EatonKyleH's Build Thread

[jgd99]

Verrrrrrry pretty truck! This is ultimately what I want to do with mine!

 

[smallfry]

Nice.

 

[Road Bull]

Sweet looking truck man! Great story and good to hear that there are still such cool people in the world. Sounds like you had a pretty good time overall then.

 

[habskater11]

just scrolled through your build. what an awesome truck/story.

 

[EatonKyleH]

What an awesome story! Those two photos are great too [emoji41]
Grandpa sounds like a badass with a huge heart.
Sucks you had to take it easy after the joint blew up, but also sounds like you still had a great time.

Verrrrrrry pretty truck! This is ultimately what I want to do with mine!

Nice.

Sweet looking truck man! Great story and good to hear that there are still such cool people in the world. Sounds like you had a pretty good time overall then.

just scrolled through your build. what an awesome truck/story.

Thanks Ya'll!
The truck is garaged now and will be down for a bit while I address the trail repairs with correct and reinforced repairs and a couple details the first trip with 35s and LT brought to my attention.

Luckily I recently bought a 2005 Tundra a few weeks back..... The 4Runner was my daily driver before that hahaha.... it's sooooo nice to not need to address everything in a single evening or weekend now. And my 4Runner is happy to not have to pull my 7x12 enclosed trailer anymore!

The trip overall was great. It turned into surely a more work than play kinda trip and that was a shame. But meeting Grandpa, the teamwork and support my wife had the entire time, and hanging with good friends..... It turned out for the best.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Started working on this thing again today.

Remade the resi hoses and routing..... Because I wanted a smooth 90 degree at the shock body and the hoses that came with them were also really long. I had the resis on the frame rail much lower down before and in Moab I noticed I was catching a lot of rocks and debris on them because the were visible under the front bumper. Now they are much higher up and hidden/protected.

Also I turned the resis so that the hose outlet faces outward. This allowed me to fit the mounts I made for the limit strap clevis behind them. Doing this also made the hose fit point more naturally to the widest area to pass through between the spring and upper control arm.

Another benefit was that I this allowed me to package everything nice and high/tight...because I was struggling to figure out how I was going to fit big nasty air bumps on the frame with so much going on before. Took a lot of staring at everything to figure out how I was going to package everything I need in there nicely.

Now I have plenty of room for them!

Anyway just a quick update on what I've been up to with this thing.


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33215706344/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0907"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2944/33215706344_b748fe2673_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0907"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NWFL4Runner]

How did you get to the bolts behind the adapter plate at the top of the shock? Did you have to pull the spring? Looks good, im installing the same kit as well.

Also - did you use all both 1/4 and 3/8 spacers when installing the UCA?

 

[Fishwerks]

That droop.

 

[fightman80]

Great build man! Loving all the practical and thought out mods... keep it up!

 

[EatonKyleH]

How did you get to the bolts behind the adapter plate at the top of the shock? Did you have to pull the spring? Looks good, im installing the same kit as well.

Also - did you use all both 1/4 and 3/8 spacers when installing the UCA?

Thanks!
Sending you a PM.

That droop.

Ya buddy! Glad to finally be getting it set up how I really wanted. Before I had just kinda hobbled it together quickly to get it to Moab for our trip. Probably shouldn't have taken it out there without being done first but f**k it haha still had a great time!

Great build man! Loving all the practical and thought out mods... keep it up!

Thanks man! Your truck was one I always kept looking at when I started building this thing.

 

[fightman80]

Well you've far surpassed my build, in terms of Offroad ability and ruggedness! I'm just not into that life... lol! I tried to be... would stress about every little scratch. :/

I guess I'll just be that old guy down the street, with an old truck... that is rarely driven... lol!

 

[EatonKyleH]

Been working on the truck again lately.

Finally replaced my leaking steering rack. It had gotten pretty dang bad so in goes the fresh new OEM stuff.


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33968807020/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0921"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2851/33968807020_a88cbf84a5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0921"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510854524/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0922"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2859/33510854524_46c64e0cb8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0922"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Then finally got around to pulling the lower control arms again and grinding off all the emergency welding I did on Grandpas garage floor in Moab.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/34222182081/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0920"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2851/34222182081_9aaebc32e9_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0920"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510856104/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0912 (1)"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2814/33510856104_51ae9b2bf7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0912 (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also noticed these weird marks.....
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33968821710/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0918"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4188/33968821710_8711832cfa_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0918"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510855554/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0919"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2832/33510855554_d0c7eb85b8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0919"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

______________
So that leads me to share some observations I've made about LT on these trucks.

1.
None of the LT kits (as far as I know) keep the functionality of the steering stops.
I found those marks are from the factory steering stop "nubs" that hang down from the lower ball joints hitting the control arm.
They will clear the arms when turning when the vehicle is on the ground and you'd never notice any contact.
BUT when the suspension nears full droop and the wheel is turned sharply the steering stop nub will be over the control arm and contact it as the suspension doops. Essentially it is then trying to pry the joint apart.....scary stuff!

I'd imagine this is an issue on several long travel kits as several of them look to be about the same when the LBJ mounts.

I ground off the steering stop nubs on the LBJs and now all is well. They aren't used for anything anyway. I was just surprised nobody has noticed or mentioned this issue. It could have resulted in much worse issues. If you are going LT on your truck check for this by turning the steering lock to lock at full droop (both front wheels off the ground) and check the clearance between the steering stops of the LBJs and the control arms.

2.
PLLLLEEEEEEAAASSEEE If you are considering LT and plan to wheel it.
Install the Total Chaos Alignment cam tab gussets and spindle gussets at the same time!
At bare minimum weld the sides of stock alignment tabs to reinforce them.
My big issue in Moab was due to breaking the stock alignment cam tab.... then the control arm can slide all over the place and the truck is pretty much worthless to drive....
Dudes have broken these tabs with stock length control arms.... When you install longer control arms for LT you are putting more leverage on this area resulting in it becoming even easier to break these tabs.

I actually had these kits from Total Chaos in my garage at home when I broke my truck in Moab. They were on my "To-do" list with the LT but didn't make the cut because I was in a rush. I regret rushing through now.... mainly because I've had to dissemble nearly everything all over again to add these!

So when you have the control arms and spindles off.... DO THESE BEFORE you put it together.

3.
Limit straps! Get em, install em, use em!

With most of the LT kits for these trucks the upper control arm uniball will become what limits the suspension unless a limit strap is used. The coilover will still have some down travel left when the uniball misalignment contacts the control arm. If you are not using limit straps you will be pounding the uniball misalignment into the control arm which could be happening violently if you are working the suspension quickly and result in damage over time to the control arm and uniball.

4.
Toe out.

After aligning this truck....wayyy more times that I'll ever admit to I've finally found the sweet spots for my truck and LT.
Normally..Toe In causes the suspension to load moving forward which normally with stock suspension/lifted non-LT wont cause anything terribly noticeable.... Hell you might even like the results because its high and looks lifted which was what you may have been going for.

But with LT Toed in specs become very sensitive. With stock alignment settings and slightly toed in I would notice the front suspension rise by over an inch driving forward then it would lower back down as I'd reverse. This constant height changing will affect the rest of you alignment.

I was trying to achieve a low front end and it was pretty frustrating...

So set it up a bit toed out or on the negative edges of the in spec toe range when aligning it. Waabam.

5.
Bump stops

Stilll working on this... will chat about it later.
_______

Anywhoo just a couple things I thought I'd bring up.... I've seen more and more people getting LT kits for these trucks and even more that are under the impression that LT is a quick bolt on...
Sure you can just bolt a kit on and flex it out for some sweet sweet photoshoots but its important to understand that if you plan to wheel it much there are several details and extra steps that should be taken to ensure that it doesn't fail you on the trail.

I get that most of these extra steps require some fab/welding and may not be as approachable for some guys who really just like the idea of bolting on control arms.... but its honestly better to get it done right when its all disassembled. Otherwise there is a good chance you'll be removing it all just to revisit these steps....and/or wandering around little towns looking for a grandpa with a welder.... or bustin out the wallet for some gnarly tow bills.

 

[the great him]

Been working on the truck again lately.

Finally replaced my leaking steering rack. It had gotten pretty dang bad so in goes the fresh new OEM stuff.


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33968807020/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0921"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2851/33968807020_a88cbf84a5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0921"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510854524/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0922"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2859/33510854524_46c64e0cb8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0922"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Then finally got around to pulling the lower control arms again and grinding off all the emergency welding I did on Grandpas garage floor in Moab.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/34222182081/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0920"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2851/34222182081_9aaebc32e9_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0920"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510856104/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0912 (1)"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2814/33510856104_51ae9b2bf7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_0912 (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also noticed these weird marks.....
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33968821710/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0918"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4188/33968821710_8711832cfa_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0918"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/33510855554/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0919"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2832/33510855554_d0c7eb85b8_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0919"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

______________
So that leads me to share some observations I've made about LT on these trucks.

1.
None of the LT kits (as far as I know) keep the functionality of the steering stops.
I found those marks are from the factory steering stop "nubs" that hang down from the lower ball joints hitting the control arm.
They will clear the arms when turning when the vehicle is on the ground and you'd never notice any contact.
BUT when the suspension nears full droop and the wheel is turned sharply the steering stop nub will be over the control arm and contact it as the suspension doops. Essentially it is then trying to pry the joint apart.....scary stuff!

I'd imagine this is an issue on several long travel kits as several of them look to be about the same when the LBJ mounts.

I ground off the steering stop nubs on the LBJs and now all is well. They aren't used for anything anyway. I was just surprised nobody has noticed or mentioned this issue. It could have resulted in much worse issues. If you are going LT on your truck check for this by turning the steering lock to lock at full droop (both front wheels off the ground) and check the clearance between the steering stops of the LBJs and the control arms.

2.
PLLLLEEEEEEAAASSEEE If you are considering LT and plan to wheel it.
Install the Total Chaos Alignment cam tab gussets and spindle gussets at the same time!
At bare minimum weld the sides of stock alignment tabs to reinforce them.
My big issue in Moab was due to breaking the stock alignment cam tab.... then the control arm can slide all over the place and the truck is pretty much worthless to drive....
Dudes have broken these tabs with stock length control arms.... When you install longer control arms for LT you are putting more leverage on this area resulting in it becoming even easier to break these tabs.

I actually had these kits from Total Chaos in my garage at home when I broke my truck in Moab. They were on my "To-do" list with the LT but didn't make the cut because I was in a rush. I regret rushing through now.... mainly because I've had to dissemble nearly everything all over again to add these!

So when you have the control arms and spindles off.... DO THESE BEFORE you put it together.

3.
Limit straps! Get em, install em, use em!

With most of the LT kits for these trucks the upper control arm uniball will become what limits the suspension unless a limit strap is used. The coilover will still have some down travel left when the uniball misalignment contacts the control arm. If you are not using limit straps you will be pounding the uniball misalignment into the control arm which could be happening violently if you are working the suspension quickly and result in damage over time to the control arm and uniball.

4.
Toe out.

After aligning this truck....wayyy more times that I'll ever admit to I've finally found the sweet spots for my truck and LT.
Normally..Toe In causes the suspension to load moving forward which normally with stock suspension/lifted non-LT wont cause anything terribly noticeable.... Hell you might even like the results because its high and looks lifted which was what you may have been going for.

But with LT Toed in specs become very sensitive. With stock alignment settings and slightly toed in I would notice the front suspension rise by over an inch driving forward then it would lower back down as I'd reverse. This constant height changing will affect the rest of you alignment.

I was trying to achieve a low front end and it was pretty frustrating...

So set it up a bit toed out or on the negative edges of the in spec toe range when aligning it. Waabam.

5.
Bump stops

Stilll working on this... will chat about it later.
_______

Anywhoo just a couple things I thought I'd bring up.... I've seen more and more people getting LT kits for these trucks and even more that are under the impression that LT is a quick bolt on...
Sure you can just bolt a kit on and flex it out for some sweet sweet photoshoots but its important to understand that if you plan to wheel it much there are several details and extra steps that should be taken to ensure that it doesn't fail you on the trail.

I get that most of these extra steps require some fab/welding and may not be as approachable for some guys who really just like the idea of bolting on control arms.... but its honestly better to get it done right when its all disassembled. Otherwise there is a good chance you'll be removing it all just to revisit these steps....and/or wandering around little towns looking for a grandpa with a welder.... or bustin out the wallet for some gnarly tow bills.

Facts, I just did a full LT kit on a gx470 Friday at work, what more involved that I thought, came in at 5am, didn't leave till almost 9pm, but the customer drove his truck home that day. Nope not doing that again. I'm sure it's awesome, but wow yes so much more than a simple bolt on

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[EatonKyleH]

Prepping for an epic adventure coming up this summer... Fitted the RTT back on top of the truck via the new rack, added some extra fuel storage in the form of rotopax on the roof rack to supplement the jerry can on the swing out.

And picked up this box.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131523454@N04/34179269510/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0931 (1)"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4176/34179269510_503929eba6_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_0931 (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Been working on the truck every weekend for the last month... and it's gone full exbro mode. (I'll take some pics soonish)

I can't really talk much about the trip that's prompting this rush but in a couple months hopefully I'll have an epic story to share with ya'll.

Been excited about this truck all over again lately!

 

[Unner]

Looking forward to hearing about this secret trip!

 

[owyheerat]

Prepping for an epic adventure coming up this summer...

Been excited about this truck all over again lately!

Kyle,
Glad to hear your in love with the old gal again...lol

I too, can't wait to read the trip report of your epic adventure. Be safe and take lots of pics.

Durwin

 

[sn0wrunner]

it's gone full exbro mode.

Thank you for introducing this word into my vocabulary. I like it a lot. And your 4runner is pretty awesome too! :thumb:
Can't wait to see pics from your next adventure.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Looking forward to hearing about this secret trip!

Thanks man! It's a few months out still but a pretty wild route without pavement/services for long long stretches. Last year I was on this trip:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/222811-2016-co-expo-trip-report.html
and almost ran out of fuel after using the 5 gallons I carry on the swing out before we hit our first refuel point.

The coming trip is considerably longer and more isolated so I've been getting everything ironed out.

The snorkel will be more for dust/sand/gravel than anything. I'll be running a precleaner on it. I've noticed several times while part of a long convoy (which I almost never am leading) my air filter and air box fill up with junk rather quickly after a full day of driving behind other trucks in a giant dust cloud.

Kyle,
Glad to hear your in love with the old gal again...lol

I too, can't wait to read the trip report of your epic adventure. Be safe and take lots of pics.

Durwin

Haha, Ya.
Truck relationship level is better than it was.... a month ago or so.
We've worked some things out and are continuing to see each other.

Thank you for introducing this word into my vocabulary. I like it a lot. And your 4runner is pretty awesome too! :thumb:
Can't wait to see pics from your next adventure.

Haha! I'm glad you like it. I've used a lot of Broverlander terminology over the last couple years.

Anytime something explodes in popularity it seems people start to take it too seriously or need to create something more for internet fame or bragging rights than for their own experiences.
Hell I'm guilty of it myself sometimes.
But I'm always trying to keep everything light when I can and not take myself too seriously.

Anyway I'm sure you understand. I've cracked up over a couple FB comments I've seen from you on a page or two recently.

 

[SDmtnbkr]

...........Cut cut cut.

BEFORE: (don't judge my floors or my coffee table.... my house is 112 year old and awesome. and that's a fact. Better homes and gardens loves it)


Measure and connect the dots:


CUT and installed:


Clean cuts:


the old turd almost looks level and is actually sitting way higher in the rear! Not going to lie. I've been thinking about doing this cut for probably about a year and wasn't sure about how it would come out (my ability to do a clean line in the plastic without screwing up and the look on the truck). But in the end I'm stoked on it.

Any chance you could fix these photos, I'd love to see how you cut your fenders, but the links aren't working.

Also... so did you not have a body lift then? What did you have to do to the rear to stuff the 35's without a BL? ....absolutely love your rig!

 

[NateMob]

The snorkel will be more for dust/sand/gravel than anything. I'll be running a precleaner on it. I've noticed several times while part of a long convoy (which I almost never am leading) my air filter and air box fill up with junk rather quickly after a full day of driving behind other trucks in a giant dust cloud.

The only time i can remember you leading is when you and I raced up the side of that ****ing mountain Pike's Peak style! Then waited for everyone else for a long time down on the other side. :trophy: