Bandit Runner's Build Thread

Looks good. Always thought about what to do with those filler panels. I've seen the angel eyes but I think these are more useful and in keeping with your theme - More LED's!

When is the Group Buy?
 
This is a cool idea, but is it just the one screw holding all that weight in place? I know the other side basically just clips in. Is that going to stand up to vibration?

Yeah, I thought about that. I guess we'll see how it does, and if need be I'll figure out a way to beef up the mounting.

Looks good. Always thought about what to do with those filler panels. I've seen the angel eyes but I think these are more useful and in keeping with your theme - More LED's!

When is the Group Buy?

Yeah, I thought about just putting some running lights there, but I really wanted to clean up my offroad lights so they weren't all stuck on top of the bumper.

In my defense, they aren't additional LED lights, but the same lights in a different location!

We'll see about the group buy.
 
I got the new under-the-headlight panels finished up this weekend. Here they are all painted:
f1IrEDM.jpg


With the 6" SR series spot lights installed:
fMzm5o2.jpg


Installed:
ZFAyFmX.jpg


VDyq8UP.jpg


Lights on:
W7uUAWF.jpg
 
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Just finished this thread, amazing job! I would totally pay for those filler panels, I have always wanted to do something with mine. I feel like Toyota really dropped the ball and not engineering the headlights to fill that space.
 
Well I finished up a project that has been on my to-do list for several years. It seems that I just never got around to it. After adding my 1.5" body lift, the factory front wheel well rubber gap guards were torn, loose and/or missing, due to being stretched too tight. I've been wanting to replace them for over 5 years. I finally bought a 36" x 36" piece of 1/8" thick neoprene rubber off Amazon.

Crude pattern developed for the passenger side made from some scrap material:
DkBww3s.jpg


Tracing the patten onto the neoprene rubber:
aH0V12J.jpg


Passenger side cut out:
p8tI7Lz.jpg


I forgot to get an installed pic of the passenger side, but here is one of the drivers side:
ooIYL4b.jpg


Not a very exciting mod, but it does really clean up the front wheel wells. I was able to cover almost all the openings between the body and frame. I'm hoping it keeps some of the mud and snow from getting into the engine compartment.
 
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I got tired of the super dim reverse lights on the 4Runner. I found these new LED bolt lights on Ebay, and thought I would give them a shot.
ZQIxrxH.jpg


I tested them and they are pretty darn bright. I cut out some aluminum washers to mount them to:
poH26H9l.jpg


I had to trim out the opening where the old light bulb inserted in order for them to fit:
P1SXX27l.jpg


I hot-melt glued the new lights in place:
JaCus2zl.jpg


Spliced the wires together and reinstalled the tail light:
WGkmsF2l.jpg


Everything all buttoned up with the tail light guards reinstalled:
A5LsXQml.jpg


Really happy with these. They are much brighter than the stock bulbs.
 
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As always your rig is looking awesome. Just to let you know, I will be "borrowing" some of these mods beginning with the light mods on the front of your rack. This will allow me to keep my video camera mount on the center. Thanks!!
 
Had to haul some stuff for my wife's work again today.

hw61M7Pl.jpg


ZdAA1AZl.jpg


Man this truck sure doesn't like to tow. All this stuff wasn't even that heavy. A supercharger is definitely in the near future.

Also looks like I need to do something with my sagging rear coils. Time for some OME 861's.
 
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Hi Bandit,
I'm a new member, pretty much still figuring out how the forum works, posting rules etc.
Since finding your build thread in the photo section I have looked through nearly all of it.
AWESOME work! I also have an '02 4Runner, still all stock, and in need of major body work and maintenance work.
My goal for the winter is to research as many mods and products as possible to find out what I should do with mine. Start working on it next spring and summer.

I could think of a ton of questions to ask you, but for now just wondering how those rock lights have held up in the mud, rain, snow, etc.?
Thanks for all the great posts!
 
Hi Bandit,
I'm a new member, pretty much still figuring out how the forum works, posting rules etc.
Since finding your build thread in the photo section I have looked through nearly all of it.
AWESOME work! I also have an '02 4Runner, still all stock, and in need of major body work and maintenance work.
My goal for the winter is to research as many mods and products as possible to find out what I should do with mine. Start working on it next spring and summer.

I could think of a ton of questions to ask you, but for now just wondering how those rock lights have held up in the mud, rain, snow, etc.?
Thanks for all the great posts!

Thanks. The rock lights have been alright, but several have burnt out for whatever reason. I contacted the seller, and he sent me several more lights at no cost. I replaced them which was kind of a PITA. If I had to do it over again, I would go with something a little better quality.
 

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