Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[99 sr5 highlander]

Freakin sweet. Except now ya got me all self conscious about my stock horns.

 

[Dirtco]

Hey, if you have any spare Ford horn's laying around....mail me one. lol

Haha, I have plenty of them, but they are still in the vehicles! I don’t think it would go over very well if a bunch vans were missing their horns.

Nnnoooooo. It's over. What a thread can't wait to see more. I'm working on acquiring my first 4runner right now and can't wait to have adventures like this!! Awesome build!, sooo inspiring!

Thanks man, and good luck! I’m sure this thread will be around for a while, there’s no reason to freak out yet.

Lol, those little retainer clips on the headlight adjusters are such a PITA. They seem to always remove themselves. Funny how once you get in there and start working, one thing leads to another, and your modding or fixing multiple little things at once.

Cool idea with the horns, the stock ones are pathetic at best. I want to throw some Tundra horns in mine next time I can grab some from the junkyard.

Isn’t that the truth, I couldn’t figure out why my headlights were so far out of adjustment. The Tundra horns sound promising.

i pulled the horns out of a early 80s cadilac when i first got my truck. i have the hella rally super tones horns on my red 85 truck and they just dont sound that great IMO, so i went with real american horns for my 4runner. -it seams to get the point across... but next on the list is an electric air horn with 110w speaker

I youtubed the Hella horns, and while the computer does no justice, they just didn’t sound right to me (there are different models though). I didn’t need anything fancy, or super loud, I just wanted something that matched the vehicle better and didn’t sound like a VW. I know how the Ford horns sound so I just went with that.

did you use 14" straps for the front also?

No, the front has 10” straps.

I love the build read the whole build gave me lots of ideas

Thanks!

Freakin sweet. Except now ya got me all self conscious about my stock horns.

Tell me about it… I feel much better now

 

[Dirtco]

The trip pics are great! I took the family to Moab a few years ago. We flew into Salt Lake and rented a car-- they upgraded us to a Mountaineer! This resulted in my first experience off-roading! Loved it--- Moab was the perfect backdrop--- my Wife and sons alway refer back to our Utah Holiday when we talk about our favorite destinations.
Which of course, has led to my 4Runner ownership! Keep up the pics! Thanks for sharing!!

Thank you, I’m glad my adventures could take you down memory lane for a few minutes! Moab is a beautiful place, and has a way of making you feel like Robby Gordon in Baja, or Shannon Cambell at KOH. I can’t wait to get back out there!

Nice camping pics, I'm pretty upset I've been just about everywhere west of the Mississippi, except Moab. Have you had any problems with condensation under the mattress of your Tepui? I think you've inspired me to get a heated blanket for mine also, I didn't realize they had an automatic shutoff...

Thanks! You really need to make a trip out there; it’s an amazing place!

Yes, I noticed some condensation under my mattress when I was packing it up. It was the first time I had camped in below freezing weather, I didn’t know if it was a normal thing for roof top tents. Have you heard anything else about it?

The heated blanket is awesome, and the automatic shutoff is nice insurance. The only thing I would add is a 12 volt outlet in the tent, or an on/off switch on the power wire. My outlet is inside the trailer, one night I got too hot and I had to get out of bed to unplug it (it does not have an off button). I figure that a 12 volt outlet would also be nice for charging a phone, or other stuff, so I plan on going that route.

 

[Dirtco]

My buddy Cory and I made a last minute trip up Holy Cross this weekend! This trail is pretty hard when it’s dry (the creek at least), add a bunch of snow and things only get harder! We made it through the first couple obstacles without much of an issue; there was around six inches of snow, and the first obstacle took a little tire spin, but it wasn’t an issue. The ledge before French Creek gets a good amount of sun, so there wasn’t as much snow there. I tried the hard left line, but it was just too slick and the back of the 4Runner kept kicking out and off the line I needed. But I walked right up the right line without an issue, even with the snow.

We worked our way to French Creek and were greeted with a bunch of snow and ice! The whole creek was frozen with spots where you would break through. I knew I didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting through, but I still gave it a shot! I made it to the same place where I broke my CV this summer; with all the snow and ice there was no traction to be had, and after giving it a couple shots I turned around.

We ate lunch at the creek, and then I put on a couple extra layers and hopped in the passenger seat of the buggy for what was bound to be exciting ride! We made it all the way to the city, but it did take some work. For the most part the rest of the trail is in the shade, and it was icy!

 

[ADH8796]

I love this setup. I hope eventually I'll have a setup like this. Great work as always!

 

[Stockwell45]

Thank you, I’m glad my adventures could take you down memory lane for a few minutes! Moab is a beautiful place, and has a way of making you feel like Robby Gordon in Baja, or Shannon Cambell at KOH. I can’t wait to get back out there!



Thanks! You really need to make a trip out there; it’s an amazing place!

Yes, I noticed some condensation under my mattress when I was packing it up. It was the first time I had camped in below freezing weather, I didn’t know if it was a normal thing for roof top tents. Have you heard anything else about it?

The heated blanket is awesome, and the automatic shutoff is nice insurance. The only thing I would add is a 12 volt outlet in the tent, or an on/off switch on the power wire. My outlet is inside the trailer, one night I got too hot and I had to get out of bed to unplug it (it does not have an off button). I figure that a 12 volt outlet would also be nice for charging a phone, or other stuff, so I plan on going that route.

I just got a heated blanket at a Loves truck stop, I'll give it a shot tonight!

As far as the condensation, it is a normal thing when the temperature is cold. I guess if you only camp a night or two in the tent and you can get back home and air it out, it isn't a big deal. I'm on my 3rd week in my tent in below freezing temps and my mattress is almost completely soaked now, wiping it off every morning doesn't seem to help. I've found this that I may buy when i get home, but they are pricey.

Under Mattress Air Circulation System

If I find a cheaper solution I'll definitely let you know!

 

[J i m s t e r]

Try silica gel bags, or something like this:

DryPacks 750 Gram Silica Gel Desiccant Dehumidifier Can | eBay

or something like:

DRY AIR CAR/HOME DEHUMIDIFIER BAG MOISTURE ABSORBER/DAMP EATER | eBay

I ride offroad and sometimes have a load of wet gear in the back, the condensation gets bad inside - the heated rear screen on my Surf is about as effective as a ghost farting, so I've got some of the latter on order. I get ice forming on the inside of the windscreen which is not good in the morning. This may do the trick.

 

[J i m s t e r]

Also use an inflatable mattress and an proper technical-material sleeping bag. We spent some time in the Arctic Circle, it was about -30C outside and we were staying in an igloo. The bags we used there were too hot! And that was just sleeping on a block of ice with a pelt underneath for traction.

 

[J i m s t e r]

It will take some planning, and tearing the interior panel out, but once you get them in your hands you should find a way to make them work to your liking.

They are in! And bright! Thanks for the recommendation. There isn't a great deal of room inside the tailgate when you have to factor in the glass dropping inside too, but all good.

Was hammering down with rain last night so will up the pics on a dryer night.

 

[Dirtco]

I love this setup. I hope eventually I'll have a setup like this. Great work as always!

Thanks man!

I just got a heated blanket at a Loves truck stop, I'll give it a shot tonight!

As far as the condensation, it is a normal thing when the temperature is cold. I guess if you only camp a night or two in the tent and you can get back home and air it out, it isn't a big deal. I'm on my 3rd week in my tent in below freezing temps and my mattress is almost completely soaked now, wiping it off every morning doesn't seem to help. I've found this that I may buy when i get home, but they are pricey.

Under Mattress Air Circulation System

If I find a cheaper solution I'll definitely let you know!

How did the heated blanket work out?

That circulation system is nice, but expensive for what it is. There has to be something else out there that does the same thing for a whole lot less money.

Try silica gel bags, or something like this:

DryPacks 750 Gram Silica Gel Desiccant Dehumidifier Can | eBay

or something like:

DRY AIR CAR/HOME DEHUMIDIFIER BAG MOISTURE ABSORBER/DAMP EATER | eBay

I ride offroad and sometimes have a load of wet gear in the back, the condensation gets bad inside - the heated rear screen on my Surf is about as effective as a ghost farting, so I've got some of the latter on order. I get ice forming on the inside of the windscreen which is not good in the morning. This may do the trick.

Thanks for the links, that's a good idea, especially when the tent is closed up and there might be some moisture left.

 

[Dirtco]

They are in! And bright! Thanks for the recommendation. There isn't a great deal of room inside the tailgate when you have to factor in the glass dropping inside too, but all good.

Was hammering down with rain last night so will up the pics on a dryer night.

Yeah, there's not much room in there! Its worth the work though, very convenient.

 

[Dirtco]

As most of you guys know, I kind of like LED lights! While in Moab I did one night run up Kane Creek, and finished Gold Bar Rim in the dark. While I was very happy with the light output of my Rigid Industries 10” SR Specter light bar, I felt there was room for improvement. My 10” light bar is a driving light pattern, it’s not a spot or flood beam pattern but right between the two where you need it most. This is great most of the time but I found a couple issues.

First, there really needs to be more light off to the sides of the truck. I’ve talked about this before, but it really became clear during the faster sections of twisting and turning road, and the wide/multiple line sections of the trail.

Second, there needs to be more light in the distance. The light bar is so intense that you really can’t see past it, and with the driving beam pattern you need to see further down the road! It’s like a black curtain behind the light pattern. I started to out drive the light a few times, especially when there were corners and up/down hills.

Fast forward a week or two… I was surfing around Pirate4x4 and found a guy that had started to make his own LED light bars. It peaked my interest, so I read his whole thread about the process. After a bunch of reading it seemed legit, and it seemed like the perfect match for me. Let me explain…

Link: Prototype Billet LED light bar - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

First, size: I wanted to add another light (or lights) for a while but I couldn’t find a location, or light, that would work without looking stupid and crowded/out of place. That was until I saw this light, and figured out the measurements. It’s an almost perfect fit for above the winch.

Second, the LEDS and pattern: My RI light bar has 15, 3watt LED’s in a driving beam pattern. This light has 6, 10watt LED’s. Four of them are in spot pattern, and two in a flood or diffused pattern. This light is rated at 5100 lumens (the same as my RI light). The pattern and power of the LED’s seemed like a great match to my RI light and should fill in the area’s that need more light (I hope).

Third, price: I have looked at the 10watt LED lights before, a Vision X 6 LED light bar is $570 but it’s 11” long and does not fit my truck. This one retails at $300, and I picked it up for $280 on the Black Friday sale. The internal parts seem to be top of the line; it uses Cree XM-L LED’s and the optics are interchangeable at a minimal price of $1.60 each. It also has low/high and strobe settings!

A link to the light and spec’s: https://www.rydelfab.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=50

 

[Dirtco]

And here is the light installed.

I made some brackets that attach it to the winch, and some spacers to get the right width.

 

[Stockwell45]

Looks great, really cool that you figured out how to attach it to the winch.

Night pics pronto!

 

[4x4runner2002]

im very interested in pics of the output and your review on this product. if all turns out good i might have found my christmas presents.

 

[The4kbeast]

Nice setup! I've been thinking about lighting lately, and have been looking at LED setups. After going to SEMA this year, I can day that there are definitely an influx of new lights coming, with many new companies bringing in stuff from China. Hopefully that will help ease prices!

Regardless, I'm interested in seeing your pics and impressions of the light setup you have. Is the new light that much brighter?

 

[rickashay]

Wow your truck has a lot of LED's.... that's a good thing!

First time I've seen the Rydel Fab light bar. Some serious thought into it's build and components. Which wiring option did you choose?

Looking forward to output pics and your review.

 

[rideexileex]

Ha, so you found Rydel too eh? I was following his thread during all the design too... I bought one as a trial and it is nothing short of amazing...

 

[the great him]

those are sweet, i have been eying them for a while... i think i might just end up getting a set, im gonna see if he can make them with an amber lens for fog...

 

[Dirtco]

Looks great, really cool that you figured out how to attach it to the winch.

Night pics pronto!

Thanks man! I wanted to still be able to remove the winch down the road (if I need to), bolting it to the winch seemed like the cleanest and best option.

I still need to finish wiring it, but once I'm done I will take some pictures. I can tell you that from my in shop battery pack testing, this light is bright! I hope to have it wired in the next day or two.

im very interested in pics of the output and your review on this product. if all turns out good i might have found my christmas presents.

I'll take some pictures once I get it wired, trust me I can't wait to see this light out in the dark on a trail!

Nice setup! I've been thinking about lighting lately, and have been looking at LED setups. After going to SEMA this year, I can day that there are definitely an influx of new lights coming, with many new companies bringing in stuff from China. Hopefully that will help ease prices!

Regardless, I'm interested in seeing your pics and impressions of the light setup you have. Is the new light that much brighter?

Thanks! I've also noticed the influx of new lights, primarily from China. Some of them seem legit, others seem like cheap knock offs. That was part of the selling point, the light is made in the USA by a little guy.

We'll see about the brightness, but I don't think I'm going to be disappointed! It's not so much that I wanted something brighter, but I wanted a light that would compliment my RI light bar (driving light pattern). LED's have taken light optics to a whole new level; I had HID's on my last truck and they were super bright, but the pattern sucked and there were hot spots all over the place. They were cheap lights so I can't complain, but once I started building the new 4Runner I knew I wanted something better. I've been extremely happy with my RI light bar and there's a reason why they are expensive; their optics/reflectors are the best in the business.

Wow your truck has a lot of LED's.... that's a good thing!

First time I've seen the Rydel Fab light bar. Some serious thought into it's build and components. Which wiring option did you choose?

Looking forward to output pics and your review.

Thanks buddy! I have a lot of lights, but they all have a purpose!

That's what sold me on the light bar; you know exactly what your getting and the quality seems top notch. After reading the build thread I was sold, especially for the price.

I went with the standard wiring, a single SPST momentary push button. Hit the push button once and the light comes on high, hit it again and goes down to the low setting, again high, etc. If you hold the button down for a second or two it will turn the light off. If you hold the button down for a second or two while the light is off it goes to strobe mode and it is seriously blinding, no joke!