Camel's latest T4R build thread

happy life because I have a happy wife!

As for the BHLM, it wasn't hard at all. The #1 rule on that mod is to take your time. Unfortunately, I broke that rule and now I have broken tabs and scuff marks. It's not very noticeable, but I see it. The finish inside looks great. I used black plasti dip on the main area and gunmetal on the signal reflectors. Maybe one day I'll get some new ones, but I'm still on a tight budget for now.

Thanks again for the compliments. :yo:

Ha not going to argue you there with the happy wife, I FULLY UNDERSTAND that.

Thanks again for the heads up and maybe, just maybe I will get to that this summer. But I have a list of mandatory to-dos before I even get to the optional stuff.

Enjoy the new 4runner and the new memories!
 
Ha not going to argue you there with the happy wife, I FULLY UNDERSTAND that.

Thanks again for the heads up and maybe, just maybe I will get to that this summer. But I have a list of mandatory to-dos before I even get to the optional stuff.

Enjoy the new 4runner and the new memories!

Thanks man. There are plenty of good write-ups on here. Just read as many as you can and take your time. I've got a long list also. I'm just glad of this time change so that I have a little daylight after work for mods/maintenance now!
 
Great build! Love the new shoes looks awesome :thumb3: God you guys are killing me on here, I want 35's so bad but i keep telling myself i'm going to do the right thing and wait until my current tires wear down but you guys are making extremely difficult to do:decision:
 
Your rig looks great! I settled on 32's not too long ago because it was a little more practical than putting some more lift on it and doing some minor body work but you kinda make me wish I had gone 35's! lol
 
Did you run spacers on the stock suspension or not until you were lifted? I just got a 2004 SR5 and I am thinking about doing spacers.
 
Did you run spacers on the stock suspension or not until you were lifted? I just got a 2004 SR5 and I am thinking about doing spacers.

The stock suspension had spacers on it, but the coils were so worn out that you couldn't really tell. I was disappointed to find spacers under there when I got ready to put the FJs in. I really didn't think I was going to end up with enough lift to clear the tires. I'd still like another 1-1.5" just for extra clearance.
 
The stock suspension had spacers on it, but the coils were so worn out that you couldn't really tell. I was disappointed to find spacers under there when I got ready to put the FJs in. I really didn't think I was going to end up with enough lift to clear the tires. I'd still like another 1-1.5" just for extra clearance.

Dump the spacers and gets spindles! I am getting mine aligned today and should have some pics this afternoon or tomorrow.
 
Dump the spacers and gets spindles! I am getting mine aligned today and should have some pics this afternoon or tomorrow.

I've really been considering spindles lately. My budget just won't allow it right now. How much lift will you gain out of yours? What are the benefits other than ride quality?
 
I've really been considering spindles lately. My budget just won't allow it right now. How much lift will you gain out of yours? What are the benefits other than ride quality?

No problem, do it when your budget allows. I got these but they were $350 when I ordered them: 2003 2009 Toyota 4Runner 2007 2014 FJ Cruiser 4" inch Lift Spindles 2WD | eBay
Lift wise is hard to say because I got tired of the harsh ride of the FJ/Bilstein @ max combo, I tore out the FJ's and put my stocks back in but couldn't stand the loss in lift and still crap ride. Approx #'s = stock coil/Bilstein max 36 1/2 to 36 3/4, FJ/Bilstein max 37 1/2ish, FJ/Bilstien 0 w/ spindles 38 1/4 to 38 1/2, I am running 32" tires. Besides ride quality which is huge, you gain ground clearance because the hubs mount lower it pushes everything up.
 
No problem, do it when your budget allows. I got these but they were $350 when I ordered them: 2003 2009 Toyota 4Runner 2007 2014 FJ Cruiser 4" inch Lift Spindles 2WD | eBay
Lift wise is hard to say because I got tired of the harsh ride of the FJ/Bilstein @ max combo, I tore out the FJ's and put my stocks back in but couldn't stand the loss in lift and still crap ride. Approx #'s = stock coil/Bilstein max 36 1/2 to 36 3/4, FJ/Bilstein max 37 1/2ish, FJ/Bilstien 0 w/ spindles 38 1/4 to 38 1/2, I am running 32" tires. Besides ride quality which is huge, you gain ground clearance because the hubs mount lower it pushes everything up.

Thanks, that's some good info. I just measured mine out at 40 1/4. That's on FJs with what I believe to be a 2" spacer (maybe 1.5") and 1" BL on 35s.
 
Thanks, that's some good info. I just measured mine out at 40 1/4. That's on FJs with what I believe to be a 2" spacer (maybe 1.5") and 1" BL on 35s.

You will probably be pushing close to 42 1/2 to 43 with spindles and no spacer, you have 1 1/2 more clearance on your 3" bigger tires and you have 1" over me in body lift.
 
You will probably be pushing close to 42 1/2 to 43 with spindles and no spacer, you have 1 1/2 more clearance on your 3" bigger tires and you have 1" over me in body lift.

Damn, that sounds about perfect. I need to get to cleaning out my garage and see what I can get rid of on Ebay! :typing:
 
Cheapskate upper grill light bar mount

I've only seen one other person do this on a 4th Gen and he had a Satoshi grill. I like to do things a little different if I can, and I'm cheap/broke, so this is what I came up with. You'll need two L-brackets from Lowe's or HD. Total cost of mount: ~$5

If you have a bench vise, this will take a little trial and error. If you don't, it may take a little more. The first bracket took about 20 minutes to get right, the second took about one minute.

You will use two bolts on the bumper reinforcement and the two bolts that came with your light bar (if you got the type with the end mounts).

My light bar was listed as being 35", but without the supplied side mounts, it's around 32".
 

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With the headlights out and the hood shut and latched.
 

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Mounted up
 

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Slick low profile switch so that your idiot friends (we all have them) don't immediately know how to turn it on. "Stealth" all the way around.
 

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Oh yeah, you will have to re-engineer the hood latch pull handle. I'm still working on that. For now, I just have it poking through the Toyota hole. I've got some ideas so stay tuned.
 

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