<Build Thread> Kenai, AK '99 SR5

Pics of my trip starting in Palmer, up to Independence Mine, then over the Summit and down to Willow. Took several side roads as well. Of course, those were the best!

F-You Gate!
20180816_132155 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_132216 by psraff, on Flickr

Love all of these mountains!
20180816_132307 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_144810 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_144818 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_133337 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_134123 by psraff, on Flickr

Independance Mine
20180816_142120 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_142157 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_145739 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_145723 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_143850 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_143906 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_143452 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_142357 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_142348 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_144837 by psraff, on Flickr

Exit of old Water Tunnel
20180816_145927 by psraff, on Flickr

Old Electrical
20180816_145823 by psraff, on Flickr

Old Shaft
20180816_144802 by psraff, on Flickr
 
More pics of the trip!

There's a lake behind that ridge line
20180816_144938 by psraff, on Flickr

Old Shafts all over in these mountains
20180816_144915 by psraff, on Flickr

Ore Train
20180816_145643 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_145702 by psraff, on Flickr

More Pics of of Independence Mine
20180816_145728 by psraff, on Flickr

Old Oil Barrel
20180816_150230 by psraff, on Flickr

Old furnace in some kind of machine shop?
20180816_150239 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_150307 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_150053 by psraff, on Flickr

Someone having a bad day
20180816_154219 by psraff, on Flickr

Pics at the summit
20180816_154805 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_154740 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_154335 by psraff, on Flickr

Heading down the other side. See the old road going up?
20180816_155026 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_160130 by psraff, on Flickr

End of a side trail, before hiking farther up
20180816_171123 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_160133 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_163441 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_171128 by psraff, on Flickr

Another Mine Shaft
20180816_161228 by psraff, on Flickr
 
And some more!

More mountains!
20180816_172206 by psraff, on Flickr

4Runner in the Background
20180816_171933 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_173914 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_173919 by psraff, on Flickr

Mining Claim Marker
20180816_173459 by psraff, on Flickr

Love how the water is flowing over the flat rock. Not quite a waterfall, but it's something.
20180816_172808 by psraff, on Flickr

I think this is the best shot of the trip
20180816_174222 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_174305 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_174337 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_174324 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_174514 by psraff, on Flickr

Trail going to the top. Sure wish I had the time and energy to climb it!
20180816_174412 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_174412 by psraff, on Flickr

Little bit of Sun
20180816_183759 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_183023 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_183807 by psraff, on Flickr

Old Original Bridge. Can't even see the road to it due to the trees.
20180816_192122 by psraff, on Flickr

Where I camped
20180816_202057 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_202111 by psraff, on Flickr

20180816_202706 by psraff, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
The rig is looking pretty mean man. Dig it. How are you liking those 35's now that they are on the rig and you are out putting them to good use? I know that you liked the 255/85/16's just fine, but have issues sourcing tires up in your neck of the woods, but do you feel the 35's are offering you anymore plushness or capabilities on your travels so far?

Those are some great pics too! It looks like a set on Game of Thrones. LOL.
 
Road Bull said:
The rig is looking pretty mean man. Dig it. How are you liking those 35's now that they are on the rig and you are out putting them to good use? I know that you liked the 255/85/16's just fine, but have issues sourcing tires up in your neck of the woods, but do you feel the 35's are offering you anymore plushness or capabilities on your travels so far?

Those are some great pics too! It looks like a set on Game of Thrones. LOL.
Click to expand...

Thanks Buddy! With the tires, I'm glad I have the extra clearance. I did try to go up this one side trail and it turned into a real bad spot. Ruts, mud, narrow, with large boulders in the middle. Didn't matter the line I took, (with no spotter) I kept sliding into the ruts. That would get my rear diff hung up on the boulder. I abandoned that trail and had to back down a bit. That was the first time I really considered skid plates (been holding off for as long as possible due to shipping).

I was so pleased with how it would crawl in 4Lo. The only thing I didn't do was air down. I really didn't need to, but I should get in the habit of doing it. Going over the rocks (and it was getting worse the farther I went) I had to start picking my lines thinking of my sidewalls. Afterwards I checked my tires and not a single chunk or cut.

I do have a slight vibration and don't know if it's the tires or maybe my driveline. Before I knew better I dropped my driveline to change my UJoints and didn't mark it for reinstall. I know these tires aren't made to the highest specs so no matter how much I balance them I may have issues. But I do like them for what they offer.

On the highway, my truck ran great. Any serious incline I would drop out of O/D and it would power right up it (and even accelerate). One time I was stuck behind a vehicle and it went from 55 to 70 in no time at all.

Since I just picked up a trailer (which I can't even feel towing it right now), but once (if, LOL) I ever finish it, it will weight a bit more. I would like to still put a SC on just or the fun of it.

Turns out I didn't see any rubbing on my front end, which is surprising. But the rear tires rubbed the front of my rear bumper quite a bit. That's because it can't be raised up after the bodylift. I think I really have to look at a Savage Double Swing Out that fits. I want the Double for less weight on the hinge and also I won't need to extend the tongue as far on the trailer.

There was one guy who was asking me about my setup. I remember telling him, I couldn't be happier with my current setup. With the Tires and the lower air pressure (28lbs), the ADS Coilovers, and LC shocks in the rear, it's never been dialed in better then it is now. On the way down the rough rocky trail, a Side by Side was coming up. They pulled over for me, and they had the biggest smiles on their faces. I knew they were shocked and surprised to see me up that far.

Ok, Need to get the day started.... I'm running way late! LOL
 
psraff said:
Thanks Buddy! With the tires, I'm glad I have the extra clearance. I did try to go up this one side trail and it turned into a real bad spot. Ruts, mud, narrow, with large boulders in the middle. Didn't matter the line I took, (with no spotter) I kept sliding into the ruts. That would get my rear diff hung up on the boulder. I abandoned that trail and had to back down a bit. That was the first time I really considered skid plates (been holding off for as long as possible due to shipping).

I was so pleased with how it would crawl in 4Lo. The only thing I didn't do was air down. I really didn't need to, but I should get in the habit of doing it. Going over the rocks (and it was getting worse the farther I went) I had to start picking my lines thinking of my sidewalls. Afterwards I checked my tires and not a single chunk or cut.

I do have a slight vibration and don't know if it's the tires or maybe my driveline. Before I knew better I dropped my driveline to change my UJoints and didn't mark it for reinstall. I know these tires aren't made to the highest specs so no matter how much I balance them I may have issues. But I do like them for what they offer.

On the highway, my truck ran great. Any serious incline I would drop out of O/D and it would power right up it (and even accelerate). One time I was stuck behind a vehicle and it went from 55 to 70 in no time at all.

Since I just picked up a trailer (which I can't even feel towing it right now), but once (if, LOL) I ever finish it, it will weight a bit more. I would like to still put a SC on just or the fun of it.

Turns out I didn't see any rubbing on my front end, which is surprising. But the rear tires rubbed the front of my rear bumper quite a bit. That's because it can't be raised up after the bodylift. I think I really have to look at a Savage Double Swing Out that fits. I want the Double for less weight on the hinge and also I won't need to extend the tongue as far on the trailer.

There was one guy who was asking me about my setup. I remember telling him, I couldn't be happier with my current setup. With the Tires and the lower air pressure (28lbs), the ADS Coilovers, and LC shocks in the rear, it's never been dialed in better then it is now. On the way down the rough rocky trail, a Side by Side was coming up. They pulled over for me, and they had the biggest smiles on their faces. I knew they were shocked and surprised to see me up that far.

Ok, Need to get the day started.... I'm running way late! LOL
Click to expand...


Cool! Glad everything is dialed in for you. I go back and forth on wanting 35's. I probably don't NEED them for most of the trails I run. But once I get gears, I could see being tempted a bit more. It's not THAT much more expensive. I think having the 3.5" BS wheels and SPC UCA's might make fitting them up front easier. I just see some modified their front fenders and sometimes rear wheel well body to accommodate their 35's. Anyway. Good to see you out enjoying it!
 
Road Bull said:
Cool! Glad everything is dialed in for you. I go back and forth on wanting 35's. I probably don't NEED them for most of the trails I run. But once I get gears, I could see being tempted a bit more. It's not THAT much more expensive. I think having the 3.5" BS wheels and SPC UCA's might make fitting them up front easier. I just see some modified their front fenders and sometimes rear wheel well body to accommodate their 35's. Anyway. Good to see you out enjoying it!
Click to expand...

I look at it this way. Go with 35s and you will like it. If you find it's a bit too much, drop down to a 34" next time around. Also, regarding the trimming you do. The harder the trail the more trimming you have to do. You'll only need to trim for the extreme flexing. (Remember I have an inch and a half BL also). I don't do anything with my rear wheel wells until I fix my bumper. My front, I haven't moved my charcoal canister yet and I haven't rubbed it (yet). I need to wash the dirt off, but I don't think I hit anything in the front. Only because I haven't fully flexed the suspension yet. And up here, I don't see me hitting too many trails that are harder then I did the other day.
 
psraff said:
I look at it this way. Go with 35s and you will like it. If you find it's a bit too much, drop down to a 34" next time around. Also, regarding the trimming you do. The harder the trail the more trimming you have to do. You'll only need to trim for the extreme flexing. (Remember I have an inch and a half BL also). I don't do anything with my rear wheel wells until I fix my bumper. My front, I haven't moved my charcoal canister yet and I haven't rubbed it (yet). I need to wash the dirt off, but I don't think I hit anything in the front. Only because I haven't fully flexed the suspension yet. And up here, I don't see me hitting too many trails that are harder then I did the other day.
Click to expand...

Right on. But I would want to try to do it without a BL. So, at least washer fluid relocation, and I imagine tubing if I go that route. None are impossible, but it makes it easy to say screw it, staying with 33's. Lol.
 
love your build. going to be stationed in anchorage a little later this year and debating on building another third gen since im coming up... that or a fourth gen v8. you're inspiring me to build another third though!!!
 
psraff said:
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.

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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.

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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
Click to expand...

Where is the ashtray switch mount from?
 
Very old thread but my grandmother was born in Kenai. Supposedly still have family there. Very small world :phone:
 
AK buddies! :wave::mullet:


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