JasetheDamager's build thread for a 97 SR5 4x4

[JasetheDamager]

Did you find out about going "1 notch up" higher than Steves default setting?

Myself, BFAD, Dirtco, many running SS 1.2 all had to go just a bit higher because of the weight from an ARB + skid.

While I was reading through your build thread, I noticed you mentioned going 1 notch up from your original kit. When I called Steve last week, he said I could run an ARB bumper, but maybe I'm missing something. Is it a different type of shock from the Heavy-Duty Bilstein 5100s?

I've already placed my order, but since he's been swamped the last week, he said my shipment was delayed until next Monday, April 30. Now I feel like I should call him back and make sure everything is cool.

 

[Baja Runner]

Hey Baja Runner, thanks for checking out my newly created thread and dropping me a line. I'm still figuring how to use all the features on the thread, and I'm sure I can contact you personally if I poke around a bit more, but I'm tired tonight and feeling lazy.

I just have a few questions for you. I'm waiting for my SS 1.2 A Kit in the mail and when I get it I'm doing a complete suspension upgrade. I was going to get a paint job before putting on the ARB, but paint is paint, and if I can score an ARB for a decent price, I'm willing to change my mind. You said you modified the brackets to accommodate your 1" body lift. Forgive me if this sounds completely ignorant, but does that mean I need new brackets, or will it only work if I have the body lift?

Anyway, I'm hoping to get all my planned upgrades done as soon as my kit arrives. I'm looking at next Friday, May 4 as my target date. Once I'm finished with this first big round, I'll know how much cash I have left to spend on other upgrades.

I'm down here in SoCal as well spending my time between SD and OC, though mostly OC for work. I noticed that you're also living in SD. I'd love to check out your bumper, but I can't commit to a price until I know exactly how much I'm spending on my SS kit, new tires, powder-coated wheels, and new LBJs.

Yeah I hear you, everything adds up pretty quick. Not to mention, even used ARB's are still pricey.

Yes, you would need new brackets from ARB. Thing is that a lot of guys have a 1" body lift and would probably buy the modified no issues.

You can check out the ARB whenever, lemme know. They are super beef and well made.

 

[tbst]

Got my ARB from autoanything.com for $797 shipped. And that way you don't have to deal with the douchebags at 4wheel drive parts.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Got my ARB from autoanything.com for $797 shipped. And that way you don't have to deal with the douchebags at 4wheel drive parts.

Hey TBST, thanks for the heads up. I just checked out the website. That's the best price I've seen yet, especially since they include shipping. I was torn between getting a paint job or an ARB, but I'm probably going to get an ARB first and just have my front passenger door painted to match the rest of my truck. Best of both worlds---everything on my truck is the same color and I'd have front armor.

 

[JasetheDamager]

It's official---my SS 1.2 A kit is in the mail. I'll be getting my new tires and wheels on the same day. If the kit arrives on time, I'll have this all done by Thurs or Fri and I'll be sure to post pics of my rig. A huge thanks to everyone who has given me advice to reach this point. Don't worry, I'll probably only have about 2,000 questions left.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Hey man hope its going well.

I checked out your future tire size of 305 / 70 / R16 and just wanted to say that they should fit fine with limited rubbing it can be easily corrected. That tire has a diameter of 32.8" from a stock size of ~ 31"

Your speedometer will be slightly off and your MPG will be affected. Be sure to add something to boost power like K&N with a new exhaust. I have never ran 33s but it is not uncommon to eventually re-gear.


BTW, you are doing to your 4Runner in a manner of weeks what I slowly did over 5 years (10 yrs of ownership in total).

No need to rush! If the brakes start to warp in 6 months then do the Tundra upgrade. I don't see the point in doing it now

Other than that .. good luck with the build.

 

[JasetheDamager]

BTW, you are doing to your 4Runner in a manner of weeks what I slowly did over 5 years (10 yrs of ownership in total).

No need to rush! If the brakes start to warp in 6 months then do the Tundra upgrade. I don't see the point in doing it now

Other than that .. good luck with the build.

Yeah, I tend to be a bit obsessive and get in a rush when I have a goal. It's just that this is the first truck and/or vehicle I've been excited to drive since I sold my 65 Mustang 8 years ago. And also, cuz it's used, I want to make sure everything is in excellent mechanical shape. When my GF and I go anywhere, I'm usually the driver, so I want my truck to be safe and capable.

After this first round of upgrades, I'll be searching for an ARB. Baja Runner is potentially selling one down in SD, though he modified his a bit for a 1" BL. I'm contemplating doing a 1" BL anyway. I was poking around 4Crawler last night. We'll see.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Still waiting for SS 1.2 Kit in mail, but I did receive my blue LED dome and cargo lights from Oznium.com. I paid 33.98$ + 6.40$ for faster shipping. The lights are much brighter than normal bulbs. I just put them in 2 days ago, so I can't comment on longevity or durability. I'm also going to be replacing all of my dash lights with brighter LEDs to match up my interior. Oh, and a quick note on installation: If you install the light and it doesn't work at first, just flip the bulb around and do it again.

 

[BrianSD_42]

If you decide to go with fog lights like PIAA or Hella, check out Dirtco's build (near the end) since bought some really cool 6 led fog lights that look awesome.

 

[farmerjon]

Here's one for sale in the classifieds for $650:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-t4r-items/114312-arb-tacoma-bumper-san-diego.html

EDIT: you already know about it. headdesk

 

[JasetheDamager]

Here's one for sale in the classifieds for $650:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-t4r-items/114312-arb-tacoma-bumper-san-diego.html

EDIT: you already know about it. headdesk

Hey Farmerjon, thanks for the heads up. Yeah, I already messaged Baja Runner, but funny enough he replaced his ARB with an Outdoor Logic bumper, and I may very well do the same. Outdoor Logic is in Riverside, which is about 45 minutes from my GF's house, so I like the idea of driving to a shop where they do all of their own fabrication, and I can check out their operation. I spoke to the owner, Jim, over the phone and he was a cool guy. If I get the front bumper and rock sliders at the same time, installation is free. Obviously I'll post pics when I make a decision.

Here's a link to their website: http://www.outdoorlogic.net/home.php

 

[farmerjon]

Hey Farmerjon, thanks for the heads up. Yeah, I already messaged Baja Runner, but funny enough he replaced his ARB with an Outdoor Logic bumper, and I may very well do the same. Outdoor Logic is in Riverside, which is about 45 minutes from my GF's house in OC, so I like the idea of driving to a shop where they do all of their own fabrication, and I can check out their operation. I spoke to the owner, Jim, over the phone and he was a cool guy. If I get the front bumper and rock sliders at the same time, installation is free. Obviously I'll post pics when I make a decision.

Here's a link to their website: Outdoor Logic

Outdoor Logic makes a mean looking bumper, I wouldn't mind having one myself. Have fun choosing!

 

[Maritimer]

It's just that this is the first truck and/or vehicle I've been excited to drive since I sold my 65 Mustang 8 years ago....

I want to make sure everything is in excellent mechanical shape... I want my truck to be safe and capable.

Way to sum up the 4Runner experience! :art:

 

[JasetheDamager]

Hey Maritimer, thanks for checking out my gathering advice/noob build thread. Honestly, I've wanted a 3rd Gen 4Runner for several years, as I believe they're the best looking SUV/truck on the market. Most other SUVs/trucks are too bulky/plasticky/wobbly/mallcrawlerish/snobby for my tastes. I find the T4Rs are a great platform in which you can have a rock-solid DD or turn it into a trail beast, if you so desire. My truck is my DD, so I can't go too crazy, but I still have cool plans, some of which should come to fruition later this week. I'll keep my thread updated so fellow owners can have a sense of expected prices, which should be helpful for the next new owners to come along.

 

[Maritimer]

Agree 100%. I bought a CR-V when I returned from Korea, and hated its car-ness. I hadn't realized the SUV market had split so harshly into CUVs and SUVs, and knew nothing about vehicles (this was at 31 when I got my licence and bought the CR-V). I saw 4Runners around and fell in love with the look, had to have one, and voila. They are the bomb.

Sure you don't just want to buy a 2012 Explorer?

 

[JasetheDamager]

Sure you don't just want to buy a 2012 Explorer?

After some jackass totaled my last car on the highway, I knew I wanted a T4R, but asked a few friends and coworkers about different SUVs/trucks on the market. These are some of the other SUVs they thought were cool: Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Suburban, and Ford Expedition.

Obviously, I've never talked to any of these people again. :jk:

 

[JasetheDamager]

I was so excited this afternoon when my SS 1.2 A kit finally arrived in the mail that I posted the pics as my first of this thread. However, to keep things in order, I'm also posting pics at this point. I'm getting this kit installed tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight.

 

[fightman80]

Awesome pile - o - parts man!

 

[JasetheDamager]

Thanks Fightman80, I appreciate your help as well. I've been reading through your thread. I'm jealous of your paint. It's going to be a while before I can afford a decent paint job for my rig.

And here's a pic of my Denso k16TR11 plugs and blue NGK wires. Not as sexy as a suspension upgrade, but vital just the same. Got the set off Amazon for 40$ with shipping.

 

[JasetheDamager]

I'll post additional info soon, but I just want to thank everybody for their help. I took my rig to the shop and had them install my 1.2 Alternate Kit, Dynapro ATs 305/70/16 and powder coat my Ultra Wheels. The shop also installed UBJs, LBJs, inner/outer tie rods, new brakes, and a new right front axle. I did the tranny fluid and rear diff fluid. Unfortunately, the previous owner allowed some drive-train maintenance to slide. I basically expected most of the problems though. Nothing too shocking. I installed Denso plugs, NGK wires, and Denso coils. I then removed the running boards and the stupid plastic-looking flares. Here are pics of my updated rig: