I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd
- Thread starter BigFishAllDay
- Start date
4ever4running
New member
Wow BigFish what a trip! Looks like you had a lot of fun! But like I said before, I don't know if I can continue to read your build...It makes me miss NM and CO too much.
Also congrats on the baby girl! Good luck with the pregnancy and keep us all posted.
-Jimmy
Also congrats on the baby girl! Good luck with the pregnancy and keep us all posted.
-Jimmy
BigFishAllDay
New member
I wouldn't mind having a couple of the other gens myself. 3rd gens will always be my favorite, but if everything lined up and I had a chance at a clean stockish '85 1st Gen with a 22RE, I'd snatch it. Thanks for the congrats, Rockdawg.
Thanks, Josh. That's one hell of a huge fish... I wouldn't even know what to do with that thing... Alligator Gar, or Alligator, when you're talking something that big with teeth like that, they might as well be the same thing.
Thanks man, I can't take credit for that scenery though. That's all the man upstairs.
Thanks Jimmy! I'll definitely post some pics once she arrives. And you know you'll keep reading... if nothing else, it'll make you take a ride out here.
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Besides that, not much going on w/the '01 since I got back. I installed some shackles on the CBI using my "rattle free" method. I didn't paint the pins red, they're ARB shackles and they came that way.
Also, I'd like to do all I can to prevent some lowlife from jacking me for $350 worth of spare tire/wheel. That led me to add some locking lugs to help slow them down while I pull out the 9, pop in the clip, and let one slip.
:beer:
I'm sneaking in a ninja edit here because I wanted to re-visit my "to do" list and update it to set future goals for myself and the truck.
Old "To Do" List
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fightman80
New member
Looks good! I've always just used the aftermarket lugs I got when I bought the wheel/tire combo.... would a random thief be that organized to go out and buy a key for them????
BigFishAllDay
New member
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised by that.
Back in the day I worked at an electronics store and our installers were careful about letting customers have the keys that you use to remove an aftermarket deck from the metal sleeve that they slide into on the dash. A good thief with a set of those keys can have a deck out in seconds, nice and clean. Without the keys they have to tear your dash apart.
I'd say 95% of thieves are idiots, but there are definitely some pros out there, and they do things the easy way.
Back in the day I worked at an electronics store and our installers were careful about letting customers have the keys that you use to remove an aftermarket deck from the metal sleeve that they slide into on the dash. A good thief with a set of those keys can have a deck out in seconds, nice and clean. Without the keys they have to tear your dash apart.
I'd say 95% of thieves are idiots, but there are definitely some pros out there, and they do things the easy way.
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4ever4running
New member
Haha yeah we both know I'll keep trolling your build :bigok:
Man that CBI is so sweet! I can't wait until I can afford one and get my hi-lift and spare tire off the roof.
Also, good idea with the locking lug nuts, just don't tighten them too much or you'll never get them off again. Ask me how I know....
On mine I replaced the hardware CBI uses for the HiLift and uses metric to match the locking lug nuts I used on the spare tire. It seems to be working good but I want to build a colar around it so you can not just use vise grips to get it off.
Ben
BigFishAllDay
New member
Good ideas there, but for my HiLift, I just put a lock on it. Less work and just as effective. The shackle goes through the swing away and through the HiLift. It also eliminates the chance of the HiLift eventually rattling loose and falling off the bumper while driving.
See this post for more details: Lock & Security details @ bottom of post
BigFishAllDay
New member
I just spent the better part of 3 days installing my first alarm system/remote start on the '01. Having successfully completed the install, I will say one thing:
If you do not possess a WORKING knowledge of 12V electrical systems and feel VERY comfortable hacking into your vehicles wiring, as well as reading wiring diagrams and testing circuits with a digital multimeter........DO NOT ATTEMPT AN ALARM INSTALL.
I learned alot. I now know relays, diodes, starter kill circuits, lighting, and ignition/accessory circuits on 4Runners almost by heart.
I installed an alarm for which I was quoted $700+ by a reputable local shop for under $200..... with far more functionality, flexibility, and security than I would have gotten for the shop's installed price.
If a theif tries to break in while I'm :sleepy: or :toilet3: or :beer: or anything else I'm doing within about 1/2 mile, I'll instantly be :wow:, while they will be out there :shrug: and going deaf from the pain generator siren hidden in the dash....
Meanwhile, I'll be loading up my :wink2:, and lacing up boots to go out and :gun6:. Once they're maced, beaten, or shot, I'll be :flipoff: while the cops put the cuffs on 'em.
It's good to know the '01 is a little safer when I can't keep my eyeballs on it.
(This is the internet... so for the sake of security, no photos, details, or install info will be posted here. However, if you ever need help w/an alarm install, shoot me a PM.)
If you do not possess a WORKING knowledge of 12V electrical systems and feel VERY comfortable hacking into your vehicles wiring, as well as reading wiring diagrams and testing circuits with a digital multimeter........DO NOT ATTEMPT AN ALARM INSTALL.
I learned alot. I now know relays, diodes, starter kill circuits, lighting, and ignition/accessory circuits on 4Runners almost by heart.
I installed an alarm for which I was quoted $700+ by a reputable local shop for under $200..... with far more functionality, flexibility, and security than I would have gotten for the shop's installed price.
If a theif tries to break in while I'm :sleepy: or :toilet3: or :beer: or anything else I'm doing within about 1/2 mile, I'll instantly be :wow:, while they will be out there :shrug: and going deaf from the pain generator siren hidden in the dash....
Meanwhile, I'll be loading up my :wink2:, and lacing up boots to go out and :gun6:. Once they're maced, beaten, or shot, I'll be :flipoff: while the cops put the cuffs on 'em.
It's good to know the '01 is a little safer when I can't keep my eyeballs on it.
(This is the internet... so for the sake of security, no photos, details, or install info will be posted here. However, if you ever need help w/an alarm install, shoot me a PM.)
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quicksilvr
New member
BFAD, would you say that just installing a remote start system would be quite a bit easier than an entire alarm setup?
Every winter I kick around the idea of installing a remote start in my wife's RAV4. But even though I'm a fast learner, electrical stuff is the one thing that makes me shy away.
Every winter I kick around the idea of installing a remote start in my wife's RAV4. But even though I'm a fast learner, electrical stuff is the one thing that makes me shy away.
4Running Daily
New member
I agree. Just installed my air compressor was a pain in the ass.
BigFishAllDay
New member
Installing a remote start w/no security function would be significantly easier. The system I just installed was on the upper end of the difficulty scale because I added alot of extras (bypass switches, starter kill, extra sensors, and an interior siren w/relay). I also took my time and disguised all the wiring so it can't be distinguished from the stock wiring.
The good thing about the remote start aspect of it is that you only CUT one wire. The rest of that portion of the install involves only tapping existing wires. The main thing is just to take your time and make sure you have the right wire the first time... when you start mixing up connections, stuff gets fried.
This was definitely the most challenging wiring task I've ever undertaken. I screwed up 3X along the way and had to tear back into the wiring to change things around.
I spent an hour and a half studying wiring diagrams and re-tracing my steps to figure out one of those goof ups. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but hey, I saved $500, learned alot, I know it was done right, and I can troubleshoot it if I ever have issues w/the system.
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............................... And. Since updates without photos are boring. Here's a few "clean" shots for good measure. I hadn't washed the '01 in a few months, so I gave it a good once over today.
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BigFishAllDay
New member
Thanks T4Rex, I'll keep an eye out for your rig here on the forum.
BigFishAllDay
New member
We meant to go fishing... ended up 'wheeling all weekend
On Friday night my Wife and I decided to get out of town and made tracks north for the cabin. We arrived to cool, wet conditions that were a stark contrast to the muggy 95 degrees we left behind.
On Friday night we went up the forest road behind the cabin, explored a couple spur roads, and put a couple magazines through the XDM. I try to get my wife some experience behind the wheel whenever possible, so I had her drive on the way out. We happened to pass a pefect rock for a flex shot, so I had her climb it. She freaked a little bit once she got the d/s rear off the ground, but now she's done it and it won't be a big deal the next time around.
As you can see, the OME 861's flex quite nicely as long as you've got some weight for them to carry. Another benefit of the 861's is that they force the front end to compress more than the LC coils used to. This keeps the truck closer to level and reduces the "tippy" feeling that comes from a flexy rear combined with a stiffly sprung IFS front.
BBQ Ribs, baked potates, and some brews for me made the night a done deal.
The next morning a friend of ours stopped by and asked if we wanted to tag along for an afternoon of wheeling & shooting. The fact that he's Marines Special Forces made it hard to say no.
I didn't take many pictures that day, but I've got to say it was an honor to hang out with men of that caliber. We spent the afternoon with two Marines Special Forces Vets, and another Marine who just served two tours in Iraq. Watching those guys handle AR-15's and 1911's was a real treat. One of them cost me some serious change though, because after shooting his Kimber 1911 I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to buy one.
This was just after the hardest section of the trail. One of the Marines was piloting the Xterra. It was riding on stock BFG Rugged Trails that were not liking the greasy mud and wet rocks, but he found a way to make it look easy.
I let the Mrs. drive on the way back down and she handled a couple water crossings, some slick mud, and some steep rocky climbs/descents like a pro. It's awesome to watch her skills and comfort level behind the wheel improve.
The next day we decided to run a trail that we haven't been down for 5 years. The last time we ran it we were in the '97 and I didn't remember it being very rough. That has definitely changed. Erosion and off trail driving have taken their toll on the road, and it is now full of areas that have been washed out, new tracks made, and then washed out again. We took the hard lines the whole way through and it took us 3.5 hours to go 9 miles. I wouldn't be surprised if this one ends up impassible and/or closed within a few years, so we took our time and soaked it up.
The overlook @ the top...
I took a second to re-create a shot I took of the '97 years ago...
For reference, the '97 @ the same spot in 2007.
And the '01, carrying on the torch...
Wide shot...
Spruce alley...
When we got to the end of the trail we stopped to let the dogs get a drink & a snack and run around. While my wife was hooking them up I snuck a shot of all my "Girls".
My Wife, our Baby on the way, our dogs, and the '01... It doesn't get any better.
On Friday night my Wife and I decided to get out of town and made tracks north for the cabin. We arrived to cool, wet conditions that were a stark contrast to the muggy 95 degrees we left behind.
On Friday night we went up the forest road behind the cabin, explored a couple spur roads, and put a couple magazines through the XDM. I try to get my wife some experience behind the wheel whenever possible, so I had her drive on the way out. We happened to pass a pefect rock for a flex shot, so I had her climb it. She freaked a little bit once she got the d/s rear off the ground, but now she's done it and it won't be a big deal the next time around.
As you can see, the OME 861's flex quite nicely as long as you've got some weight for them to carry. Another benefit of the 861's is that they force the front end to compress more than the LC coils used to. This keeps the truck closer to level and reduces the "tippy" feeling that comes from a flexy rear combined with a stiffly sprung IFS front.
BBQ Ribs, baked potates, and some brews for me made the night a done deal.
The next morning a friend of ours stopped by and asked if we wanted to tag along for an afternoon of wheeling & shooting. The fact that he's Marines Special Forces made it hard to say no.
I didn't take many pictures that day, but I've got to say it was an honor to hang out with men of that caliber. We spent the afternoon with two Marines Special Forces Vets, and another Marine who just served two tours in Iraq. Watching those guys handle AR-15's and 1911's was a real treat. One of them cost me some serious change though, because after shooting his Kimber 1911 I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to buy one.
This was just after the hardest section of the trail. One of the Marines was piloting the Xterra. It was riding on stock BFG Rugged Trails that were not liking the greasy mud and wet rocks, but he found a way to make it look easy.
I let the Mrs. drive on the way back down and she handled a couple water crossings, some slick mud, and some steep rocky climbs/descents like a pro. It's awesome to watch her skills and comfort level behind the wheel improve.
The next day we decided to run a trail that we haven't been down for 5 years. The last time we ran it we were in the '97 and I didn't remember it being very rough. That has definitely changed. Erosion and off trail driving have taken their toll on the road, and it is now full of areas that have been washed out, new tracks made, and then washed out again. We took the hard lines the whole way through and it took us 3.5 hours to go 9 miles. I wouldn't be surprised if this one ends up impassible and/or closed within a few years, so we took our time and soaked it up.
The overlook @ the top...
I took a second to re-create a shot I took of the '97 years ago...
For reference, the '97 @ the same spot in 2007.
And the '01, carrying on the torch...
Wide shot...
Spruce alley...
When we got to the end of the trail we stopped to let the dogs get a drink & a snack and run around. While my wife was hooking them up I snuck a shot of all my "Girls".
My Wife, our Baby on the way, our dogs, and the '01... It doesn't get any better.
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fightman80
New member
Great pics man! Some awesome scenery out there! 
BigFishAllDay
New member
Thanks, Fightman! The scenery in that area is definitely top notch. Nothing beats getting up high and seeing the world stretching off to the horizon below you.
quicksilvr
New member
Great post BFAD! Nothing better than getting outside just for the sake of being outside and enjoying it.
*I try not to shoot too many of my friends nice guns, for the same reason you stumbled upon after handling that Kimber...they make you want them badly. A Kimber 1911 has been on my wish list for many years.....
*I try not to shoot too many of my friends nice guns, for the same reason you stumbled upon after handling that Kimber...they make you want them badly. A Kimber 1911 has been on my wish list for many years.....
KHoffRunner
Member
BFAD are those sylvania bulbs holding up? I desperately need to upgrade but overall have not seen good reviews on them. Also, those shots are awesome!
LittleCaesar
New member
To echo Fightman, that scenery is top notch. It is as if the 3rd gen 4runner was meant to comb/venture through that type of terrain. Must be nice.
Ready to put a car seat in the 4runner?
Ready to put a car seat in the 4runner?
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