I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd

[Thorgan112]

so its official to say, that I blame this masterpiece of a thread for my lack of getting anything done for the last 3 hours haha! Great rig man!

I have 1 suggestion that I think would look sick on your T4R. Have you ever thought of limb risers? Theres a few members on here with them and they always seem to look great, in my opinion.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Really love the Caddy horns. Much better than the stock 4runner. Maybe you should keep the latter around for your daughter's first bicycle.

It looks as if you had a great time on the water in Miami. If I had Bill Gates money, you'd find me on it 24/7. I guess you have an understanding now of how much money it takes to catch offshore species. Having boats of various sizes allows me a very small budget to mod any of my automobiles.

Don't be a stranger and keep posting the good pics.

That's a good idea, especially considering that she already loves to go "beep beep". I'll put her in the drivers seat sometimes when I'm packing for a trip and she just wails on the horn the whole time.

I could have easily spent a couple days to a week fishing out there. There are so many options, and a half day trip just isn't enough. And don't worry, I'm still around here often... just not posting quite as much.

WOWZA! Love it! :reddance:

Thanks!

so its official to say, that I blame this masterpiece of a thread for my lack of getting anything done for the last 3 hours haha! Great rig man!

I have 1 suggestion that I think would look sick on your T4R. Have you ever thought of limb risers? Theres a few members on here with them and they always seem to look great, in my opinion.

3 hours to read the whole thing? You must be a fast reader. Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

RE the limb risers, I'd have to get a roof rack first. Beyond that, they probably wouldn't serve me well in the environments where I use this rig. Most of the brush that I deal with is off to the side of the trail, rather than low hanging branches ahead & above. Both sides of this thing are pinstriped heavily due to encounters with sage, rabbit brush, juniper, willow, scrub oak, and salt cedar on tight trails.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Cerro Pedernal with TW Group

My Wife and I got out for a day trip in the '01 with a couple local guys from the TW forum. [MENTION=93512]MojaveMadMan[/MENTION] and [MENTION=106767]GhostDog[/MENTION] made it out as well, and we had a good time wheeling in the snow.

We hit a short, steep trail that had about a foot of snow on it most of the way. The sections without snow were mostly slick, snotty mud. The trail ends at the base of a prominent northern NM peak, which a few of us summited.

On the way up...

(thanks to MojaveMadMan for this pic)

On the summit...

If you look close at the center of the picture, you can see the vehicles down at the base of the mountain..

(thanks to MojaveMadMan for this pic)

Headed back down...

The pup was hungry after a good workout. She's getting big fast.

We stopped to check out some volcanic rock formations on the way home and I got a cool shot of MojaveMadMan's rig with my own.

Last but not least, I had to pick up some local brew. There is a benedictine monastery located just north of where we were wheeling, and the monks brew their own beer. Last time I checked, this is the only monastery run brewery in the US.

Brewed with "care and prayer"... nice!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Last week, I started playing with the front suspension again, and installed some new goodies.

Before I got started, I figured I'd take some comparison shots of the three different front setups that I've run.

All three setups are within a few MM of each other with regard to fully extended length. Only the Icons are touted as "extended travel", however all of these setups could be labeled as such with regard to down travel. The longest of the three is actually the TRD Tundra/5100 setup, which is a few MM longer than the other two. I didn't take measurements, but I would assume that the compressed lengths are similar as well.

Next, I got the new goodies installed. I went with the extended travel versions from Icon and added the 14" 700lb springs. I figured I'd start off with the basic version and if it's still not enough I can upgrade them with reservoirs, CDC clicker valves, etc down the road.

Passenger side has about 0.5" of preload and is sitting at 38" ground to fender, which is about 0.5" higher than it was with the TRD Tundra/5100 setup on the 3rd perch.

Driver side has 1.25" of preload and is sitting at 38.25" ground to fender, which is a full inch higher than the TRD/5100 setup. I set the coilovers so that the driver side would sit slightly higher with the vehicle unloaded. That should keep it level once I hop in.

For reference, this is how I had the Toytec coilovers preloaded to achieve the same front height. These have 650lb springs on them.

All of my skids (except the IFS skid) are off the rig right now for straightening & paint, so once those are back on and the full amount of weight is present, I'll make some final adjustments to the coilovers to compensate for everything. I don't think they'll need much more preload, maybe another 1/4" per side, tops. At this point I'm happy that I went with the longer 700lbs coils.

Other installation notes....

The large bottom spring cup on the Icons interfered with my limit strap setup, so I had to add a few washers to space the lower limit strap bracket out and away from the bottom of the coilover. Clearance is still minimal, but the two should only rub at full droop.

Adjustment of the coilovers was pretty easy using an Icon spanner wrench, but the force needed to turn the adjustment collar definitely ramped up quickly on the driver side (even after lubricating the threads). Also, they cannot be adjusted on the vehicle because the UCA is right in line with the adjustment collar. I removed them from the vehicle for rough adjustment, then for the latter fine adjustments I removed the lower shock mount bolt to allow the UCA/LCA/spindle to droop down and out of the way.

One other little tidbit: I was always curious how the set screw on the adjustment collar of the Icons was able to engage the threads of the shock body without damaging them. It turns out that Icon puts a small spacer made of clear plastic/nylon on the end of the set screw to prevent metal on metal contact.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

While test driving the new setup around my neighborhood I noticed the '01 was overdue to for an oil change by a couple hundred miles. The last one was done in July '14. I can't believe I've only driven this thing 3K miles in seven months. I guess its a good thing that I'm keeping the miles down, but I need to drive it more.

To that effect, I changed the oil and took it out for a day trip to catch some fish and see how the new suspension felt.

I parked next to a bad ass Jeep at the lake. It was a one off conversion with truck bed, 37's, full armor, and a 6.4 liter V8. I didn't want to look suspicious and start crawling under it and whatnot, but it was a really nice machine. I spoke to the owner briefly and he told me he had well over $100K into it.... WHOA.

I didn't take any fish pictures, or scenery pictures, so on the drive home I felt obliged to take pictures of something.... so why not the 4Runner?

The Icons felt pretty good, but I didn't get a chance to really work them out. Oh well, I guess that means I'll have to take the '01 out again soon.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

Nick, pictures from the trip look great, glad you guys were able to grab a couple of mine. Let me know if you ever wanna hit another day trip in the 4runners or go hiking, I am always down for hiking!

Get those Icons working! They will get even better after a little break in! If you need help with a re-build or re-valving, I have a little experience and most of the required tools!

 

[Unner]

I love this build. I've taken lots of small ideas from you, and will probably continue to do so haha. I hope that's alright. Honestly I think your 4Runner looks more capable than that Jeep, but I might be biased as well. I always get excited when I see an update to this thread!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Nick, pictures from the trip look great, glad you guys were able to grab a couple of mine. Let me know if you ever wanna hit another day trip in the 4runners or go hiking, I am always down for hiking!

Get those Icons working! They will get even better after a little break in! If you need help with a re-build or re-valving, I have a little experience and most of the required tools!

It was good to finally meet you Chris, and to check out your rig. I do a lot of hiking/backpacking in the summer. I'll keep in touch and maybe we can put something together.

Thanks for the offer on the Icons... I'll let you know how they feel once I've got some more miles on them. I really need to stop by your house one of these days and bend some tube. I've got a few things I'd like to get done and all I'd need is a couple of pre-bent sections.

I love this build. I've taken lots of small ideas from you, and will probably continue to do so haha. I hope that's alright. Honestly I think your 4Runner looks more capable than that Jeep, but I might be biased as well. I always get excited when I see an update to this thread!

Thanks, man. By all means, take what you need, and ignore what you don't.

Looks are one thing, but I assure you that Jeep had me outgunned. I was standing there trying to imagine 37" tires on a 3rd gen and I just couldn't get my mind wrapped around it. It's going to be cool to see [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] put some 36's on his rig.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Thanks for taking and sharing those comparison measurements Nick! I was curious if the "extended travel" icons were longer than my current set up and if so by how much.

I've been considering them and now am just curious to how they feel and will be patiently awaiting your thoughts on them.

Rig is looking killer as always.

 

[SCRunner12]

I was wondering when you were going to get those on! The rig looks great as always and that is interesting about the shocks, thanks for posting that.

Do you still need the limit straps? I know they aren't a bad thing, but part of the reason you had them initially was because of contact between the spindle and Tundra coils right?

I'd like to ask what next, but I honestly couldn't see much more being done besides a projector retrofit.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

It was good to finally meet you Chris, and to check out your rig. I do a lot of hiking/backpacking in the summer. I'll keep in touch and maybe we can put something together.

Thanks for the offer on the Icons... I'll let you know how they feel once I've got some more miles on them. I really need to stop by your house one of these days and bend some tube. I've got a few things I'd like to get done and all I'd need is a couple of pre-bent sections.

Let me know when. Stuff is always ready for use! I just got a new Miller plasma too so stop cutting out plate with a cut off wheel!!! haha

 

[TCMach]

Nice Icons! Glad you like your 700 pound coils, I just ordered a set for my Kings.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Thanks for taking and sharing those comparison measurements Nick! I was curious if the "extended travel" icons were longer than my current set up and if so by how much.

I've been considering them and now am just curious to how they feel and will be patiently awaiting your thoughts on them.

Rig is looking killer as always.

I'm glad those pics were helpful for you, Kyle. I guess I always had it in my head that I'd be getting another 1-2" of travel out of the "extended travel" coilovers, so I was a bit surprised to see that the Toytec CO's and the Tundra setup have the same extended length as the Icons. Marketing ploys... :dizzy:

You can count on a more detailed review once I've got more seat time with the new setup. Speaking of new setups, where's the crawl box?

I was wondering when you were going to get those on! The rig looks great as always and that is interesting about the shocks, thanks for posting that.

Do you still need the limit straps? I know they aren't a bad thing, but part of the reason you had them initially was because of contact between the spindle and Tundra coils right?

I'd like to ask what next, but I honestly couldn't see much more being done besides a projector retrofit.

I sat on them for about two weeks before I had a chance to get into the garage and install them. They arrived around the middle of January.

The spindle/coil interference was solved completely when I installed the LR UCAs, thanks to the increased height of the UBJ assembly on those arms and the way it moves the arm to a more horizontal position. The way my current setup functions, the limiting factor for down travel is the shock itself, regardless of what coil/shock I run.

As I understand it, the limit straps are beneficial to any setup where the shock would otherwise be the limiting factor in suspension travel, so I'm going to leave them in place. I have them adjusted to where they limit the droop travel by about 1/4", that way when the suspension unloads the Icons aren't being subjected to any abuse.

I've had my eyes on a projector retrofit, but there are a few other things i'd like to get done first. There's always something left to do.

Let me know when. Stuff is always ready for use! I just got a new Miller plasma too so stop cutting out plate with a cut off wheel!!! haha

Will do. I'd like to take that plasma for a spin just to see how it works & feels. I can't wait for the days to get a little longer & warmer.

Nice Icons! Glad you like your 700 pound coils, I just ordered a set for my Kings.

Thanks, Tyler. One of these days I'd like to take a ride on the Kings to see how they feel, too. Hopefully we can all make it to the Jambo this year and make some side by side comparisons.

 

[EatonKyleH]

I'm glad those pics were helpful for you, Kyle. I guess I always had it in my head that I'd be getting another 1-2" of travel out of the "extended travel" coilovers, so I was a bit surprised to see that the Toytec CO's and the Tundra setup have the same extended length as the Icons. Marketing ploys... :dizzy:

You can count on a more detailed review once I've got more seat time with the new setup. Speaking of new setups, where's the crawl box?

Ya I'd have thought the same too.

With the crawl box....It's been a fiasco so far and I'm kinda loosing hope on having it before this Summer. It's been out of stock for at least the last 8 months and I touch base with Marlin from time to time and they still have "No ETA".

Kinda blows because Marlin is about the only setup I'm sold on. Maybe I'd be ok with an Inchworm but its nearly the same money for less of the reputation in design. The trail gear is well.... cheap in both ways.

Considered an Atlas but I'd probably have to buy the wife another 3 or 4 cats to work that kinda deal.

The wait continues I guess. If you (or anyone) has any other ideas for around the $2000 range I'm all ears.

 

[Snowy21]

Ya I'd have thought the same too.

With the crawl box....It's been a fiasco so far and I'm kinda loosing hope on having it before this Summer. It's been out of stock for at least the last 8 months and I touch base with Marlin from time to time and they still have "No ETA".

Kinda blows because Marlin is about the only setup I'm sold on. Maybe I'd be ok with an Inchworm but its nearly the same money for less of the reputation in design. The trail gear is well.... cheap in both ways.

Considered an Atlas but I'd probably have to buy the wife another 3 or 4 cats to work that kinda deal.

The wait continues I guess. If you (or anyone) has any other ideas for around the $2000 range I'm all ears.

That's the same story I got 6 months ago when I was building my crawler. Ended up saying screw it and ordering TG adapters and 4.7's. Everything went together fine and leak free.

 

[TCMach]

Thanks, Tyler. One of these days I'd like to take a ride on the Kings to see how they feel, too. Hopefully we can all make it to the Jambo this year and make some side by side comparisons.

I would be pretty curious to see the two side by side as well. Then again I'm still curious as to how the Kings will ride, they are sitting in my garage rebuilt and waiting for coils still.

I'm hoping I can make it to the Jambo. After the moab trip this march my truck is going to need some attention. Steering rack is pretty toast, rear setup is going to need some attention too. I already know the 9 wraps are going to feel like jelly compared to the kings. I'll probably take a leaf out of your book and run 861s. Maybe some outboarded smoothies if I have extra cash lying around

 

[sschaefer3]

That's the same story I got 6 months ago when I was building my crawler. Ended up saying screw it and ordering TG adapters and 4.7's. Everything went together fine and leak free.

I have the same TG stuff in my 2001 Limited and it's fine too.

 

[EatonKyleH]

That's the same story I got 6 months ago when I was building my crawler. Ended up saying screw it and ordering TG adapters and 4.7's. Everything went together fine and leak free.

I have the same TG stuff in my 2001 Limited and it's fine too.

Thanks guys. Looks like I might be going that direction as well after a little more research.

I don't want to clutter up Nick's thread here but I appreciate the input and I'll most likely be reaching out over PM a bit if you don't mind.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

With the crawl box....It's been a fiasco so far and I'm kinda loosing hope on having it before this Summer. It's been out of stock for at least the last 8 months and I touch base with Marlin from time to time and they still have "No ETA"...........

The wait continues I guess. If you (or anyone) has any other ideas for around the $2000 range I'm all ears.

I say you get 4 more cats and go with the Atlas. Build a rear platform in your rig (complete with litterbox, of course) so the cats can come along on your adventures. Change your forum username to CrazyCatMan and just go with it. It's your destiny!

I would be pretty curious to see the two side by side as well. Then again I'm still curious as to how the Kings will ride, they are sitting in my garage rebuilt and waiting for coils still.

I'm hoping I can make it to the Jambo. After the moab trip this march my truck is going to need some attention. Steering rack is pretty toast, rear setup is going to need some attention too. I already know the 9 wraps are going to feel like jelly compared to the kings. I'll probably take a leaf out of your book and run 861s. Maybe some outboarded smoothies if I have extra cash lying around

No excuses, slacker! That Moab trip was almost a year ago and you still haven't fixed your junk? The 861's are the golden ticket for the back end once you've got a heavy steel bumper back there.

 

[TCMach]

No excuses, slacker! That Moab trip was almost a year ago and you still haven't fixed your junk? The 861's are the golden ticket for the back end once you've got a heavy steel bumper back there.

This march! Round two! And I could have done maintenance. But I got distracted by shiny blue coilovers and a whitson... Besides I might aswell wait to get a safari rack till after moab when I'm crawling the mall

Speaking of maintenance. I'm getting ready to replace the lower panhard bushing on my SS bar. I've got about a 1/4" movement in the lower end of it. How is yours holding up? From my talks with Steve it seems soon. Go figure