Aroslv 16 TE Super White build thread

[aroslv]

Purchased my 16 TE w/ KDSS 4Runner back in January but am just now getting around to creating a build thread. This is my first new car and couldn't be happier the last few months with my purchase. NO REGRETS!

Before the 4Runner I had a 2005 Toyota Tundra that served me very well, had over 200k miles and never any issues with it. I abused it hard too, was very happy to get 6k trade value for it from dealer towards the 4Runner...

Had been eying FJ's and new Tundras for years but never pulled the trigger since it is nice not having a car payment. This year decided it was time, I have a 3 year old and wanted something I was comfortable taking long trips with. I started researching Tundras and Tacoma's A LOT, but some threads steered me to the 4Runner instead.

I also have a 77 Vette that I am restoring, though that project has stalled due to life events and now the 4Runner! LOL

Anyways I have done a lot in the few months I have had it. Everything installed/done by me! Not trusting anyone with my truck, not even for free oil changes. Half the fun is doing it yourself, right?

• Toytech Boss lift
• FN FX Pro wheels (Dustin is awesome!)
• 285/75r16 nitto trail grappler
• NFab nerf bars
• RCI Aluminum Sliders (Front, Trans, Transfer case)
• TRD PRO front grill
• Husky floor liners and cargo liner
• Magnaflow muffler 12586
• Painted front and rear silver valences black
• Interior LEDS
• Built center console lock box

Here are a few pictures of the 4Runner as she looks today

Installing rear part of lift (The front KDSS was a real pain!!!)

Painting valences - Took off the front and sanded and painted it. However the rear is hard to unclip so I went with plastidip. For the record plasti dip already scratching off. Not a fan, definitely worth doing it right the first time. Will have to go back later. The front that I did right is holding up great.

Finally annoying some Jeep owners!!

 

[aroslv]

Center console lock box mod

The center console lock box mod was the funnest project yet, love building things on my own. There is a company that sells a center console lock box but it takes up the whole center console which is a no go for me, plus it is pricey.

Decided to build my own, this is only my second welding project, starting to get a hang of it. Overall easy project, I did have issues with the hinge being on the inside, first attempt left a gap above the hinge. Had to cut it off and add a spacer.

Time to cut some metal!

Tack welded - everything lining up good

Time to paint, used spray on bed liner. First time using the stuff and it is great!!

Finally installed in the 4Runner

 

[aroslv]

Not a build thread until your cutting things off your new truck with a sawzall!!

Other than that not much else done to the truck, my new dash cam showed up from amazon. Hoping to get it installed soon.

https://www.amazon.com/Vantrue-N2-D...e=UTF8&qid=1494266272&sr=8-3&keywords=vantrue

Also got some offroad time this last weekend!

 

[JSparky]

Starbursts FTW.

 

[Matteblack]

Looking good! Did you choose 16" FN's so you could have more meat on the tires? Spotted the 12 in garage...Go Hawks!
MB

 

[dv061j]

Sweet 4runner!

 

[aroslv]

Looking good! Did you choose 16" FN's so you could have more meat on the tires? Spotted the 12 in garage...Go Hawks!
MB

I like the look of the TRD wheels, but went with the FN wheels because they are wider and have the same look. Many run 285/70/17 on the TRD pro wheels, but it is not recommended on a 7" wheel for that tire specs.

Yes, I am a huge fan and can't wait for the season to start!

 

[aroslv]

Installed my dash cam last weekend. Very easy install, took maybe 10 minutes. Basically tuck the wire into the headliner by the mirror and run down the a-pillar to the fuse box and plug in with a piggy back fuse cable.

Here is the dash camera, it has a rear facing camera so couldn't hide it completely behind the mirror. Still better than running a second camera all the way to the back of the truck.

Here is the a pillar you run the wire down. There is a plastic cover with one bolt that has to be removed and then it pops off easily.

Piggy backed off the ignition fuse. This picture shows my first attempt at one of the other fuses that was on all the time. Don't use that one.

Here is the link to the camera
https://www.amazon.com/Vantrue-N2-Dual-Dash-Cam/dp/B01IHLKZ0I/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1494977779&sr=8-7&keywords=vantrue

Sorry for the pictures being sideways... will make sure to edit them next time..

 

[aroslv]

Definitely time for an update, been 4 months! These Vegas summers are brutal, even with my portable swamp cooler in the garage. Just not any fun so I took a little break.

Now that it is finally cooling down a bit and my swamp cooler can keep up, it was time to install the ARB compressor that has been sitting in my garage for months.

First, surprised how most people are buying the expensive mounts for these to mount in the engine bay!! The plan had been to weld up my own, but then I figured out that one is not even needed. There is a perfect spot on the firewall by the brake reservoir. Seriously 5 minutes to mount with some self tapping screws and it is not going anywhere. I don't get why no one else is doing it this way??

For the wiring, it made no sense to me to wire up a switch in the cab. I don't need the locker feature, plus you have to go out to the engine bay to plug in the air hose. So it was much simpler to fab up a small bracket and add an on/off switch next to the compressor.

Overall pretty easy project, though that massive wiring harness was intimidating. lol

I did screw up on the mount for the switch, drilled a hole for the mounting screw to the firewall and forgot to file it. Scratched up my paint, that is why there is the tacky blue tape there... :der:

Next project will be the C4 Lo-pro bumper w/ winch and lights. Excited I got in on that group buy. Awesome looking bumper, can't wait! Could be a while so might find something else before that. We will see...

 

[aroslv]

I'm on a roll now, another update...

Someone mentioned on this forum that their buddy had a small fire on the trail due to the ARB compressor wires rubbing and causing a short. Scary.. So I decided it would be smart to keep a fire extinguisher in the 4Runner.

After a bit of research, it looks like a lot of the people on this forum are using the Wits under the seat fire extinguisher mount which looks very nice. However I am definitely not about to spend close to $100 to mount a fire extinguisher. :wow2:

Thought about taking the easy route and mounting it in the back, but ideally it would be best to have it next to my seat for quick access.

So I mocked up a mount out of cardboard and then cut/welded it up this evening. Easy project, even for someone like myself with little welding experience. It only took a few hours and happy with how it came out.

Saturday I will clean it up and paint it with some spray on bedliner that I have left from my console safe project.

 

[calcrc]

Love the starburst and ammo picture. That is better than mastercard commercials ! Priceless

 

[swim.bike.run]

Love the starburst and ammo picture. That is better than mastercard commercials ! Priceless

Seriously. While enjoying a tasty snack our uber prepared off roader takes down the overzealous bandit.

 

[aroslv]

Seriously. While enjoying a tasty snack our uber prepared off roader takes down the overzealous bandit.

I don't even have my AR pistol or beer fridge installed yet. Give me some time, then I will be uber prepared.

:gun5:

 

[aroslv]

Drove down to California yesterday to purchase this M100 trailer. Super nice guy we bought it from who took the time to show us everything. He did a really good job with the build and had a sweet 4Runner that I unfortunately did not get pictures of.

Excited to start doing some trips with it! :dancin:

Had to include the picture of my dad trying to act like a badass.