A_S_R's Build Thread

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Here's several pics from our trip to the Buffalo National River/Ozark Mountains in north Arkansas. There's a few of the 4runner and then just some showing the landscape/wildlife.

Camp:








Elk herd in the background:

 

[gaterose]

Good shots, looks like a fun trip! I see you ditched the Rola rack, or was that just for the trip?

 

[Red]

I've been thinking about getting one of those hitch mounted cargo baskets, I went camping in British Columbia last week and I had my interior absolutely packed to the ceiling with gear. which one do you have? looks handy for coolers and things in bins.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Good shots, looks like a fun trip! I see you ditched the Rola rack, or was that just for the trip?

I mainly took it off for this trip, but going to leave it off until I need it. I will probably end up selling it since I rarely use it, don't know yet.

I've been thinking about getting one of those hitch mounted cargo baskets, I went camping in British Columbia last week and I had my interior absolutely packed to the ceiling with gear. which one do you have? looks handy for coolers and things in bins.

The hitch basket is homemade. It isn't as wide as most, but I like that because it easily fits in the cargo area when not in use (I leave it there when hunting, that way it's there if I need it but not in the way). I also like the taller side rails, most I've seen only have a 1-2" rail.

 

[llennium]

Looks like a good time. I enjoy going through Ponca and there are tons of trails in that area.

 

[S p a r k y]

Here's several pics from our trip to the Buffalo National River/Ozark Mountains in north Arkansas. There's a few of the 4runner and then just some showing the landscape/wildlife.

Camp:

Does this remind anyone of a River Monsters episode? Specifically the one with the Goonch catfish? just a thought

 

[RCs4Runner]

I just spent the last 1 - 1 1/2hrs. reading your thread. I can't believe how many times you've changed your suspension. :wow2: Every mod you've done, you've done your 4Runner justice!


In the pics below what suspension were you using? I think still the Icons up front? but I think I read you sold the rear set up and went back to stock? Not sure so I thought I would ask. That stance below looks perfect to me.

 

[kevinpt]

Took a trip up to my dad's place and drove around some of his land for some better pics.

by far the best looking tires i have seen on the 18's. i think the limited rims are the best looking but that combination makes me want to do my lift sooner

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I just spent the last 1 - 1 1/2hrs. reading your thread. I can't believe how many times you've changed your suspension. :wow2: Every mod you've done, you've done your 4Runner justice!


In the pics below what suspension were you using? I think still the Icons up front? but I think I read you sold the rear set up and went back to stock? Not sure so I thought I would ask. That stance below looks perfect to me.

Those pics show my current setup, icon extended travel front coilovers and the stock rear airbags adjusted to level it out. I've got about 3" lift in the front (I left them at the preset height, I haven't adjusted them at all), plus 1/2" body lift.

by far the best looking tires i have seen on the 18's. i think the limited rims are the best looking but that combination makes me want to do my lift sooner

Duratracs are awesome tires all around, look great and perform even better.

Thanks!

 

[RCs4Runner]

Those pics show my current setup, icon extended travel front coilovers and the stock rear airbags adjusted to level it out. I've got about 3" lift in the front (I left them at the preset height, I haven't adjusted them at all), plus 1/2" body lift.

Thanks.

How did you like the 5100 / 885 setup? I might have missed it but I didn't see much talk about it. I read you didn't like 5100s in the rear and swapped to non-xreas shocks. What exactly didn't you like about the rear 5100s?

Are you still using the non-xreas in the rear, I'm assuming yes since you sold the rear Icons. Since you lifted the rear airbags have there been any problems w/ the shocks?

I looked up the rear shocks (48530-80372) and I found them at around $33 per side. Pretty cheap considering I can get both for the price of one 5100.


EDIT:

I just found your rear shock thread: Rough ride after shock install? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum Damn it's confusing keeping up with your different set-ups!!

I moved about two weeks ago, and I've only driven on the roads around my new place since the shock install. Today I drove back to my old place (~100 miles) and there's no doubt that the ride is just as bad with the OEM Tokico's, if not worse, than with the Bilstein HD's or Rancho's.

That sucks that the stock shock (non-xrea) were just as bad. Just when I think I have it figured out I realize that I don't. :ybrick:

I found this response from Bilstein regarding HDs vs 5100s:
"There is no problem mixing the Bilstein 5100 shocks and the HD’s. Internally, the basic design of the shocks is the same, and though there is a slight difference in the shock stiffness between the HD’s and the 5100’s, it is minor. The HD’s will be slightly more comfortable, but the 5100’s will handle slightly better, but on normal roads at normal speeds, it will be virtually impossible to tell any difference. It is far more important to get the shock that is the proper length."

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks.

How did you like the 5100 / 885 setup? I might have missed it but I didn't see much talk about it. I read you didn't like 5100s in the rear and swapped to non-xreas shocks. What exactly didn't you like about the rear 5100s?

Are you still using the non-xreas in the rear, I'm assuming yes since you sold the rear Icons. Since you lifted the rear airbags have there been any problems w/ the shocks?

I looked up the rear shocks (48530-80372) and I found them at around $33 per side. Pretty cheap considering I can get both for the price of one 5100.


EDIT:

I just found your rear shock thread: Rough ride after shock install? - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum Damn it's confusing keeping up with your different set-ups!!



That sucks that the stock shock (non-xrea) were just as bad. Just when I think I have it figured out I realize that I don't. :ybrick:

I found this response from Bilstein regarding HDs vs 5100s:
"There is no problem mixing the Bilstein 5100 shocks and the HD’s. Internally, the basic design of the shocks is the same, and though there is a slight difference in the shock stiffness between the HD’s and the 5100’s, it is minor. The HD’s will be slightly more comfortable, but the 5100’s will handle slightly better, but on normal roads at normal speeds, it will be virtually impossible to tell any difference. It is far more important to get the shock that is the proper length."

My current setup:
Icon 2.5 extended travel
Light Racing UCA's (required with the ext. travel coilovers)
Stock rear air bags
Stock rear Tokico shocks (non-xreas)

Brief history of my front setups (not all of them) and why I switched.

XREAS - switched at 150k miles, they weren't leaking but were worn
5100's/FJ coils - rode great, but more nose dive and body roll than with xreas IMO. Switched FJ coils for 885's to try to fix this.
5100's/885's - still rode good, but not quite as smooth as the FJ coils. Nose dive and body roll were reduced, handled very well. With all the talk about the OW setup, I decided to try that due to the "great" ride quality and adjust-ability.
OW 2.0 (Radflo) - IMO wasn't all it was made out to be, and it clunked like crazy. Got tired of the clunk and decided to send them in to be inspected. Couldn't be without my 4runner, and found a great deal on the Icon's so I bought those. When the OW's came back I sold them (was also told nothing was wrong with them).
Icon 2.5 extended travel - love it. Ride is excellent, and main improvement is the added travel. It's not much, but I was maxing the OW setup out. I have no abnormal noises or anything with this setup.

The problem I've had on the rear is expectations that were too high, and also that ride is very subjective. A solid axle is never going to be as smooth as an independent suspension. All the reviews talked about how much better aftermarket suspensions were, so I was just hoping for more. I do think the 5100/FJ rear setup rides great, if I go back to coils that is what I will run. After trying multiple rear setups, the stock rear with air bags isn't as bad as I originally made it out to be. I'm very satisfied with it now, although I am going to switch out to 5100's (stock shocks aren't long enough). I don't think the shocks made that much difference in the rear. I've ran 4 different shocks on the rear with not a huge difference between any of them. I haven't had any issues with the air bags since adjusting them.

Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion.

 

[RCs4Runner]

My current setup:
Icon 2.5 extended travel
Light Racing UCA's (required with the ext. travel coilovers)
Stock rear air bags
Stock rear Tokico shocks (non-xreas)

Brief history of my front setups (not all of them) and why I switched.

XREAS - switched at 150k miles, they weren't leaking but were worn
5100's/FJ coils - rode great, but more nose dive and body roll than with xreas IMO. Switched FJ coils for 885's to try to fix this.
5100's/885's - still rode good, but not quite as smooth as the FJ coils. Nose dive and body roll were reduced, handled very well. With all the talk about the OW setup, I decided to try that due to the "great" ride quality and adjust-ability.
OW 2.0 (Radflo) - IMO wasn't all it was made out to be, and it clunked like crazy. Got tired of the clunk and decided to send them in to be inspected. Couldn't be without my 4runner, and found a great deal on the Icon's so I bought those. When the OW's came back I sold them (was also told nothing was wrong with them).
Icon 2.5 extended travel - love it. Ride is excellent, and main improvement is the added travel. It's not much, but I was maxing the OW setup out. I have no abnormal noises or anything with this setup.

The problem I've had on the rear is expectations that were too high, and also that ride is very subjective. A solid axle is never going to be as smooth as an independent suspension. All the reviews talked about how much better aftermarket suspensions were, so I was just hoping for more. I do think the 5100/FJ rear setup rides great, if I go back to coils that is what I will run. After trying multiple rear setups, the stock rear with air bags isn't as bad as I originally made it out to be. I'm very satisfied with it now, although I am going to switch out to 5100's (stock shocks aren't long enough). I don't think the shocks made that much difference in the rear. I've ran 4 different shocks on the rear with not a huge difference between any of them. I haven't had any issues with the air bags since adjusting them.

Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion.

Perfect.

I'll probably go w/ 5100s & 884s up front. I'm only looking for 2" of lift. If I go any higher I won't fit into my garage. I was thinking of going w/ COs but if something were to happen sooner than later I don't know how to rebuild shocks and it would be easier for me to buy a new 5100 and send my old 5100 into Bilstein and get replaced under warranty if they decide to warrant it.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Vantage]

Ark,

have you looked into a RAS Spacer at all?

I formerly had a 2004 V8 with coils. I then switched to a 2011 Tacoma, but hate the truck more and more. I miss the silky smooth V8, quiet cabin and smooth ride.

I do tow a small trailer, but still like a good ride, so maxing out the RAS to compensate for front lift wouldn't be ideal. I like the ability to be able to raise the rear end to compensate for sag.

I have searched for ages on the subject and have only seen a few people that made a RAS spacer work. Demello thought about producing a RAS Spacer, but I don't think it ever was produced.

1 guy used leafs and kept the bags, and a few guys had a shop make up custom .5" spacers (1") lift, that kept the stock ride quality.

X-Reas and Rear Air Suspension

Thoughts?

Has anyone tried to swap out the stock bags for a taller bag?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Ark,

have you looked into a RAS Spacer at all?

I formerly had a 2004 V8 with coils. I then switched to a 2011 Tacoma, but hate the truck more and more. I miss the silky smooth V8, quiet cabin and smooth ride.

I do tow a small trailer, but still like a good ride, so maxing out the RAS to compensate for front lift wouldn't be ideal. I like the ability to be able to raise the rear end to compensate for sag.

I have searched for ages on the subject and have only seen a few people that made a RAS spacer work. Demello thought about producing a RAS Spacer, but I don't think it ever was produced.

1 guy used leafs and kept the bags, and a few guys had a shop make up custom .5" spacers (1") lift, that kept the stock ride quality.

X-Reas and Rear Air Suspension

Thoughts?

Has anyone tried to swap out the stock bags for a taller bag?

I haven't spoken with anyone personally who has made the rear spacer work with RAS. I tried using the Daystar 1.5" (mentioned in that thread) on mine and it won't work, mainly the lines are in the way and also it was too large so it wasn't safe IMO.

I have plans on trying to get a rear spacer made for mine as I would like to adjust them down some. It would be much easier to build a spacer for the lower mount than the upper. I need to talk with Will at Sierra Expeditions, he was trying to make a spacer for these at one point.

That said, in your area there are a lot of issues with these systems. I haven't had experience personally, but there are auto-level kits offered by both Firestone and Airlift for the 4runner with coil spring rear suspension. I'd suggest looking into those instead of a 4runner with OEM air bags.

 

[sport_yota2004]

I love the stance! Looks great!

 

[littlehandegan]

Killer build!

By chance, do you have any other pics of it with the 255/75's and 1.25 wheel spacers?

I am running the 1'' Budget Boost and 255/75 and thinking it needs a 1 or 1.25 spacer!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Killer build!

By chance, do you have any other pics of it with the 255/75's and 1.25 wheel spacers?

I am running the 1'' Budget Boost and 255/75 and thinking it needs a 1 or 1.25 spacer!

Thanks! I believe most pics I have are in this thread (through about page 5). I looked through the ones I have, not much else showing profile with the spacers. I really liked them though, especially with the narrower 255s.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Regarding my 4runner build, I don't really have anything new to add. I rolled over 183k miles last week, and had Toyota do the 90k mile service (timing belt, water pump, spark plugs). Between my truck and ATV, I haven't been focused on the 4runner. I'm spending more time off road with those than the 4runner so don't expect any major mods to the 4runner.

Here's a few pics from the last weekend, took the 4wheeler out for a ride in the mountains.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hard to believe it's been over a year since any updates here. For quite a while, I focused attention on both my ATV and pickup. In the end, I just don't have time to enjoy these, so I've decided it's time to move on. A few months ago I sold both, and refocused attention on my 4th gen. Nothing super exciting here, end goal was a few upgrades to spruce up the interior, and some other changes to improve on road ride/handling. 95% of my driving is on road, and the off road is mostly maintained gravel roads. So, my build is now reflecting that. Pictures are all ones I had on my phone, will take some better ones and update the first post.

For the interior, my factory leather was getting to be in rough shape, so decided on a set of Clazzio's. This was right after the install, wrinkles have worked out and fit is great.





Also added a Kenwood DDX672BH head unit with backup camera.




Next up I started on the rear suspension. I swapped the factory RAS using the Metal Tech conversion kit. For this I chose new OEM FJ coils, FJ rear shocks, and Cornfed 1" spacers.





Next up was the front suspension. I'm very satisfied with the Icon front coilovers, so no changes there. My Light Racing UCAs were in need of being rebuilt, but instead decided to just replace them with Icon tubular UCA's.



And finally, even though my 275/65/18 Duratracs only had ~15,000 miles on them, I decided to swap them out. First, the E rated Duratracs were very harsh, especially in the rear. Also, they are way more aggressive than I need. Ended up deciding on P265/70/18 Nitto Terra Grappler G2's. Between these and the new UCA's, the ride and handling is way better than before. The G2's are 10 pounds per tire lighter than the Duratracs, so hoping to see a slight increase in gas mileage. Only have 200-300 miles on them so far, so too early to tell.





That's it for now. Don't expect much else at the moment, have it pretty much where I want it. The recent changes have made it feel like a new rig, despite having nearly 200k miles.

 

[Dougtoms01]

Everything looks really good ASR.

Good to hear from you.

Still got my 2008. Lift has held up good.

Towed 9,000 miles out West and now a boat. Just changing the oil and keeping her waxed.

Best regards,
Doug