Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Dirtco]

Thanks to [MENTION=46329]blcktpgsr[/MENTION] I got my in cab winch controller all wired up! It was really easy when I had his picture/diagram to go off of. It's just a basic (on) off (on) toggle with a push button on / off button.



I also installed a switch on the solenoid box itself, this makes spooling wire in and out a breeze, and again no need to break out the stock controller.

 

[Gerdo]

In the process of changing out the front CV I had to remove the driver side sway bar end link. I noticed that both sides were bent, twisted, and pretty much looked like a paper clip that had been bent around a bunch. It was only a matter of time before they snapped, so I also removed the passenger side while I was up there. I figured I would drive it home that way and see how I felt about it in general.

I was surprised at how much smoother the ride was, both on the trail and on the street going through dips, etc! The 4Runner does have more body roll, but I'm also used to that with the last couple rigs I had. I decided to completely remove the front sway bar for the summer, I'll hang onto it in case I change my mind but so far the only time I felt uncomfortable was going around some tight corners that were covered in ice. It felt like the rear wanted to break loose easier, but I also went into them a bit faster than I should have. I guess we'll see, but it's easy enough to throw it back on for the winter if I need to.

I run my front swaybar on road but disco it when off road. It does ride so much better. Smoother and less jerky. It will allow one front wheel to step up or down with less body shifting.

FYI. A looser front (softer shocks or softer (none) swaybar) upsets (over steer)the rear and visa versa (under steer).

 

[rideexileex]

I also bought some replacement spot optics that I might swap out with the flood optics that are in it right now, they were only $1.50 each.

Just curious as to why you are wanting to swap out the flood optics? I've had my Rydel since their first release, and have still yet to mount it :/ It should be going on just as soon as I swap out my radiator.

 

[Dirtco]

Just curious as to why you are wanting to swap out the flood optics? I've had my Rydel since their first release, and have still yet to mount it :/ It should be going on just as soon as I swap out my radiator.

I'm not sure if I'm going to swap them out yet. I'm concerned that having the light bar mounted so far back, and sandwiched between the grille and winch, it will effect how well the flood optic's will work. I need to do some testing, but I figured I would just order them because they were cheap, and I had the link saved on my computer. I would rather have them and not need them, then decide I want to change them down the road and not know where to buy them, or what size I need. Especially since they were under $10 shipped.

 

[Dirtco]

Got the footage edited from my last trip out, figured I would post it up. The song only seemed fitting for how the trip ended!

 

[Dirtco]

- Oil Changed / Fluids checked
- Tires balanced and rotated
- Misc trailer work completed
- Trailer hooked up to 4Runner

Any idea where I'm headed off to?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Hurry up! I'm camped right where I said I would be

 

[downpour11]

Moab!!

 

[KSWAY]

I don't care where you go. I just want to see pics of that thing on the trails

 

[cdrewferd]

I don't care where you go. I just want to see pics of that thing on the trails

Agreed, can't wait to see all the pics. Have fun.

 

[Dirtco]

Hurry up! I'm camped right where I said I would be

Less than one day left, heading out first thing in the morning!

Moab!!

Winner!!!

I don't care where you go. I just want to see pics of that thing on the trails

Don't worry, I'll make sure to take some pictures and I'm sure there will be some other peoples pictures floating around.

Agreed, can't wait to see all the pics. Have fun.

Thanks!

 

[4-Ripcord]

It was great to meet you Jeremiah and see your truck! What an inspiration.

Anywho here are some of the photos I got of you from the fins run. Didnt get a lot.

 

[Dirtco]

It was great to meet you Jeremiah and see your truck! What an inspiration.

Anywho here are some of the photos I got of you from the fins run. Didnt get a lot.

Thanks for the pictures Jim, it was great to meet you too! I didn't take any pictures on the Fin's run, I was just relaxing and enjoying the awesome weather.

 

[Dirtco]

Well I’m back from Moab! I had a couple things come up that didn’t allow me to stay as long, and run quite as many trails as I wanted, but it was still a great time and the weather was awesome! It was also nice to meet some new people, and put a face to some of the people I’ve talked to online.

Snow leaving town



Pulling into camp at Area BFE



Hurrah Pass



Chicken Corners





Top of the World

 

[downpour11]

Man I wish I could have gone! Those last top of the world pics reminded me of [MENTION=47153]Stockwell45[/MENTION] losing his phone lol would have been hilarious if someone found it.

 

[Dirtco]

Man I wish I could have gone! Those last top of the world pics reminded me of [MENTION=47153]Stockwell45[/MENTION] losing his phone lol would have been hilarious if someone found it.

Wish you could have too! I also thought about [MENTION=47153]Stockwell45[/MENTION] cell phone while I was up there, no joke, lol !

 

[Dirtco]

Poser shot coming down from Top of the world





Cool little lizard

 

[Stockwell45]

It would be hilarious if someone on that trip found it! Those pics make me so jealous, I wish I could have made the drive out. One of these days I'll be out there with everyone!

On second thought, I'd probably just be at camp half of the time drooling over that trailer. I didn't know you had an awning on that thing too, that's great.

 

[Dirtco]

It would be hilarious if someone on that trip found it! Those pics make me so jealous, I wish I could have made the drive out. One of these days I'll be out there with everyone!

On second thought, I'd probably just be at camp half of the time drooling over that trailer. I didn't know you had an awning on that thing too, that's great.

It would be awesome to get a 4Runner group together for a trip out there! The Tacoma World gathering had a lot of people, and at times got pretty crowded.

Haha, you wouldn't be the only one! The trailer got a bunch of attention while I was out there, a lot more than the 4Runner.

I've been changing some things around, and adding stuff to the trailer. Here is a link to the current progress, including the awning.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...dirtco%92s-camping-trailer-version-1-2-a.html

 

[4Runner4TW]

Just spent the past few days going through your build. WOW!! I feel like I just finished a movie that I didn't want to end, haha. If I can get my truck to 10% of what yours is I will be happy! Truly art.