I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd
- Thread starter BigFishAllDay
- Start date
BigFishAllDay
New member
Hey, Jon! Thanks as always for following the thread and taking time to post. I did not see a doctor for the bites. By the time the symptoms got bad I figured it was already too late. I wasn't even sure what bit me, so I figured they would only treat the symptoms, which I was already doing.
You have a very valid concern about the bear issues with the trasharoo. On our first night we were camped around 10K feet and I talked with some guys who had fished the stream near our camp. They reported seeing bear tracks down by the stream, and warned us to keep an eye out. We cooked hot dogs with sticks, used napkins instead of plates, and burned all of the smelly stuff. Nonetheless, my Wife was up all night looking out the door of the tent every time she heard a noise. I slept with my XDM .40 next to my pillow, chambered and ready to go, but wasn't too worried.
I guess I figure that I'd rather store trash on the outside of the vehicle than the inside, or hanging near camp. If inside the vehicle, the bear would try to get in and damage the vehicle, and if simply left hanging the odor would be stronger. The trasharoo is lined with a liquid resistant coating, I then lined it with a black lawn/leaf bag, and had the trash in a 13 gal kitchen bag inside of that, both of which were knotted. My goal was to reduce the odor from the trash.
All that said, if I we had Grizz around here, I wouldn't dare use one, but black bears don't really worry me much.
RE the flowers, I love the touch that my ladies bring to the trips, and I'm proud to show off their decorations. My Daughter loves to pick "bouquets" for Mom, and I like to see where they end up in the vehicle or camp. When she gets bigger I'll teach her about leaving the flowers alone, but for now I like to see her just be a kid.
I've got an account on ExPo, maybe someday I'll make a post over there.
Sorry we missed each other, Chris. The camping on Stony was awesome... one of the nicest spots I've ever camped for sure. We did not hit the area around Red Mtn. The cargo bag has eight tie down straps that are permanently attached to it... I just secured them to various points on the rack. As far as wheels, well... that's something that's been on my mind. I look forward to catching some cutts with you soon.
Thanks, Aaron. I'm still waiting to see some pics from the trails you guys ran, and hopefully a short write up. I've seen a few "camp" shots floating around, but nothing that tells the whole story. While a tough choice, it was definitely the right choice to call it off and take it easy for a few days.
That makes two! I'm buying a nice pen/pad tomorrow.
Thanks, Unner!
I appreciate that, Rick. I look forward to hanging with you guys soon.
youve inspired me in my build.
Hopefully to add flowers to your truck. Flowers, everywhere. At least a flower sticker.
Road Bull
Senior Member
I have been a fan of this build for quite some time now. Early on I identified your build, direction, and adventures as motivation for where I would like to end up, at least in part.
I have a couple of questions for you. Now that you have had both your Goodyear Duratracs and the BFG KO2s, (both in E rating), how would you compare the two on and offroad? I have the BFG KO2s in the smaller 265/75/16 in E. I find that they are a pretty quiet tire and fairly comfortable on the pavement. Granted, I came to 4runners from a 1994 truck that made driving down our Washington highways feel like rolling down a steep hill in a wooden wheel barrel. So the 4runner suspension, (even old stock) felt like a huge improvement.
I realize that they are slightly different size tires, but did the two E rated tires feel much different as far as on road comfort? I read that you notice that the KO2s got a bit chewed up on one of your recent trips. If you were getting new tires today, what would you go with?
Hopefully, I will have time to install my lift this week if work will leave me alone long enough. I went with King Ext. 2.5s up front with SPC LR UCAs and a SS 1.2 rear lift. From there, I will see how I like the 265/75/16s or entertain the idea of bumping up to 285/75/16.
Your build has been a great resource as it is a similar year and contains a lot of great write ups and pics. Many thanks man.
I have a couple of questions for you. Now that you have had both your Goodyear Duratracs and the BFG KO2s, (both in E rating), how would you compare the two on and offroad? I have the BFG KO2s in the smaller 265/75/16 in E. I find that they are a pretty quiet tire and fairly comfortable on the pavement. Granted, I came to 4runners from a 1994 truck that made driving down our Washington highways feel like rolling down a steep hill in a wooden wheel barrel. So the 4runner suspension, (even old stock) felt like a huge improvement.
I realize that they are slightly different size tires, but did the two E rated tires feel much different as far as on road comfort? I read that you notice that the KO2s got a bit chewed up on one of your recent trips. If you were getting new tires today, what would you go with?
Hopefully, I will have time to install my lift this week if work will leave me alone long enough. I went with King Ext. 2.5s up front with SPC LR UCAs and a SS 1.2 rear lift. From there, I will see how I like the 265/75/16s or entertain the idea of bumping up to 285/75/16.
Your build has been a great resource as it is a similar year and contains a lot of great write ups and pics. Many thanks man.
BigFishAllDay
New member
It has been 9 months since I posted in this thread. Whoa.
The 4Runner hasn't changed much, but the mileage keeps going up. Rather than continuing to spam the gallery thread, I figured I should dump some photos in here that have been taken since last July.
Most of these trips were in the '01, but I am going to throw in a few good ones from trips in the Tacoma as well.
This is NOT me, but I figured it might be interesting for anyone who has never seen a guy run right off a 5000 foot drop down the side of a mountain before. This guy is/was nuts.
My bearded dragon, "Brutus" died after 16 years. We buried him here.
If you haven't seen the "Grocery Getter" yet, go take a look sometime. It's my wife's 2008 Sport Edition. I built it up a little bit per her request. This vehicle has primarily been the one on the receiving end of the wrench lately.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...r-mrs-bigfishs-2008-sport-edition-v6-4wd.html
The 4Runner hasn't changed much, but the mileage keeps going up. Rather than continuing to spam the gallery thread, I figured I should dump some photos in here that have been taken since last July.
Most of these trips were in the '01, but I am going to throw in a few good ones from trips in the Tacoma as well.
This is NOT me, but I figured it might be interesting for anyone who has never seen a guy run right off a 5000 foot drop down the side of a mountain before. This guy is/was nuts.
My bearded dragon, "Brutus" died after 16 years. We buried him here.
If you haven't seen the "Grocery Getter" yet, go take a look sometime. It's my wife's 2008 Sport Edition. I built it up a little bit per her request. This vehicle has primarily been the one on the receiving end of the wrench lately.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...r-mrs-bigfishs-2008-sport-edition-v6-4wd.html
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BigFishAllDay
New member
I haven't done much serious wheeling in the '01 lately, but I did get two trips under my belt. The first was back in January and the trail was extremely muddy, so few, if any, photos were taken.
A few of us took a drive last weekend and found some fun obstacles to play on. The Tacoma and the FJ both have multiple thousands of dollars worth of King suspension under them, so they left me in the dust through the wash, but the 4Runner had the upper hand on the rocks.
You can't go too crazy in this area, because if you have to leave your vehicle overnight you could come back and find it something like this...
This one was fun... I had to break hard right into a big drop at the top. I used the small rock hump on the right as a pivot point for the P/S slider and used some throttle to rotate the 4Runner clockwise and into the drop at the right angle.
and, moving on...
That is all I've got. I hope everyone out there in 4Runner land is doing well and enjoying life.
A few of us took a drive last weekend and found some fun obstacles to play on. The Tacoma and the FJ both have multiple thousands of dollars worth of King suspension under them, so they left me in the dust through the wash, but the 4Runner had the upper hand on the rocks.
You can't go too crazy in this area, because if you have to leave your vehicle overnight you could come back and find it something like this...
This one was fun... I had to break hard right into a big drop at the top. I used the small rock hump on the right as a pivot point for the P/S slider and used some throttle to rotate the 4Runner clockwise and into the drop at the right angle.
and, moving on...
That is all I've got. I hope everyone out there in 4Runner land is doing well and enjoying life.
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Rockdawg84
New member
Great pics as always. Are you considering Chili Challenge this year? It's one of my favorite events but haven't been able to go in a couple of years. I would love to hit the trail with you.
BigFishAllDay
New member
I've wanted to do that event for years. I had the time all set up for last year, but life got in the way. We have a new baby on our hands, among other things, so we'll have to see how the year goes. If I can make it, I'll be sure to get in touch. I would definitely be nice to meet you.
I haven't been to Cruces since college, on the way to good old Juarez to party.
Thanks, Aaron. It's always good to get out, even if the trips aren't epic overlanding extravaganzas.
4-Ripcord
New member
Nick, as always I love to see your trip photos. The family looks happy! Those shots of Puerco make me homesick! Miss that place.
Congrats on the new house I see there. I don't know if you shared that before.
I am still loving the rework you did on the swingout, looks so clean!
Congrats on the new house I see there. I don't know if you shared that before.
I am still loving the rework you did on the swingout, looks so clean!
fightman80
New member
Hey man! Sweet updates! Been a while... but happy I came back! Taco looks great man!
Road Bull
Senior Member
[MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION]
HA! Ya learn something new everyday.
I was going over how people either painted or powder coated their bumpers and was looking at you build for something else, I think lug part numbers..
But for some reason, I had not picked up on the subtle difference and mod you did to your AOR front bumper by enclosing it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd-88.html#post1964635
THAT... and I have the Rustoleum Hammered black on my Stubbs SKO sliders, but I was also a little put off that it is not a true black. They really shouldn't call that black. I had not really thought to paint over the hammered finish, but I might have to give this a go.
I was trying to decide how I want to finish my rear 4XI swing out. I had my AOR powder coated, but even with that, there are a few places that are rusting. Maybe they didn't get all the little nooks and crannies. This makes me question the wisdom of spending money to to the PC at all. Anyway, this thread has proved very informative yet again.
Oh, as far as your .5" BL, did you need to do much besides add the BL, or did you need to adjust steering column, shifter and so on?
HA! Ya learn something new everyday.
I was going over how people either painted or powder coated their bumpers and was looking at you build for something else, I think lug part numbers..
But for some reason, I had not picked up on the subtle difference and mod you did to your AOR front bumper by enclosing it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd-88.html#post1964635
THAT... and I have the Rustoleum Hammered black on my Stubbs SKO sliders, but I was also a little put off that it is not a true black. They really shouldn't call that black. I had not really thought to paint over the hammered finish, but I might have to give this a go.
I was trying to decide how I want to finish my rear 4XI swing out. I had my AOR powder coated, but even with that, there are a few places that are rusting. Maybe they didn't get all the little nooks and crannies. This makes me question the wisdom of spending money to to the PC at all. Anyway, this thread has proved very informative yet again.
Oh, as far as your .5" BL, did you need to do much besides add the BL, or did you need to adjust steering column, shifter and so on?
fourfive
Senior Member
Great work on the bumper! :cheers: Would be cool if AOR made it the way you modified it.
Rockdawg84
New member
Nick
I don't know how I missed your mod to the AOR Bumper... Looks amazing! So my question is once the plate is welded in does the bumper still need the stinger as a structural component or with some trussing on the inside could the stinger be done away with all together? It's simply a personal preference to not have a stinger on a plate bumper and with your mod this could be the dream plate bumper for me. Keep up the great work.
I don't know how I missed your mod to the AOR Bumper... Looks amazing! So my question is once the plate is welded in does the bumper still need the stinger as a structural component or with some trussing on the inside could the stinger be done away with all together? It's simply a personal preference to not have a stinger on a plate bumper and with your mod this could be the dream plate bumper for me. Keep up the great work.
Volcom
New member
I texted Scotty (Owner of Addicted Off Road) and asked him. He said the stinger is structural on his bumpers. Adding that extra front piece like Nick did definitely helps if you remove the stinger. Or like you said, adding some internal trussing.
BigFishAllDay
New member
Man, this has got to be the latest reply I have ever posted, but here it goes...
Duratracs versus KO2s... both are good tires. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be the Duratracs. The KO2s do not hook up as well on rocks, and are not as good in mud. Both tires do very well in snow. Duratracs are much louder on pavement, especially when worn. KO2s are pretty quiet. Ride quality is about the same between the two in an E load range. I have run both in a C load range and they are comparable in that respect as well. Both tires lose big chunks of tread when wheeled on rocks. The rim protector lip on the Duratracs seems to work better, IMO. I have had zero sidewall issues, nor tread punctures with either tire while off road.
For the record, I have KO2s on my 2001 and my Wife's 2008, and Duratracs on the Tacoma.
In terms of size, I don't think it was worth it to go to 295s being such a small jump in diameter. Next time I buy tires I will likely go back to 285s... maybe I'll make the jump to 35s.
I am glad you find the thread useful, and thanks for the compliments.
Hey Jim, good eye on the house. We finally moved out of the 'hood back in November 2015. We are up in the heights now, and are much happier here.
Funny thing about the Puerco, that trip was the first time I have ever wheeled my own vehicle out there. I had been a few times as a passenger, but it was definitely more fun as a driver.
Welcome back. I'm not posting much these days either, but have been following your updates as well... it is good to see "mean green" finally wearing a sport hood.
Thanks.
Few people have noticed the mods to the bumper. NateMob had a standard AOR plate bumper on his 3rd gen, and one time he was looking at mine in person and didn't notice.
I think powdercoating provides a great baseline, and I would go that route if I were to do the front bumper over again. PC is easy to touch up, and is tougher than paint. Not to mention, painting a large item like a bumper with rattle cans is a pain. That being said, the paint on the bumper has held up surprisingly well. I use black touch up paint to fill in the chips once or twice a year and it is rust free to this day. I prefer paint for things that often need large touch ups or refinishing, like skids and sliders... otherwise powdercoat is the way to go.
The quality and uniformity of the PC finish depends on who is doing the work. I had my roof rack done and it has TONS of nooks and crannies, and zero rust nearly two years later.
RE the body lift, look up my post on the install. I fabricated a small extension for the steering rag joint, but that's all.
Agreed. I think if they offered it as an option they would sell a lot of bumpers.
Thanks, Sam.
I added both a front panel and a top panel of 3/16" to enclose the winch. I think you could get away with removing the stinger once you box it in that way, especially if you added some bracing to the frame off the lower tubes. I thought about using some plate to tie the lower tubes into the frame where the stock bumper mounts attach on either side.
Also, you could box it using heavier plate for extra strength, or move the winch further back like Glade did to allow for a larger top panel (see the link in the post I made about the bumper mods), which would provide more structural support.
I should mention though, that once you modify the bumper like I have, it becomes a pretty tight fit for the winch. My XRC-8 fit like a glove, and so does my Warn M8000s, but I don't think I could squeeze a 10K or 12K winch in there. Also, with no body lift, you would have to cut the grille due to the winch sitting further back. Both winches just barely clear the grille with a 1/2" body lift.
Thanks for helping to answer the question, Aaron.
Same thing he told me when we discussed the modifications I had planned, which influenced my decision to leave the stinger in place.
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AZ_Trails
New member
Curious to get your thoughts on what exactly wasn't worth the jump to 295s vs the 285s. Too expensive? Too heavy? Or? Thinking about picking up a set of KO2s, and the 295s are closer in diameter to my MT/Rs than the 285 KO2s are.
BigFishAllDay
New member
A 285/75/16 GY Duratrac (my previous tires) specs at 33.1" and 54 lbs. new. The 295/75/16 BFG AT KO2s spec at 33.3" and 63 lbs. new.
So, compared to a new set of 285 Duratracs, the 295 KO2s only gave me an additional 0.2" in diameter, which is basically zero additional clearance under the chassis, but cost me an additional 9 lbs. of rotating mass and un-sprung weight at each corner.
Despite the SC and gears, I felt the effects of the heavier tires on acceleration, braking, etc.
The 295 KO2s are 63 lbs. and the 315s are 68 lbs., and if I had to choose again, and I'm going to significantly increase the weight of my tire (and deal with the associated effects on drivability) I would rather move up in size by a meaningful amount.
We're not comparing apples to apples here since you're starting with MTRs, which are heavier than Duratracs, but that is my reasoning.
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