A_S_R's Build Thread
- Thread starter ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
- Start date
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Letting the truck go wasn't an easy choice, but the right one. I did a lot to it, but it needed so much more. In the end, I just wanted to break even before getting more money in it than its worth. My family is growing, and building a 2 seat truck just wasn't feasible.
I typically drive between 5,000 and 10,000 miles a year. I only live a few miles from work, and also work from home a lot so don't put a lot of miles on my 4runner. Because of this I started to just keep the Duratracs, but I'm happy with the switch and worth it in the end.
Been wanting to get some more local meeting setup, just been way too busy the last several months. Hopefully things will slow down a bit and I can work on getting something setup. Always enjoyed those when we had them.
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Paisano
New member
Yeah a meetup sometime would be fun. I see more 4Runners with mods around LR in person now than I see on the forum, would be nice to get everybody together at least once!
Not trying to hijack your thread or whatever, but last night by teenage neighbor was putting a spacer leveling kit on an F150, I had previously told him I would help, but didn't know he was going to tackle that on a weeknight. Anyway, with the setup on those trucks, you have to wedge the strut back into a confined space with the fat spacer on top. Had to give up and leave it for another day. But all the other stuff was simple as I recalled doing similar on the 4Runner, and I thank you again for that.
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.
How do you like the ride with fj springs and shocks out back?
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I really like it. Smoother on road than stock and most aftermarket setups. Since I added the spacer, the shocks aren't quite long enough, so considering replacing them with aftermarket. I haven't been off road with this setup so can't comment there. However, many others run it and I've not seen any complaints.
Air bags for the rear
ASR,
Did you ever get anywhere with using the stock compressor to run airlift or firestone bags inside the rear coils?
I'm tired of my heavy rear coils that I only need occasionally when towing and want to add some airbags to medium rate springs.
Your rig is sweet!
Thanks!
ASR,
Did you ever get anywhere with using the stock compressor to run airlift or firestone bags inside the rear coils?
I'm tired of my heavy rear coils that I only need occasionally when towing and want to add some airbags to medium rate springs.
Your rig is sweet!
Thanks!
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I haven't done anything just yet. It should be doable (maybe not auto level, but manual adjust).
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Updated original post with current info/pics.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I've been meaning to post an update here but haven't had the time. Last week I purchased a new 2016 Trail Premium to replace my 4th gen (which sold earlier today). I pulled off most of the aftermarket stuff to sell separately. I really considered swapping the suspension over but it's overkill for what I do. I've put a 1" spacer on to level out the front and will be upgrading to stock size AT tires, but other than that the new one will remain stock for a while.
Final pic of my 4th gen. This is stock suspension with a 2" spacer lift in the front and stock air bags adjusted for approx 1" lift in the rear (1/2" body lift still installed). Just a cheap setup to get it sold without having any rubbing issues.
My new 2016:
S p a r k y
New member
After watching you for years, that's hard to believe! Lol
cloudrunner
New member
Congrats on the upgrade! I've been thinking about making the switch to a 5th gen myself,
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Haha, very true!
It's still early, but so far no regrets. I've been debating a 5th gen for some time now, main reason I didn't do this sooner is because I didn't want to give up the V8. Really looked at the Lexus GX460 but couldn't justify it (the V8 is the only reason I was even considering it).
Rear springs replacement
Hey guys. So I have 2003 4Runner from which I removed the X-reas system and put in Bilstein 4600's front and rear. I replaced the front springs with Bilstein springs, not sure what part number. Now the rear just feels soft. The truck has over 120K miles on it now and I think it's time to replace them. I'm not looking for a lift of any kind, just want a spring that could take a little more load. Also thinking about putting an air suspension in, maybe Air Lift 1000. Any suggestions? I read a lot about the FJ cruiser springs but I'm thinking they would provide more lift than what I'm looking for.
Hey guys. So I have 2003 4Runner from which I removed the X-reas system and put in Bilstein 4600's front and rear. I replaced the front springs with Bilstein springs, not sure what part number. Now the rear just feels soft. The truck has over 120K miles on it now and I think it's time to replace them. I'm not looking for a lift of any kind, just want a spring that could take a little more load. Also thinking about putting an air suspension in, maybe Air Lift 1000. Any suggestions? I read a lot about the FJ cruiser springs but I'm thinking they would provide more lift than what I'm looking for.
Kyler TM87
New member
Amazing full write up!
Again I'm years late to the party with getting the excitement of following this build thread. But all the time and dedication you put into this awesome rig. I'm curious if you know who you sold the vehicle to and what kind of condition its in at this date.
But again thank you for all the inspiration for future plans for my rig
Again I'm years late to the party with getting the excitement of following this build thread. But all the time and dedication you put into this awesome rig. I'm curious if you know who you sold the vehicle to and what kind of condition its in at this date.
But again thank you for all the inspiration for future plans for my rig
