aelarson
New member
Nice, we will have together sometime!
AELarson TRD Pro OEM+ Update/Mod/Build/Adventure Thread
- Thread starter aelarson
- Start date
Nice, we will have together sometime!
PaulB-2006 T4R
New member
Hi Andrew, I see you removed your RCI sliders, why?
aelarson
New member
Looking to upgrade to Aluminum. Want less weight, and no spring touch up rust maintenance!
LawnDart
Senior Member
Aluminum sliders? no...just no.
aelarson
New member
Everybody has different uses for their rigs. Everyone isn't crawling over rocks
YetiX
New member
If you're using them for anything other than as steps, you're going to want steel. If all you're using them for is steps, just get nerf bars and be done with it. Sliders don't weigh that much to begin with and they're one area you really want steel.
But it's your rig...
aelarson
New member
Yep, totally agree.
I was originally going to get n-fab nerf bars, but I have heard horror stories about rust, and they are awful steps. So those were ruled out quickly. I bought sliders thinking they were going to be 45lbs per side, turned out to be 60 per side, I was pretty disappointed. I also don't want to deal with paint touch ups in the spring, gotta love aluminum.
Aluminum sliders are a great middle road between steps and full blown steel sliders. They wont rust, they wont get caught up on obstacles like steps when I do light off-roading, and if I do need them for a little more serious wheeling, they are there just in case for insurance (not ideal, but better than nothing at all)
I personally believe that you should build your truck for how you use it. I know what I do and don't do in my 4runner. I know I wont get into situations where I'd need a winch...so I'm not going to buy one. I know I'm not going to be scraping on rocks, so I'm not going to get skid plates & bumpers.
I always get a chuckle out of the people who have winches, bumpers, recovery gear, the whole 9 yards, and go on fire trails 2 times a year. and say they "offroad". As much as I love the looks of all the gear and gadgets, its just not worth the effort, money and wasted gas after you weigh everything down!
So that's why I want aluminum sliders :lmao:
aelarson
New member
Just as a reference, these are what I'm thinking about getting. They advertise them as a rocker guard/step, not a slider.
I would never use these as a jack point, drive them through hells revenge and expect them to hold up, or use them as a recovery point. Just a nice step and some light protection for light offroad use (my original intent when I was looking at sliders). Better than an n-fab step, not as great as a steel slider.
YetiX
New member
I guess that makes sense. I could not use those because of the rocks around here, but sounds good for your purpose. :thumb:
aelarson
New member
I wish I lived somewhere out west where steel sliders could be used, because I would be using them heavily I'm sure. Not much wheeling here in MN :ybrick:
aelarson
New member
Canvasback Liners
I finally pulled the trigger on some protection for my custom drawers and seatbacks. Most of you are probably familiar with Canvasback, as they are popular on the forums. When I was doing my research, I realized that they are a local company, and are warehoused about 10 minutes from my office. So I custom ordered these from Suzanne (give them a call and she will make whatever size you need) and about a week later, they were finished. I picked them up in person because I wanted to see the shop and I figured it would be more fun than receiving a brown box. We installed them at their shop, and the wonderful woman who actually made my liners (Elsa), got to see her hard custom work in my truck. It was the first time she had the opportunity to see her mats in a vehicle in person! Very fun!
Overall, my thoughts are this:
-These guys are so easy to work with. Everyone was super friendly and was generous to do this custom job. A+ for customer service! (They also have dogs running around their shop, so that's a plus)
-The quality of the material is very very high. These things are thick, and the craftsmanship is truly incredible. Every stitch is absolutely perfect, it makes it look like a factory option.
-They are expensive, especially if you do custom work. My rear cargo area is a custom size and I requested for red stitching on the borders to match the TRD seats. HOWEVER, they are well worth the cost. I personally don't believe that you can put a price on protecting a vehicle that you plan to have for many years.
-I really love these mats so far, its a nice ease of mind when throwing stuff in the back and on the seats. Super happy I ponied up and bought them!
Enjoy!
I finally pulled the trigger on some protection for my custom drawers and seatbacks. Most of you are probably familiar with Canvasback, as they are popular on the forums. When I was doing my research, I realized that they are a local company, and are warehoused about 10 minutes from my office. So I custom ordered these from Suzanne (give them a call and she will make whatever size you need) and about a week later, they were finished. I picked them up in person because I wanted to see the shop and I figured it would be more fun than receiving a brown box. We installed them at their shop, and the wonderful woman who actually made my liners (Elsa), got to see her hard custom work in my truck. It was the first time she had the opportunity to see her mats in a vehicle in person! Very fun!
Overall, my thoughts are this:
-These guys are so easy to work with. Everyone was super friendly and was generous to do this custom job. A+ for customer service! (They also have dogs running around their shop, so that's a plus)
-The quality of the material is very very high. These things are thick, and the craftsmanship is truly incredible. Every stitch is absolutely perfect, it makes it look like a factory option.
-They are expensive, especially if you do custom work. My rear cargo area is a custom size and I requested for red stitching on the borders to match the TRD seats. HOWEVER, they are well worth the cost. I personally don't believe that you can put a price on protecting a vehicle that you plan to have for many years.
-I really love these mats so far, its a nice ease of mind when throwing stuff in the back and on the seats. Super happy I ponied up and bought them!
Enjoy!
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Last edited:
aelarson
New member
High beam DRL Delete and Smoked Amber Lens
The King of small modification that don't count as modifications is back! This is a double tiny mod so I wanted to bundle them into 1...its all about the front amber markers.
I started by doing the DRL high beam delete. My 4th gen had the front marker running light and I loved the look of it. I was a bit disappointed that the 5th gens have the high beam on. So I read this thread, followed the very easy instructions and nuked the high beam. All you do is pull the relay and bend the second pin back. Easy! No write up for this, just follow the link.
I then got a Import Equipment smoked marker kit. I saw it online and liked the look so I figured I'd give it a try. I will do a little write up for the install on these, because if you don't have experience with wrapping or clear bra, I can see this being difficult (the instructions that come with the kit are not so great). Luckily I've worked with this before and had it all done in about 10 minutes. My impressions are this: it looks great from the side when the light is on, very happy. However, I wish the film wrapped further around the headlight because if you are standing in front//close to the vehicle, you can see the amber marker behind the film. Overall, I like the look, but if It gets old, I can simply peel it off with no consequence.
Install for Smoked Vinyl:
1) Clean the headlight with a microfiber towel. Finish it off with isopropyl alcohol to strip waxes and sealants.
2) Get a spray bottle with a water/soap solution. Spray the headlight and the sticky side of the vinyl film.
3) Lay the film down on the light and position over the marker.
4) Use a flat edged surface (Credit card, squeegee) and start pushing water under the film towards the edges. The vinyl will start to stick on the headlight, so make sure it's positioned accordingly. Work it for a few minutes and all of the water will be free.
5) Wipe the water away with a rag as you work, it makes it easier to see the bubbles and wrinkles in the film.
6) Once the film is all worked out and smooth, hit it with a heat gun (lightly).
Here are the "new" amber markers!
The King of small modification that don't count as modifications is back! This is a double tiny mod so I wanted to bundle them into 1...its all about the front amber markers.
I started by doing the DRL high beam delete. My 4th gen had the front marker running light and I loved the look of it. I was a bit disappointed that the 5th gens have the high beam on. So I read this thread, followed the very easy instructions and nuked the high beam. All you do is pull the relay and bend the second pin back. Easy! No write up for this, just follow the link.
I then got a Import Equipment smoked marker kit. I saw it online and liked the look so I figured I'd give it a try. I will do a little write up for the install on these, because if you don't have experience with wrapping or clear bra, I can see this being difficult (the instructions that come with the kit are not so great). Luckily I've worked with this before and had it all done in about 10 minutes. My impressions are this: it looks great from the side when the light is on, very happy. However, I wish the film wrapped further around the headlight because if you are standing in front//close to the vehicle, you can see the amber marker behind the film. Overall, I like the look, but if It gets old, I can simply peel it off with no consequence.
Install for Smoked Vinyl:
1) Clean the headlight with a microfiber towel. Finish it off with isopropyl alcohol to strip waxes and sealants.
2) Get a spray bottle with a water/soap solution. Spray the headlight and the sticky side of the vinyl film.
3) Lay the film down on the light and position over the marker.
4) Use a flat edged surface (Credit card, squeegee) and start pushing water under the film towards the edges. The vinyl will start to stick on the headlight, so make sure it's positioned accordingly. Work it for a few minutes and all of the water will be free.
5) Wipe the water away with a rag as you work, it makes it easier to see the bubbles and wrinkles in the film.
6) Once the film is all worked out and smooth, hit it with a heat gun (lightly).
Here are the "new" amber markers!
Attachments
Last edited:
aelarson
New member
Happy 1st Birthday!
Well, its hard to believe that a year ago I purchased this red beast (7/31/17)! I have really enjoyed the truck thus far, and I'm sure there will be many more years to come. I rolled 12,200 miles in the first year, pretty average. Life has been busy (new house, new job, and a lot of traveling), not allowing me to adventure in the 4Runner as much as I had hoped....but that's life. Hopefully the next 12 months brings more camping/adventuring in the truck. I have so many pending mods that I want to add (lights, tires, etc.), hopefully I can knock out more stuff this year. Overall, I have liked the truck a lot and as expected, I had minimal issues. I don't know if I like it more than my last 4th gen, but that truck holds a special place in my heart. Either way, the new truck has treated me well and I look forward to putting many more miles on him!
Here are some of my favorite pictures I took of the truck over the last 12 months, enjoy!
Well, its hard to believe that a year ago I purchased this red beast (7/31/17)! I have really enjoyed the truck thus far, and I'm sure there will be many more years to come. I rolled 12,200 miles in the first year, pretty average. Life has been busy (new house, new job, and a lot of traveling), not allowing me to adventure in the 4Runner as much as I had hoped....but that's life. Hopefully the next 12 months brings more camping/adventuring in the truck. I have so many pending mods that I want to add (lights, tires, etc.), hopefully I can knock out more stuff this year. Overall, I have liked the truck a lot and as expected, I had minimal issues. I don't know if I like it more than my last 4th gen, but that truck holds a special place in my heart. Either way, the new truck has treated me well and I look forward to putting many more miles on him!
Here are some of my favorite pictures I took of the truck over the last 12 months, enjoy!
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aelarson
New member
Patch Update
Over the last year or so, I have developed a slight problem with patch collecting (as you can see below). Many think its dumb, but it is kind of like stickers....they are addicting and fun! I joined the Toyota Patch Club on Facebook and that's where it all went downhill :rofl:. I found so many different makers, people trading, people selling/buying, it is really an incredible little community. I had a few ideas up my sleeve and within months the ideas were put to life by other patch makers. I didn't want anymore of my ideas being used, so I started making my own! Yep, I got bit by the bug and came down with the patch illness. Anyway, you can check out my designs on my website and start your own collection. I just launched my first design tonight, but many more are on the way. Enjoy the patch update and business update! I hope to see some of my work on your headliners! Enjoy!
Over the last year or so, I have developed a slight problem with patch collecting (as you can see below). Many think its dumb, but it is kind of like stickers....they are addicting and fun! I joined the Toyota Patch Club on Facebook and that's where it all went downhill :rofl:. I found so many different makers, people trading, people selling/buying, it is really an incredible little community. I had a few ideas up my sleeve and within months the ideas were put to life by other patch makers. I didn't want anymore of my ideas being used, so I started making my own! Yep, I got bit by the bug and came down with the patch illness. Anyway, you can check out my designs on my website and start your own collection. I just launched my first design tonight, but many more are on the way. Enjoy the patch update and business update! I hope to see some of my work on your headliners! Enjoy!
Attachments
aelarson
New member
The Deal Of A Lifetime...
Took the truck in for the 15,000 mile service...almost walked out with a different truck. Cavalry blue TRD Pro with 8K less miles for an even trade. I almost did it...but the Cav blue is iffy with me. It looks really good currently, but how will it look in 5-10 years?
What do you guys think, Barcelona Red or Cavalry Blue? Am I crazy?!If it was Cement...I'd be the new owner of a Cement hahahaha. But the Cav Blue is just too on the fence for my liking.
Took the truck in for the 15,000 mile service...almost walked out with a different truck. Cavalry blue TRD Pro with 8K less miles for an even trade. I almost did it...but the Cav blue is iffy with me. It looks really good currently, but how will it look in 5-10 years?
What do you guys think, Barcelona Red or Cavalry Blue? Am I crazy?!If it was Cement...I'd be the new owner of a Cement hahahaha. But the Cav Blue is just too on the fence for my liking.
swim.bike.run
New member
Agreed. Specialty colors are awesome now but resale could be difficult. I
Solofowaffles
New member
If craigslist is any indication, specialty colors fetch a premium over the regular black and white pros.
aelarson
New member
True! But that’s 2018 market. I’m worried about 2028. Not that I’m looking to sell in 10 years (I plan on running this truck into the ground), but I’m worried that it’ll look bad in the future (like the turquoise on early 2000’s f-150s, it was a premium color at the time, absolutely horrid now). This specific truck that I was offered tonight was sitting on the lot for 80 days...and this is the highest volume Toyota dealership in MN! They originally had it marked up to $48-49K, now down to $44K. Apparently they are having trouble moving it, because they wanted me to take it...badly. I just got another text from the salesman offering me another $1000 over what I paid for my truck! Crazy!
Solofowaffles
New member
I park my cav blue 4runner next to a cav blue FJ every day and its paint looks just as good as mine. I'd go for the cav blue runner, but I'm obviously biased haha.
