4-Ripcord
New member
x2 on all of this.
Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build
- Thread starter Dirtco
- Start date
x2 on all of this.
Dirtco
New member
Thanks man! They are 14" straps.
Thanks! You really need to measure for your own vehicle and where the mounts will be, the adjustable clevis gives you some room (around an inch each way, and it's really a must) to fine tune stuff.
Dirtco
New member
Looking good man! Always a new innovative mod added here... and I always look forward to an update!
Thank You, you guy's are way too kind!
Maybe I'm a little OCD, but I just like doing things right the first time. I've seen what happens and breaks on the trail, I try to eliminate those issue's before they become a future problem.
I also wasn't a fan of the color, but it grew on me!
Dirtco
New member
It's still stock, there are ways to make it wider but with my Limited flares that won't work for me. I think you can use IFS hubs to gain some more width out of the axle.
I just suction out the old fluid with a small hand held pump. I also installed a magnet in the housing to catch any metal that might be floating around. I run Royal Purple so the fluid life really isn't an issue.
Looking back, I usually pull the diff every year or two for multiple different reasons and I replace the fluid once a year just for piece of mind (mainly the fear of water contamination). Really, any fluid I can't suction out is still pretty much new.
As for the color... I really just wanted a supercharged, E-locked, Limited 4Runner with the multi mode transfer case, and low miles (at least I'm not picky
). This is the 4Runner found, and really I would have made any color work.
Dirtco
New member
A few small updates…
With my 1” body lift the stock front “Inner fender, mud deflector, engine protector, … flaps” didn’t fit worth a crap. I enlarged the holes on the stock units, but they just started tearing and coming apart. So I bought the cheapest floor mats at Wal-Mart, used the old ones as a template, and added an extra inch. It’s not fancy but it gets the job done.
With my 1” body lift the stock front “Inner fender, mud deflector, engine protector, … flaps
” didn’t fit worth a crap. I enlarged the holes on the stock units, but they just started tearing and coming apart. So I bought the cheapest floor mats at Wal-Mart, used the old ones as a template, and added an extra inch. It’s not fancy but it gets the job done.
Dirtco
New member
I‘ve also been running around without a windshield reservoir since I installed the 35’s, the stock unit got in the way of the tires. With winter coming I needed to find some kind of a solution; I was given an aftermarket power steering reservoir years ago, and there was a big empty spot on the driver side of the front bumper. Hmmm…
Since it only holds a quart, having it outside the vehicle will make it easy to top off. I’ll carry a gallon of washer fluid in the back.
Since it only holds a quart, having it outside the vehicle will make it easy to top off. I’ll carry a gallon of washer fluid in the back.
farmerjon
Senior Member
Yeah, like that awesome Toyota in the parking lot of fleet vehicles.
Dirtco
New member
Dirtco
New member
I wanted to give the rear suspension a good shakedown run, so I ran one of my favorite trails, Chinaman's Loop in Buena Vista. I was concerned about the limit straps getting caught in the bump stops, or folding around into the wheel/tire, but everything worked fine.
The suspension still has a little more up and down travel, but it's a good shot of the clearance.
The suspension still has a little more up and down travel, but it's a good shot of the clearance.
rickashay
New member
When I first read that you were going to put a washer reservoir in your front bumper, I thought to myself "this is the 1st bad choice Dirtco has made with his build." Now after seeing the finished product I find myself frantically looking for a spot in my front bumper to mimic this originality. Why would I ever doubt you Dirtco? Hahaha seriously looks great as usual..... Let's see more shots from the trail!
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I hope my truck will grow up to be like yours someday. I'm thinking of moving out to Colorado just so I can be your friend
This thing is beyond epic. Your talent is epic. Fantastic job on the new rear end setup! Everything from the little DOM tubing around the shock bolts, links, full floater setup, to the viewing hole... it's perfect. Fabrication porn.
:hatsoff: Dirtco: Best rig on this whole site, hands down, bare none, no contest.
This thing is beyond epic. Your talent is epic. Fantastic job on the new rear end setup! Everything from the little DOM tubing around the shock bolts, links, full floater setup, to the viewing hole... it's perfect. Fabrication porn.
:hatsoff: Dirtco: Best rig on this whole site, hands down, bare none, no contest.
Alain Chidiac
New member
Hey Bro! Congrats for buying one of the best rides in my opinion..I've seen your build all the way! Glorious work I bought the 4Runner 2002 Limited..this is my first and I've got some questions to ask you if you have time. I'm new here on this blog..is there a way I can send you a mail?!
I bought the 4Runner 2002 Limited..this is my first and I've got some questions to ask you if you have time. I'm new here on this blog..is there a way I can send you a mail?!
quicksilvr
New member
ooogbtgwqassdtg6yr5ffqaabvcfvjmnlk,oluyhjyhuj
^that was what came out when I wiped the drool of my keyboard.....
Seriously though, I like the washer reservoir a lot, it looks perfect in the bumper. In reference to your rear limiting straps, from the pictures, it looks like you have the perfect amount of rear flex/travel to match up with an IFS.
How's your transmission seem to be holding up? Is the 1st/2nd shift still the same as it's always been?
^that was what came out when I wiped the drool of my keyboard.....
Seriously though, I like the washer reservoir a lot, it looks perfect in the bumper. In reference to your rear limiting straps, from the pictures, it looks like you have the perfect amount of rear flex/travel to match up with an IFS.
How's your transmission seem to be holding up? Is the 1st/2nd shift still the same as it's always been?
Dirtco
New member
Hahaha! Thanks! It wasn’t my first choice, but I needed a washer fluid reservoir before winter came. I thought about mounting one in the rear cargo area but that seemed like a pain to fill, and I would loose some cargo room. I saw the way ARKRWLR mounted his, but I always have my deck plate open (the supercharger hates it closed) and it would block the air flow. I had the bottle, it fit great, so I gave it a shot, and it also makes it really easy to top it off since it only holds a quart. I like it!
That’s the only pictures I took, I was just enjoying the day and wasn’t concerned about taking any pictures!
I hope my truck will grow up to be like yours someday. I'm thinking of moving out to Colorado just so I can be your friend
This thing is beyond epic. Your talent is epic. Fantastic job on the new rear end setup! Everything from the little DOM tubing around the shock bolts, links, full floater setup, to the viewing hole... it's perfect. Fabrication porn.
:hatsoff: Dirtco: Best rig on this whole site, hands down, bare none, no contest.
Hell, if I would have known a couple weeks ago I could have got you a job too!
Seriously, Thank You for the HUGE compliment!
I’m really speechless, and don’t even know what to say. I’ve read through your build thread multiple times looking for ideas, your rig has even been featured in a magazine! Hats off to you sir! :hatsoff:Thanks! The rear suspension really works great now, and like you said, it has just the right amount of flex. I really need to come up with some quick and easy front sway bar disconnects that will let the 4Runner do it’s thing on the trail, while still being predictable on the street.
Yes, the 1st/2nd shift is the same, but I don’t think it has gotten any worse. I filled/drained a whole case of ATF through the transmission shortly after I bought it, so I know the fluid is good. I have an IPT valve body for it, but I have not had the time to install it, and I would like to know the transmission is still in good shape before I install it. As of now, my plan is to install it this winter or spring. How is your transmission holding up?
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Dirtco
New member
I finally got my hands on some Lotus Development axles! :bluejump: I’ve been waiting to get these since I first heard about them!
Lotus Axles Chromoly -
I was a little concerned about shipping, but that was not an issue at all. I really like the pipe that protects the seal.
Everything went great besides for the bent Budbuilt skid plate. I removed it so I could top off the gear oil, but when I tried to re-install it none of the bolts would line up. It took a transmission jack, and a ratchet strap, to get everything to line up. I almost braced up the skid plate while it was off, but I decided it was a lost cause. If I added bracing now I don’t think it would flex enough to re-install the skid plate and get the bolts started (without enlarging the bolt holes).
Lotus Axles Chromoly -
I was a little concerned about shipping, but that was not an issue at all. I really like the pipe that protects the seal.
Everything went great besides for the bent Budbuilt skid plate. I removed it so I could top off the gear oil, but when I tried to re-install it none of the bolts would line up. It took a transmission jack, and a ratchet strap, to get everything to line up. I almost braced up the skid plate while it was off, but I decided it was a lost cause. If I added bracing now I don’t think it would flex enough to re-install the skid plate and get the bolts started (without enlarging the bolt holes).
BigFishAllDay
New member
Damn, Jeremiah, you just don't stop lately!!!!
This rig really is getting ridiculous at this point. Nothing but the best from top to bottom. There's not alot of trucks/build threads on the forum that make me jealous, but I have to say I get a little green every time I read through yours.
Seriously though... you've done so much I can't comment on it all, so I'll just say STRONG WORK!!!! You're truly a badass when it comes to modding a Toyota 4WD.
This rig really is getting ridiculous at this point. Nothing but the best from top to bottom. There's not alot of trucks/build threads on the forum that make me jealous, but I have to say I get a little green every time I read through yours.
Seriously though... you've done so much I can't comment on it all, so I'll just say STRONG WORK!!!! You're truly a badass when it comes to modding a Toyota 4WD.
Dirtco
New member
You bas****... That is all
Thanks buddy!
:Thanks Nick, and congratulations on the new addition to your family!
That’s actually why I’ve been pushing so hard to get all this stuff wrapped up on the 4Runner; the wife and I are expecting our first child at the end of December (it’s a girl too)! Not only is the 4Runner my daily driver, but it will be the main family vehicle (dare I say station wagon, on 35’s
). I know time and money will be limited once the baby is here, so it’s time to hammer down!
T4Rex.
New member
That’s actually why I’ve been pushing so hard to get all this stuff wrapped up on the 4Runner; the wife and I are expecting our first child at the end of December (it’s a girl too)! Not only is the 4Runner my daily driver, but it will be the main family vehicle (dare I say station wagon, on 35’s
thats one bada$$ station wagon LOL!! i feel the same way every time i look in my back seats and see my pink with zebra print car seat and camouflage booster seat!! LOL! But i guarantee YOU and BFAD have some of the safest station wagons around!! Congrats on the lil girl! Like i was telling BFAD be prepared for zebra print and pink! Lotus CVs?! I mean what else can you say??? Those things are sick, & the added safety of knowing your NOT going to have to change one of those on the trail, with your lil one strapped in the back will be a huge PLUS!!! ALL I Gotta say i wished i had your bank account and skills behind a welder!!!
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