BenK's 4R Build

TRD Supercharged

After getting some technical difficulties worked out, I'm finally able to post this update.

I got the supercharger installed on 3/10. Everything went smooth as could be. I also changed to a 170 degree thermostat (Stant 14077), Denso IK22 plugs at 0.043" and changed the belts. Overall I'd say the TRD instructions were adequate with a little forum help needed here or there. Big thanks to [MENTION=53337]SCRunner12[/MENTION] and [MENTION=76627]nor_cal51501[/MENTION] especially.

I fabbed a makeshift dipstick relocation bracket out of some aluminum but its not very strong so I'm going to replace it. For the wire loom bracket, I cut the beveled edge off, flipped the bracket over and then just zip tied the wire loom to the back. Both were simple fixes that were obvious once I got started. It took me about 6 hours of work across 3 sessions and included the tstat, plugs and attempting to replace my fuel filter (one end still frozen). All of this was done in the parking lot at my condo with simple tools - no one should be afraid of doing this install on their own. I didn't take a lot of pictures or feel the need to do much of a write up since this install is so well documented. I'm glad to try and help anyone out that needs a hand though.

It fired right up when I got done with zero pinging so far running 93 octane. I don't plan on getting a smaller pulley at this point. I may get the URD 7th for peace of mind though - maybe even the transmission valve body upgrade. I don't plan on driving this thing like a racecar though so I feel fine with how it is for now. Ever since the lift and tires went on its felt a little under-powered in certain situations. The supercharger gives it a much needed extra bit of oomph. I notice it most on hills where the AT used to downshift - it just holds the gear and accelerates easily right up those hills now.

I love this thing. I missed my SC'd Tacoma for way too long. Ironically I was hesitant about putting the supercharger on that when it was 6 years old with 70k and a MT. I have over 2.5 times the miles on my 13 year old AT 4Runner and it still runs like a top! Not for everyone, but definitely for me! :cheers:

20140315_184614_zpsnmooakco.jpg~original
 
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Final test...

EDIT: Seems like everything's working again as it should. Thanks for the help!
 
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Silverstar Ultras

Got a pair of Sylvnia Silverstar Ultras off amazon for $27. I always feel like I need my brights on and thought it might be the bulbs. Well I can definitely say these make a huge difference.

Another thing I thought is I never aimed my headlights after the lift, which is higher in the back. I'm guessing that needs addressed too but for now I couldn't be happier with the new bulbs.

FYI I have the DRLs disabled so hopefully these last longer than some of the reports I've read here.

1 year old stock bulb on the left, Silverstar Ultra on the right.

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I'm slowly working on installing some factory fog lights. I picked up a used set from a member along with the factory brackets. Each of the brackets had the bolt that hold the fog light to it broken off in the welded nut. Also, one bracket had the top stud sheared off and was missing one of the plastic clips that the fog light studs mount into. So I did a little fabbing this weekend to get the brackets back in shape. Got my switch and relay ready to install and then I'll be ready to mount everything up. This was probably more effort than necessary but I like getting the 'ol tap and die out occasionally.

Drilled and tapped both welded nuts:
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New SS bolts:
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Missing plastic clip:
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Threaded the stud on the fog light:
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Shimmed and attached with more SS hardware:
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TBU Time

I got all my parts in last weekend for the Tundra Brake Upgrade and I'm going to be doing the install this Saturday. I went with OEM rotors, pads, and shims and Napa reman'd 13WL calipers. I've been putting this mod off since I got my truck since the rotors had just been turned and it had new pads. Now I've got the first signs of a wobble on decel so the time has come. Here's a few pics:

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Hey, glad to see your enjoying the SC still. Let me know how you like tee 13wp's when your done. I still haven't done mine, I have to buy rotors still. Mine had a really good warpage going on so it may happen sooner rather than later. Keep us posted!!
 
Tundra Brake Upgrade

Yesterday I finally got the Tundra brakes installed. I followed [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] 's write up and didn't have any problems. Thanks BFAD! :cheers:

The only thing I'll comment on is the bleeder screws that came installed in my Napa reman'd calipers. First off, I'd already picked up some speed bleeders (which I'd highly recommend) so this didn't really effect me. However, when I pulled the bleeder screws out for the swap, I found that they'd both been way over tightened and the ends of each were mushroomed and the hole was collapsed. Pretty disappointing, but no big deal for me since I was replacing them anyways.

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The speed bleeders made these extremely easy to do a one man bleed job on. I then did the bed in procedure and man alive! What a difference. I can't believe I waited those other pads out to do this mod.

Finished product:

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Brown Mountain OHV Trails

Moving right along, I took a quick trip up to the Brown Mountain OHV Trails this morning. They're nothing to get too excited about, and most of the trails are for atvs and dirt bikes only. Either way, there's about 12 miles of trails you can take a truck on and I had a good time on them. Here's a couple shots I was able to jump out and get in between getting passed by the little guys.

These trails are in the Wilson Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest, so a trip to that area is worth it for more than one reason. Great hiking, fishing, camping and some easy off roading too if you've got the time.

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Steering Rack Guide

Today I replaced my steering rack guide. I followed this write up:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70884-how-replace-steering-rack-guide-pictures.html

I've had a rattle coming from the front end on the driver's side for a while now that I've not been able to find or replicate when the 4R was parked. In reading the descriptions of what this job fixed, it sounded exactly like the problem I had even though I already had the newer style guide. I'm glad to report that doing this completely cured the rattle I had.

I couldn't see anything wrong with my old guide other than it had some wear marks on the contact surface. It crossed my mind that I might have fixed the problem by just tightening up the old guide, but for $65 and 30 minutes of my time, I'm glad to have the new one in and be rattle free.
 
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17" Tundra Wheels

I finally found a deal on a set of 17" Tundra wheels. They came with 295/70/17 Terra Grapplers. I'll see tomorrow if they fit. Between my lift, body lift and wheel spacers im hoping I can run them for a while and save up for something else. More tomorrow...

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Tundra 17s Installed

I got the Tundra wheels installed last night. The 295s fit with some trimming. I didnt mind trimming since I plan to get 285/70/17s when these wear out. I like the fuller wheel well look but the Terra Grapplers dont look as good as the DuraTracs by a long shot.

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I got the Tundra wheels installed last night. The 295s fit with some trimming. I didnt mind trimming since I plan to get 285/70/17s when these wear out. I like the fuller wheel well look but the Terra Grapplers dont look as good as the DuraTracs by a long shot.

20140505_210331_LLS_zps2qlhywhw.jpg~original

And I was the beneficiary of the 5-stars and Duratracs which are AWESOME!!



Thanks again [MENTION=87696]BenK[/MENTION]! :thumb3:
 
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Wtw?!

Was that your truck on craigslist?!?!? Did you sell it???
I spotted this rig around banner elk yesterday was it you?
 
Hey Ben! Great write up on the build. I am really loving the 4Runner. It is doing wonderful. :thumb:

Oh and it wasn't me in Banner Elk...


Clay
 

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