<Build Thread> Kenai, AK '99 SR5

[psraff]

I was down in Kenai a few weeks ago staying with a friend, pretty sure I saw your 4Runner sometime around July 5-8 before we headed up to JBER for a unit reunion.
Very tastefully done .
I lIke it

Up on the Slope right now, or I would've replied sooner. Thanks for the complements. Appreciate it! I'm always looking out for other 4Runners and there's only one that has anything thing done to it, and they bought it that way from someone in Wasilla. So, I'm pretty much a loner down here! LOL

Congrats on the reunion. I just saw some videos of where I was at in Germany (someone had a reunion over there from our Company) and they changed it to low income housing. It breaks our hearts to see something with that much history turned to crap.

 

[RockyMtnPhoto]

Love the look of your build! Getting some good ideas.

 

[psraff]

It's been forever... long story short is, my 4Runner and this Forum was put on hold for quite a few months. Down below I had a list of projects that I needed to work on....

Planned upgrades:
1. 1 1/2" BL, Ordered -Done
2. Fix my Rear Swaybar: 3 of 4 mounting bolts are broke because I wanted to grease my bushings.... (Right now I have it removed; not what I want to have long term)
3. I think I have a my shocks in the rear getting soft. Time to upgrade? -Done, Upgraded to LC Shocks and Love them!
4. Switch bank and relay mount-Done
5. Re-Gear to 5.29-Done
6. Trailer
7. Exhaust is finally getting soft. Researching on Replacement.-Done
8. Replace Cracked Windshield -Done
9. Replace Glass in both Headlights -Done

When I replaced my Windshield, I had to replace my rear glass as well. Blew it out playing one day.

I did get it one step closer to fit 35" tires (Besides the Body Lift). I did get some SPC Upper Control Arms installed and aligned.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/222450-spc-uca-alignment-sheets.html

I've also been working on a rear storage with an air compressor and tank built into it. Plus for the fun of it, I installed an inverter as well. I'll have pics posted tomorrow once I have it assembled with all I've done. Unfortunately, my plans changed for it after it was mostly built and I need to fit a second battery in there as well. I'll have to find a somewhat low profile battery (somewhat under 8") for my plans to work.

 

[psraff]

As promised.

I started this months ago, but life got in the way and I just blew the dust off of it. I just got a handful of parts in yesterday and I have it as far as I can before I have to go back to work up on the Slope for a month.

Story is, is it will have drawers in it like everyone does, but also have the top on hinges so you can still get to everything if for some reason you can't open your rear hatch. IE, it would really suck if you slid back and your ass end is up against a rock or tree... You can't open your rear hatch, and then you can't get to any of your first aid or recovery gear if you have it stored in your drawers.

I was going to put a valve in to separate that tank from the gauge and connector, but I'm unable to find one that will mount behind a panel with only the handle showing. I had a Swagelok that I thought I could make work, but turns out the fittings on it are built into create the air tight seal. Change them, and you make the valve worthless....

Still need to install a battery in it's own compartment behind the inverter. Then a 70amp fuse (power to inverter and air compressor), and a small distribution block for smaller devices (lights, switches and such)

 

[spazzyone]

awesome build! Have you always lived in Alaska? I took a cruise from Seattle that stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway about 3 summers ago. It was incredible and sad at the same time. It's really eye opening to see all the ice melting and hearing locals talk about it. It was bright and sunny each day we were there and they swore it never happens that way.

 

[psraff]

awesome build! Have you always lived in Alaska? I took a cruise from Seattle that stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway about 3 summers ago. It was incredible and sad at the same time. It's really eye opening to see all the ice melting and hearing locals talk about it. It was bright and sunny each day we were there and they swore it never happens that way.

First off.... Many Thanks! I've got a lot of plans this year for this. I hope it all come together!

I was born up here, but grew up in Western Montana. I moved back about 12-13 years ago. I took the Inside Passage back up here and lived in Haines (just south of Skagway) for a few years and loved it!!! Hard to make money there, but the country was incredible. Moved to Kenai after that to make a living. As great as this country is, it's hard to find good places to take trips. You see these guys posting trips from Utah or Colorado and all the mountain roads. Up here, most are gated off. Plenty of mud to sink in, if you're into that.... I'm not. I kid you not, I've had to winch myself downhill through mud on a 4wheeler before because our soil has so much decaying organics in it, the water can't soak in and it forms a peat moss type consistency. LOL As I've been told before, "This is the only place on earth, you can have a swamp on the side of a mountain." :faint2:

There are a few trails up north that I want to research. I think the more I get out of Kenai, there's better options.

I'm one of many up here who're grateful for warmer weather when we get it. This morning it was -22. I've been on the Slope when it's almost -40 and it feels like -60. Please don't believe all you hear about no Artic Sea Ice. LOL I was just on the coast up here and it was solid as far as the eye can see. Or like what happened to an Uncle of mine. He came up and visited for 4 Summers in a row and had perfect weather all the time. Moved up here, bought property and built a home. Those next four years were long, wet and cold. LOL It's just we have cycles like everyone else, I think they're just more extreme \ noticeable up here.

Again, Thanks again on the complements.
Have a good one!

 

[Aeneas]

Sweet rig. Since you've had it for a while, how would you rate the 4runner experience on a scale of 1-10? Seems like you've had a good experience.

 

[psraff]

Sweet rig. Since you've had it for a while, how would you rate the 4runner experience on a scale of 1-10? Seems like you've had a good experience.

Thanks!

I've been very fortunate with my 4Runner. It's never let me down, anywhere. It's always in the back of my mind because I go so many places alone and up here (like many places) that can be a life and death situation.

Mechanically speaking, very solid. Never had anything break on me. No engine codes that weren't my fault, and even those were minor.

Only issue I ever had, was blew a sparkplug out of my head (again I blame myself for not checking my plugs once in a while).

I'm just shy of 200K but I'm not worried about that. Miles don't matter if you take care of it. With that being said, you HAVE TO invest in it. Mine is 18 years old. You have to replace original parts.

All in all I would say 8 or 9 out of 10. Yes, wish it had more power / torque for highway speeds and hills (but we all have extra weight and tires, so that's our own doing as well! LOL).

But this rig is a keeper.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

[psraff]

It's been awhile since I've updated this, but I've been busy that's for sure. As many have seen from other posts I've been working on my cargo box so here's a few pics below showing that.

List to do still for that:
Electric Solenoid Valve so when I turn the Compressor on, the valve activates (that way I don't have pressure at the quick connect at all times).
Drill two more holes in the box. Done
1. For 2 awg cable to go to battery at the engine Done
2. For Air Line for Front Locker (When that day comes) Done
3. For any other Control Wiring Done
Mount latches to secure the drawers and the top hatches Done
Change out my Air Compressor Switch to a DPDT so I can control it from either the front or the back of the 4Runner Not needed, just ran them in Parellel
Grind off tips of small screws holding piano hinge Done
Paint Touch Up Done

Then Phase II will be making two square-ish cubes that I'll be able to bolt together (and to the front of this main box) when my rear seats are folded down to add more storage and create a sleeping platform. This will be done with most likely 1/4" hardware and wingnuts so it's easy to put together and modify as needed.

I'll get more pics of the wiring components next time I'm in there.

Another project I've been trying to finish are my switches. As much as I wanted an overhead switch panel or one high up on the dash, I realized it just wasn't ever going to happen. Also, my plan with the GPS Double Din Stereo didn't work as I wanted either. I got it only because I wanted it for GPS. I didn't know it used Cell Towers for GPS and not actual Satellites (not sure on terminology or technology regarding this....), and in Alaska that turned out to be a waste of time. So I picked up these brackets and switches and have these all wired up and ready to go. The only thing I'm waiting on is to get my old stereo out of my kids Jeep... (which was T-Boned, so it's at the body shop). When I get it back, we'll swap stereos, these switches go in and I get to clean up my wiring once and for all. I'm hoping to upgrade my fuse block to Ripcords Acrylic platform at this time as well. Then I will get my cable to connect my two batteries and I'll be able to mark several projects off the list.
First Switch will provide power to all the switches.
Second Switch provides power to all my extra gauges.

I have several blanks for when I figure out my extra light situation. I know I want amber glow / driving lights in my grill and under my head lights. That's one switch. a set of lights (spots) in my hoop on my bumper; that's another switch. Another pair of matching lights, but floods where my Lightforce are; that's another switch....

Most likely winch control some day.... So as you see the spots get used up pretty quick.

Due to some medical issues and work taking a very scary and unexpected slow down all future upgrades have come to a screaming halt. Right now, I'm just trying to finish what I've started and clean up things that I've put off until I'm back in that area again (like cleaning up the wiring. I've been waiting to clean up the wiring till I get the switches. Been debating on how I want to do the switches forever!)

Maintenance issues I see happening.
Tires, Yes, they're still wearing out! Still hoping for 35s.
Front Breaks. My Tundra 199 Calipers are locking up, AGAIN... I have those 230 Powerstops in my Wishlist on Amazon.
I MIGHT have a seal beginning to leak on my Driver Rear Axle. I need to get under there and look. Nothing on the tire, but I had wetness on one lug when I rotated the tires.
Have a feeling my Sunroof drain may be plugged. Need to verify.

Yes, I know.... I have to get out and verify a few things. But I've got more activities then just the 4Runner. Spring Clean up in the yard area and hell.... I just finished painting my whole damn shop! I'm just sitting here admiring it right now.
New paint by psraff

 

[psraff]

Cleaned up the wiring today which was pretty hard to make look good. The 6 awg wire I pre measured and had a shop cut and put end on for me since I don't have a crimp tool that will do lugs that large yet. They messed up almost every single one of my measurements. But you get the idea on my wiring, and what's doing what. I have room for more connections on that fused distribution block so the sky's the limit. I will clean it up more once the battery is in there for it's final time.

20170520_152057 by psraff, on Flickr

20170520_152130 by psraff, on Flickr

20170520_152147 by psraff, on Flickr

 

[psraff]

Due to a lot of rain and not wanting to be trapped in the house, I did a little project that I've been wanted to address. Wanted to drop my Cargo Rack as low as I could so it didn't look so awkward. Of course due to the curvature of the roof, and the sun roof it's not as easy as you would think (everyone already knows this). So:

Parts List:
One Stick Shallow Strut
4 Square Washers
M6 Hardware
Swagelok Tubing Clamps

For the Yakama Rack with Extension you need right at 7/8" to clear the sun roof when you raise it. That's the thickness of Shallow Strut so I just double stacked it. Used the Square Washers to cap the Strut to give it some character is all.

Once it was all welded, painted and mounted it turns out I've lowered it a total of 1 1/4". Might not sound like much, but if you stand back and look at it, it look so much better.

I'm sure there's better/ cleaner ways to make the ends, but I didn't want to spend too much time on this. Some day I would like to make a whole new rack anyway.

20170701_104731 by psraff, on Flickr

20170701_104745 by psraff, on Flickr

Amount of clearance you have with the Sun Roof:
20170701_112148 by psraff, on Flickr

Swagelok Tubing Clamps:
20170701_120650 by psraff, on Flickr

20170701_112237 by psraff, on Flickr

Damn, that bumper gap looks huge at that angle!!!! :dammit:
20170701_120713 by psraff, on Flickr

 

[psraff]

Got back from the Slope last night and started to plan this morning out to work on the 4Runner.

Oh BTW, we had about 30 seconds of snow flurries yesterday up there... Anyway, opened up a few boxed that shown up while I was gone and got organized (ok... not REAL organized).

20170722_071411 by psraff, on Flickr

So here's an old pic of what Stereo I had in there before. Double DIN Android that I thought I wanted for GPS, but here in Alaska it just wasn't up for the job due to limited cell service.

2017-07-22_08-58-28 by psraff, on Flickr

Out with the old and in with the new! Single DIN Alpine UTE-62BT. Wanted the Single DIN because I picked up the switch brackets and switches months ago and had them wired up. Took me this long to decide on the Stereo. Also picked up a few more switches for my Winch Controls and cut them in above my 4WD Stick. They're not wired up yet, still waiting on this to be installed in my firewall.

2017-07-22_09-10-04 by psraff, on Flickr

Once I have that built and installed I'll have all my wires ran though that to my fuses and relays. Right now I have the console all put back together and the switches I need wired up. I'll have to add a Bussman Relay to my Fuse Block to it runs off my Ignition and not my battery so my switches will only work off the key but the major work is complete.

20170722_133642 by psraff, on Flickr

Yes, I plan on buying a new center dash soon. Just had to finally make up my mind what the finished product was going to be before I did. Also for the Instrument Switch, it's currently only going to my duel tranny temp gauge. But I would like to finish another project and get another gauge to do the same for coolant temps. Monitor before and after temps of the radiator like I do my tranny cooler. I may change the name of the switch from "Instrument Lights" to "Instrument Power". Not sure what I was thinking....

20170722_211803 by psraff, on Flickr

Right now, I only have the Fan Switch wired up.
20170722_211820 by psraff, on Flickr

Winch Controls:
20170722_211738 by psraff, on Flickr

 

[psraff]

Alright, this is something I did a while ago and I know I posted somewhere, but it's too important to let it go. When you mount fans on your trans cooler it's important (at least I feel) that the fan goes BEHIND it.

See how much it covers the cooler:
2017-07-25_04-44-59 by psraff, on Flickr

Under normal conditions, it doesn't get the airflow. And I was told this going into this project long ago when I got the fan, but at the time I was having fitting issues, so I put it in the front. True enough the cooler wasn't as efficient as it could've been. So a while back I reworked it:

20170521_145628 by psraff, on Flickr

Let me tell you, it's not easy to get it to fit. and I had to trim the grill to make room (which scares me some since I'm getting a new custom grill in a few weeks). But I instantly could tell the difference in the temps with my dual gauge.

20170521_145645 by psraff, on Flickr

This was just one more of those projects that was put on the back burner to finish but this year I'm getting them all checked off the list. So glad I did it!

 

[theesotericone]

Under normal conditions, it doesn't get the airflow. And I was told this going into this project long ago when I got the fan, but at the time I was having fitting issues, so I put it in the front. True enough the cooler wasn't as efficient as it could've been. So a while back I reworked it:

This was just one more of those projects that was put on the back burner to finish but this year I'm getting them all checked off the list. So glad I did it!

How big of a difference are you seeing? Mines mounted on front and will stay there. During normal town and highway driving there's plenty of flow going through it. My temps on highway almost never go above 170.

I installed it for slow wheeling up steep grades/passes. With the fan in front in a push configuration it's way more efficient than with the fan behind in a pull configuration. At least that's what my research suggested. I guess it boils down to preference/driving habits.

 

[psraff]

How big of a difference are you seeing? Mines mounted on front and will stay there. During normal town and highway driving there's plenty of flow going through it. My temps on highway almost never go above 170.

I installed it for slow wheeling up steep grades/passes. With the fan in front in a push configuration it's way more efficient than with the fan behind in a pull configuration. At least that's what my research suggested. I guess it boils down to preference/driving habits.

With my duel gauge setup, before in normal everyday driving, I would see average 12* difference in temps (notice in pics, those temps are taken right before and after the cooler). Maybe on a good day I could see 15*. Now I see at least 15* difference on a regular basis and I've even seen 20* at times. I haven't done any camping this year or mountain roads so I can't tell you any temps under those conditions. But I've turned it on around town on a hot day in traffic and still see the temps drop, so I know the functionality of the fan still works. When it comes to hitting the slow mountain roads (which is what I have it for), I hope it still excels.

 

[Road Bull]

There is a lot of cool stuff in this build psraff. I love that 1st Gen roll bar set up you are rockin there. How has the steel cable on your Warn M8000 been treating you? I currently have steel on my set up, but was contemplating switching over to synthetic. I love the ruggedness of your overall build man, and you certainly find some beautiful country to find adventures in. Cool stuff.

 

[geocook717]

Didn't get night pics... Sorry. But here are some during the day taken with the phone...

<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-30-06_603-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-30-06_603-1.jpg" border="0" alt="2012-11-30_14-30-06_603"/></a>

<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-00-32_561.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-00-32_561.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

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<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-03-03_445.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-03-03_445.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-03-13_776.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-03-13_776.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-28-50_171.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_13-28-50_171.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

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This is an ice waterfall (Water still flowing under the ice)
<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-20-51_708.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-20-51_708.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

<a href="http://s264.beta.photobucket.com/user/psraff/media/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-21-28_128.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/psraff/99%204Runner/2012-11-30_14-21-28_128.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"/></a>

Those yellowish offroad lights are schweet! Are they aftermarket or are they custom (setup and parts)?

 

[psraff]

Those yellowish offroad lights are schweet! Are they aftermarket or are they custom (setup and parts)?

Those are Lightforce 170 Lights with Amber Covers. Then I painted Nightshade over them. When they're off, they're black. When they're on I wanted them dark enough to not blind people.

If you put too much Nightshade on they will turn to a reddish color and the cops don't like that for obvious reasons. Simple fix is to just wet sand it back to how you like it.

Glad you like! Thanks!!

 

[psraff]

There is a lot of cool stuff in this build psraff. I love that 1st Gen roll bar set up you are rockin there. How has the steel cable on your Warn M8000 been treating you? I currently have steel on my set up, but was contemplating switching over to synthetic. I love the ruggedness of your overall build man, and you certainly find some beautiful country to find adventures in. Cool stuff.

Many thanks! I hope there's lots more to come. As for my winch cable, I haven't had to use it much but I did get it hung up on itself once causing a kink. So someday I'll change over myself but I don't use it enough yet to do it now. I have to finish other projects and get tires before winter.

Again. Thanks!

 

[psraff]

Back from the Slope and drove the 18 year old daughter and her Jeep through Canada to Washington for school. Time to finally put on my new brakes! Many Thanks to [MENTION=84643]JBurt[/MENTION] for getting them up to Alaska for me (3rd Party Sellers on Amazon wouldn't ship to AK, so shipped to Jeff's place in CA. Then he shipped up to me).

Old 190MM Tundra Brakes (Pistons freeze up on them every two years. These are the second pair for local Auto Store with life-time warrantee).

20170907_083859 by psraff, on Flickr

New 230MM Kit from Callahan on Amazon

20170907_094526 by psraff, on Flickr