BigNuge's 2003 T4R Build Thread

[BigNuge]

Ok, I've finally done enough to start a build thread (whatever that means, lol)....

First, a couple of shots of the truck when went to look at it:

First things first, a complete front brake job. I pulled the rears to check them as well. I adjusted the ebrake to firm it up as well (and removed the god awful brush-gaurd):

Brakes felt a whole lot better after that! Then, I bought a headlight restoration kit (Mothers). Didn't like how it turned out so I went out and bought a kit from 3M, much better results:

Picked up a set of 07 FJ Rims. Right after I took the 4Runner on a work road trip to Bar Harbor, drove up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain:

The truck came with the XREAS, and at 123k it was soft as hell and I didn't care for how it handled. Picked up a set of 08 TT FJ Springs, a full set of 5100's, 1 1/2" Daystar spacers. Ended up having to do the driver side sway link. Did the front sway bushings just because....:

I LOVE the look, the ride, the handling of the 4Runner now. What an improvement!!! I have done a couple other things too, added a Kenwood TM-281A & 53" magnet mount antenna. Once I get more pictures ready I will update this thread.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Travtaz997]

Looks awesome! How long did it take you to do the springs?

 

[BigNuge]

Looks awesome! How long did it take you to do the springs?

Thanks for the compliment!

I did things a little unorthodox. Ordered everything over a period of 1 1/2 weeks. Also, I delayed getting the Daystars thinking I wouldn't need them. After considering that I wanted to get all of the lift possible out of the 5100's I took the advice of another member (don't know how to tag folks here) I ordered the spacers. It took a week for those to arrive (in addition to the sway bushings and link). All told, I did all of the work myself, hired out what I needed to (tire mounting, alignment, etc.). I took a whole week to do the suspension. A day for the fronts, and an afternoon for the rears. both presented their own unique challenges, but I had a good time just the same. This is the first time I have ever lifted anything. I have been working on my own vehicles my whole life, just never did a suspension mod....only replacement.

Great ride, handling & look as far as I'm concerned. All for ~ $500.00ish

Thanks for looking!

 

[BigNuge]

Got some pics of my TM-281A & antenna installed. The location is growing on me, wasn't that crazy about during the planning....but the options are limited.

 

[BigNuge]

Some pics of the hunting trip....

Found Bullwinkle (7 of them to be precise)

This one was a little spiker...

One of the big cows...

A lunch stop...

One of many nice sunsets....we had great (albeit hot) weather

Found a group of expensive camps. Couldn't go all the way in, but got some nice shots of their seaplane...

And their shuttle...lol

Another lunch stop, this time we got the trucks together....

The birds were tough to find, but we had a great trip anyway!!

Thanks for lookin!!

 

[HiVel-JR]

Nice stuff. You have put some hard work into it and it shows.

 

[BigNuge]

Thanks! It has been a lot of work but I have enjoyed doing it.

Now what to do next.....????

I have started picking up on the typical manifold "tick", probably going to do that next....

 

[BigNuge]

Go my order of LED's from Superbright LED's in and did the install.

I ended up being short one Neo4 for the HVAC backlight. For that matter, I still have to do the wire mod to get the HVAC LCD backlight to work.

Once I have it 100% finished I will post more pictures (as well as a complete list of LED's needed to complete this mod).

A quick note, the LED's are polarized. If they are in backwards they won't work. Try flipping them around first. If that doesn't do it then it is possible the leads are not making solid contact with the board.

Here is a shot of the new/old lights:

If you are not sure if the leads are making good contact then use a small pick or screw driver to pull the lead out a bit. This way it will make good solid contact with the board:

Don't forget, the opening in most of the Neo3 size devices (switches, HVAC backlighting etc.) are too small for the LED's to fit (DO NOT FORCE THEM IN, YOU WILL BREAK IT IF YOU ATTEMPT TO GET IT BACK OUT)! Simply take a small file and open it up SLIGHTLY:

Again, I will do a write up and post a full set of pictures when I have the whole interior swapped to LED. Just ordered the interior light kit for all of the regular stuff (Dome, Map, footwell, cargo light LED's).

Thanks to Alex (emelianoff) for all his help on the Superbright order!

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Great looking rig [MENTION=98468]BigNuge[/MENTION] ! i was wondering what size michelins you have, 265/65/17?

 

[BigNuge]

Great looking rig [MENTION=98468]BigNuge[/MENTION] ! i was wondering what size michelins you have, 265/65/17?

Thanks!

Yes, that's the size. And I LOVE the tires. Very nice comfortable ride on road, and quite capable off road for what I do.

And I still do 19.5-20.5 MPG average on every tank!!

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Thanks!

Yes, that's the size. And I LOVE the tires. Very nice comfortable ride on road, and quite capable off road for what I do.

And I still do 19.5-20.5 MPG average on every tank!!

I've got the same tires, just 265/70/17, i love them for the same reasons as well, i was apprehensive about the price at first, but so far they are worth it!

 

[BigNuge]

I was lucky enough to buy the truck right after the PO put the tires on it.

Now we'll see how well they stand up to the miles!

 

[BigNuge]

Figured I'd check in on my build thread. I have my new Gibson exhaust coming it this week (I hope...). I can't wait to get this exhaust on the 4R, its going to sound great! Ill post up pics & a video clip for sound samples.:biggrin2:

I am also getting together with Alex@%1; to do the 12v mod to the HVAC controls later this week.

Stay tuned...

 

[BigNuge]

Goodies showed up today!!!

 

[BigNuge]

Did the exhaust, installed a Gibson 18707.

Had to use my pipe expander on the muffler to get the system together.

All in all I'm happy with the outcome. It sounds good in and out.

Now to have the tailpipe bent out to the side to help with departure angle.

http://youtu.be/MEJ7edGGQVE

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Did the exhaust, installed a Gibson 18707.

Had to use my pipe expander on the muffler to get the system together.

All in all I'm happy with the outcome. It sounds good in and out.

Now to have the tailpipe bent out to the side to help with departure angle.

Gibson 18707 Exhaust - YouTube

knew you'd like it and that it would fit! now [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] needs to buy one

 

[LTDSC]

knew you'd like it and that it would fit! now [MENTION=87687]LTDSC[/MENTION] needs to buy one

it just raised up my list. Although i am worried about the noise because i commute in it now.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

it just raised up my list. Although i am worried about the noise because i commute in it now.

whats your avg speed?

 

[LTDSC]

whats your avg speed?

i sit at 70mph

 

[wnelax04sr5]

i sit at 70mph

at 70 all i hear is wind noise unless I'm either going uphill or just accelerating. normal coasting its very quiet. it may be different with the v8, but i actually hear more of my intake on the highway when I'm driving than the exhaust