Borfoo3's '15 TEP-KDSS 'no longer' mild build

[borfoo3]

Hey All,

Edit: 06-08-2019: It's been a few year's worth of evolution, so I updated the title of the thread to reflect my progress. As always, I will be updating all links on this 1st post for easy reference. Enjoy!

After months of lurking here, I think its time to share my minor build and my experience along with it. Honestly wasn't planning on posting this build, but figured it could help those looking for a 'milder' setup than some of the more hardcore rigs around here.

Add-ons/ upgrades done to the T4R:

Film protection: 3M front end w/mirrors
Tires: BFG A/T KO2's 265/70R17, 6-ply version, Load range C
Fronts shocks: ̶B̶i̶l̶s̶t̶e̶i̶n̶ ̶6̶1̶1̶2̶,̶ ̶m̶o̶d̶e̶l̶#̶ ̶4̶6̶-̶2̶2̶7̶2̶9̶4̶ (shout out to John & Mike from [MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] for finding these up for me and crazy FAST shipping) - Upgraded to KING 2.5 OEM Performance suspension
WHEELER’S Front SuperBump bumpstop set (Part# WHE 01SUPERBUMPKIT)
Rear Shocks (with ̶W̶h̶e̶e̶l̶e̶r̶'̶s̶ ̶T̶1̶2̶ ̶1̶.̶5̶"̶ ̶S̶p̶r̶i̶n̶g̶s̶ & ICON hydraulic Bump Stops): ̶B̶i̶l̶s̶t̶e̶i̶n̶ ̶5̶1̶6̶0̶,̶ ̶m̶o̶d̶e̶l̶ ̶#̶2̶5̶-̶2̶2̶7̶6̶1̶1̶ ̶(̶p̶l̶u̶s̶ ̶B̶i̶l̶s̶t̶e̶i̶n̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶r̶ ̶s̶h̶o̶c̶k̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶e̶r̶v̶o̶i̶r̶ ̶c̶l̶a̶m̶p̶s̶,̶ ̶m̶o̶d̶e̶l̶#̶ ̶1̶1̶-̶1̶7̶6̶0̶1̶5̶)̶ - Upgraded to KING 2.5 OEM Performance suspension with ICON 3" Overland coils
Spidertrax Wheel Spacers +1.25"
Intake: TRD Cold Air Intake, model# PTR03-89100
M̶a̶g̶n̶a̶f̶l̶o̶w̶ ̶1̶8̶"̶ ̶M̶u̶f̶f̶l̶e̶r̶ ̶(̶#̶1̶2̶2̶5̶5̶)̶ (replaced with local brand)
URD "Off-Road" Y-Pipe
Sprint Booster
TRD Skid plate (modded to fit)
̶W̶i̶r̶t̶h̶c̶o̶ ̶D̶u̶a̶l̶ ̶B̶a̶t̶t̶e̶r̶y̶ ̶S̶e̶t̶u̶p̶ --> upgraded to Redarc BCDC Dual battery Overhaul + Roof Solar Panel
Lights - Rigid D2 front pair + HighPower roof mounted side LEDs
Rhino Rack Backbone + Tray + Batwing Awning
Rago Fab Modular MOLLE Storage Panel
Rear SSO Steel bumper install V1.0

Other/ misc:

̶M̶i̶d̶l̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶7̶5̶-̶8̶2̶2̶ ̶4̶0̶-̶C̶h̶a̶n̶n̶e̶l̶ ̶C̶B̶ ̶R̶a̶d̶i̶o̶ - Upgraded to ICOM ID-5100A VHF/UHF Dual Band D-STAR Transceiver
Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle for 2-Inch Receivers
ARB ARB705US 2-3/8" x 30' Recovery Strap - 17500 lbs Capacity
Reese Towpower 74309 Interchangable 1 7/8", 2", 2 5/16" Hitch Ball Kit
Cowles T3802 Door Edge Guard
Weathertech Toyota 2015 4Runner FloorLiner™ DigitalFit® floor mat set (Part #: 444931-442862)
Toyota Envelope Style Cargo Net for Select 4Runner Models, (Model# PT347-89100)
OBD2 Scanner: RioRand (TM) RD8 Super Mini bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner-Android compatible + Torque app for my phone to monitor ECU stats



Bone stock:

Tires installed:

The fedex man's gifts.

SuperBumps

Front 6112s

Rear 5160s with billet clamps

TRD CAI

All done.

Spacers on (front side)

Spacers on (rear side)

SuperBumps installed, vehicle empty

Stats and notes:

The Toyota dealer ordered me a TRD skid plate when I purchased the vehicle claiming it will fit. Once everything came in, we have confirmed that indeed it WILL NOT FIT the 2015 T4R w/ KDSS as others have already mentioned. Returned this for a full refund. Then bought again and modded to fit.

Height with all stock shocks, stock vehicle (measured from lower wheel hub to fender, in inches)
Front Driver: 21.75"
Front Passenger: 21.60"
Rear Driver: 23.50"
Rear Passenger: 23.50"

Height on Bilstein 6112s fronts (2nd notch) and 5160 rears (OEM springs), stock vehicle (measured from lower wheel hub to top of the wheel well, in inches)
Front Driver: 23.00"
Front Passenger: 22.875"
Rear Driver: 23.625"
Rear Passenger: 23.875"

Note: These measurements were taken on the same day of install. Will see if they settle later on.

Update: Aug 07, 2015
Measurements after ~4 weeks break-in including +200km high speed dirt roads and some off-roading:

Height on Bilstein 6112s fronts (2nd notch) and 5160 rears (OEM springs), empty vehicle, full tank of gas, no wheel spacers, after front end alignment & Magnaflow muffler installed (measured from lower wheel hub to top of the wheel well, in inches)
Front Driver: 23.00"
Front Passenger: 23.00"
Rear Driver: 23.813"
Rear Passenger: 23.813"

Double checked all measurements and its pretty much bang on to this.

This leaves us with a delta gain over stock to:
Front End: +1.25"
Rear end: +0.313"


Driving notes and impressions:
Whilst its no dyno sheet or NASA lunar landing certified, figured I'd still do a mini trials course around my neighborhood to try and objectively compare the differences of mods vs stock.
The plan consisted of going around with a constant speed, driver only, full tank, no loads in the car. Testing sections consisted of:
Test 1. 30km/h to 0 km/h at 50% brake pedal, repeated with 100% brake pedal
Test 2. Drive through a parallel tarmac bumps section (almost like mini whoops), roughly 2-3 inches trough to crest, ~18ft wide at constant speed of 40km/h
Test 3. Right hand turn that has a slight decent with a mini concrete ditch (small rain gutter) at the intersection at a constant 30km/h
Test 4. Acceleration 25% pedal, 50 % pedal, then 100% pedal all non gradual from stop.

With the trusty butt dyno set on high precision, I did 2 runs around with both stock and post-install within 2 days and concluded the following for each test:

Likes:
Test 1. ~40% reduced nose dive in this test compared to stock. Held true in both cases
Test 2. Not harsh, felt like a better damped ride than stock.
Test 3. This test in stock shocks tossed the behicle around a bit due to the disturbance from both sharp turning and running through the ditch. Did not sense neither tossing nor any harshness from the bilsteins. Truck feels planted and solid!
Test 4. Felt a gain in the lower end (sub 2.5k RPM from standstill). Nothing miraculous but definitely noticeable. Did not really sense any significant improvement on the high end except the louder intake sound, which was very similar to the TRD CAIs on the FJ and is sweet.

Other changes noticed:
Test 1. No negative impact on braking performance from shocks or spacers. However, if I were to split hairs, I did notice a very slight reduction in visibility for close objects with the front end rake gone.
Test 2. Nothing else here.
Test 3. Minor rubbing from the BFGs on the mudguard end on both front tires.. Kinda surprising given their stockish size. Tires were at 37psi.
Test 4. None so far. Worth mentioning that TRD CAI is a bit louder than stock especially on higher revs.


Credits (and links):

Lift installation on KDSS vehicles:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/154230-how-lift-installation-kdss-equipped-vehicles.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...%92s-ideas-since-mid-2010-a-6.html#post754964

TRD Intake installation on 2014/ 2015 T4Rs:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/85960-how-guide-trd-cai-installation.html

Last but not least, many thanks to the efforts & write-ups of the T4R community members who helped guide the course of this build by sharing their experiences!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I like it. Most of my 4Runners have been very mild builds also. FedEx man just delivered my TRD Pro suspension kit today for my '15 SR5P. (Still worried about the infamous knock) Picking up my Trail wheels tomorrow and called my buddy to price a few tires for me. Most likely will wind up with Firestone Destination A/T's.

Good luck with yours and safe travels home.

 

[SKP-4R]

Wonderful write-up, curious as to why you chose Bilstein over ICON. I know ICON is considerably pricier, but on the road they're hard to beat.

 

[borfoo3]

I like it. Most of my 4Runners have been very mild builds also. FedEx man just delivered my TRD Pro suspension kit today for my '15 SR5P. (Still worried about the infamous knock) Picking up my Trail wheels tomorrow and called my buddy to price a few tires for me. Most likely will wind up with Firestone Destination A/T's.

Good luck with yours and safe travels home.

Thanks man. Seems like Mr Fedex been busy lately!

Wonderful write-up, curious as to why you chose Bilstein over ICON. I know ICON is considerably pricier, but on the road they're hard to beat.

I did look into the ICONs, but my previous experience on a buddy's taco with stage 3s (or 4s, not sure, but they were the non adjustable for compression or rebound types) they rode a bit too harsh for my taste.. plus 'mild' builds' got a 'mild' budget for now.. next step up, if it ever gets there, would be mid to long travel Kings inspired by this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILYk6kO0Ne4

 

[Neauxla]

I am doing my build somewhat similar as it is a DD but I added a roof rack and sliders and instead of getting new shocks, I'm getting spacers b/c I can't see getting rid of my nice XREAS

 

[marshal]

A CAI won't do you any good as you already have one from the factory, and premium fuel won't net you much considering the VVT-I valve system this engine sports. You'd be literally throwing money away

 

[Forest RnR]

borfoo3 great build so far! Looks like your ready for the big desert. Awesome video too, that looks fun and crazy all at once in those dunes.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

A CAI won't do you any good as you already have one from the factory, and premium fuel won't net you much considering the VVT-I valve system this engine sports. You'd be literally throwing money away

The TRD intake has dynoed at 8hp and 15tq by a few of the members here. Pretty nice gains.

 

[borfoo3]

A CAI won't do you any good as you already have one from the factory, and premium fuel won't net you much considering the VVT-I valve system this engine sports. You'd be literally throwing money away

Well, can't really show proof as I've mentioned above so can only relate to my own experiences on this one. I've had a few builds and dynos in the past ('71 Roadrunner with a built 383, full exhaust, '71 GTO Judge with a 455 HO and full exhaust, carbs, '12 G37S w/ High flow cats, catbacks, long tube intakes, ECU tune...etc.) and dyno'd and carefully driven EVERY change on all of them with plenty of hits n misses.. Personally I don't go easy on what I buy just because I spent the money.. If its shit or useless, out it goes. The CAI didn't feel like a 'wasted' effort to be honest. I do feel a change, and whilst I never trust butt dynos or ears as a replacement for better means of reading power figures, I can say with confidence there is a gain to be felt for sure. Even if I'm completely wrong here, I'd still keep it for the noises.

Money throwing, on the other hand, is a problem I'll admit to.. :shrug:

borfoo3 great build so far! Looks like your ready for the big desert. Awesome video too, that looks fun and crazy all at once in those dunes.

Thanks! It is crazy out there.. definitely different than trails n all, but still fun nonetheless!

I am doing my build somewhat similar as it is a DD but I added a roof rack and sliders and instead of getting new shocks, I'm getting spacers b/c I can't see getting rid of my nice XREAS

Yeah, the guy at the shop told me they did an XREAS change to aftermarket and it took them some effort.. More importantly, if it works for you as it is and your happy with it, keep it! Still drooling myself over a gobi rack and ladder.. but we'll see how it goes.

 

[msp]

Did you get an alignment done? I'm curious about the caster setting. I'm heading in the same direction but have spent, literally, weeks trying to decide on UCA replacements.

 

[borfoo3]

Did you get an alignment done? I'm curious about the caster setting. I'm heading in the same direction but have spent, literally, weeks trying to decide on UCA replacements.

Was actually booked for the alignment, then they test drove it and advised me to cancel it. Drives as good as stock so far from what I can tell.

As far as UCA's, decided I didn't need them and kept the stocks.. seems like its mostly those going beyond +2" lifts who end up swapping them out.

 

[marshal]

The TRD intake has dynoed at 8hp and 15tq by a few of the members here. Pretty nice gains.

It may be a TRD product, but those numbers are also achieved at the cost of loss of filtering capacity.

 

[sandcrawler]

It may be a TRD product, but those numbers are also achieved at the cost of loss of filtering capacity.

i've been running the TRD CAI with an aFe Pro-Dry filter for nearly 4 years now and my used oil analyses show silicon numbers below unit averages, so it is not filtering any worse than the stock intake w/ paper filter—according to the actual data.

 

[marshal]

i've been running the TRD CAI with an aFe Pro-Dry filter for nearly 4 years now and my used oil analyses show silicon numbers below unit averages, so it is not filtering any worse than the stock intake w/ paper filter—according to the actual data.

That's using the AFE filter though, which is different from the oiled filter that it comes with, you can't make a comparison. The AFE filter is the best you can buy

 

[sandcrawler]

That's using the AFE filter though, which is different from the oiled filter that it comes with, you can't make a comparison. The AFE filter is the best you can buy

fair point.

 

[Saker]

Did you get an alignment done? I'm curious about the caster setting. I'm heading in the same direction but have spent, literally, weeks trying to decide on UCA replacements.

Was actually booked for the alignment, then they test drove it and advised me to cancel it. Drives as good as stock so far from what I can tell.

I am surprised someone hasn't chimed in on this yet.....

You change the geometry on your front end. Whomever you brought it to advised you to cancel your alignment appt because they "test drove it"!?!?!?
Who checks alignment specs by driving it?

First off your tires shouldn't be rubbing if it were aligned correctly with 265's installed.
Do yourself a favor.
Take it to someone that knows what they are doing and get it aligned to within specs.

just sayin'

 

[msp]

I am surprised someone hasn't chimed in on this yet.....

You change the geometry on your front end. Whomever you brought it to advised you to cancel your alignment appt because they "test drove it"!?!?!?
Who checks alignment specs by driving it?

First off your tires shouldn't be rubbing if it were aligned correctly with 265's installed.
Do yourself a favor.
Take it to someone that knows what they are doing and get it aligned to within specs.

just sayin'

It probably does drive "fine." But most folks here are a bit OCD about their vehicle. I'm equally concerned about full "droop" with KDSS and different coilovers, and I don't have a shop around here I really trust. So, I keep researching... It makes me just want to go Icon Stage 2 and not worry about it. Until I look at the price tag...

 

[mcarey86]

It probably does drive "fine." But most folks here are a bit OCD about their vehicle. I'm equally concerned about full "droop" with KDSS and different coilovers, and I don't have a shop around here I really trust. So, I keep researching... It makes me just want to go Icon Stage 2 and not worry about it. Until I look at the price tag...

What is full droop?

 

[WTERUNNER]

fair point.

AFE makes a CAI system for the 4Runner that's looks very similar to the TRD. Any reason why you didn't just buy the whole AFE intake?

 

[barryhiram]

I am surprised someone hasn't chimed in on this yet.....

You change the geometry on your front end. Whomever you brought it to advised you to cancel your alignment appt because they "test drove it"!?!?!?
Who checks alignment specs by driving it?

First off your tires shouldn't be rubbing if it were aligned correctly with 265's installed.
Do yourself a favor.
Take it to someone that knows what they are doing and get it aligned to within specs.

just sayin'

^^^^ X2 :iagree: