Gerdo's rig build thread

[Gerdo]

My 4runner, I bought it brand new on August of 99. The dealer didn't have what I wanted so I ordered (re-directed) the rig I wanted. It is a 2000 Sport, 3.4L, 5 speed manual, 4x4, loaded.

The first few years I did nothing to it as far as mods, just maintenance and drive it, about 30,000 each year for the first two+ years.

I used to have a Jeep CJ5 back in high school and wheeled all the time. My world got busy and I stopped wheeling.

About 8 years ago I got the bug to start modding my rig.

--------------------------
Suspension is where I started and went thru some versions.
Are we ever happy with our lift? doubtful
Do we want more lift? always

My first "lift" was a set of airlift bags in back. They were great but I realized that I wanted to lift the whole vehicle and not just get rid of the tail sag. I returned them after 2 weeks. Stock coils (~150#). I also replaced my shocks with "M" brand shocks, worst decision. Two weeks later I replaced those with a set of HD Bilsteins. Great shocks!

2nd lift. Tundra TRD coils (~595#) in front, OME 890 (190#) in back. Great ride and nice amount of lift.

3rd. Replaced the 890 (190#) with 891 (210#) for a little more lift with added weight.

4th. Added a ToyTec topout spacer in front and 10mm trim packers in back.

5th. swapped out the TRD coils for ToyTec coilover setup. (600#) and replaced my rear shocks new-bilstein-shocks-5100-test-and-review-t406.html with Bilstein 5100

6th. I just bought a pair of 9.25 wrap LC coils (160#) for the rear. I'm hoping that they compress to give me ~4.5" then I can bring up my COs if needed. They gave me ~ 4.5" of lift with my normal load. The LCs ride/flex great but compress too much with all of my wheeling/camping/ ExPo gear in it.

7th. OME 861 (220#). 11/15/11 The 861s are in and feel great. The fresh coils yielded an additional 1.25" of lift with my daily load. I'm sure they will handle my add-on gear/load better too.

I'm running Bilstein HDs in front with a ToyTec coilover setup mounted on them, 600# coils. I'm getting just under 4" of lift with them.

The back, I have gone thru 890, 891, LC 9.25 wrap and now OME 861 coils. I'm getting ~5" with them and my usual load. I running a Bilstein 5100 and are for the F-150 with a 6" lift, BE5-6528-H5. They are a stem mount on the top so there is no need for the eye adapter. Extended length is 21.5" and collapsed is 13.27". The valving is 389/94. They are stiffer than what is spec'd for 4runners (their valving usually is ~255/70).

With my usual load, the ride is firm but not harsh. I'm happy with the ride, flex and height.

I wish I started here first.


**As I have gone along I have replaced shocks to increase travel but only use Bilsteins!**

***If I was to start over I would start with Coilovers in front. Even if I only wanted a couple of inches. This way I could dial in the exact height/rake I wanted for the rear coils of choice. ***

 

[Gerdo]

Armor

I needed to protect the soft belly of my rig so I made a full set of skids.

And a gas tank skid.

My good friend encouraged me to produce and sell the gas tank skidplates.

And a prototype pair of my friend's lower control arm mount skids.

Read diff armor

 

[Gerdo]

Sleeping Platform/Cargo Box
I wanted to a way to carry my daily gear, keep it safe (from thieves and from flying around). I also wanted to be able to sleep in the rig while on trips. I do need my back seats at times so I couldn't permanently remove them. I had to build something that was modular.
It has steel reinforcements that also act as the mountings and screw in tie down points.

And with the Engle fridge.

 

[Gerdo]

Miscellaneous Mods
CB

Tabs welded onto my front swaybar links. They keep the end from spinning so I can disco easily for wheeling.

ARB compressor (for OBA and rear locker) squeezed in. I had to build a mount to allow it mount upright.

I have the wide flares and 265/75-16 tires. I'm running Spidertrax 1.25" hub centric spacers.

Looking out the drivers window at the front tire w/spacer

Rear w/o spacer

Rear w/spacer

Front w/o spacer

Front w/spacer

The front and rear track are different. The front is 59.3" and the rear is 58.9, a difference of .4"

I needed a second battery for camp power. I have a 12 volt heated blanket, Engel fridge and power inverter for charging batteries and running my Laptop computer. Where to put it. I could have turned the stock battery and doubled up next to it but that is the only possible space under the hood. I have a winch power cutoff mounted there so this was an issue. Another option was where the spare tire was.

Misc Threads
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/101871-top-out-spacers.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94229-fyi-tire-size-lift-fit.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance/76100-manual-trans-gear-oil.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/90980-stretch-your-cv-boots.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/108253-cb-radios-their-importance.html

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

:thumb3: Definitely subscribed!

 

[Gerdo]

Bumpers

First I built a Pro-runner style light bar that was bolted to the "bumper". It really proved how cosmetic the bumper is.

Then I built my rear bumper. It took some time and the swingout is going to be re-built soon.

The front bumper holds a 8000# winch with synthetic rope.

My sliders are 2x2 square tube. These may be changing too.

Update, 11/27/12
I built my new tire carrier before my Kokopelli trip last spring.

It holds two 5 gallon NATO Jerry Cans. The carriers are built so I can have one, two or even none bolted on. It also holds my Hi-Lift and my spare.

The last two days, I made some changes to my Jerry Can holder. I turned one carrier sideways and also built a hinged keeper/lock strap.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Now this is a thread I have been waiting a LONG time for!

 

[Dagobah]

Now this is a thread I have been waiting a LONG time for!

X2 :artist2:

 

[Gerdo]

Sorry, I just decided it was time.

 

[fightman80]

Great thread man....always interested to see close-ups of some of your work!

 

[McFly2003]

subscribed!

 

[the great him]

well glad to see im not the last one to jump on the band wagon... this will be cool to see, you have some ingenuity my friend and im proud to sport your stuff, i am interested to see what else you do!

 

[Bighead2001]

Nice work.

How do you have your fridge secured up front? That is one of the things I have been trying to figure out in mine.

 

[Gerdo]

Nice work.

How do you have your fridge secured up front? That is one of the things I have been trying to figure out in mine.

I don't have it in right now but I will be remounting it the beginning of April, I'll get pics then. Basically, the feet drop into the shelf that I built and I secure it down thru the handles to the tiedown and the seat mount. I did mount the handles upside down so the pressure wouldn't deform them. I'm using some rafting type straps. I also need to add a 12v outlet near the fridge.

By the way, The Engle fridge is worth every penny. Wheeling for a week and not dealing with ice, sloshing water and wet food. Knowing that food isn't going to spoil in 110*+ heat too.

The fridge is angled to maximize space and still have the lid open as much as possible. My wife and I can still sleep with the fridge in place.

 

[Mellow77]

Luv your rig and am glad to see a build thread. :cheers:

I really like your armor and have plans to incorporate your gas skid. Are you sure that's the only skid you're interested in producing for others???

 

[Hepar]

Sorry, I just decided it was time.

Definitely overdue. Great rig. Didn't know you've had it since day one. That makes it that much better.

 

[Gerdo]

A small update.
I have an ExPo trip this spring and I need to to carry a couple of 5 gallon NATO Jerry cans. So I needed to rebuild/start over on my tire swingout.

The beginning of the pivot. I'm using a couple of high quality Heim Joints, rated at ~Ultimate Static Radial Load, 17,955 Lbs. each. (The Heim pivot bolts will be in double sheer, still to be added)
This will allow me to dial in the exact pitch of the carrier.

With the first cross tube, open and closed. (will be cut down)

 

[OU4x4]

You better show up for the yankee hill run next Saturday so we can check this out!

 

[Gerdo]

You better show up for the yankee hill run next Saturday so we can check this out!

I have to finish it by next weekend? I'm going to try to make the run.

 

[Hoyal]

Nice rig! Love the skids. Thats my next challenge is to armor the bottom.