine sexy based off your truck. How are you liking the MTZs? I don't have too many miles on mine but I love them so far.

Just posted in your build thread.... Thanks man your truck ain't too bad either!

I think I've told you this before, but watching this build unfold always makes me think of "what could have been" had I chosen to build my '97. Every addition you make to this truck just makes it more and more refined. It doesn't just look nice, it looks like it's built for a purpose, like a fine tuned trail eating machine. It will always be one of my favorites.

Great choice, man. Everything is tied together so well now.. The bumper really worked out well with your setup.

GET TO WORK! I've been looking forward to seeing those headlights.

Thanks Nick, always appreciate your comments! And trust me, your BUILDS are a constant influencing factor on my mods.

Absolutely amazing! I really love where your going with your build, makes me rethink some of the decisions I've made haha. But seriously your rig keeps getting better and better.

Btw is that vinyl you put in the headlights still original or did you have it redone professionally?

Thanks a lot! Get a build thread together so we can check your build out! Nope, still my not-so-pro vinyl job on the corners!

Best. 4runner. EVER.
IMHO.

Haha well I'm very flattered! I'll pass it on to the 4Runner...lol
 
I think I remember you saying something about getting a TRS lightbar. Here you go...The Retrofit Source Morimoto XBAR LED Bars R2 - Tacoma World Forums


Also, is this the tint film you bought off ebay? I'm thinking of picking some up myself. Gloss Light Black Vinyl Film Taillight Fog Headlight Tint 12" x 60" Roll 1ftx5ft | eBay

Yah the TRS lightbars are nice! I'll be getting one soon enough....

Yes, I think that is the same vinyl I ordered for my clear corners.

I got a few things done over the weekend. I mounted my wireless winch controller inside the truck where I would have easy access to it; whether inside or outside of the 4Runner during a recovery. I also wont hit my knee on it in this location and accidentally "bump" the winch in/out.


20121021-IMG_3130 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I then made a new bracket for my aux. fuse block using steel instead of the old one which was stainless. I just found the stainless to be a b**ch to drill through when I wanted to ad new relays and I wanted to make the bracket a little different this time. While I was there, I also mounted my battery kill switch for the winch. I leave it OFF when I'm not on the trail so there can never be accidental winch operation or any kind of possibility of shorting out the winch.


20121021-IMG_3136 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20121021-IMG_3137 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I had to remove the solenoid box from my TJM winch in order for it to fit inside the bumper. I made my own extended wire for the solenoid box using 2-Guage cable. The original TJM wires were extremely short and not flexible so this is a must-do with this winch if you plan on re-locating the solenoid box at all. I then made a small bracket out of a piece of L-channel and mounted that to the bumper. Here is where the solenoid box now sits, giving me easy access to the winch controller plug, should my wireless remote battery die out on the trail.


20121021-IMG_3141 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I've had a few questions about the mesh I used for my Satoshi grille. I actually was given the mesh from a buddy so I am not sure where he got it but here is a close-up if you want to know the size and spacing of the holes:


20121021-IMG_3142 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I do know that these guys have a large selection of grille mesh though: http://www.customcargrilles.com/
 
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Uhm, can I steal your aux fuse bracket idea? I wanted to do something very similar and yours makes good sense. I have 3 sets of lights waiting to go in and I'm thinking of the best way to mount all the aux fuses.
Wouldn't ya know it, yours looks awesome.
 
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Love the truck, I should probably be studying right now I got 2 exams tommorow but I couldn't help spend the last hour or two reading about the build/watching ct4wd videos haha. Are you using and spacer's with those wheels?? I'm hoping to have the same setup just want to do my research before dropping that kinda money. Again, great thread, the pictures are awesome
 
Love the truck, I should probably be studying right now I got 2 exams tommorow but I couldn't help spend the last hour or two reading about the build/watching ct4wd videos haha. Are you using and spacer's with those wheels?? I'm hoping to have the same setup just want to do my research before dropping that kinda money. Again, great thread, the pictures are awesome

Well I'm glad I could provide you with an entertaining distraction from school. Dont worry, I've been there and done that! haha

No spacers on the wheels. If you go to the first page of my build I think I put the wheel specs down as you can get these wheels in a few different offsets/backspacing. Mine are 4" BS and I think -12 offset.

Edit: yup, wheel specs are as above.
 
A little update.

I bought a Factor 55 Prolink for my winchline. It's a pricey piece of equipment but I really was not a fan of the big bulky hook that came with my TJM winch. This thimble is a work of art, you have to see them in person. What sold me on it was that I did not have to re-splice my line to put it on like the Viking thimble. Plus, I can pull the Factor 55 off and use it on another winch if I ever were to sell the 4Runner or wanted it for another vehicle (heaven forbid.... lol). The rubber base is a nice touch too, for snugging it up to the fairlead.

Pics: I really should have cleaned it before taking pics!

20121106-IMG_3176 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20121106-IMG_3179 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Keeps the front end clean and the winchline hella-tight, IMO:

20121106-IMG_3183 by RickaShay24, on Flickr
 
A little update.

I bought a Factor 55 Prolink for my winchline. It's a pricey piece of equipment but I really was not a fan of the big bulky hook that came with my TJM winch. This thimble is a work of art, you have to see them in person. What sold me on it was that I did not have to re-splice my line to put it on like the Viking thimble. Plus, I can pull the Factor 55 off and use it on another winch if I ever were to sell the 4Runner or wanted it for another vehicle (heaven forbid.... lol). The rubber base is a nice touch too, for snugging it up to the fairlead.

A friend of mine sells those and they are REALLY nice pieces, yes they are pricey but you get what you pay for right?

Pro Link Shackle Mount
 
The new addition makes the front end look real nice. I like it! I haven't ever seen those before.

And nice work on all of your photos! They always look great.
 
Addison I must admit man....you are one creative SOB..lol! you were able to achieve something that's simple yet so beautiful..:tongue:

The choice of front bumper was exceptional..I was able to help my brother install one of those on his '99. He's loving it and so am I


What a profile!
rickashays.jpg~original
 
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Addison I must admit man....you are one creative SOB..lol! you were able to achieve something that's simple yet so beautiful..:tongue:

The choice of front bumper was exceptional..I was able to help my brother install one of those on his '99. He's loving it and so am I


What a profile!

Thanks Ervin, that means a lot coming from you... when it comes to unique mods, your rig's got it covered.

I'm pretty happy with the ODL, although I must admit, if I would have seen the new All-Pro 1st gen Taco bumper earlier, I probably woulda went that route. Just to be different. hahah The truck sure turns heads now, it's funny what a difference that front bumper makes.

My front end will be getting another change next week.... my headlights are finally wrapping up! Stoked.

20121109-IMG_3192 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20121109-IMG_3203 by RickaShay24, on Flickr
 
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Can't wait to see your rig's new eyeballs, man, they've been a long time coming. You guys sure are getting alot of snow already.

That thimble for the winch line is pretty sweet. I saw those on TRDParts4u, but no way in hell I can justify $150 for that thing. If anything, I'm on the lookout for a bigger winch hook.... what's the deal w/your old one?
 

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