daPitbull's 4Runner Build

so, seriously :) what are your feelings on the Prinsu? Im getting ready to drop the coin for a rack and this is at the top of my list.
Road/wind noise? vibrations?
Does it "look" like it was fit to the roofline?
Hows it look with a load up there? Handle weight without sagging. Will the weight be ok when your bouncing down a rough road for 45miles? AKA any Death Valley /Mojave excursion

Have any nice detail pics of the roofline and rack?

Prior to the Prinsu I ran a Gobi Stealth rack.
Here is a comparison on which wins:
Noise: Prinsu
Neither has any vibration issues. The Prinsu has noticeably less wind noise

Strength: Gobi
I stand on my roof to load and strap stuff down. The gobi has a mesh floor that makes it easier to walk around. The mesh would flex a little, but the cross bars did not have any noticeable flex...I'm about 150lbs

The prinsu rack does flex when I'm on the roof. I also need to balance on the crossbars since it doesn't have a mesh floor.

Rough roads are not an issue for either rack as long as you've strapped things down correctly.

Weight: Prinsu
Aluminum vs steel...

Flexibility: Prinsu
My opinion...the prinsu rack is made primarily of t-slot crossbars. There are several attachments that you can get...eyelets, screw studs, LED brackets, etc...and you don't need to get these from Prinsu. The cross bars are adjustable front to back.

The gobi on the other hand, isn't a flat rack, so it has raised bars that allow strapping down storage boxes much easier.

Overall I'm really happy with the prinsu. I needed the functionality of a flat rack, and didn't need the robustness of the gobi.
 
I got the 30" single row Heretic from prinsu. Super bright, and seems to be very good quality compared to the cheap versions I've seen.
 
I got the 30" single row Heretic from prinsu. Super bright, and seems to be very good quality compared to the cheap versions I've seen.

my bad, thought it was a double on your rack. Looks good, good to hear they are quality. I have a double row 30" though
 
Awesome right man! New to the 4runner world, so your truck is a lot like what I plan to build

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
 
Looks like Signal Peak , what did you think of the trail ?

Good eye! The trails Not bad... The beginning was steep and loose dirt. But pretty smooth the rest of the way. It's a physically tight trail reminded me of the start of Engineers Pass in Ouray.
 
Like that trail

Good eye! The trails Not bad... The beginning was steep and loose dirt. But pretty smooth the rest of the way. It's a physically tight trail reminded me of the start of Engineers Pass in Ouray.

The stone lookout had me thinking what it couldve been like spending a winter in that place. I'd really like to do the Eagle Lakes route that connects to Signal Peak trail

EDIT: Not the current rig..
 

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I've always loved this build. Props [MENTION=51568]daPitbull[/MENTION] it's very well thought out. Everything on this rig is spec'd for a purpose and you can see that it's quite effective in how you use it on your trips. I've been creeping this build since my 3rd gen days and still keep coming back to check out your awesome photos and any progress on the truck.

If you don't mind, I have a couple questions for you...

- You seem to use your truck for long distance hauls as well as on the trail. Do you ever wish you went for a 34" tire? (rotational mass weight savings + less rolling resistance than the true 35's)

- OEM 4.56 gears, I'm scratching my head on this... did you re-gear your diffs this way or did you score some unicorn OEM diffs from a wrecker or something?

- Would 35's be possible with no bodylift or only the 1" bodylift? I know this is a loaded question as I know all too well how to trim to fit 35's with only an inch of lift... but can it be done "cleanly" without cutting into the actual body of the truck?

I am planning my new-to-me 4th Gen build after just selling my 04' Tundra that was tubbed on 35's. I loved the truck and the 35's with the 4.56 gears were great but I am wondering if I should do a 34 this time around and alleviate some of the trimming and also gain a little bit more road manors with the decrease in rotational mass with the smaller (and lighter) tire. If I do run 35's I'd like to do it only if I can make them fit without drastic body modifications. I do not want to cut into the body. Cutting the fender is ok but not the main structure of the truck. Also debating long travel for mine, but I keep wondering when I would ever need it and you seem to use your truck very similar to how I use my own.

Sorry for the novel just stoked to pick your brain as you've had this rig for a few years now and logged some serious seat time with the tires and suspension setup that I may emulate.

Thanks for your time,
Addison
 
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Hey Addison...see below
I've always loved this build. Props [MENTION=51568]daPitbull[/MENTION] it's very well thought out. Everything on this rig is spec'd for a purpose and you can see that it's quite effective in how you use it on your trips. I've been creeping this build since my 3rd gen days and still keep coming back to check out your awesome photos and any progress on the truck.

If you don't mind, I have a couple questions for you...

- You seem to use your truck for long distance hauls as well as on the trail. Do you ever wish you went for a 34" tire? (rotational mass weight savings + less rolling resistance than the true 35's)
To be honest, for every day use and trail days, I really can't tell since I've got the V8 and 456 gears. I'll take every practical inch of ground clearance i can squeeze out. I don't think the weight benefits from a 34" to 35" is of any value for me. There has only been a few times where I wish I had more oompf, when driving through Colorado peaks, but other then that it's been ok.

- OEM 4.56 gears, I'm scratching my head on this... did you re-gear your diffs this way or did you score some unicorn OEM diffs from a wrecker or something?
A local toyota specialty shop was able to source OEM gears that were 456

- Would 35's be possible with no bodylift or only the 1" bodylift? I know this is a loaded question as I know all too well how to trim to fit 35's with only an inch of lift... but can it be done "cleanly" without cutting into the actual body of the truck?
I ran a 1" with 35". No matter how much I pounded and cut, I still couldn't get rid of the rubbing. I still rub on the frame on occasion. I've been putting off welding on steering stops.

I am planning my new-to-me 4th Gen build after just selling my 04' Tundra that was tubbed on 35's. I loved the truck and the 35's with the 4.56 gears were great but I am wondering if I should do a 34 this time around and alleviate some of the trimming and also gain a little bit more road manors with the decrease in rotational mass with the smaller (and lighter) tire. If I do run 35's I'd like to do it only if I can make them fit without drastic body modifications. I do not want to cut into the body. Cutting the fender is ok but not the main structure of the truck. Also debating long travel for mine, but I keep wondering when I would ever need it and you seem to use your truck very similar to how I use my own.
Haha...don't hold your breath! After considering a SAS, I'll be going LT early part of next year. The 4runner is going to become a weekend rig. I'm in the market for a used 200 series. Kids are getting bigger and need more room for these long trips!

Sorry for the novel just stoked to pick your brain as you've had this rig for a few years now and logged some serious seat time with the tires and suspension setup that I may emulate.

Thanks for your time,
Addison
 
Hey Mike...going with APs 2". haven't decided on coilovers yet. Going to also do metal tech LT in the rear and currie sway bar. Hoping i get a good bonus this year haha



Been happy with the Foxs up front but have had issues getting matching rears. Fox won't do custom DSCs so no LT rear for me. I will be going with the tundra rear DSCs which give an extended travel for our runners. But it's a 10+ week backorder.

If I were to do it again I would go with Kings. They will build rears to Metal Tech specs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Good info. Exactly why haven't decided on shocks yet.

Been happy with the Foxs up front but have had issues getting matching rears. Fox won't do custom DSCs so no LT rear for me. I will be going with the tundra rear DSCs which give an extended travel for our runners. But it's a 10+ week backorder.

If I were to do it again I would go with Kings. They will build rears to Metal Tech specs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Been happy with the Foxs up front but have had issues getting matching rears. Fox won't do custom DSCs so no LT rear for me. I will be going with the tundra rear DSCs which give an extended travel for our runners. But it's a 10+ week backorder.

If I were to do it again I would go with Kings. They will build rears to Metal Tech specs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I run the Tundra version 2.5 with DSC with the Icon Overland Springs. I think its a great rear suspension set up (however not as big as the MT Long travel)
 
As you saw over on Expo, just got my OMF converted SCS Wheels. I was told the max air-up pressure is 25 psi but it seems like this is a loose term. You've been running the OMF beadlocks for a couple years, do you air them up to 35+?? Any issues? Also what is your maintenance schedule like on the wheels? Check torque each year?

Sorry for all the questions but your one of few I can find that woudl be a good source of feedback!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
[MENTION=51568]daPitbull[/MENTION]
 
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