electroCrunch
New member
Today I installed some Lotus Rear Control Arm Mount Skids. Install was pretty straight forward, after I figured out I didn't need to take the control arm bolt out.
electroCrunch - 2000 SR5 Build Thread
- Thread starter electroCrunch
- Start date
Echo_Spartan
New member
Just got caught up on your thread, great work! I love the look of the black grill, ever consider a satoshi?
electroCrunch
New member
Hey, thanks. I'm personally not a fan of the satoshi. I think they look a little odd on the 3rd gen, but CAN occasionally look fitting in some cases. I just figured there isn't any added function (let me know if there is) for all of that money spent.
Echo_Spartan
New member
Totally understandable about not liking the look, to each their own. As far as any added function, I don't think it adds anything really. I mean you are taking out plastic blocking the radiator, but I think removing the plastic for a satoshi is such a nominal increase of airflow it probably doesn't effect it. I just consider it a cosmetic upgrade! I'm actually gearing up for it myself (since I love the look if it's done right).
electroCrunch
New member
I was thinking there might be some airflow increase because of less plastic, but you're likely right it's nominal. If I ever break this grill or need to replace, I'd consider a satoshi like A.Flemster's. I actually do really like his in particular.
Saving up for a new steering rack is my current priority for the 4Runner. When I was at the shop getting fluids flushed a couple of weeks ago, they confirmed my suspicions that the rack is getting worn out and it's time for replacement.
electroCrunch
New member
I finished wiring up my new turn signals. I wired some IP67 rated quick disconnects to the turn signals for easy removal if I ever need to. The signals are made by New Rage Cycles, Rage360 LED Turn Signals. I stumbled onto them after some googling for LED turn signals. After some measurements, I ordered their 43mm version (for 1.75" OD tubing). The signals are originally meant to be snapped onto motorcycle fork tubes, but I think they look nifty on here too. And they are BRIGHT!
The fit is really snug, but they are removable. I've had them on for a few days now and they don't budge. I don't wheel aggressively since this is still my DD, so we'll see if a rock takes it out or not in that location. I think it will be OK in that spot for now.
I need a new flasher relay. Will be ordering that in the near future.
The fit is really snug, but they are removable. I've had them on for a few days now and they don't budge. I don't wheel aggressively since this is still my DD, so we'll see if a rock takes it out or not in that location. I think it will be OK in that spot for now.
I need a new flasher relay. Will be ordering that in the near future.
Last edited:
electroCrunch
New member
More LED goodness to report! The 4Runner's front end is now all on LED lighting. I kinda have a thing for LEDs.
I installed new amber front corner markers via these HIGH VISIBILITY AMBER HIGH OUTPUT 360° 26 LED from VLEDS. I really like this company and will continue to check their site for bulbs before any other.
Amber Bulb type/# 194
It was difficult to capture accurate pictures of the hue of the ambers, as well as the variances in brightness. But here's what I was able to get.
Before (left pic w/ original halogen) | After (right pic w/ amber LED) *Note the different exposures, but you can see the difference in color output
Amber LED on left (passengers side in photo) and stock halogen on right (drivers side in photo). This is the same pic/exposure, so you can really see the difference in brightness and color output. Again, pics don't do the vibrancy of the amber full justice.
I wanted to show how bright they are in a dark environment. I tried to set the exposure to about what I was looking at, as far as brightness goes, when viewing the amount of light with my eye. Brightness is about accurate-ish, but the amber hue seen here doesn't give the bulb full justice. Regardless, it's surprisingly bright and vibrant for how small they are. Great parking lights!
Here are some pics with the corner markers and my headlights on. I'm running the VLED LMZ Platinum H4 bulbs @ 5000K. I've had the headlight bulbs installed for a while now. I really like the true white of the 5000K's. Anyways, here are some shots with the headlights on (NOT brights) with the amber corner markers as I was curious what it would look like driving down the road at night.
A bit different exposure...
Looking good! (no filters below...)
I installed new amber front corner markers via these HIGH VISIBILITY AMBER HIGH OUTPUT 360° 26 LED from VLEDS. I really like this company and will continue to check their site for bulbs before any other.
Amber Bulb type/# 194
It was difficult to capture accurate pictures of the hue of the ambers, as well as the variances in brightness. But here's what I was able to get.
Before (left pic w/ original halogen) | After (right pic w/ amber LED) *Note the different exposures, but you can see the difference in color output
Amber LED on left (passengers side in photo) and stock halogen on right (drivers side in photo). This is the same pic/exposure, so you can really see the difference in brightness and color output. Again, pics don't do the vibrancy of the amber full justice.
I wanted to show how bright they are in a dark environment. I tried to set the exposure to about what I was looking at, as far as brightness goes, when viewing the amount of light with my eye. Brightness is about accurate-ish, but the amber hue seen here doesn't give the bulb full justice. Regardless, it's surprisingly bright and vibrant for how small they are. Great parking lights!
Here are some pics with the corner markers and my headlights on. I'm running the VLED LMZ Platinum H4 bulbs @ 5000K. I've had the headlight bulbs installed for a while now. I really like the true white of the 5000K's. Anyways, here are some shots with the headlights on (NOT brights) with the amber corner markers as I was curious what it would look like driving down the road at night.
A bit different exposure...
Looking good! (no filters below...)
electroCrunch
New member
That front end shot is my favorite. Here it is again, but with a lot of filter.
electroCrunch
New member
I got off the phone with CBI. They are still working on my bumper, with 7 customers in front of me. Ouch! I ordered on 5/26 and it's now 8/15. Waiting patiently...
I decided to drop off the front bumper for powder coating, since I'll be out of town and my 4Runner will not be in use for the next couple of weeks. Should be ready for pick up when I get back.
I decided to drop off the front bumper for powder coating, since I'll be out of town and my 4Runner will not be in use for the next couple of weeks. Should be ready for pick up when I get back.
electroCrunch
New member
The wait continues for my rear bumper. It is now "in production" according to CBI.
In more awesome news, picked up my front bumper from powder coat yesterday and got it installed.
There was little prep work left for install. I spray canned rustoleum flat black where I cut/ground metal to prevent rusting. I also rerouted the turn signal wires to be somewhat more tucked and hidden than factory routing.
In more awesome news, picked up my front bumper from powder coat yesterday and got it installed.
There was little prep work left for install. I spray canned rustoleum flat black where I cut/ground metal to prevent rusting. I also rerouted the turn signal wires to be somewhat more tucked and hidden than factory routing.
electroCrunch
New member
My rear bumper arrived at the Phoenix terminal today, so I should hopefully be getting that to my front door in the next few days. Spent some time yesterday getting ready for the install.
electroCrunch
New member
Thanks! I obsess over little details like this.
Yeah, it was a simple bulb swap. The trickiest part was figuring out how to pull the housing out. VLED is a legitimate LED bulb supplier. No cheapie junk coming out of there, it's only quality items.
electroCrunch
New member
Well damn. I seem to be having some really bad luck with CBI....
I was excited when I got the call that my bumper would be arriving today. As the delivery guy rolled it down the ramp, I noticed something didn't seem right. Sure enough, that's a full swing arm, with the tire mount I didn't order or want. Damn. They did do the rickashay mod correctly though...lol.
Called CBI and sent them a pic. They confirmed they messed up and will likely need to make me a new bumper and swing arm, and send it ASAP. Damn again. Over 3 months from the date I ordered, and they screw up the actual bumper once they actually get it made. This bumper had better last me the life of the 4Runner and then some.
If I didn't already pay, I'd be looking at 4xInnovations right now.
We'll see how right CBI can make this, it's really disappointing, all around. :frusty:
I was excited when I got the call that my bumper would be arriving today. As the delivery guy rolled it down the ramp, I noticed something didn't seem right. Sure enough, that's a full swing arm, with the tire mount I didn't order or want. Damn. They did do the rickashay mod correctly though...lol.
Called CBI and sent them a pic. They confirmed they messed up and will likely need to make me a new bumper and swing arm, and send it ASAP. Damn again. Over 3 months from the date I ordered, and they screw up the actual bumper once they actually get it made. This bumper had better last me the life of the 4Runner and then some.
If I didn't already pay, I'd be looking at 4xInnovations right now.
We'll see how right CBI can make this, it's really disappointing, all around. :frusty:
Kmurt
New member
Seems to be a common theme for these bumper companys.
Make you wait forever. Never hear from them. Then they send you the wrong stuff.
When I got my 4xinnovations rear bumper, it was shipped with mounting hardware that was stripped and I called them about it and they blamed it on me as if I intentionally tried to strip it when taking it apart . Not too many honest companys out there anymore.
Make you wait forever. Never hear from them. Then they send you the wrong stuff.
When I got my 4xinnovations rear bumper, it was shipped with mounting hardware that was stripped and I called them about it and they blamed it on me as if I intentionally tried to strip it when taking it apart . Not too many honest companys out there anymore.
electroCrunch
New member
Yeah, I hear you on that. Overall CBI has a good reputation. And to me, the hybrid is the best looking rear on the market (2nd place is 4xI). I guess I was surprised they were so far over on their estimated build time. Then the bumper itself was incorrect. Hopefully it's just growing pains, but it's still disappointing as this is a big spend for me and will in all honesty have me look elsewhere for future fab-related needs.
Addicted Offroad met their build time estimate and had it to me quickly. It arrived without issue... well, they actually sent me two crossmember supports plus the bumper. I called them about the extra support, they told me to sit tight and they'll take care of it. That was two months ago and they haven't responded since. Guess I have an extra FREE crossmember support to play around with or re-sell if I never hear from them again.
My issue with CBI is they seem really busy going to expo's and posting cool pics on Instagram, but their production seems to be lagging behind based on what was shared with me by them. I admit I did have some custom work done, but the invoice listed it all so someone was careless and didn't read it in full is my guess. AND, apparently no quality control either as it only took me seconds to notice the big mistake.
With any fab shop I've worked with, I've concluded they are typically masters of their craft, NOT masters of their business.
I'll give CBI a shot to make this very right and do it quickly. Otherwise I have to figure out a different route. I just like the look of that damn bumper so much
Post are pointless without a pic on a build thread, so here's the very correct rickashay mod for reference. I'd bet this bumper ends up on CBI's "garage sale" page in the near future for another T4R owner... hint hint.
electroCrunch
New member
I just wrapped up installing the Sonoran Steel rear poly body mounts. Wowzers, that was way more involved than I thought it would be. As you can see, I even chewed up the body mount on-frame a little and will need to touch that up with paint as well as a few other spots I found some surface rust on the frame in the rear.
I had a really difficult time getting the body to lift enough to clear everything so the bolts and mounts would lift out. It was a learning process. Instructions would have been nice, at least for some reassurance I wasn't breaking something. I did replace the uber long frame mounting bolts with same M10x1.25 (dang, maybe 1.50, can't remember threading) but in 20mm for better clearance in the future if they need taken out and I don't need to lift the body. Looks like all threads are grabbing, but I loctite'd in all 3 fasteners in the pic just to be sure.
Regardless, they're installed. I wish I would have measured beforehand, because the body sits about ~1/4" higher than it seems to have previously. After an initial test drive, my butt tells me the rear is more planted feeling. I didn't expect either of these things to be the result, so I think that means my mounts were worn out. They are definitely cracked. I'd like to go through and replace all body mounts now, ideally with poly. No body lift though, just same height with poly material if possible.
Installed!
BUMPER UPDATE: CBI told me Friday (3 days ago) they are starting my new bumper that day. I got an email from CBI letting me know they're finishing up the bumper today and will get it shipped out ASAP. Cool. Fingers are crossed.
I had a really difficult time getting the body to lift enough to clear everything so the bolts and mounts would lift out. It was a learning process. Instructions would have been nice, at least for some reassurance I wasn't breaking something. I did replace the uber long frame mounting bolts with same M10x1.25 (dang, maybe 1.50, can't remember threading) but in 20mm for better clearance in the future if they need taken out and I don't need to lift the body. Looks like all threads are grabbing, but I loctite'd in all 3 fasteners in the pic just to be sure.
Regardless, they're installed. I wish I would have measured beforehand, because the body sits about ~1/4" higher than it seems to have previously. After an initial test drive, my butt tells me the rear is more planted feeling. I didn't expect either of these things to be the result, so I think that means my mounts were worn out. They are definitely cracked. I'd like to go through and replace all body mounts now, ideally with poly. No body lift though, just same height with poly material if possible.
Installed!
BUMPER UPDATE: CBI told me Friday (3 days ago) they are starting my new bumper that day. I got an email from CBI letting me know they're finishing up the bumper today and will get it shipped out ASAP. Cool. Fingers are crossed.
Last edited:
electroCrunch
New member
That's a good tip. I did do this as well after the first couple of unsuccessful tries, but it still felt like I had to give an awful lot of leverage to get the rear up enough. I think if I had some experience with body mounts in general I might have just muscled it more from the beginning and not been so cautious. There's definitely some peace of mind now, having those solid mounts back there in prep for the bumper.
Flemster
Member
This is something I definitely need to get around to, I've hit my bumper hard enough to actually damage and dent my rear quarter panels due to frame flex under the body. Going down washboard roads the bumper rattles against the body and makes a terrible noise as well. LOL. Smart move doing this before the bumper. Good luck with a short rebuild time, excited to see it all armored up!
