Deployment 2011 hasn't been ALL bad...

[Delta13]

Since I left for deployment in early February, a lot has happened with my 4R. I've finally received pictures for everything that's happened with it. And it's far from over.

In Florida, I had been off-road many times in it before, but never needed a winch or anything fancy to get me out of mud holes since I was always with a friend (or 10). In November I was transferred to San Diego and don't know anyone in the area who primary hits the trails (as apposed to the dunes). I needed to replace my front bumper and my front driver's side headlight since someone hit me after running a red light on Christmas night (lame). So I convinced myself it was time for a new look, as well as a place to put a winch since I see much more difficult terrain here than Florida. With that, here's what's been goin' on!

The first thing I had done was ordering/installing my TAG front bumper which you will see in all the pictures

 

[Delta13]

And then there was lift...

The next thing I had lined up was an OME lift kit. I had it installed through Ben Lifted in Scott's Valley, CA. They recommended that I go with Bilstein struts instead of the struts that are typically sold in OME packages. I'm no expert on suspension, so I let them decide what was going to be best for my ideal rig. The people at Ben Lifted are extremely helpful and asked plenty of questions to get the perfect image of what I was aiming for. If you're looking for work done in the Monterey Bay, I highly recommend them.

The following pictures are what my 4Runner looks like now.

 

[gaterose]

Lookin' good! is that bumper a one off or do they build them on a regular basis? Any other plans for the future? Tires?

 

[Delta13]

In the near future...

With a little less than 2 months left on deployment, I should be able to save up enough money for what I'm planning.

The tires I currently have on there are a little too small, but they're still quite new, so I don't want to get rid of them quite yet. This is why I aim to get some BF Goodrich A/Ts on some FJ Cruiser TRD rims (If I can find some without having to "borrow" someone's VIN [lol]). Anyone have any input on that whole situation, btw?

In addition to the wheels/tires, I'm planning on getting a full 5-piece Skid Plate set from Budbuilt since my habit of getting high-centered was a little more than "frequent" in FL; As well as (hopefully) a Smittybilt XRC-10(or 12) Comp winch.

I hope y'all have enjoyed my write-up! Feel free to ask me any questions and let me know what ya think. ESPECIALLY if you have any tips or recommendations on how to save money. Lol. I am attracted to all the expensive hobbies.

 

[Delta13]

Lookin' good! is that bumper a one off or do they build them on a regular basis? Any other plans for the future? Tires?

Their website is :: Tactical Armor Group :: Store .

A friend of mine in FL had a complete set of front/rear bumpers and a tire carrier on his 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I absolutely loved it, so I decided to see what they could do for me, and I am impressed. (although I have yet to see it in person, lol)

 

[gaterose]

very nice, not too pricey either! thanks for the info!

what about tires? I see you got FJ TRD rims in your sig. You can't put those on without new tires :shrug::wink2:

 

[Delta13]

very nice, not too pricey either! thanks for the info!

what about tires? I see you got FJ TRD rims in your sig. You can't put those on without new tires :shrug::wink2:

Well, I'm looking into BFG A/Ts at the moment. But I'm also looking at cheaper options if there are only. With those rims I can't really go cheap can I? I'm just trying not to kill all my funds before I'm forced to stop. It's really easy to pick up momentum with this and start spending more than I've got, so I'm trying to take it slow. But if anyone has recommendations on lower-priced but not set-for-failure tires, I'm listening!

 

[4Runners]

Nice 4runner. Love the lift! Hey are your rims powder coated black or plasti-dipped? Can't tell form your pics.

 

[Delta13]

Nice 4runner. Love the lift! Hey are your rims powder coated black or plasti-dipped? Can't tell form your pics.

I went the extremely cheap route on those; I actually just sanded 'em down and used high-temp spray paint (I believe it was brake caliper paint) It's held up fairly well since I did it about 8 months ago and was on the trail just about every other day when I was stationed in FL. Of course there isn't a single rock in FL to scratch them, lol, just sand/mud. I wasn't planning on having them on there more than 2 months after I got the 4Runner, but a family emergency set me back quite a bit.

 

[4Runners]

I went the extremely cheap route on those; I actually just sanded 'em down and used high-temp spray paint (I believe it was brake caliper paint) It's held up fairly well since I did it about 8 months ago and was on the trail just about every other day when I was stationed in FL. Of course there isn't a single rock in FL to scratch them, lol, just sand/mud. I wasn't planning on having them on there more than 2 months after I got the 4Runner, but a family emergency set me back quite a bit.

Well, you could have fooled me. Those rims look pro! Overall i really like the look of your rig, it's got that aggressive armored vehicle look to it! I wonder how that bumper would hold up if you ran into another red light runner. The shockworks bumper (although twice the price of yours) really held up in a collision. Check it out here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88067-why-shrockworks-definitely-worth-price.html

Keep up the good work and come home safe! I bet you can't wait to drive her!

 

[Burt]

I like that look! But you really have to work on your parking skills.

 

[zstampe]

I like that look! But you really have to work on your parking skills.

He's not parked! He's urban wheeling! Ha ha. Cool truck man.

Zach