fightman80
New member
Nice pics man! I'm so jealous.....2 4Runners....and mine is still parked awaiting parts..... 
I found "The One", 2001 Sport Ed. TRD SC'd
- Thread starter BigFishAllDay
- Start date
Awesome pics BigFish! You are not only a skilled builder and driver but a great photographer. Thank you for taking us along for the ride as I echo other members comments on living vicariously through your pictures. Your dogs look like the perfect trail mates. We look forward to more stories and pics.
BigFishAllDay
New member
There's alot to see and do in NM. There are a couple areas that I haven't checked out yet that are supposed to have "extreme" rock crawling. I'm not ready for that yet, but if you ever make it up this way and you're interested, let me know and I'll shoot you some info.
Nice pics man! I'm so jealous.....2 4Runners....and mine is still parked awaiting parts.....
It won't be parked for long. As always, thanks for reading!
In reality, the river was probably disgusted by the wimpiness of the 4Runner (that hurts to say). It's true though, the Rio Grande is a serious river. There's no way I could have crossed it right there, or anywhere it flows in NM for that matter.
The wide open spaces are definitely one of the best things about living in the southwest. I only saw one other person all day, and it was some dude in a 80 series LC on 35's. He was doing the same trails I was, but in the opposite direction.
I'm glad to know a few of you are getting some enjoyment from the posts. I know I'd like reading this stuff if I was stuck at work/home. The dogs are my buds, they're always along for the ride (I wish I could teach them how to be spotters). Thanks for the compliments!
Go get it Rick! I was wondering the other day why I hadn't seen a trip report from you in so long. Staying busy I guess, huh? RE the flat head bolts, I got them changed over today. BTW, good work on the idea of using these instead of the ones I used... you took a good idea and improved on it. That feedback loop is one of the great things about this forum.
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4-Ripcord
New member
WOW, That looks like an awesome day! If you ever wanted to go back, I am definitely down to go!
Looks like a ton of fun. I dont know of very many places that are more beautiful than northern NM. What a pristine place for a trail run!
Looks like a ton of fun. I dont know of very many places that are more beautiful than northern NM. What a pristine place for a trail run!
Maybe ill order a set of 4xinnovations sliders in a few months and we will get them at the same time. LOLSo, when are you getting the welder??? I should have my sliders in a couple months....
BigFishAllDay
New member
So, when are you getting the welder??? I should have my sliders in a couple months....
I'm just waiting for the right time to jump on it. Tax returns and bonus time are both coming up soon.
Next time I'll give you a call. This time around, I figured you'd be in school with it being a weekday and all.
tbst
New member
So, when are you getting the welder??? I should have my sliders in a couple months....
Put the pressure on. I need him to do a full review and tell me how to weld before I buy one so that all I have to do it get on this amazing thread and follow step by step and weld a few bumpers, some sliders and maybe other odds and ends.
Just like I did with my winch.
Seriously great thread. I have tried to start taking pictures, and it does slow you down a lot at points. We are all appreciative!
xskydivingdudex
Senior Member
So i have been meaning to ask if the Escort smart cord ever bugs you since it hangs down... i used to have it like that and after a while i finally decided to tuck it behind the center dash and pulled it out right where the ash tray is since my cb is there.
I can take some pics if u like and figured since u still utilize the ash tray you could just make a small hole under there for the ethernet jack port or just a small niche in the center console housing.
I can take some pics if u like and figured since u still utilize the ash tray you could just make a small hole under there for the ethernet jack port or just a small niche in the center console housing.
BigFishAllDay
New member
I went down an checked it out today. Got prices on the welder, an 80 cu. foot tank of 75/25 Argon/CO2 mix, some spools of wire, an auto darkening helmet, etc. I'll probably pull the trigger early next week. I just need to research some accessories and I'm ready to go.
Yeah, the cord does bug me. It is starting to rub off the silver finish on the center console trim, so I've got to do something about that. Also, it gets in the way of the radio display and blocks the signals from the remote control. It's also a little bit of a reach to hit the silencer button on the smart cord plug when the detector goes off.
Other than that, it's great.
Sounds like a good solution that you came up with. I wouldn't mind seeing pictures, maybe PM me if you get a minute. What I may do is purchase one of Escort's hardwire kits (https://www.escortradar.com/store/d...dar.com/store/direct-wire-smartcord-blue.html) and just run that permanently behind the dash, mounting the silencer button somewhere on/near the steering column.
BigFishAllDay
New member
The list of things I still want to do is short, but most of it costs big $$$ (this list is in no particular order).
1. CBI Rear bumper w/Swing Away - The money is in the bank, and this would already be on the truck, but two things are holding me up: 1) Will I ever want 35's, in which case should I order the bumper to accommodate a 1" body lift, and 2) Can I build one myself once I get the welder, considering how long it might take is it worth my time, and will it turn out well enough that I'd be satisfied?
Once I answer those questions I'll be ready to go on this part. Of course, if I decide to leave the door open for 35's I'll do a 1" Body Lift as well.
2. IPT Valve Body Upgrade - I've just been lazy about this one. Doing this entails pulling the valve body and sending it in to IPT, which takes the truck off the road for 2-3 weeks. I have all the info, and writeups to guide me along, so eventually I'll have to get on it.
I REALLY need to do this one, because to this day I still have not floored it in this truck off the line because I don't want to risk frying the 1-2 clutches. So I have no idea what this truck will actually do in terms of acceleration. The highest RPM's @ which I've ever seen it shift 1-2 was just shy of 4K and I backed off the throttle during the shift.
3. ARB Rear Locker & 4.56 gears front/back - I've been holding off on this one because it wil cost about $2K to get this done (going through ECGS). Also, the truck is not lacking in power at this point, so the gearing is not needed, it's just a want. Also, I have yet to run into a situation where I've needed a locker... in either of my 4Runners... in almost 5 years. These things are so capable even w/open diffs, that I ask myself: for my regular use, do I need it, or is it just for bragging rights? Will it get used? Also, the trac control on the '01-'02's DOES work and DOES help in certain off road situations.
4. Skidplates & Rear LCA Armor - I'm 99% sure that I'm going to buy a BudBuilt front IFS skid, but after I get the welder I will probably make a belly pan. I like the Lotus LCA skids, but for $99 I'll just weld some plate to the mounts like Brian2sun & J-Money did. I'd also like some beefier rear LCA's, but Sonoran wants $300 and Toytec almost $200 just for their weld on skids. I think I can make some for much less than that.
I've also had my eye on a Lil' Skips gas tank skid... this is something I would buy VS. make because it's a complicated peice. The only holdback on this is that I've heard there may be a new option on the market sometime soon.
5. Tune the URD 7th
6. Modify the ARB
7. Small Stuff - Fishing rod holder, Poly bushings on the rack & rear sway bar, a couple brackets here and there for stuff that I'd like to be more secure, etc, etc.
There's still alot in the works. I'm just biding my time at this point, and stacking the money while I make some decisions.
1. CBI Rear bumper w/Swing Away - The money is in the bank, and this would already be on the truck, but two things are holding me up: 1) Will I ever want 35's, in which case should I order the bumper to accommodate a 1" body lift, and 2) Can I build one myself once I get the welder, considering how long it might take is it worth my time, and will it turn out well enough that I'd be satisfied?
Once I answer those questions I'll be ready to go on this part. Of course, if I decide to leave the door open for 35's I'll do a 1" Body Lift as well.
2. IPT Valve Body Upgrade - I've just been lazy about this one. Doing this entails pulling the valve body and sending it in to IPT, which takes the truck off the road for 2-3 weeks. I have all the info, and writeups to guide me along, so eventually I'll have to get on it.
I REALLY need to do this one, because to this day I still have not floored it in this truck off the line because I don't want to risk frying the 1-2 clutches. So I have no idea what this truck will actually do in terms of acceleration. The highest RPM's @ which I've ever seen it shift 1-2 was just shy of 4K and I backed off the throttle during the shift.
3. ARB Rear Locker & 4.56 gears front/back - I've been holding off on this one because it wil cost about $2K to get this done (going through ECGS). Also, the truck is not lacking in power at this point, so the gearing is not needed, it's just a want. Also, I have yet to run into a situation where I've needed a locker... in either of my 4Runners... in almost 5 years. These things are so capable even w/open diffs, that I ask myself: for my regular use, do I need it, or is it just for bragging rights? Will it get used? Also, the trac control on the '01-'02's DOES work and DOES help in certain off road situations.
4. Skidplates & Rear LCA Armor - I'm 99% sure that I'm going to buy a BudBuilt front IFS skid, but after I get the welder I will probably make a belly pan. I like the Lotus LCA skids, but for $99 I'll just weld some plate to the mounts like Brian2sun & J-Money did. I'd also like some beefier rear LCA's, but Sonoran wants $300 and Toytec almost $200 just for their weld on skids. I think I can make some for much less than that.
I've also had my eye on a Lil' Skips gas tank skid... this is something I would buy VS. make because it's a complicated peice. The only holdback on this is that I've heard there may be a new option on the market sometime soon.
5. Tune the URD 7th
6. Modify the ARB
7. Small Stuff - Fishing rod holder, Poly bushings on the rack & rear sway bar, a couple brackets here and there for stuff that I'd like to be more secure, etc, etc.
There's still alot in the works. I'm just biding my time at this point, and stacking the money while I make some decisions.
A.Wilson013
New member
Hey man, there's an IPT Valve Body in the classifieds for just $400... I'll find the link.
Here it is
Not sure if it will work for you, but if it will, I consider this a steal.
Here it is
Not sure if it will work for you, but if it will, I consider this a steal.
RunninInGA
New member
I'm not following this one - details?
xskydivingdudex
Senior Member
ya thought bout getting one of those cords but didnt feel the need to spend money on it since my othe cord was a smart cord and works just fine.
tbst
New member
Nice list.
Just started planning a camping trip with the GF.
What're your thoughts on getting a Hi-Lift? I saw that was listed under you things to get...
Also, this may sound stupid, but what do you use for navigation? From your sweet pictures it seems like you could get lost out there... I used to work at a pretty big YMCA camp (~1000 acres) and I know it is easier than you think to get disoriented, especially at night. My GPS doesn't really tell you anything, like your entrance route so you can follow it back out.
Just started planning a camping trip with the GF.
What're your thoughts on getting a Hi-Lift? I saw that was listed under you things to get...
Also, this may sound stupid, but what do you use for navigation? From your sweet pictures it seems like you could get lost out there... I used to work at a pretty big YMCA camp (~1000 acres) and I know it is easier than you think to get disoriented, especially at night. My GPS doesn't really tell you anything, like your entrance route so you can follow it back out.
BigFishAllDay
New member
Thanks man. Hopefully it doesn't take too long. I'd like to be done w/the build before summer is out... that will be about two years of ownership.
I'm almost sure I don't want 35's. For the stuff I do, I've got plenty of clearance, and going to all the trouble of fitting 35's only gives you 1" of additional clearance under the diffs. Now if I was scraping my belly all the time or having issues, or if I was doing alot of rock crawling and needed bigger tires for bumping ledges, etc, maybe... but here's how I see it:
Pros of 35's : 1" of additional clearance, better rock crawling capability, larger footprint when aired down, looks.
Cons of 35's : decreased gas mileage, increased drivetrain wear, increased cost of tires, having to re-work bumper & sliders for body lift, reduced accelleration, increased risk of breaking CV's/axles, increased difficulty of ingress/egress, higher center of gravity & increased rollover risk, decreased braking effectiveness, etc.
Are the pro's worth the cons for me? No.
For the stuff I do, I use my truck hard. This thing will frequently see 500-1000 mile road trips. I need it to be comfortable and have the street performance to get me there while getting decent mileage, perform well off road, then drive me home. It's not a dedicated trail rig.
IMO, 35's have become a fad on the forum. There are a handful of guys who actually need and use them, but I think alot of people just want the looks & bragging rights.
I've seen that one for sale, along w/the one on Yotatech. What has prevented me from buying it is that Toyota used several different styles of valve bodies in these transmissions and they are not interchangeable. I don't want to buy that one, drop my pan, and find out I got the wrong one. Then I'll be in his shoes, trying to sell a part for which there is a very small market for months on end.
Also, not all IPT valve bodies are modded/created equal. They offer options on shift firmness & duration for each gear change, and I'd like to have some input on that aspect.
Details in due time. Do a search for J-Money's thread. The modifications will entail what's in that thread and adding a few personal touches.
It's just an OCD thing for me... making sure the install is as clean as humanly possible.
My Navigation tools: A good map (1:100,000 BLM Topos, DeLorme Atlas), A handheld GPS reciever, and a handheld compass.
The same stuff I use for navigating during backcountry hikes, I use for navigating off road. So far, so good.
RE the hi-lift: I'm going to get a 48" version, and will store it either in the rear cargo area across the back of the floor by the hatch, or on the rear bumper.
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