Blcktpgsr's '97 transformation
- Thread starter blcktpgsr
- Start date
fightman80
New member
Nice work man! Just looked at your bros picture albums too.....Great looking 4Runners run in the family!
blcktpgsr
New member
Thanks..and the beauty is that I didn't even have to alter the wiring harness as there's still plenty of slack going to the new switch location, just had to undo the tape to separate the wires going to the E-brake light indicator...next is to find a way to illuminate the rear window switch to better match the ECT's.
Thanks Bud! Yeah I like the fact that I now have more storage space besides not only having cup holders, which is neat.
That's 3 of the 5 3rd Gens that has been done up to date, 2 more in the works before summer this year, hopefully!
blcktpgsr
New member
Definitely improves the low end torque which in turn gets the truck off the mark quicker. So far in the break-in process I can definitely tell the power when I step on the accelerator. It definitely shifts faster this time compared to when I still had the stock 4.30's.
I'm following the break-in procedure as outlined in the Yukon installation manual and I'm still easing off the pedal and accelerating lightly...at least just for a few more break-in miles.
Man you can't go wrong with 4.88's let alone 4.88 with ARB locker.
It's the Jaos spoiler by the way.
I should post up more pics of the gear build soon...Just finding the time!
blcktpgsr
New member
No the Spidertrax are holding real well, I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the market for a set.
My initial reason for installing them is because my wheels have a backspacing of 5 1/4, and the spokes are right up against the brake calipers, so clearance was the issue. As far as performance on and off road, Spidertrax lives up to their reputation.
My initial reason for installing them is because my wheels have a backspacing of 5 1/4, and the spokes are right up against the brake calipers, so clearance was the issue. As far as performance on and off road, Spidertrax lives up to their reputation.
blcktpgsr
New member
As some of you may already know I purchased a set of brand new Yukon 4.88 gears last December but it wasn't 'til last week that I was able to have it installed. Well....dust builds up no more and I'm glad it's out of the way and into my truck......whew..................Finally!
By the time i got into the shop they had already finished up the front end so I wasn't so fortunate to take up some photos, but just for the sake of this build thread, any photo to show for it is just as good as any.
Stock 4.30 rear set
Axle off
Once the axle was out of the way the stock 3rd member was removed and so was the E-locker actuator/motor.....
Housing and the sealant surface all cleaned at this point
4.88 differential all set ready to be mounted
Bead of sealant around the housing
Just you hold on to that for a second pls?
Locker actuator re-mounting
Here's some photos of the factory set with the old bearing kits. Even without counting the number of teeth to determine the gear ratio, you can see Toyota's fool-proof 4.3 brand atop the pinion, can't go wrong with that.
This thing packs a punch, I should put some 33's on...wait I have 33's on:naughty: Another 150kms to go before the recommended gear oil change and I will be sending the truck back to the shop. Can't wait to do some wheeling with it.
By the time i got into the shop they had already finished up the front end so I wasn't so fortunate to take up some photos, but just for the sake of this build thread, any photo to show for it is just as good as any.
Stock 4.30 rear set
Axle off
Once the axle was out of the way the stock 3rd member was removed and so was the E-locker actuator/motor.....
Housing and the sealant surface all cleaned at this point
4.88 differential all set ready to be mounted
Bead of sealant around the housing
Just you hold on to that for a second pls?
Locker actuator re-mounting
Here's some photos of the factory set with the old bearing kits. Even without counting the number of teeth to determine the gear ratio, you can see Toyota's fool-proof 4.3 brand atop the pinion, can't go wrong with that.
This thing packs a punch, I should put some 33's on...wait I have 33's on:naughty: Another 150kms to go before the recommended gear oil change and I will be sending the truck back to the shop. Can't wait to do some wheeling with it.
fightman80
New member
Very cool mod man! That truck must have alot more punch now!
blcktpgsr
New member
Thanks bud!
Certainly a good addition and yes it's definitely worth having, it's just as nimble on the low and the throttle response is definitely improved, it will only get better in the coming days that's for sure.
It's not much but Thank you kindly.
blcktpgsr
New member
Nice bro!Can't wait 'till you come down over the summer so we can wheel together. So what's next, S/C?
Yeah sure'd be nice if the summer plan materializes...Idk man S/C and even the sliders are tempting but those will just have to give way for something else. Let's wait on what I come up with.!???????
blcktpgsr
New member
Hmmmm....Photobucket's been having some trouble posting up some of my photos, hopefully they can resolve this issue sometime soon.:bash:
In the meantime I thought I'd update you guys with some recent developments, nothin' as serious this time as changing gears but here goes..
My wheels have been lacking some luster from wheeling and I thought I'd give 'em some good polishing. Used some Autosol courtesy of Fightman...very good stuff by the way, and it's brought back the shimmer from their weathered finish.
Installed my OEM cargo net I found from the junkyard...I now have less clutter in my cargo area...yippee!
:snacker::snacker::snacker:
And finally....after 3 months it has arrived. I have always wanted to have one for some reason...The Hilux Surf swing-away tire carrier. The tail gate and the carrier itself were off of a '96 Surf SSR-X. It also came with the JDM rear spoiler just like the Jaos ones. The tire carrier is one hefty unit with thick plates and heavy wall tubings.
In the back of my pick up truck
Carrier after re-painting
Picture of the quarter panel mounts. I Used some 7/16" grade 8 hex cap bolts just for extra insurance, the reinforcements were the exact replica of Macgyver's retrofit in his '98....thanks man, for all the help!
Photo of the latch mechanism and the pressure switch which I still have to wire, the carrier locks in place just like the doors that latch and then locks, and the pressure switch works just like the door switch connected to the indicator on the dash..atleast I would assume so.
Here's a quick video of the carrier and the Hilux Surf hatch. The 2 plugs/connector inside the headliner for the controls are an exact match, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I'm just happy I didn't have to modify none as far as wiring goes. The only thing is that I have to find a locksmith to make me a new key for the rear Hilux Surf door- for the auto roll-down feature, even If I hardly use it.
Inside the welding shop
With the carrier open
I just had to show my buddy my former 4Runner...:jk::jk:.ha ha!
Photos of the front and the revamped rear
My 4Runner Hilux Surf...hope you like it!
In the meantime I thought I'd update you guys with some recent developments, nothin' as serious this time as changing gears but here goes..
My wheels have been lacking some luster from wheeling and I thought I'd give 'em some good polishing. Used some Autosol courtesy of Fightman...very good stuff by the way, and it's brought back the shimmer from their weathered finish.
Installed my OEM cargo net I found from the junkyard...I now have less clutter in my cargo area...yippee!
:snacker::snacker::snacker:
And finally....after 3 months it has arrived. I have always wanted to have one for some reason...The Hilux Surf swing-away tire carrier. The tail gate and the carrier itself were off of a '96 Surf SSR-X. It also came with the JDM rear spoiler just like the Jaos ones. The tire carrier is one hefty unit with thick plates and heavy wall tubings.
In the back of my pick up truck
Carrier after re-painting
Picture of the quarter panel mounts. I Used some 7/16" grade 8 hex cap bolts just for extra insurance, the reinforcements were the exact replica of Macgyver's retrofit in his '98....thanks man, for all the help!
Photo of the latch mechanism and the pressure switch which I still have to wire, the carrier locks in place just like the doors that latch and then locks, and the pressure switch works just like the door switch connected to the indicator on the dash..atleast I would assume so.
Here's a quick video of the carrier and the Hilux Surf hatch. The 2 plugs/connector inside the headliner for the controls are an exact match, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I'm just happy I didn't have to modify none as far as wiring goes. The only thing is that I have to find a locksmith to make me a new key for the rear Hilux Surf door- for the auto roll-down feature, even If I hardly use it.
Inside the welding shop
With the carrier open
I just had to show my buddy my former 4Runner...:jk::jk:.ha ha!
Photos of the front and the revamped rear
My 4Runner Hilux Surf...hope you like it!
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you trying to get rid of that extra spoiler you have now? i have been looking online for that for about 2 months now and can only find the jaos one and cant really see myself spending that much on it. plus over here in afghanistan all they lease out to americans are hilux surfs on base and its to the point where every few nights i try to sneak around with one of my buddies and steal one off a car here... for the 2500 a month we pay for it it only seems like a fair trade haha
fightman80
New member
Looks good man! I'm really not liking you now! HA HA HA! For a while, I was the only guy that I knew of who had any kind of tire carrier that didn't involve changing out the whole rear bumper......:uzi: HA HA HA! The only thing I'm partial to, between yours and mine, is that mine is centered in the rear of the truck.....but yours is definately a better looking contraption! Why didn't they bring those over here too??
Great job on the install! Just out of curiosity....what does one of those setups cost???
Great job on the install! Just out of curiosity....what does one of those setups cost???
CoMarc
New member
All I have to say is WOW!!! I've always wanted a rear tire carrier, but all I've seen use an aftermarket rear bumper which to me doesn't look that clean. But that.. That right there is as clean as it gets! I really want to know where and how you got that there in place so I can do the same someday!
This 4Runner has become my favorite now. :trophy:
