Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Dirtco]

When I took off the front bumper I lost my turn signals. On my last 4Runner I converted the corner marker lights to turn signals using bright LED bulbs and a modified flasher. I decided to do the same thing on this one, so I bought some bulbs and load resistors.

The Turbo 4Runner did not have front marker lights but I figured on this one I should (to keep the police happy). I thought about it for several days, then I saw an Audi that had the LED day time running lights. It gave me an idea.

I bought six 1” LED lights that are clear (to match the headlights and clear corners) but have an amber light. I mounted them in the panel below the headlights. I like the way they turned out, but I’m debating switching them back to my turn signals. It seems like the corner markers are not bright enough and people don’t see them all the time. I’m going to give it a week or two, then decide.

 

[Dirtco]

While I was making my LED order I decided to take of the interior too. I bought replacement dome light and map light bulbs.

Before

After

 

[GottaBeTRD]

im diggin those LEDs in the front! I'm sure there is a way to have both running light and blinker. Cant you just tap another wire into your LED's connected to your blinker? I may try this with my amber LED strip in my headlights if you figure it out. good luck!

So do the load resistors make it so you dont need to replace your flasher with an LED one?

 

[Dirtco]

im diggin those LEDs in the front! I'm sure there is a way to have both running light and blinker. Cant you just tap another wire into your LED's connected to your blinker? I may try this with my amber LED strip in my headlights if you figure it out. good luck!

So do the load resistors make it so you dont need to replace your flasher with an LED one?

I think there is a way but it would be complicated, you could tap another wire into the light but when the headlights are on the blinker would not flash (since it's already lit). After some thought I'm pretty sure I will be switching the lights around to be my turn signals. They are brighter and catch your eye better than the corner lights.

Yes, with the load resisters you don't need a different flasher and it flashes at the normal speed.

 

[Dirtco]

Well, I started working on the rear bumper! I’ve been really worried about someone rear ending me and totaling the 4Runner (especially with winter coming). If I got hit without the factory bumper and hitch it would not be pretty. It’s also a PITA moving the trailer around by hand.

I started with a section of ¼” wall 2x3” steel, it’s overkill but I got it for free. I would have preferred to use 3/16”.

Then it was time to chop down the frame as much as I could. I really hate how low the rear frame section sets on the 3rd Gen 4Runners, it looks stupid and only gets worse with a body lift. I could only go back so far because of the body mounts and the internal bracing.

Before

After

 

[Dirtco]

The crossmember will be shimmed for a tight fit, and welded solid.

I needed a 2” receiver for towing and recovery duties. It worked perfect to have it set on top of the crossmember. The receiver has a collar on the end for added strength, but it was only welded on the inside and looked like crap, so I finished welding it and smoothed out the harsh edges.

I also added some small gussets to the back of the crossmember for added strength.

 

[Dirtco]

With the rear cross member done I could start playing with some tubing. I wanted the bumper to follow the body lines as much as possible and still have a good amount of protection.

 

[Dirtco]

And some more work…

I was going to clearance the fender flare for the bumper, but I decided to clearance the bumper instead. It should make for a much cleaner look.

Here it is off the truck with the ends trimmed and starting the capping process. I still need to complete the passenger side and all the frame plates, gussets and supports.

 

[quicksilvr]

insert McDonalds theme jingle here.....


I'm lovin' it

 

[Dirtco]

I got some more work done on the bumper. The frames on these 3rd gens are really pretty thin, so I made some frame plates for the inside of the rail and I found some random plates I will use on the outside.

Then I trimmed all the tubing down to size and started the capping process. I notched out the upper tube for extra fender flair clearance, that way when the frame flexes it does not tear the flair off.

 

[t4r4life]

i need friend like you you did more stuff in weeks than i did in years

 

[Dirtco]

And I got the bumper installed! I still need to install the outer supports, along with some inner bracing/supports.

I went back and forth on paint for a long time. I wanted to color match the trim but I needed a paint that was easy to touch up (I have to repaint my bumpers and sliders several times a year) and did not require masking half the vehicle off, mixing paint, etc. I thought about powder coating them, but once I hit a rock it would have to be touched up too. I really needed an over the counter spray paint, and I bought several different cans of silver. But all of the silvers were too light and made the color of the 4Runner, and trim look dull/darker.

I decided to use “Hammered” black spray paint, but it’s really a dark grey metallic. It holds up to abuse a lot better than most spray paint and is easy to touch up. In the sunlight it compliments the factory paint, and adds some contrast making the factory paint look brighter. I can always repaint it if I find a better color and/or paint.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Like Michealangelo if he was a welder... or a ninja turtle with nunchucks that could weld too...

f'in bad ass non stop. :nicethread:

 

[t4r4life]

if those were with a mig then bravo they look awesome

 

[mory]

man, some how u 35" tire look like 37' tire is huge, plus is u wheel is 17x9 or 17x10? u 4runner look sick man, i stepping up to 35'' to soon after my 305-65-17 wear out.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Dirtco,

The rear bumper looks really nice. When I first saw the tubing I thought it was hollow and assumed that all tube bumpers are hollow.

a) Is yours solid steel? It appears to be from the pics.

b) How much does the whole rear bumper weigh (best guess)

c) How much did the steel cost to make the bumper? I am sure this will vary from state to state.

d) How do you have so much lift? WoW.

 

[ryhi]

this thing is dope!

 

[Dirtco]

Like Michealangelo if he was a welder... or a ninja turtle with nunchucks that could weld too...

f'in bad ass non stop. :nicethread:

LOL , I loved the ninja turtles when I was a kid!

Thanks man, I still have a lot of work but it's getting closer!

 

[Dirtco]

if those were with a mig then bravo they look awesome

Yep, mig welder

man, some how u 35" tire look like 37' tire is huge, plus is u wheel is 17x9 or 17x10? u 4runner look sick man, i stepping up to 35'' to soon after my 305-65-17 wear out.

I'm pretty sure they are 17x9, but the beadlock could throw things off a little.

this thing is dope!

Thanks!

 

[Dirtco]

Dirtco,

The rear bumper looks really nice. When I first saw the tubing I thought it was hollow and assumed that all tube bumpers are hollow.

a) Is yours solid steel? It appears to be from the pics.

b) How much does the whole rear bumper weigh (best guess)

c) How much did the steel cost to make the bumper? I am sure this will vary from state to state.

d) How do you have so much lift? WoW.

Thanks!

A. The tubing is hollow, I capped the ends and spent some extra time smoothing everything out.

B. I would say around 100 pounds

C. It's hard to say because I had some of the steel laying around. My best guess would be $120.00 plus shop supplies (gas, wire, grinding disks, etc), but there is also a lot of time in that bumper.

D. I have the Sonoran Steel 1.2 kit, and a 1" body lift. It will set lower once the bumpers, rock sliders and skid plates are installed.