Adam (bagelsjustbagels) Build Thread - '05 V8 4Runner!

2023 EDIT:
It is a bittersweet day. My beloved 4Runner is now offered at no reserve on bring a trailer. I'm said to see her go but excited to see the memories the new owner makes with her. Tell your friends :)


2021 EDIT :
HERE IS HOW SHE LOOKS AS OF 2021!
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Here she is in stock form.
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******Original post****
The Past
Hello Everyone! Long time no see! It's time for another build thread!!! :whoo:

To set the scene, two months ago I decided to part with my beloved 2nd gen Prerunner. Here is the build thread
This build taught me a lot, and I was even able to win t4r of the month one time.
Also, I had a little bit of fame with my "Best of" Craigslist ad

Although amazing on the trails, this truck was more of a toy-which was truly limited by its 3.0 motor. After numerous fails on trails :cry2:, I realized that it did not match my need for a trail running overland vehicle, and decided to upgrade. :bravo:

Out with the old, and in with the new

After looking for what my next vehicle should be- I concluded that the following factors were most important to me.

  • Stock Off road Capability
  • Reliability
  • Capacity for my Overland needs (Roof Top Tent, Awning, Storage Drawers, Weight etc.)
  • Fuel Economy
  • Noise and Comfort
  • Price
  • Aftermarket and Community support

I did not want to be biased, and with a near $15k budget, I had my options. I searched all over- ih8mud, t4r, expeditionportal, toyota120, fjcruiserforumns, even jeep forums.

After my extensive search. I first though that an FJ Cruiser would be right for me. But with the supply and demand so out of wack, along with every other Fj I see being abused. Chances looked slim to get a low mile FJ.
Not to mention-I had concerns about the interior being so small, and my budget FJ would only have the smaller HP engine, rather than the 2010's which got upgraded horsepower.

I then shifted gears towards the 4th gen 4runner. (HAH, get it!? :frisky: )
This platform still offered A-TRAC, 4wd, the aftermarket support I wanted, but came at about a 6k lower pricepoint.

Finally, I came to realize that the 4runner was the best choice!
  • It has more space
  • They are cheaper
  • They come with a v8 sport package that can tow up to 7000lbs
  • With the Waterpump and timing belt fixed every 90k, these platforms are bulletproof.

So the Hunt began! - Within weeks I found the perfect 4Runner
A 3 owner 108k mile 2005 Sport V8, with the most recent major service(including timing belt and water pump) done just 10k miles ago.

Once this was in my hands. the build began! :banana::banana::banana:
 
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Lets the mods begin!
I decided to go with the Icon Stage two kit, along with overland rear 3" springs and the rear lower link kit. To top this off and keep the geometry right, I did the Total Chaos Uniball UCA kit.I had success with their product in the past and I am truly looking forward to seeing it preform again in this build.
here's the receipt. And yes, my wallet still hurts. But that is the price you pay for quality. I wanted to do this build correct this time, and not get stuck in the woods again.

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I ordered through the site sponsor Metaltech4x4, and have nothing but positive comments to say about this team.

Within good time, The Parts arrived!
:whoo:

I also ordered 33" BFGoodrich KO2's, along with Procomp 7005 Wheels
-These tires perform great on and off road, are extremely quiet and responsive, and really look badass!
Shoutout to Agundi's Tires in So. San Francisco who installed these wheels and tires are a fair price and with speed!

Heres some eye candy
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Time to install! I am very fortunate to have access to great friends, and a lift. (And yes, that is a top alcohol flat bottom boat! )

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Total Installation time was a mere 7 hours. Not too bad.
Rear suspension, this took a transmission jack and some muscle.

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Front Suspension time.

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Uniballs go in!
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Sway bar drop piece.
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All done! Right before a camping trip to Hollister Hills SVRA- Perfect!
 
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Lift and Tires done, Time to Test!
It rubs the front fender in the back, and the stock roof rack struggles to support my Roof top tent.

As for the rear suspension, the 3" lift overland springs are hard, but with weight in the back they are perfect an the vehicle is still level.

Overall the truck performed great, got some 2 and 3 wheel motion, and was able to flex the 4runner out. Very happy with the results!

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Till next time boys,
Adam
 
Looking good man! Sad to see your 2nd gen go, Really liked that truck, if I was near ya, I woulda considered picking it up. Anyways glad to see you get back in another 4runner.
 
Looking good man! Sad to see your 2nd gen go, Really liked that truck, if I was near ya, I woulda considered picking it up. Anyways glad to see you get back in another 4runner.

Thanks man, and yeah me too. This will be that x10 though. Also, I got a REALLY good price for it. So no complaints. Itll take a lot of cash to make this one be the same. But its better built for my needs. :clap2:
 
Thanks for all the support guys.

As a teaser, here is what's in the works.

I have contacted Gobi Racks, USA These guys are pricey, but you get what you pay for. My concern with my previous route (custom fabricator) was that is wasnt quite a fit and finish product. the Angles were good. but not great, and it was really heavy.

I decided to go with Gobi, and then contact them on making custom adjustments to accomodate my overland need.

These guys are amazing! :cool:
They are going to do custom spacing on the upper and lower hoop to allow for my roof top tent to sit as far rear as possible.
The expanded metal will have openings to allow for easy roof top tent mount and dismount.
We are also doing 1" vertical drops so that my tent sits at a lower position, and is supported not only by the cross bars, but by the upper hoop.
There will be a rear ladder and side awning mounts
Lastly, there will be modifications to allow for a 40" LED bar up front.
Here is their final drawing
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Siccckkkkk man!!! What size are those tires? You said 33s.... but can you be a little more specific? I've got 255/80/17 KM2s in the mail... will be here friday... I had a HARD time deciding between the KO2s and the KM2s, but went with what I had previously on the 2nd gen just to be safe... lol
 
Siccckkkkk man!!! What size are those tires? You said 33s.... but can you be a little more specific? I've got 255/80/17 KM2s in the mail... will be here friday... I had a HARD time deciding between the KO2s and the KM2s, but went with what I had previously on the 2nd gen just to be safe... lol

LT285/70R17 AT TAKO2's!

And thanks man- I love these KO2's and they are so quite, def. not as mean looking as the KM2's but as a more Overland long trip style tire I hope it'll pay off for comfort sakes.

I had to take off the mud flaps and will need to drip the front fender liner a bit, but nothing extreme at all.
 
LT285/70R17 AT TAKO2's!

And thanks man- I love these KO2's and they are so quite, def. not as mean looking as the KM2's but as a more Overland long trip style tire I hope it'll pay off for comfort sakes.

I had to take off the mud flaps and will need to drip the front fender liner a bit, but nothing extreme at all.

Ahhh, right on. My tires are about an inch taller than yours, but a lot narrower... will be interesting to see if I have any rubbing issues or not!
 
Looks awesome Adam!

I just got the same suspension for my 04 V8! 3 week wait though but looking forward to the install. I'll be using the AllPro Offroad UCA's.

How high do you have the front coils set to?
 

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