Camper runner

Update 11/18/2019

249,600 Miles

I'm planning on converting this truck to a pop-top camper capable of going off grid for weeks at a time. - sketch attached

But before I can start that I will be doing an overhaul of the cooling system, suspension, and sway bars

Parts List

- SPC UCA's
- Toyota LCA's with eimkeith reinforcement kit and limit strap tabs.
- King 2.5 Ext. Travel Coilovers - 1.5-1.9" lift in front
- King 2.0 rear shocks
- Timbren Bumpstops
- TK1 rock racer rear sway bar
- Toyota radiator +hoses
- Toyota front sway bar links
- Toyota front sway bar bushing
 

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249,600 Miles

I'm planning on converting this truck to a pop-top camper capable of going off grid for weeks at a time. - sketch attached

But before I can start that I will be doing an overhaul of the cooling system, suspension, and sway bars

Parts List

- SPC UCA's
- Toyota LCA's with eimkeith reinforcement kit and limit strap tabs.
- King 2.5 Ext. Travel Coilovers - 1.5-1.9" lift in front
- King 2.0 rear shocks
- Timbren Bumpstops
- TK1 rock racer rear sway bar
- Toyota radiator +hoses
- Toyota front sway bar links
- Toyota front sway bar bushing

How do you plan on doing the pop-up camper? Sort of like a wedge camper (like the top of a Vagabond, for example)?

Do you plan on building the popup yourself or using someone else's existing tent and making it work with what you have?

How do you intend to access this area? Through the vehicle, sunroof? Separate latter like traditional roof top tents?

Do you plan on cutting out the existing roof of your 4Runner?

Sorry for all the questions, this is something I've gone back and forth on for some time now and I think I've convinced myself away from it but I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
 
How do you plan on doing the pop-up camper? Sort of like a wedge camper (like the top of a Vagabond, for example)?

Do you plan on building the popup yourself or using someone else's existing tent and making it work with what you have?

How do you intend to access this area? Through the vehicle, sunroof? Separate latter like traditional roof top tents?

Do you plan on cutting out the existing roof of your 4Runner?

Sorry for all the questions, this is something I've gone back and forth on for some time now and I think I've convinced myself away from it but I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

I'm going to be doing it myself, I plan on having it live-able by 2022. Aluminum construction and wedge style like Vagabond.

Access through the cargo area, I am going to cut a fair sized hole in the rear roof, big enough to stand and cook while someone is sitting.

I have a sunroof on my truck that I am going too remove, panel over, and reinforce. Also going to incorporate a roll bar to reinforce the roof and add protection.

This album by Uro-Camper has some good information about how a similar build is done.
Techo elevable Oryx | Flickr
 
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I'm going to be doing it myself, I plan on having it live-able by 2022. Aluminum construction and wedge style like Vagabond.

Access through the cargo area, I am going to cut a fair sized hole in the rear roof, big enough to stand and cook while someone is sitting.

I have a sunroof on my truck that I am going too remove, panel over, and reinforce. Also going to incorporate a roll bar to reinforce the roof and add protection.

This album by Uro-Camper has some good information about how a similar build is done.
Techo elevable Oryx | Flickr

Do you plan on sleeping up there, like a vagabond? Or having it for extra standing space?

Either way, I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on this
 
Do you plan on sleeping up there, like a vagabond? Or having it for extra standing space?

Either way, I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on this

I will have a bed up there! im 6'4 so it will be a big bed, I plan on making use of all the roof space.

The bed will also slide away so you can use the cargo area to stand or cook.
 
Awesome build. Saw one in Truckee early this morning that looked really similar to yours (I think his was a limited though with painted bumpers, similar lift and sky box though). Look forward to seeing what you do with the pop-up camper over the roof. I've thought about this idea and seen it done on some landcruisers. I think a few of the new jeeps for sale in Carson have this too. Hope to spot you around town sometime.
 
Awesome build. Saw one in Truckee early this morning that looked really similar to yours (I think his was a limited though with painted bumpers, similar lift and sky box though). Look forward to seeing what you do with the pop-up camper over the roof. I've thought about this idea and seen it done on some landcruisers. I think a few of the new jeeps for sale in Carson have this too. Hope to spot you around town sometime.

Thanks dood! See ya around :flypig:
 
Update 1/3/2020

Reflectix window insulation and cooler mod


Going to camp at some hot springs tonight, probably the last trip for awhile... got some chopping to do.
 

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Update 4/15/2020

Lots of work getting done on the 4runner, hoping to have it back on the road by the end of April. I decided to go a bit more extreme with the rebuild, which will allow me to spend less time under this thing.

- New (oem) LCA's are on with eimkeith skid and limit strap kit, also replaced all of the alignment cams. (mine weren't seized but replaced for peace of mind)
- Added some weld next to each alignment tab on the frame to increase the strength of the stock tabs.
- Total chaos spindle gussets are welded up and pressed with new Koyo wheel bearings
- eimkeith strut tower re-enforcements are welded on (photo only shows tacks)
- Trailgear creeper breather (used a Toyota union for the axle housing) and custom mount for the e-brake cable "holder"

What's left to install...
- Champion radiator
- SPC UCA's
- Bilstein 5100 ext rear shocks
- Toyota front axle seals
- F/R Differential and Transmission fluid change
- Replace all drain/fill plugs and gaskets
- TIRES! 255/85/16 Yokohama Geolandars

Pretty happy that my pile (mountain) of parts is finally shrinking. :D





Camper Build:
- Sketch with some design revisions
- Ordered a Tern Overland window (300x500) going in place of one of the rear windows (haven't decided driver or passenger side) . Both rear windows will be removed and paneled with sheet metal.

My plan is to start on the structural build of the camper this summer after I get some trips in on the rebuild.
 

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I told my wife i wanted to do that with rear windows a while back and she thinks im nuts, pumped to see that and the camper!
great work on beefing up all the underside bits, i probably need to soon :noidea:
 
I told my wife i wanted to do that with rear windows a while back and she thinks im nuts, pumped to see that and the camper!
great work on beefing up all the underside bits, i probably need to soon :noidea:

Hahaha, I feel you there. Everyone asks why I’m gonna cut holes in it... cause it’s fun!

The front end was long overdue of an overhaul, the LCA bushings disintegrated and the truck wouldn’t drive straight Hahahah.
 
Update 6/1/2020

Camper build beginnings...

Driver side rear quarter window plate with Tern Overland window cut-out.

Hoping to have this laser cut soon. It will be cut out of 0.125 aluminum sheet.
 

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Your runner is really coming together! How do you plan to bend your rear window panels to match the contour of the originals and would you be willing to sell another set without the cut outs?
 
Your runner is really coming together! How do you plan to bend your rear window panels to match the contour of the originals and would you be willing to sell another set without the cut outs?


Thanks! The 0.125 aluminum is pretty flexible, contouring shouldn’t be an issue.

I’ll know more once I install it. Gonna use sikaflex 252 and through bolt in some places.

Yes I can definitely get you a set without the cut outs once I confirm fitment. Should be getting the panel back next week [emoji1783]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

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