Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

Whewh! I FINALY got through all 75 pages, along with a trailer thread and a "Mild build" thread. So much good info. Your rig is fantastic! Thank you for posting all this! It makes me think I need to get out more in my own "mild" 4runner more in this great state.
Thanks for all the inspiration Dirtco. I will be refering back often as I move forward with bumpers and sliders on my rig (and also for wheeling ideas).

Wow, 75 pages! I guess I didn't realize it was getting that long. Thanks for taking the time to read through it all, and thanks for the kind words! Yeah, get out there and enjoy your 4Runner, there are so many places to explore and check out.

Just popped in to check out your thread again. Those tunnel shots are awesome. Great snow wheeling videos too:hatsoff:

Thanks for checking in! :D
 
Such an awesome build Dirtco-

Your Rig gets two thumbs up from me, I really enjoy this thread!

All of your photos/videos are great man, in your last vid that terrain looks a lot like the Sierras. Looks like you have been wheelin for awile judging by your driving skills, your confidence shows!

Just Sub'd to your YouTube Channel-


Nicely done Sir! :thumb3:
 
Jeremiah, what setup are you using to lock your tire carrier swing out? I was thinking of changing my setup now and going for a spring bolt or something similiar...just dont know where to buy it, or what the technical word for it is lol.
 
Jeremiah, what setup are you using to lock your tire carrier swing out? I was thinking of changing my setup now and going for a spring bolt or something similiar...just dont know where to buy it, or what the technical word for it is lol.

I think you mean a hand retractable spring loaded plunger. You can google that and get all kinds of hits. I used one I bought online that had a 5/8" diameter pin, but I can't remember where I bought it. The last one I bought had 5/8 shank that reduced to 3/8", and I snapped it. So I sort of made one from the shrapnel. If I figure out where I got it I'll post a link.

:couch2:
 
I think you mean a hand retractable spring loaded plunger. You can google that and get all kinds of hits. I used one I bought online that had a 5/8" diameter pin, but I can't remember where I bought it. The last one I bought had 5/8 shank that reduced to 3/8", and I snapped it. So I sort of made one from the shrapnel. If I figure out where I got it I'll post a link.

:couch2:

OK, had to quote my own post because the edit button wouldn't work.

Here is a link to the one I got, like I said, it snapped right away. So I pressed a sleeve over the lower section, welded it and then ground it smooth. Works great! I also did not use that little stubby pull handle, I extended it with a coupling nut and a set screw.

Bumper & Tire Carrier

Again, this is what I got the last time, not what I think is best!

:couch2:
 
OK, had to quote my own post because the edit button wouldn't work.

Here is a link to the one I got, like I said, it snapped right away. So I pressed a sleeve over the lower section, welded it and then ground it smooth. Works great! I also did not use that little stubby pull handle, I extended it with a coupling nut and a set screw.

Bumper & Tire Carrier

Again, this is what I got the last time, not what I think is best!

:couch2:

Sweet! Thanks broski! Rep added to you!
 
Such an awesome build Dirtco-

Your Rig gets two thumbs up from me, I really enjoy this thread!

All of your photos/videos are great man, in your last vid that terrain looks a lot like the Sierras. Looks like you have been wheelin for awile judging by your driving skills, your confidence shows!

Just Sub'd to your YouTube Channel-


Nicely done Sir! :thumb3:

Thanks for all the kind words David! :) I check in on your build thread too.

I've been wheeling that trail for a long time and have most of the lines figured out. But, it is getting pretty dug out, making those lines harder. Colorado has a good amount of different terrain (much like California), it's really nice to head out and run a mostly dry trail when there is still a ton of snow at my house.
 
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Jeremiah, what setup are you using to lock your tire carrier swing out? I was thinking of changing my setup now and going for a spring bolt or something similiar...just dont know where to buy it, or what the technical word for it is lol.

I bought mine from Comp4x4 (in the tire carrier parts section), but it looks like you already figured it out. So far it works good, except when it freezes up (something you don't have to worry about).
 
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Dirtyco's nice to meet you! I'm from Brazil!

I was reading your amazing topic, when I stopped to ask a doubt for you.

Here in Brazil I have also a truck like this! All modified! I use it for trails and expeditions.

My truck is equipped with 33x12.5x15 tires. That is as like as yours, but a little smaller.

But all of us that are using this tires, we are having problem with steering hack. Do you have this problem using this big tires? How do you solve it? Did you equiped with a solid axle?

I opened a topic here and some guys there said about NAPA ou SAFARI LTD steering rack. Someones said that NAPA don't be good, but SAFARI is better. Another ones said that OEM is the better one. Once in time, I think OEM is better to use with original tires, but to use with big tires, like 33", 35", 37" how I like to use, this brakes!

Ohh.. I'm forgotten! Another guy said about pieces from addictedoffroad and from trail gear.

I'm lost! Can you help me?

Sorry my poor english! I'm doing my best!
 
Dirtyco's nice to meet you! I'm from Brazil!

I was reading your amazing topic, when I stopped to ask a doubt for you.

Here in Brazil I have also a truck like this! All modified! I use it for trails and expeditions.

My truck is equipped with 33x12.5x15 tires. That is as like as yours, but a little smaller.

But all of us that are using this tires, we are having problem with steering hack. Do you have this problem using this big tires? How do you solve it? Did you equiped with a solid axle?

I opened a topic here and some guys there said about NAPA ou SAFARI LTD steering rack. Someones said that NAPA don't be good, but SAFARI is better. Another ones said that OEM is the better one. Once in time, I think OEM is better to use with original tires, but to use with big tires, like 33", 35", 37" how I like to use, this brakes!

Ohh.. I'm forgotten! Another guy said about pieces from addictedoffroad and from trail gear.

I'm lost! Can you help me?

Sorry my poor english! I'm doing my best!


the Safari LTD rack is amazing. im running it with almost the same tire size as Dirtco, just a tad smaller(305 70 17 = 34x12.5x17) and i have not had any issues. i also used some polyurethane bushings for the steering rack and that helped as well. bigger tires will stress the stock rack and it will not hold up. the biggest difference with the OEM Toyota rack and the Safari LTD rack is the OEM rack uses nylon bushings in the rack, but the Sarafi rack uses brass, much stronger and hold up to heavier loads.
 
the Safari LTD rack is amazing. im running it with almost the same tire size as Dirtco, just a tad smaller(305 70 17 = 34x12.5x17) and i have not had any issues. i also used some polyurethane bushings for the steering rack and that helped as well. bigger tires will stress the stock rack and it will not hold up. the biggest difference with the OEM Toyota rack and the Safari LTD rack is the OEM rack uses nylon bushings in the rack, but the Sarafi rack uses brass, much stronger and hold up to heavier loads.

Thanks the kid!

But and what about Trail Gear. Do you know?

Safari is the best in steering rack? Works good with tires up to 35"?
 
Dirtyco's nice to meet you! I'm from Brazil!

I was reading your amazing topic, when I stopped to ask a doubt for you.

Here in Brazil I have also a truck like this! All modified! I use it for trails and expeditions.

My truck is equipped with 33x12.5x15 tires. That is as like as yours, but a little smaller.

But all of us that are using this tires, we are having problem with steering hack. Do you have this problem using this big tires? How do you solve it? Did you equiped with a solid axle?

I opened a topic here and some guys there said about NAPA ou SAFARI LTD steering rack. Someones said that NAPA don't be good, but SAFARI is better. Another ones said that OEM is the better one. Once in time, I think OEM is better to use with original tires, but to use with big tires, like 33", 35", 37" how I like to use, this brakes!

Ohh.. I'm forgotten! Another guy said about pieces from addictedoffroad and from trail gear.

I'm lost! Can you help me?

Sorry my poor english! I'm doing my best!

No worries! Like The Kid said, Safari LTD is your best choice if your going to stick to IFS. I have the stock steering rack (with the updated steering guide) in my 4Runner, but it's only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced. When the time comes I will install a Safari LTD rack

Addicted Off-Road and Trail-Gear sell parts if you want to convert the stock IFS to a solid axle. That is not a bolt on swap, it requires cutting and welding.
 
No worries! Like The Kid said, Safari LTD is your best choice if your going to stick to IFS. I have the stock steering rack (with the updated steering guide) in my 4Runner, but it's only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced. When the time comes I will install a Safari LTD rack

Addicted Off-Road and Trail-Gear sell parts if you want to convert the stock IFS to a solid axle. That is not a bolt on swap, it requires cutting and welding.

I'm so happy for your reply, Dirtco!

I'll stick with IFS! I don't need nothing else.

Do you think that have anything better than Safari LTD in market or not? I'm questioning this because in november next I'm going to Orlando/FL and maybe I can buy this to bring to Brazil and install in my truck! But I want the best!

In time, are you using this: Toyota Dirty 30 Birfield Axle Kit 30 Spline Minitruck Hilux 4 Runner | eBay

And this: 1996 2004 Tacoma 4x4 Pre Runner Total Chaos Uni Ball Upper Control Arm Kit | eBay

I'm thinking to buy too!

Thank you!
 
I took the 4Runner out snow wheeling last week, it's been a couple months since I have been out to my normal spot. It was typical early spring conditions, with deep snow, and an icy crust on top of sugary softer snow.

I started at 4psi, but I was breaking through the snow more than I liked. So I dropped down to 2psi and was able to stay on top of the snow for the most part. I fell through a couple soft spots and had to dig out twice, and winch once. All in all it was a fun trip!







 
Dirtco,

What are you using on suspension? Bilstein? Front and Rear? Which is the most difference of OME?

Springs are OEM?

What I can do to upgrade my suspension?

Thanks again!
 
Dirtco,

What are you using on suspension? Bilstein? Front and Rear? Which is the most difference of OME?

Springs are OEM?

What I can do to upgrade my suspension?

Thanks again!

All the spec's on my suspension are on the first page of this build thread, and all the modifications are spread through out the build thread. Read through the build thread, and read through this link, you should be able to answer all of your questions. If you read through all of that stuff and still have a question, you can start a new thread.

Link:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...hreads-must-read-new-members.html#post1472045

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