Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Dirtco]

I also made some brackets for my lights. I’m going to use Rigid Industries Dually D2 Amber lights in this location, they should cut through the snow and be a bright fog light. I made a light out of cardboard, that way I knew it would fit before I ordered a pair.

 

[corny]

I also made some brackets for my lights. I’m going to use Rigid Industries Dually D2 Amber lights in this location, they should cut through the snow and be a bright fog light. I made a light out of cardboard, that way I knew it would fit before I ordered a pair.

Looks mean buddy!
Can't wait to see some pics of it out in the sun!

 

[brian2sun]

Great work!

 

[fightman80]

Awesome!

 

[JWaldz]

damn, that's hawsome! Great work. I really want one of those new X20 winches. Let us know how well it works!

 

[GottaBeTRD]

that look so sick!

 

[JLRSR5]

Looking incredible!!! Nice work on the front bumper...jealous!

 

[rickashay]

Can you please start making and selling armour?! your welds and designs are way too pretty. I love this build.

 

[PATCO]

Very clean fab!!! Tube bumpers look great!

 

[Hepar]

Looks positively awesomely fantastical.

 

[Brignola85]

Awesome truck! Do you plan to add some protection for the radiator, such as a plate over the center cross section? If you're worried about air movement you could always drill holes in it.....

Something like this.. Just a suggestion, mind you.

 

[quicksilvr]

Looks positively awesomely fantastical.

x2

Perfect build all around.

 

[Dirtco]

Thanks for all the complements guys, I really appreciate it!

Awesome truck! Do you plan to add some protection for the radiator, such as a plate over the center cross section? If you're worried about air movement you could always drill holes in it.....

Something like this.. Just a suggestion, mind you.

I have a Budbuilt skid plate that should protect the lower section of the radiator. If I feel it does not offer enough protection then I'll add a section of tube between the frame rails.

 

[J-money$$$]

Thanks for all the complements guys, I really appreciate it!



I have a Budbuilt skid plate that should protect the lower section of the radiator. If I feel it does not offer enough protection then I'll add a section of tube between the frame rails.

I was thinking about continuing the front angled section of my bud built up to my chopped arb. Then cutting holes for the bolts to go into it. It may work for ya. Just extend it up to the bumper and then make some little tabs to attach it to the bumper. It may work if you feel you need it. My deal is that the entire front vertical section of my bud built is exposed (like yours is) and one good smash on that will rip the flimsy front stock X-member it bolts to. The welds holding the factory x member are all ready starting to rip. Just a thought. bt that bumper looks great

 

[Dirtco]

I was thinking about continuing the front angled section of my bud built up to my chopped arb. Then cutting holes for the bolts to go into it. It may work for ya. Just extend it up to the bumper and then make some little tabs to attach it to the bumper. It may work if you feel you need it. My deal is that the entire front vertical section of my bud built is exposed (like yours is) and one good smash on that will rip the flimsy front stock X-member it bolts to. The welds holding the factory x member are all ready starting to rip. Just a thought. bt that bumper looks great

Thanks for the input, I've also thought about doing the same thing. For extra strength, and to smooth out the front end for snow wheeling (that way I don't have that lip digging into the snow). I'm going to wheel it for a little while and see how it does, I have enough big projects that need to be completed before I start on little stuff like that. Thanks again for the idea!

 

[Dirtco]

I had busy day working on the 4Runner. I wanted to finish up a couple small things so I could install the front Budbuilt skid plate. I still need to take care of a couple more things before the belly pan can be installed, but I feel better having the front section in place.

First I replaced the steering rack bushings. I bought the kit from Wheelers Off-Road and used this write up on I8Mud. It was really easy; I didn’t have to remove the tie-rods or the boots but I did have to remove my diff drop to get the long d/s bolt out.

Steering rack bushing replacement

I also replaced the front sway bar bushings and changed the front diff fluid to Royal Purple.

Then (with the help of a friend) I was able to install the skid plate.

I also extended the rear diff breather into the gas cap area (for water crossings, snow wheeling, etc) and installed the winch solenoid box (I had to build a custom bracket), along with the MasterPull rope.

And I re-installed the inner fender splash guards. I enlarged the holes around ¼” in the direction needed to make up for the 1” body lift, and there was enough slack to compensate for the extra ½”. I also had to trim them for the limit strap brackets. If these don’t hold up to snow wheeling, I’ll use them as a template and make some HD ones out of some thicker rubber.

 

[t4r4life]

god man you are on a roll

 

[quicksilvr]

Yeah, he's not messing around. :banana:

This rig will be a pleasure to drive in the winter, I love my 4runner as a winter vehicle. Can't wait to see some pics of it in the Colorado snow!

 

[fightman80]

Nice work man!

 

[1985taylor1925]

This is the first time Ive looked through this thread. Dirtco, you have some amazing design and fabrication skills. Following this thread is very interesting. I love the step by step pictures. I wish I had access to a shop like yours! Keep the build going!