JohnTheLuck 2016 TE Build Thread

[JohnTheLuck]

Full length roof rack

It is not because we are travelling that the build needs to stop!!!

Today, we had an appointment at Equipt Expedition Outfitters in Salt Lake City for the installation of an Eezi-Awn K9 2.2m roof rack. This allows us to save the shipping cost which are huge for this one-piece large item, among others.

Paul, the owner and another man performed the installation in about two hours. Job well done, thanks!

After the install, I went onto the I-15 driving at 70+ mph to listen to increased noise but I noticed nothing. I still have to experience cross winds to determine I there is added drag.

The rack was installed with the standard height feet. I wanted the shorter feet but the presence of the shark fin antenna prevent their use. I might get rid of this antenna since I don't use Sirius XM. Might also use that point to route lighting wires.

Here is the finished result.

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[JohnTheLuck]

We made another step today toward our modded 4Runner by stopping at RCI Metalworks to pick-up some goodies. These will be installed when we will be back home, shortly. Stay tuned!
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[JohnTheLuck]

Rock sliders and skid plates

Today was the day! I took the opportunity since my son was home during his fall school break to use his hands a bit.

We removed the OEM rigid running boards and installed the RCI rock sliders. The passenger side went smoothly, but the driver side was a bit more time consuming since we had to be careful not to break any KDSS lines. After cleaning up the frame, I applied some Fluid Film between the frame and sliders, and some anti-seize on all bolts since I may remove them from time to time when the need for painting occurs. It took us about 3 hours for completion.

Next, we raise the 4Runner on a few 2x10 to get more clearance beneath. We removed the OEM front and transmission skinny skids to make room for the RCI aluminum full skid package. The process is pretty strait forward except for transfer case cross member which we had to figure out its mounting location. The installation took about 4 hours.

I was worried about the Toytec differential drop and possible interference for the skid, but my concerns were not founded.

Another point I was worried was the transfer case entering in contact with the exhaust pipe but it seems that RCI modified their design and I have at least 0.5 inch of clearance.

When we completed everything, sunset has arrived at it was way too dark to take pictures. I will do that in the following days.

RCI, I am an happy customer!!!
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[JohnTheLuck]

One picture from today, with the beautiful leaves turning red, sign of the winter coming fast, too fast... Sorry, I still didn't have time to wash it since we are back from the north west.

 

[mossler]

Was just talking to my father about my plans and decided to show him yours as I saw it evolve. Great setup, not at all over-the-top. Lots of great inspirations.

Enjoy the 4!

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Was just talking to my father about my plans and decided to show him yours as I saw it evolve. Great setup, not at all over-the-top. Lots of great inspirations.

Enjoy the 4!

Thanks! The pace is slow but steady. I am hoping to find some time to add a few things before my next long trip. These will be mostly about organizing the interior and making use of the roof rack.

But don't hold your breath... I am a slow builder!!!
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[JohnTheLuck]

Things have been quite slow during the last few months. One thing I noticed during my last trip in the northwest states is that my GPS tracking of my Viper alarm system was not able to locate my truck in a few cities. After investigating and doing some phone calls to Directed, they confirm my DSMC250 GPS module was relying on 2G cellular communication and this technology is in phase out state by many operators.

So here we go again with a brand new DSMC450 GPS module which should make me covered almost everywhere.

A note to my Canadian buddies, when contacting Directed support by phone, you end up in the US support center. They keep telling that a US module and service plan need to be purchase for US coverage. My Canadian installer contacted the Canadian representative and they certified my the Canadian module and plan also covers all US at no additional cost (it was the cas with my former module). That will be tested at the end of the summer for my next adventure.
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[JohnTheLuck]

Wind deflector for Maxsa Escaper Buddy on Eezi-Awn K9 rack

I been looking since a long time for a solution to mount my Maxsa Innovation Escaper Buddy on top of my Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack, but I found nothing that I really liked. The problems with these boards is that them don't stack very well and they present a 4.5 inches edge for a set of two. I wanted something to prevent too much wind resistance and at the same time to secure them. Lately, I kick myself and decided to make it happen.

I order a 1/8 inch aluminum plate from a shop equipped with a sheet metal bending machine. The width is about 40 inches, covering the five aluminum slates. The front angle matches the one of the 4Runner windshield. To insure the boards stay in place, I used two sections of a 1 inch aluminum rod. Finally, a 6 feet cable lock help keeping everybody honest.

The wind deflector is secured with M8 stainless steel bolts with Loss Prevention Fasteners t-grooved nuts.

After a road test on the highway, there is no significant increase of noise of vibration. There was no heavy crosswinds during my test but I suspect I will experience more drag when this will occur.

The beauty with this design is the deflector is about the same as the 3 gallons Rotopax gasoline packs so it should help keep the drag increase at a minimum.
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[JohnTheLuck]

New KO2 tires

Oh man this build is slooooooow....

A small update today as I replaced my first set of BFG 275 KO2 with new ones. Since my spare was still new (I ordered 5 on my initial purchase), I swapped it for an old one. I also installed an old one on the fifth FN Wheel I purchased, in case I pull the trigger for a rear bumper. I am not decided yet.

The first KO2 set lasted from day 1 up to 84367 km (52423 mi). In fact they are not completely worned-out since the tread is about 6 mm deep. But since my trips are always very long, between 15000 and 23000 km, they would not have lasted this additional distance. Also, here in Quebec, the minimum threat for snow is 6 mm so the decision was easy.

Next time, I might move to 285 instead of the current 275 for an small clearance increase .

 

[bmagnetic]

It is not because we are travelling that the build needs to stop!!!

Today, we had an appointment at Equipt Expedition Outfitters in Salt Lake City for the installation of an Eezi-Awn K9 2.2m roof rack. This allows us to save the shipping cost which are huge for this one-piece large item, among others.

Paul, the owner and another man performed the installation in about two hours. Job well done, thanks!

After the install, I went onto the I-15 driving at 70+ mph to listen to increased noise but I noticed nothing. I still have to experience cross winds to determine I there is added drag.

The rack was installed with the standard height feet. I wanted the shorter feet but the presence of the shark fin antenna prevent their use. I might get rid of this antenna since I don't use Sirius XM. Might also use that point to route lighting wires.

Here is the finished result.

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Any chance you can share a picture with the sunroof tilted open? Looking at this rack and am curious if I can still take advantage of ventilation.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

I am currently at the airport leaving for a 6 weeks in Australia. I will post a picture on my return but meanwhile I can assure you the spacing under the rack is largely sufficient to open the moonroof with the 60mm legs

 

[MAST4R]

Oh man this build is slooooooow....

A small update today as I replaced my first set of BFG 275 KO2 with new ones. Since my spare was still new (I ordered 5 on my initial purchase), I swapped it for an old one. I also installed an old one on the fifth FN Wheel I purchased, in case I pull the trigger for a rear bumper. I am not decided yet.

The first KO2 set lasted from day 1 up to 84367 km (52423 mi). In fact they are not completely worned-out since the tread is about 6 mm deep. But since my trips are always very long, between 15000 and 23000 km, they would not have lasted this additional distance. Also, here in Quebec, the minimum threat for snow is 6 mm so the decision was easy.

Next time, I might move to 285 instead of the current 275 for an small clearance increase .

This is super valuable info because of your interstate plus offroading mixture. I am also chiefly interstate/highway plus offroad. It is about 4:1 those vs urban driving for me.

As for the rear bumper, I have been thinking about it but only if something bad happens to mine, In that case, I would look for a simple solution, just bumper, no add ons. I would look for as close to stock as possible but with better clearance behind the wheels. Your needs may be different and a full size bumper may be a good idea. But in that case maybe you would want to consider stronger shocks first. The reality is that you are doing great as is.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Rock sliders repaint

Oh boy, 2022 already and the last mod was back in 2019... At least I did two trips since then, and of course there was this thing called COVID-19... Yep, you guessed it, the build was even slower. Shame on me.

So, catching up with some needed work, las fall I search for a solution to repaint my RCI sliders. I originally purchased them powder coated but with all the trails on sand and rocks, the paint on all facing parts were almost back to the metal.

I am lucky to have a nephew who's job was in a car paint shop so he took care to sandblast them. I hesitated between rattle can paint, powed coating, and finally bedliner paint. I finally brought the sliders to Line-X in Valleyfield.

I am very pleased with the end result, but I still have to bring the 4Runner back on the trails. I'll post an update after the first next trip.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Viper Directed DSM550 update

Trying to catch up with a few mods that were done since the last post.

During 2022 summer, I receive an email from Directed informing me that US wireless carrier were in the process to discontinuing support of 2G networks. In response to this, Directed were offering a free 3G module upgrade with a 3 years subscription plan.

I accepted this offer and went back to Fortin Auto Radio to install the new DSM550 module since they performed the installation of my DSMC450 module back in 2018.

This saga begins to be costly, adding the annual subscription plan. And I am certain that at one point of time, 3G support will be dropped in favor to 5G, and so on...

Again, job well done.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Suspension ball joint replacement and alignment

During previous trips while driving up steep hills, I heard on some occasions a noise that seems to come from the front suspension. I went to some shops to perform verifications, without anything specific being detected.

Later, I noticed that grease begun to leak from the driver side SPC Upper Control Arm ball joint, the side from which the noise was coming. I decided to buy a replacement for both ball joints.

The original SPC Upper Control Arm ball joint was installed with the D setting caster adjustment setting giving +2 degrees. The alignment was performed and end-up with about +3.0 caster. While the driving was good, the passenger front tire was rubbing the mud flap on very tights downhill curves to the right.

This time, I went to Garage MAD4x4 located in St-Laurent QC to perform the installation.

To counter the rubbing, I ask the installer to set the adjustment to E giving only +1 degree to bring the wheels back a bit to prevent rubbing.

The replacement was performed rapidly, but when trying performing the alignment, the technician found one of the adjustment to be jammed. He did his best but recommended to go to my Toyota Dealer to replace it.

The driving is good, with the exception that the left tire is now rubbing while driving backward while turning full right. Previously, the rubbing of the right tire was only heard on rare occasion, but now the rubbing of the left tire occurs almost every time on flat surface. This is not an improvement. I might get back to the default settings when I make the repair of the jammed adjustment bolt later.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Battery replacement

My 2016 4Runner being used mostly during trips, it generally sits quietly in my garage. On few occasions, I forgot to install the battery charger and damage was inevitable.

Last January, with the cold of our climate here, it was evident that it needed to be replaced. I went to Costco and got back with an Energizer 24F-AGM fitting exactly in the OEM battery tray.

I went with an AGM battery hoping that deep discharges caused by my negligence will not yield to battery damage like for lead-acid batteries.

Even if I read about the higher charging voltage of an AGM battery, I decided to only replace the battery for now. I might do the GM diode later.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

RCI Catalytic Guard

With numerous reports of catalytic converter thefts in all major cities, I decided to purchase an RCI Catalytic Guard upgrade to my RCI transmission skid plate.

Before placing my order, I exchanged with them to make sure it was compatible with my old skid plate purchased back in 2017. Well, either they didn't verify or they missed something because there is no way it could be mounted without some modifications.

After reaching again with RCI, they acknowledge the incompatibility and suggested me to get 30 degrees beveled washers to put between the catalytic guard and the lip of the transmission skid plate. I didn't like this idea since that would create a week point on the aluminum reinforcement created by the lip on the skid. Also, it would have been difficult to drill at a 30 degree angle.

I asked them if the reinforcement angled brackets were still available since that would provide better support for the catalytic guard and adding more reinforcement to the transmission skid. Unfortunately, these brackets are not available anymore.

I liked this idea so much I found some angle aluminum brackets at an hardware store. I doubled them since they were only 1/8 thick. I used 1 1/2in carriage bolts and nylon nuts to mount the brackets to the skid plate, as done with the RCI bracket.

I am very pleased with the result. There is sufficient spacing everywhere. The only possible issue could be metal fatigue of the double layer bracket, offering less resistance than a 1/4in bracket.

Hey, that was my first fabrication mod!!! By looking at the pictures, you can see I don't have an ideal setup inside my narrow garage to work on the 4Runner during winter months!!!

 

[mrblah]

With numerous reports of catalytic converter thefts in all major cities, I decided to purchase an RCI Catalytic Guard upgrade to my RCI transmission skid plate.

Before placing my order, I exchanged with them to make sure it was compatible with my old skid plate purchased back in 2017. Well, either they didn't verify or they missed something because there is no way it could be mounted without some modifications.

After reaching again with RCI, they acknowledge the incompatibility and suggested me to get 30 degrees beveled washers to put between the catalytic guard and the lip of the transmission skid plate. I didn't like this idea since that would create a week point on the aluminum reinforcement created by the lip on the skid. Also, it would have been difficult to drill at a 30 degree angle.

I asked them if the reinforcement angled brackets were still available since that would provide better support for the catalytic guard and adding more reinforcement to the transmission skid. Unfortunately, these brackets are not available anymore.

I liked this idea so much I found some angle aluminum brackets at an hardware store. I doubled them since they were only 1/8 thick. I used 1 1/2in carriage bolts and nylon nuts to mount the brackets to the skid plate, as done with the RCI bracket.

I am very pleased with the result. There is sufficient spacing everywhere. The only possible issue could be metal fatigue of the double layer bracket, offering less resistance than a 1/4in bracket.

Hey, that was my first fabrication mod!!! By looking at the pictures, you can see I don't have an ideal setup inside my narrow garage to work on the 4Runner during winter months!!!

your modification is a better design than RCI's original mounting points lol.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

your modification is a better design than RCI's original mounting points lol.

Thanks!

Well, their current transmission skid design have a higher 90 degree lip with mounting holes compatible with the catalytic guard so mounting is easy and don't impact robustness.

It was not clearly indicated that older transmission skid was not directly compatible. What annoys me is that I specifically mentioned my full skid order number for them to check the compatibility and I am not convinced they did the verification.

 

[mrblah]

Thanks!

Well, their current transmission skid design have a higher 90 degree lip with mounting holes compatible with the catalytic guard so mounting is easy and don't impact robustness.

It was not clearly indicated that older transmission skid was not directly compatible. What annoys me is that I specifically mentioned my full skid order number for them to check the compatibility and I am not convinced they did the verification.

yeah i know right? i have the same skids as you, and when RCI first came out with those add on, i was like there is no way its gonna fit my skids (bought back in 2016) so I went to take a look and sure enough it didn't look right, so i wasn't gonna risk it. I talked to my close buddy who also has RCI skids, and he confirmed that it didn't look right also.

we both ended up going with another company.

Anyways, im glad you made it work, that looks like a legit setup man.