sigepbiker
Member
How much custom work went into mounting the Kickers? Is an amp required for the door speakers or just for your 10" sub?
Globetrotter Build!
- Thread starter Globetrotter78
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Globetrotter78
New member
Replacing the speakers was simple once you have the proper bits in hand. You WILL need THE RIGHT adapters plates since Toyota uses different bolt patterns for every frickin model and year it seems. Dont waste your time on amazon with off brand adapters that say "fits your Toyota 4Runner". Unless its a Metra kit its almost certain to be wrong. Went through ordering 2 of them before giving up and spending a few extra bucks on the Metras. You will also need the plugs to attach to the factory harness (they are cheap). The 3.5" dash speaker required a lot of modification and I would NOT recommend going that route. Just stick to factory size and it too will be a simple install. Once you have the right parts it takes a few minutes per door to install and reassemble.
YOU WILL NEED AN AMP(S)! Cheap paper cone OEM speakers will make sound with very little power but will damage and distort at louder volumes...Stronger aftermarket speakers require more power to move them but are much more capable at higher sound levels. Once you install the kickers (or any aftermarket) you will have to crank the factory headunit almost to max to get an equal level of sound. Once amplified properly however, the Kickers will output much more than the factory and with far better sound quality.
I am planning on getting the TacoTunes.com setup (really impressive kit) since its plug-n-play designed for our vehicles and very compact. Both the 400w 4-channel and the 1000w mono fit on one plate under the passenger seat. I'm too old to have giant flashy amps that are all show. Now I just want them to do the job and take up as little space as possible.
Hope that helps!
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Globetrotter78
New member
I'm trying, brother! So far I'm loving it. I have learned that I cant drive this with the same "enthusiasm" I did the Maserati but I am definitely a happy man. I am hoping I can find some local outdoorsy types near me to show me where to go to learn how to use this thing now that she is better equipped.
I am STILL waiting on my SSO rock sliders and I will be getting a bit of armor underneath as soon as I get the all clear from the accountant/wife. lol
austinquick
New member
I could understand that, the 4runner is a little less spirited in that regard haha. I'm trying to convince the accountant/girlfriend of the same thing.
Bummer you're not closer to the west coast!
sigepbiker
Member
Thank you! I saw TacoTunes offers speaker adapters too.
Question on the amp: these both say they're 4-ch, but our 4runners have 6 speakers, two in the rear hatch. Pardon my ignorance, but is 4-channels enough? :fear:
Globetrotter78
New member
According to my research the 4Runner runs 4 channels though the 8 speakers(dash has speakers too). Dash and Fronts are combined as 2 channels(L/R respectively), Rear doors and Liftgate are combined as 2 channels(L\R)
This is why its a 4 Channel Amp. The Rears/Gate share the wattage of that channel so some will disable the liftgate speakers so full wattage goes to the doors. Im not a fan of this as the rear speakers are mostly just fill sound anyway and I like music to play through the liftgate when its open while camping or whatever.
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Globetrotter78
New member
T8 Headunit!! Yeah yeah I know
Ok, so I did a thing this weekend. I bought a T8 Android headunit from a forum member (PatrickBateman) for a price that I couldn't pass up even if the thing was pure junk. I am happy to report that I am absolutely thrilled with the headunit!!!
There are a plenty of people that had negative experiences with these or scoffed at the hardware limitations. I, however, use my headunit as, well, a headunit. It handles anything I would do (listen to the radio, play Pandora, Bluetooth audio from phone, GPS, and even watch movies). I cant imagine 32Gigs of internal storage plus the ability to feed from the usb another 500Gigs being deemed inadequate for really anyone but whatever. I don't multitask on my headunit beyond audio and GPS and 2Gigs of RAM is more than adequate. I have stored 8Gigs of music and a couple movies just for kicks.
I like that I can change the background wallpaper to that of my choosing and download other apps that might be occasional fun, like TorquePro. This particular frame is matte black which I am also very happy about since I'm not a fan of that painted silver nonsense everywhere.
I do have a few qualms, albeit minor but annoying. I cannot FOR THE LIFE OF ME figure out how to get my music files to play in the default radio player(pink music note)!! Not sure where to save them so they will be viewable by the player. I had to download an app to play them. Secondly, the units do not have an accelerometer so neat functions in Torque like pitch/roll, which would be fun offroad, don't work. Expandable storage via SD card would be nice in lieu of using the USB port. Apparently the mic(internal and external) are junk for voice calls but I never use that function anyway.
I didn't bother taking pics of the install since its very plug and play and well documented already on Trail4Runner.com. Safe to say it was just as easy you've heard. All in all I am completely satisfied with this project, its capabilities and certainly the aesthetic aspects of the new unit.
Ok, so I did a thing this weekend. I bought a T8 Android headunit from a forum member (PatrickBateman) for a price that I couldn't pass up even if the thing was pure junk. I am happy to report that I am absolutely thrilled with the headunit!!!
There are a plenty of people that had negative experiences with these or scoffed at the hardware limitations. I, however, use my headunit as, well, a headunit. It handles anything I would do (listen to the radio, play Pandora, Bluetooth audio from phone, GPS, and even watch movies). I cant imagine 32Gigs of internal storage plus the ability to feed from the usb another 500Gigs being deemed inadequate for really anyone but whatever. I don't multitask on my headunit beyond audio and GPS and 2Gigs of RAM is more than adequate. I have stored 8Gigs of music and a couple movies just for kicks.
I like that I can change the background wallpaper to that of my choosing and download other apps that might be occasional fun, like TorquePro. This particular frame is matte black which I am also very happy about since I'm not a fan of that painted silver nonsense everywhere.
I do have a few qualms, albeit minor but annoying. I cannot FOR THE LIFE OF ME figure out how to get my music files to play in the default radio player(pink music note)!! Not sure where to save them so they will be viewable by the player. I had to download an app to play them. Secondly, the units do not have an accelerometer so neat functions in Torque like pitch/roll, which would be fun offroad, don't work. Expandable storage via SD card would be nice in lieu of using the USB port. Apparently the mic(internal and external) are junk for voice calls but I never use that function anyway.
I didn't bother taking pics of the install since its very plug and play and well documented already on Trail4Runner.com. Safe to say it was just as easy you've heard. All in all I am completely satisfied with this project, its capabilities and certainly the aesthetic aspects of the new unit.
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Globetrotter78
New member
Well I finally finished the enclosure. I had wrapped it in black felt but it looked cheap and out of place given that it was against grained plastic panels (unlike a car truck that is all carpet stuff). I tried to wrap in auto carpet but it still looked weird. I finally settled on vinyl. Vinyl is much less forgiving to inconsistencies in the surface its on but all in all I am much happier. I also relocated the outlets to the face surface of the panel. The outlets are positioned such that I can build a shelf system at some point without concern.
Like I said, I am well out of practice and would do things a little differently if I were to do it again but overall I'm very pleased. I saved several hundred dollars on a custom box and had a neat project to keep me busy for a bit.
Once I get the go ahead from the wife it will house a monster Alpine R.
**EDIT** Wife gave the OK so here's the final (albeit lousy quality) pic with the sub installed.
Like I said, I am well out of practice and would do things a little differently if I were to do it again but overall I'm very pleased. I saved several hundred dollars on a custom box and had a neat project to keep me busy for a bit.
Once I get the go ahead from the wife it will house a monster Alpine R.
**EDIT** Wife gave the OK so here's the final (albeit lousy quality) pic with the sub installed.
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Globetrotter78
New member
Ordered my MOLLE panel from Victory4x4 about 10 days ago and it arrived by UPS yesterday. I love this thing!!! Well build, fast turn around time, and perfect fitment! I swear at BEST this took 20 mins to assemble and mount. The longest part of the process was realizing I didn't like the look of the WHITE spacers so I disassembled and wrapped them in electrical tape for a more discreet look. I cant wait to get all kinds of offroad goodies secured to it since the 4Runners have virtually ZERO storage cubbies.
Highly recommend Victory and they will be getting my business soon again once I get the ok from the wife for the front bumper and skids!! Well done gang.
Highly recommend Victory and they will be getting my business soon again once I get the ok from the wife for the front bumper and skids!! Well done gang.
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Globetrotter78
New member
Received my SSO sliders and got them painted and mounted. These things are SERIOUSLY STOUT! I was incredibly pleased with the quality of the build and the overall look of these beasts. They installed quite easily with only myself and the help of a floor jack. Once I unpackaged them I set them up to spray on several coats of truck bedliner since these to don't come powered. Upon inspection I immediately panicked as the identical center mounting plate on one of the sliders looked as though it was welded upside and backwards from the other. It looks like someone seriously f-ed up. In faith, I just sprayed my coats of paint (that stuff is awesome btw) and once cured I lined them along the truck for install. Per some YouTube pointers I found, I balanced the sliders on my floor jack and raised it into place, which worked marvelously. The only steps needed for install were to remove some weird little plastic flap at the rear of the rocker panel and to temporarily unbolt a soft line that runs along the frame. Once lined up they bolted quickly and easily despite my earlier panic about the orientation. I love the look and I am incredibly pleased with my purchase.
The ONLY thing I wish was different is that I wish there was a bit more outward projection of the side tube. As it is now, the step does not extent beyond the bow of the door so no door ding protection plus it gives rather minimal tread space for the front step(toes and ball of foot barely). The rear step is PERFECT so if it was just a bit narrower than that up front I expect it would feel more capable as a step(its secondary role I know). Still that aside, A+ for SSO.
The ONLY thing I wish was different is that I wish there was a bit more outward projection of the side tube. As it is now, the step does not extent beyond the bow of the door so no door ding protection plus it gives rather minimal tread space for the front step(toes and ball of foot barely). The rear step is PERFECT so if it was just a bit narrower than that up front I expect it would feel more capable as a step(its secondary role I know). Still that aside, A+ for SSO.
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Globetrotter78
New member
Been away for a few months due to being slammed at the office (our busy season). Not many mods have been completed but I have been trying to outfit my Victory 4x4 molle panel with goodies. For the record, I LOVE THIS THING! Our trucks have a surprising lack of storage cubbies for even the most basic of supplies so these panels are almost a must. I will definitely be getting another for the other side and maybe the console ones too.
I bought a recovery strap not realizing that it wasn't a "kinetic" strap which is evidently superior for helping get unstuck but it will do for now. I also mounted my loaded IFAK, extinguisher, a hammock, shackles, and most recently the shovel kit pictured below. Pretty cool little kit and far more robust than I expected. I will add more as I go and certainly other bits when the second panel comes along! Just a quick update...keep wheelin gang!
I bought a recovery strap not realizing that it wasn't a "kinetic" strap which is evidently superior for helping get unstuck but it will do for now. I also mounted my loaded IFAK, extinguisher, a hammock, shackles, and most recently the shovel kit pictured below. Pretty cool little kit and far more robust than I expected. I will add more as I go and certainly other bits when the second panel comes along! Just a quick update...keep wheelin gang!
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Globetrotter78
New member
After reviewing a thread on another member's experience with Artec Industries I decided to pull the trigger on their bumper as well. Now, admittedly, the thread was INTITIALLY less than flattering about the fit and finish of the product but it got the attention of the Director of Sales for Artec. Not only did he/they apologize for the concerns and tried to make good on them for that customer, they also revamped the design and manufacturing process and provided photos of the changes made to address the original flaws. THIS IS HOW COMPANIES SHOULD WORK! Take the advice or criticisms, listen to the concerns of your customers AND THEN FIX THE FLAW(S).
With that I can say I am now the proud owner of an Artec bumper that arrived in less that TWO WEEKS which is remarkable!! The issues present in V1 of the 4Runner bumper have indeed been remedied. This thing is STOUT! I am taking it to a buddy's fab shop to weld on a bull bar as well (its an aesthetic thing for me so no hate). I got the bumper as part of the holiday sale so it was an fantastic price and also came with LCA armor plates and other little goodies for FREE!
I am extremely happy with this bumper and will update once I get it painted and installed with my Smittybilt X20!
With that I can say I am now the proud owner of an Artec bumper that arrived in less that TWO WEEKS which is remarkable!! The issues present in V1 of the 4Runner bumper have indeed been remedied. This thing is STOUT! I am taking it to a buddy's fab shop to weld on a bull bar as well (its an aesthetic thing for me so no hate). I got the bumper as part of the holiday sale so it was an fantastic price and also came with LCA armor plates and other little goodies for FREE!
I am extremely happy with this bumper and will update once I get it painted and installed with my Smittybilt X20!
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Paragon1
Member
Love the look! What backspacing, if any, did the Icons have? Currently running a similar lift, almost installed spacers but didnt since im running a -12 offset and didnt want it to poke too much.
Globetrotter78
New member
Bronze ICON REBOUND Wheels | 17 Inch 4x4 Wheels
0mm offset for our bolt pattern. I also have 1.25 Spidertraxx and I LOOOVE the look.
PS. Im also from Melbourne...I grew up in Palm Bay, went to PBHS and BCC before finishing college and moving to VA. Feels like a lifetime ago.
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Globetrotter78
New member
Well I did some lite trespassing this weekend LOL. Wandered off on some decades old service road or something in search of adventure. Came across a felled tree blocking the entire path forward. Decided to put the new winch to work and was floored how easily it pulled the tree out of the way. New Artec bumper and Smitty winch did some work and I enjoyed a nice lazy hour relaxing by the babbling creek.
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Paragon1
Member
Yeah, I was stationed in MLB from 2011-2015, back up in GA now, but did my college years in Daytona as well so East central Florida is pretty much home to me. MLB has grown up a lot though, but thankfully still managed to avoid picking up the south Florida vibe.
I neglected to ask what offset offset Your icons have. I want a wider stance but im terrified it’ll make the thing look like a roller skate.
daytonaviolet
New member
great build you got here 
how are you liking the JBA's so far?
how are you liking the JBA's so far?
Globetrotter78
New member
The details are in the link I posted above. I had looked at the wrong stats page and I wrote the wrong offset earlier (has been corrected). The Icons at our bolt pattern are 0mm offset so the spidertraxx gave it the perfect stance(definitely NOT rollerskate)
Hoover Dam
New member
Can you update us on the Artec bumper install and how did you paint it?
