JohnTheLuck 2016 TE Build Thread

[JohnTheLuck]

I finally decided to move the adventure posts to a new thread to keen the build thread clean. See my signature for the link.
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[JohnTheLuck]

Ok, this does not represent a mod on the truck itself but in order to proceed to more significant work, I wanted to change to an insurance company that would be open to that. For those living in Quebec like me, probably the only company allowing such mods is Intact Insurances.

My mind is now cleared of these concerns. Now, if our CAD money could rise a bit against your USD...
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[1engineer]

Thanks!

I am planning our next adventure trip in the Southwest for late October to early December. Hopefully the weather will be good. This might become an EPIC thread, who knows!!!

On the build side, I might do Cymon Rear Differential Breather Mod For Dummies before since I might be crossing some wash or creek.

I am also searching for a different insurance company which will tolerate future mods more than my current.

Just let me know man. Tag me and I'll set it up.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

This might not be really related the build (again...) but I invested a bit on the recovery side in preparation to my trip to Utah and Arizona. So I got myself:

ARB705 2 3/8in 30ft Snatch Strap
ARB220 Recovery Damper
Smittybilt 2in Receiver Mounted D-Ring Shackle
Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle

And for my first mod ever on the truck, that sadly will be installed after the trip...

ARB170112 Differential Breather Kit

Nothing too exotic, but that would certainly help in some case. At least I would not be dependent on recovery gear from someone else, just another vehicle.
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[shiftcan]

Nice build so far! As a fellow canadian awaiting my 4runner delivery, I am always interested in where everyone is sourcing parts. Any chance you could tell me where you got the Arb breather kit?

Thanks!

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Nice build so far! As a fellow canadian awaiting my 4runner delivery, I am always interested in where everyone is sourcing parts. Any chance you could tell me where you got the Arb breather kit?

Thanks!

Hi there and welcome aboard!

I bought almost everything from 4WheelParts, store or online. Unfortunately, forget about free delivery here. Some items were cheaper on Amazon.ca, but not many.

Check their website for sales or promotions. Two weeks ago, they were paying sale taxes, 15% for us in Quebec. Good timing!

 

[G-52]

Hello Op,
I saw where you may be heading through Utah soon. If so, I highly recommend taking route 24/12 (Moab to Zion.) I drove it most recently last week on the way to Las Vegas. You won't regret it

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Hello Op,
I saw where you may be heading through Utah soon. If so, I highly recommend taking route 24/12 (Moab to Zion.) I drove it most recently last week on the way to Las Vegas. You won't regret it

Thanks for the tip and nice picture! Probably taken on SB 12 the top of the mountain between Torrey and Boulder, I guess?

This will be my ninetieth trip in southern Utah. By far I am not an expert, but I did visit most of the easy reached places. Now with the 4Runner, I can go into more remote places. Loving it!

 

[JohnTheLuck]

I updated the first post with navigation equipment I am experimenting on my current trip: iPad, Garmin GLO GPS receiver, Gaia GPS software. I am really pleased with the result so far.
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[JohnTheLuck]

A few weeks ago, I finally decided to proceed with ToyTec BOSS suspension kit after a lot of reading and a few PM to T4R members. Thanks for those who helped me.

The delivery was delayed since some parts were back ordered then. I got confirmation of the shipment in late May. The package arrived in Syracuse NY last wednesday. Then nothing... Called this morning, and the delivery trailer was involved in an accident and went down in flame...

I have to figure out with ToyTec for a new shipment. Shit happens they say !!!
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[TBBrewer]

Weathertec window shades

John: You certainly have done a lot on your truck. Not so much here, but I did buy a heavy duty come-along to pull us back out of a jam. It will lift 2 tons or pull 5 on the level, and only weighs 16 kg. And, yesterday, installed Weathertec window shades so we can leave the windows open a crack when parked in hot weather. - Cheers, Ted.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

John: You certainly have done a lot on your truck.

I read a lot, but done too little on the 4runner. The weeker exchange rate is killing me. I decided to go on with the suspension to get at least more clearance. The rest will probably wait a bit more.

Meanwhile, my next trip should in preparation but I am busy with other real life issue that had been sitting for much too long now (paint, hammer, ceramic, ...)
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[J-Rock]

Continuing on the build side, I went to UNLTD Media (formely Sticky Graphix) for professional application of 3M 1080 Film Wrap on the hood and scoop. I chosen the Matte True Black color.




This was an easy mod for me since I only removed the hood scoop and putting it back. This was a good choice since I don't have a lot of patience for these delicate tasks, mainly the wrapping of the scoop insert which took most of the time. The removal of the scoop allow a super clean install with no silver paint visible at all. The vinyl on the hood follows the hood lines and goes down to the Protex film on the front without overlapping.




With the low morning glaring sun, the reflection on the hood and scoop is reduced to a bearable intensity. Sorry for the crappy picture toward the sun with a dirty lens, showing from my driving position.



Now away from the glaring sun.



I am super satisfied with the quality of the install done by UNLTD Media and highly recommend them.

Next mods should show bigger progress on the build side but will be a lot more costly since our lagging Canadian dollar. Stay tuned!
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Hi Jean,
Are theses pictures are from the St-Raphael golf club Ile-Bizard?

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Hi Jean,
Are theses pictures are from the St-Raphael golf club Ile-Bizard?

Yep! You know the place?

 

[J-Rock]

Yes I lived there for 10 years and played several years as a junior. It's a nice place to live.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Suspension lift

Hey honey, look what I found in the rear of the 4Runner !!!

After waiting for a new shipment from ToyTec after the first one was lost in a FedEx truck fire, I got confirmation of its delivery to Kinek in Massena NY. I use this shipping destination close to the border to avoid outrageous shipping costs from US to Canada. They charge a minimal cost per package, but nothing to compared if shipped to my home.

Everything arrived in perfect condition.

Nice looking ToyTec 650 pounds red coilovers.

Light Racing UCA.

ToyTec Superflex rear springs.

ToyTec BOSS rear shocks

Now, I have to make an appointment to make it installed since I don't trust my mechanical skills that much.

I was debating on adding spacers or buying new wheels to get a wider stance to compensate with the loss of stability due to the higher ride height. I wander if these needs to be installed before performing the alignment?
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[Plumonium]

Merry Christmas!

 

[TBBrewer]

Montana

John

Did you get my detailed reply about your western trip and Montana? If not e-mail me at'[email protected]' as I seem to have trouble dealing with the reply site on the forum. - Cheers, Ted

 

[Cougar House]

I like the tires you chose

 

[JohnTheLuck]

I like the tires you chose

I do most of the time. Let me explain:

Pro:
- Since the have the snowflake pictogram, I can keep them year-round;
- Inflated to around 38-40 psi, I get decent consumption;
- At 32 psi they are a good compromise for easy trails not too sandy;
- At 24 psi, the are quite good in deep sand;
- They are quite silent on the highway;

Cons:
- E load are quite hard;
- The added weight ind size increase have a slight negative impact on acceleration;
- They don't perform well in mud since they clog quite rapidly and stay like this.
- After leaving mud to pavement, the mud escape and fly around like crazy! ;

But I am pretty satisfied that I would buy them again.
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