Katahdin's 2012 Limited 4x4

[Katahdin]

I bought a 2012 Limited back in June and have been lurking around the 5th gen forums since then. The wealth of ideas and information here quickly convinced me that my brand new $40k truck wasn't cool enough and I started a mod wish list. I've done a couple of easy ones so I decided it was time for a build thread.

Here's an almost current photo, the only difference is that I went back to the stock antenna (more on that below). It's dirty and in my driveway but it's the best I have for now.

This is what it looked like the day after I bought it.

Here's what I've done so far and what I have planned for the near future:

Current Mods & Upgrades:
Debadged
WeatherTech FloorLiners & Cargo Liner
FJ Cruiser 8-Hole 17" Alloy Wheels w/ Stock Tires
NoLoss Valve Caps
7” Mangowalk Antenna (Removed)

Planned Upgrades:
Better Speakers – Infinity Kappas all around
New Shift Knob – "BlackIce" Shifter on order from Ellis Precision (blank top instead of the FJ logo)
Color-Matched Door Handles
Plasti-Dip the Chrome Strips
New Tires – Hankook Dynapro ATM’s or Cooper Discoverer AT3’s
Baja Rack Flat Utility Rack
Satoshi Grill Mod – Probably w/ Rigid LED Grill

 

[Katahdin]

New Wheels

I never liked the look of the stock 20" wheels and the lack of options for tires that fit 20"x7" rims made new wheels my first priority. I was planning on getting TE wheels but found a good deal on a set from a 2012 FJ Cruiser and went with those instead. I thought I'd like the darker grey better than the TE silver but I think it ends up making the outer rim look too much like chrome. They're still better than the 20's and they'll work until I upgrade to matte black Stealth 6's.

I bought a set of NoLoss Valve Caps from Sierra Expeditions as a Christmas gift for my dad and decided to get some for myself too. They're a little pricy for plastic and rubber but they are handy.

 

[Shogun]

I know what you mean. I bought mine back in November and have started the process. I am not happy with the plasti dip though. I did the limited badges on the side first and it turned out pretty good. Then I did the entire chrome piece on the back hatch. It is okay but it kind of looks grey instead of black to me. I am thinking about having the chrome painted instead.

That shifter knob is pretty cool. Good luck with the mods.

 

[Katahdin]

7" Mangowalk Antenna Install

I tried a couple of options for a shorter antenna but none of them ended up working out. First up was a Craven Speed Stubby. It looked better but wouldn't pick up the HD signal for a couple of stations on my whole drive to work. My next attempt was a 7" Mangowalk rubber antenna, which doesn't include an adapter for the 4Runner. Several people here have said that this cheap antenna (also sold at AutoZone) includes an adapter that will work but I decided to make one. I got a 25mm M5 threaded stud (P/N 93805A293) and an 8mm long M5 hex standoff (P/N 94868A624) from McMaster-Carr and used the M5 to M6 adapter included with the Mangowalk.

The 8mm long standoff fits perfectly up inside the bottom of the antenna.

Here's the assembled adapter. I threaded Mangowalk's adapter (black piece) into the antenna until it bottomed out, screwed the standoff onto the adapter until it hit the base of the antenna, and then added the threaded stud. Only 2-3 threads from the stud were in the standoff so I added Loctite to the Mangowalk adapter and stud to keep everything together.

On the truck:

And the final product:

Unfortunately the Mangowalk didn't work any better than the Stubby so maybe I'll try the retractable antenna [MENTION=6163]phillyd2[/MENTION] used.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I have the same one PhillyD2 has (thanks for the inspiration Philly), it works great and when I go off into the mountains I usually extend it out and it will keep picking up signal for a bit more range (though I don't have HD Radio in my SR5 to check that). I had the Craven Stubby on my Mini and it sucked so bad I put the OEM back on and wouldn't put it on the 4R after that.

Mod List looks good! (I'm working on my own, too, damn these forums lol)

 

[Katahdin]

Good luck with the mods.

Mod List looks good! (I'm working on my own, too, damn these forums lol)

Thanks! Yeah, I'm trying to keep my mind off the really big upgrades for now.

 

[phillyd2]

Looks way better dirty! :yo: