Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Dirtco]

Awesome updates as always! Am i the only one still anxiously awaiting the details of the full float install on that trail gear housing?!

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I believe he mentions in there that he left some details out, which is what i was referring too. Could've misread though. I'm very curious as to the details, since I've already bent a shaft somehow and I'm pretty much stock. This setup seems to be solid without breaking the bank for a diamond.

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I think I covered all the major points, but if you have a specific question let me know. If you are starting from scratch, and you want the full float set up, you would be better off buying a Diamond. The Diamond comes with the full float kit built into it, and it's designed around it. I went with the Rock Assault housing because I already had the full float kit. Also, Diamond can build the housing with the brackets in the stock location for you, making it pretty much a bolt together system.

 

[Dirtco]

Just gonna put this here....

Drotor Brake Upgrade Kit - Front Range Off-Road Fabrication

Thanks for the link, I talked to Brian about that at the Jamboree. If that kit would have been available when I bought mine I would had got the route. It's something to think about down the road...

 

[Dirtco]

So I have the tent, but I needed a way to attach it to the roof. I looked at a ton of rack options, but none of them really fit my needs. I don't plan on running a rack unless the tent is on the 4Runner, so they just added extra weight. I almost ordered the small Baja Rack, but it was super expensive for what your getting (especially when you figure in shipping). The next option was a Thule rack, I actually ordered the system but once I got it I realized it sat way too tall for my liking, and the attachment of the feet to the rails wasn't very robust. So I returned it and decided to build my own.

My needs were simple; I needed a way to attach the tent (and my awning) to the roof, it had to be removable, strong, low profile, light, and cheap. Okay, maybe my list wasn't all that simple!

I started with some 1x1.5" tubing I had in the garage, this acted as the rails for the rack. Then I built the "feet" that connect it to the factory rails. The lower plates have bolts welded to the under side and the rack drops on top of them.





I added another 1x1" piece of tubing front to back that acts as a 3rd rail for the tent, this adds extra strength to both the tent and the rack. Being that I have the "Sky" model I should be able to open the top and stand up in the tent without the floor bowing.



On the driver side I welded a piece of angle steel to tie the rails together and fill the gap between the tent and factory rails. On the passenger side the rails extend out, and thats where the awning will attach. The forward bars line up with the tent rails for extra support, and have another purpose that I'll get into later. I was able to use steel I had laying around, so my out of pocket expensive was around $20, not bad!

 

[EatonKyleH]

Needs a Ballistic fab skull welded to it somewhere.:fro:

 

[Dirtco]

And here it is with the tent installed, it's taking a little time to get used to, but after driving it for a couple days it handles better than I expected it to. We'll see how it does once I get some dirt under the tires!

 

[Dirtco]

And here are some of the modifications I've started on the tent. I started by installing LED strip lighting, the first side (where my pillows are) is soft white and has a dimmer switch. This makes for a nice soft light and there will be a switch in the tent to turn it on.





On the other side of the tent, above the ladder, is another light strip. This one is natural white and does not have a dimmer. This is for setting up camp, getting unpacked, etc. This will be controlled via a remote key fob, that way I can turn it on from anywhere around the truck.



In addition to the above lights I have led light pods mounted under the base of the tent, these light up the ladder area and are on the same circuit as the above lights.

 

[Dirtco]

I also wanted 12 volt power in the tent for charging my phone and plugging in my 12 volt electric blanket. I bought a small project box to use as a "control panel", I installed a Blue Sea 12 volt port, along with a dual USB outlet, it also houses the control box for the remote lights. In addition to the above items I added a digital voltage meter and outside temperature that come on with the interior tent lights.

 

[Reluctanse]

That is cool! Where did you get that thermometer?

 

[Sean K.]

Do you have any close ups of what you used for the cam lever/lock assembly on your swing out tire carrier? Or, if it's easier, the name of the manufacturer or a link to where you bought it. ***EDIT*** Just realized, you may not have made the rear bumper and swing out...if so, what brand is it? Maybe I can look at their site to get an idea for a cam lever on mine.

Also, what's the aluminum reservoir next to your winch for?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[amalik]

So many questions. You need to charge $5 for every answer, [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION].

Early retirement before you know it,

 

[JBurt]

Do you have any close ups of what you used for the cam lever/lock assembly on your swing out tire carrier? Or, if it's easier, the name of the manufacturer or a link to where you bought it. ***EDIT*** Just realized, you may not have made the rear bumper and swing out...if so, what brand is it? Maybe I can look at their site to get an idea for a cam lever on mine.

Also, what's the aluminum reservoir next to your winch for?

Thanks,
Sean

He made the rear bumper and swing out. He posted a link to the latch he used many many pages ago.

The aluminum reservoir is for washer fluid.

 

[Sean K.]

He made the rear bumper and swing out. He posted a link to the latch he used many many pages ago.

The aluminum reservoir is for washer fluid.

Thanks.....I've read the whole thread and didn't remember that part.

Post #980...page 66 for anyone looking for the latch info.

Thanks again for the help JBurt.

 

[JBurt]

No problem. I'm probably mistaken. I couldn't find a link to the latch but the pictures are on page 69 and 70.

 

[Sean K.]

No problem. I'm probably mistaken. I couldn't find a link to the latch but the pictures are on page 69 and 70.

Here's the link if you need it:

https://www.biscoind.com/Southco/A2-10-501-21

 

[Dropzone]

i like the remote box with temp gauge.

In addition to the above lights I have led light pods mounted under the base of the tent, these light up the ladder area and are on the same circuit as the above lights.

I have a few similar LED light pods installed in the back and as front door lights in my 94. Outstanding light output and semi cheap to purchase.

 

[TheHoneyBadger]

I think I covered all the major points, but if you have a specific question let me know. If you are starting from scratch, and you want the full float set up, you would be better off buying a Diamond. The Diamond comes with the full float kit built into it, and it's designed around it. I went with the Rock Assault housing because I already had the full float kit. Also, Diamond can build the housing with the brackets in the stock location for you, making it pretty much a bolt together system.

I'll take that under advisement, thanks Dirtco!

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[Mr.Rick]

Jeremiah, you never fail to impress my friend. I'm looking forward to the new additions.

 

[MtnT4R]

You know, I've read this build a few times trying to find ANYTHING you half-assed, and I'm always disappointed.

 

[Dropzone]

You know, I've read this build a few times trying to find ANYTHING you half-assed, and I'm always disappointed.

that is for sure. I have been watching [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION]'s work evolve over multiple threads for years and it is just plain quality.

 

[spyder90]

I have been reading through this build, and also your trailer build, for a couple weeks now in my spare time and just wanted to let you know you do some awesome work. By far one of the most thorough build threads I have read on any type of forum I have been on. I'll be keeping up with this build as time goes on, once again awesome work!