Thank you, Man they are proud of their wheels.
Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build
- Thread starter Dirtco
- Start date
Thank you, Man they are proud of their wheels.
Dirtco
New member
A couple small updates…
First, I ordered a full CB set up. I had one in all of my last rigs and never used it. I never planned on installing one in this 4Runner but with all this talk about the TW Moab trip, along with Cruise Moab, and a couple other local clubs that all require a CB I just decided to install one and be done with the whole thing. I’ve wheeled for years without using one and I’m still alive, but I’ll play by the rules.
I bought the Outdoor Logic antenna mount from Toytec. Haha, thanks guys!
I was a little concerned about how much it moved around, there are only two screws that hold it in place and it’s a long distance to where the antenna attaches. Here is a picture from Outdoor logic for reference.
So I installed a nutsert where the panels overlap and were spot-welded together. This allowed me to install a third bolt a lot further down from the other two.
It looks like the regular mount from the outside…
But once you open the tailgate you can see the difference.
Also, my tail lights were looking a little sad compared to the front of the 4Runner; they were scratched, faded, and just didn’t match the LED’s and clear marker lights on the front of the rig. So I bought a set of red Eagle Eyes LED tail lights off Ebay. They are also brighter than stock, which will help in white out conditions.
And here it is with the 4' Wilson flex antenna, right angle adapter and cable. I routed the cable up through the tail light grommet; I still need to run the cable and install the radio in the cab.
First, I ordered a full CB set up. I had one in all of my last rigs and never used it. I never planned on installing one in this 4Runner but with all this talk about the TW Moab trip, along with Cruise Moab, and a couple other local clubs that all require a CB I just decided to install one and be done with the whole thing. I’ve wheeled for years without using one and I’m still alive, but I’ll play by the rules.
I bought the Outdoor Logic antenna mount from Toytec. Haha, thanks guys!
I was a little concerned about how much it moved around, there are only two screws that hold it in place and it’s a long distance to where the antenna attaches. Here is a picture from Outdoor logic for reference.
So I installed a nutsert where the panels overlap and were spot-welded together. This allowed me to install a third bolt a lot further down from the other two.
It looks like the regular mount from the outside…
But once you open the tailgate you can see the difference.
Also, my tail lights were looking a little sad compared to the front of the 4Runner; they were scratched, faded, and just didn’t match the LED’s and clear marker lights on the front of the rig. So I bought a set of red Eagle Eyes LED tail lights off Ebay. They are also brighter than stock, which will help in white out conditions.
And here it is with the 4' Wilson flex antenna, right angle adapter and cable. I routed the cable up through the tail light grommet; I still need to run the cable and install the radio in the cab.
blcktpgsr
New member
It shouldn't be too bad, it's just tearing into the solenoid box and figuring out what wires control what. It will probably be a while before I have time to check it out, so if you get to it before me let me know what you find!Otherwise, I will make some good notes on what wires to tap into for you.
Hey man, since I got to tear into the solenoid box before you did, I took the liberty of noting my observations regarding the controls for the in-cab switches.
Here's my otherwise refined wiring diagram. There are 4 wires in behind the controller plug, 12v, grnd, in and out. The blue wire in the solenoid controls the "reel out" function and the white wire is for the "reel in".
I elected to get the 12volt source inside the cabs fuse box for the Master switch and just tapped into the 15amp ACC using an add-a-fuse..Surely you can also use the same 12volt inside the solenoid itself if you wish to do so.
Also for the momentary switch, you can use any switch of your choice, I just happened to have the Carling ones in hand.
Hope this helps!
Dirtco
New member
Thanks man, I don't know about the TW Moab yet. I would like to make it but between the baby, and the wife going back to work full time, I'm not sure if I will be able to sneak away. I doubt I would make the full trip, but if I could make a long weekend out of it I just might make the trip out there. We'll see once it gets a little closer.
Dirtco
New member
Awesome man, your the best! Thank you for taking the time to help me out, that's exactly what I was looking for!
smkd13
New member
Yeah I know what you mean there. Family comes before play but hope you find time to make it out even if it just for the weekend.
And this will help me when I get and wire up a winch as well as I want in cab controls
awesome work bud
blcktpgsr
New member
Awesome man, your the best! Thank you for taking the time to help me out, that's exactly what I was looking for!
My pleasure:hatsoff:
Dirtco
New member
Well, it looks like Youtube has changed it's stance on copyrighted music. I figured I would post up some of my snow wheeling video's for those of you that didn't want to download them (They are all HD if you change the settings, and go to full screen). Everyone loves movies!
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downpour11
New member
I'll watch em all the way through later, but had to say I love that last video! :trophy:
4ever4running
New member
Man I love Colorado! That is so cool that you are blazing the trail and all you see in front of you is animal tracks.
Dirtco
New member
Thanks man, it's one of my favorites too!
It's awesome, very peaceful (especially when you come to a stop, or when you're eating lunch), you know that your not going to see anyone else out there.
Yes it was, and yes we are!!!
I have a Mac so I use iMovie, it took a little while to get the hang of but for the most part it works pretty good. It came with the computer so it sure beats going out and buying something else.
Here is a little different style of snow wheeling, in the spring time (when the conditions are just right) you can crawl on top of the snow.
Stockwell45
New member
So after all this snow wheeling, how do you think the KM2's compare to the old Wrangler M/T's you had on the 86? I love my KM2's, but they seem to be useless in ice and snow.
Dirtco
New member
I could write a novel on this subject, but I’ll give you the cliff notes. If you really want me to get into detail I can, but it will get long.
I loved the Goodyear MTR’s w/Kevlar on the Turbo 4Runner, but I had mixed feelings with them on this 4Runner. I think that a big part of that is due to the wheel size (both height and width), and the fact that I couldn’t keep them balanced. On this 4Runner deep snow goes to the MTR’s, they worked really good; but on packed snow I actually prefer the KM2’s, I think that is due to the narrower width. They both suck on ice, all mud tires do unless they are siped. I’ve been daily driving a mud tire for close to ten years now, you just get used to it. The multi-mode transfer case on the 4Runner is what really makes all the difference compared to my last rigs; I love it!
I know a lot of the Canada guys ( [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] ) run the Mickey Thompson MTZ, and I’ve seen a couple in some PNW snow wheeling video’s. I really like how smooth the KM2’s run on the highway, but if the MTZ is the same, it might be something to think about. I’m happy with the KM2’s for now, but when it comes time for me to get new tires I might be looking at different brands too. I guess we’ll see.
Dirtco
New member
So, when I ordered up my LED tail lights they came with LED back up bulbs that were completely worthless. They were beyond cool white and pretty much blue, they were also not bright at all.
So I ordered some replacements from Superbrightleds.com
Old (small) and new (large) together for comparison
Light output is much brighter!
So I ordered some replacements from Superbrightleds.com
Old (small) and new (large) together for comparison
Light output is much brighter!
Stockwell45
New member
I could write a novel on this subject, but I’ll give you the cliff notes. If you really want me to get into detail I can, but it will get long.
I loved the Goodyear MTR’s w/Kevlar on the Turbo 4Runner, but I had mixed feelings with them on this 4Runner. I think that a big part of that is due to the wheel size (both height and width), and the fact that I couldn’t keep them balanced. On this 4Runner deep snow goes to the MTR’s, they worked really good; but on packed snow I actually prefer the KM2’s, I think that is due to the narrower width. They both suck on ice, all mud tires do unless they are siped. I’ve been daily driving a mud tire for close to ten years now, you just get used to it. The multi-mode transfer case on the 4Runner is what really makes all the difference compared to my last rigs; I love it!
I know a lot of the Canada guys ( [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] ) run the Mickey Thompson MTZ, and I’ve seen a couple in some PNW snow wheeling video’s. I really like how smooth the KM2’s run on the highway, but if the MTZ is the same, it might be something to think about. I’m happy with the KM2’s for now, but when it comes time for me to get new tires I might be looking at different brands too. I guess we’ll see.
Thanks for the info, I figured the MTR's would take 1st in packed snow. I just hate how the KM2's eventually wear down to giant blocks that are useless in anything really slick. I haven't had any other tire on my rig besides BFG, So maybe my lack of experience with rubber is hurting me on this subject. Looks like you've had great experience with the KM2's though, I've never seen someone plow through snow like you have on them without getting seriously stuck, so you've restored my hope.
BTW, the tail lights look great, nice upgrade on the reverse lights!
Dirtco
New member
Not a problem, and congrats on getting a job in Colorado! We need to do some wheeling and camping one of these days, or a Moab trip!
Mine are still pretty much new, but I know what your talking about; they don't have crap for siping or breaks in the tread blocks. What it does have is gone in a couple 32's of an inch. I normally don't run my tires past 1/2 tread life since I can still get 1/2 the money for them and that goes towards new tires. But, with the KM2's I think I'm going to have to get a tire groover and open up the stock "New" cuts that came from the factory even before that 1/2 worn mark.
As for the snow wheeling, a lot of that is due to the air pressure I'm running, for deep snow wheeling I'm at 3-5 psi. I love the KM2's on the highway, they are smooth and seem to hold a balance pretty good, and they are awesome in Moab, but I'm not sold on them for a winter tire (both street and trail).
Dirtco
New member
I also finished getting my CB installed. I chose the Uniden Pro 520 XL for it’s small size and good rating (it’s pretty much a little work horse), the green backlight was also a plus as it matches the dash lights. I installed it on the passenger side of the center console, next to the shifter. My ashtray has my Scangauge (which I use a lot more), so this was the next best spot. It’s not in the way of the passenger, and it’s really out of my way. The mic is a little bit out of a reach, but when I’m using it I’ll just keep it in the cupholder or under the parking brake handle.
I adjusted my SWR and I was able to get both channels one and forty to 1.4, it seems like a pretty good reading for my antenna location and length. Here is a good link on how to adjust SWR…
CB Antenna Tuning Instructions | Right Channel Radios
And here is a link to everything you need to know about CB’s, a great resource if you don’t much about them.
CB Radio Articles: Selection | Installation | Troubleshooting
Speaking of Rightchanneladios.com, they were great to deal with! Their technical articles really go over all the basic’s, along with the more advanced stuff. They also don’t try to sell you on the most expensive radio they carry, and their customer service is top notch!
Anyways, onto the pictures…
I adjusted my SWR and I was able to get both channels one and forty to 1.4, it seems like a pretty good reading for my antenna location and length. Here is a good link on how to adjust SWR…
CB Antenna Tuning Instructions | Right Channel Radios
And here is a link to everything you need to know about CB’s, a great resource if you don’t much about them.
CB Radio Articles: Selection | Installation | Troubleshooting
Speaking of Rightchanneladios.com, they were great to deal with! Their technical articles really go over all the basic’s, along with the more advanced stuff. They also don’t try to sell you on the most expensive radio they carry, and their customer service is top notch!
Anyways, onto the pictures…
crazydubman
New member
Figured I would ask this as I'm sure there are others interested as well. How are the Lotus CV's holding up for you? any complaints thus far? How long has it been now?
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