Lightfall's Build Thread

L

Lightfall

New member
I am starting a build thread for fun, to post up some pictures, and to catalog some of the mistakes I have made, lessons I have learned, etc. for the archives. Also, hopefully someone will think my truck is cool!

Here are some photos as they were when I bought the truck. It is a 1997 SR5 with a manual and 127k miles. I waited three months to find this truck and drove five hours to get it. The price fluctuations were especially difficult to deal with because there was a $5k variance amongst similar examples that had to be navigated. I went so far as to drive to Walser Toyota in Minneapolis (a 6 hour drive) to get what was supposed to be a 99 highlander with a manual and only 70k miles only to find out they told me the wrong information (from three sources on 3 separate calls before I drove up money in hand) and that it was a crapped out auto in poor shape.

Here it is now:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tl7jEgoM8VBzPPCLq2DgutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2CjQ4CvJg6k/UA2DZhy4_sI/AAAAAAAACuE/9lsyuPYBs20/s144/IMG_3424.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BUTeIWkS7s7GENeXVW1UrtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uU3RUcRqQUc/UA2DVir-kEI/AAAAAAAACtk/7HR3UltaZYU/s144/IMG_3402.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

Here it was originally:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wyzXP_ds9Cb31A0uY2vuN9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-29UsALjG05U/UA12fffx4qI/AAAAAAAACmc/W-fI2CxFTys/s144/IMG_2698.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tZM3zI0QllDOkXFzj3vovtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oQzbkl3sYV4/UA12eruhADI/AAAAAAAACmU/v4AHON33dNQ/s144/IMG_2694.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/twgBQBwwC6VhsoITg8o3oNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-af16wCSPza8/UA12fucxd6I/AAAAAAAACmk/mYHznEPJFvI/s144/IMG_2697.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>


<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mc-YLUz_q4TqaNNkBVbfz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zV9AWW3hB5A/UA12g2kavwI/AAAAAAAACms/NKOvbsiLwF4/s144/IMG_2699.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GBdAAB7KZ-lHYId7PB3vcNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ox0I5ifs24/UA12h_N6YsI/AAAAAAAACm0/9qjQP-p3r3I/s144/IMG_2700.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mDJuD6JYRn9jli2YE9_COtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9YbKvmQaHw0/UA12i5auvZI/AAAAAAAACm8/KRqZEMEP-VI/s144/IMG_2701.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

Side skirts removed, dog not pleased about the jump...wait until he gets to the lift!

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pPpAqsqwSOVeOg7B4qtRedMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-knGwZQF1TJc/UA12lhXKQUI/AAAAAAAACnE/sJuEs2nLd24/s144/IMG_2710.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
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Mods continued

I have a new set of wheels now. They are SEC, they were made in 1998 and never used, new in the box. All I had to do was have them re-clear coated and mounted! They are 17x8 with a 4.25" backspace I believe. I don't think I will use the centercaps. The bore is 108mm, so I picked up Gorilla hub centric rings and had a set of motorsport tech bora 1.5" spacers custom made to go from 106mm on the hub to 108mm on the wheel.

I like that the wheels have a tall classic look as eventually I want my truck to have a JDM / baja style to it that will go along with some of the crazy hilux stuff I have seen from Japan.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jznuPz9vdsWQASAM8RvgfdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EmqWg3Fby_Q/UA12nrzG0MI/AAAAAAAACnc/c_9nZiW_geE/s144/IMG_2751.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

The tires are new 285/70/17 (33"), and I think they will look quite nice once the suspension is complete.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z_MsNgFFnK82DQKIERLQbdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHur3PPZQww/UA1-4wqBW-I/AAAAAAAACqo/89PKxKlMSSY/s144/IMG_2853.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FIuhZ-CRwQIR3cXhMCkzE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--ktEGMAsiZw/UA13epFy1dI/AAAAAAAACo8/ia0oTHus4KI/s144/IMG_2863.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hQE3YWJZHtw3vQlm-9EFYtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U7XKTQM4Ejo/UA13efd_aHI/AAAAAAAACo4/g4rwmzTvfLI/s144/IMG_2973.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
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One of the first things I did was replace the headlights with nice (and cheap) new Depo ones from Amazon. This made an enormous difference.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bezc3uU2AH95oUhQivR4R9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xk0W_dwXdfY/UA127nmRNCI/AAAAAAAACoA/yU4OXcvjk54/s144/IMG_2778.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

I also shaved all my emblems except for the ones with the perforated mounting holes. I finished these with a semi flat industrial enamel after a lot of sanding and aggressive adhesion promoter.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sE5CZy71kIPaxaIiC6FhwtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N5m2xxAWBe4/UA12yucug_I/AAAAAAAACno/kH0nlTqydYw/s144/IMG_2756.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Stock without side skirts.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hVydbMTw85aKEnrnfWOvstMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2yUlKem6ctI/UA13OUDsB8I/AAAAAAAACos/7nuFBBXRKDc/s144/IMG_2836.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GSYmmsIxjwY9aGeG6d240dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I37eSDw5j3c/UA13I6_MBWI/AAAAAAAACok/eQ24MkRTdsE/s144/IMG_2833.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
skid plates

Next I decided to refinish the skid plates since with the lift they would be more visible. I cleaned them, used an adhesion promoter, and applied a coating of POR15 first. Unfortunately POR15 has to be topcoated or the UV will break it down, so I went over the top with safety red industrial enamel. The finish is quite nice, I hope that it holds up. I have no doubt the POR15 will remain intact but the enamel may get scraped off with use and require touchup.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yIT8eg2xq2Ioxwyjlk_Rp9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1lXkKce9nQ0/UA12meC9grI/AAAAAAAACnM/mwekjjFapS8/s144/IMG_2714.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fPLDG8zEuXePs72FM6X1XNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DegsFfCXxBg/UA12mhJbLTI/AAAAAAAACnQ/1bkSLUttMGg/s144/IMG_2738.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Satoshi

Like many others I did my grill mod. I used a heavy duty racing mesh as my backing, which was so rigid that I only needed to cut, fold it over, and fasten it on using hardware and rubber washers. I of course coated and primed the metal with industrial enamel, as well as the inner grill surface. I used a Toyota FJ40 emblem with fastening hardware and rubber washers which I purchased online. I originally thought about reusing the SR5 emblem I had, however, I realized it would be less durable and would be obstructed when I got my eventual driving lamps.

I am pretty meticulous, and I did not want to have anything done ghetto style on the grill since it is such a focal point and the SR5 emblem would have required zip ties to mount which was hard to hide and with tension chipped the finish on the emblem. If anyone is reading this, do not use the hardware I used, it is rust prone. I need to find a different screw.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zNltiQOzZtXrl44iyMaVTNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6HvUXLe-TzI/UA1_WqoSw0I/AAAAAAAACrI/1ydHLT9KsSc/s144/IMG_2737.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iCVpG3_xTEiIv03wYhUhO9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xD0WWRL83vo/UA126zcYuJI/AAAAAAAACnw/0BQc2M-Qb5c/s144/IMG_2772.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d4RroKwGhnhh0MgyIRKCN9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5dY7AehNIY/UA12-VWcoxI/AAAAAAAACoQ/KIOVUC8JwlA/s144/IMG_2796.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lqjNLlZrGfc38xbVLuX4ZNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tV63kMjyhVM/UA1262ppFaI/AAAAAAAACn0/WcOKgQuRg-s/s144/IMG_2776.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2KT9xL_rCD21SlaxAFplm9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J57D6gtcMso/UA143H8bqlI/AAAAAAAACpY/SOBduYFOpsk/s144/grille.jpg" height="97" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aDNedRCeRaZaA6cbhru5oNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ff8pPU4qHzk/UA1-vByJxFI/AAAAAAAACqg/pjV4N7RjWsg/s144/IMG_2875.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
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I also decided to clean out my MAF, throttle body, etc. I seafoamed the hell out of the upper engine and everything was spotless. I made an enormous mess of smoke, I degreased and detailed the engine bay, and immediately after the seafoaming the car seemed quite crisp and smooth. I ruined my downstream O2 sensor as well, and purchased new NGK plugs and wires which are yet to be installed. I get 20mpg city and 22hwy, and after cleaning I didn't notice much of a difference aside from the perceived throttle response and smooth idle. Of course the O2 sensor went ON THE WAY to the emissions testing center, so I had to reschedule...

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z0DnL3N6vG0MEabphT0wwtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e3_uaA-gtao/UA1_UZh42kI/AAAAAAAACq4/ZV49LWgAg64/s144/IMG_2734.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wSR6G3X83aYVx5zuZuS3sNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iWTMC6FhDgg/UA1_Th_GlYI/AAAAAAAACqw/6Yom_HGuXqo/s144/IMG_2735.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

This shot out of the exhaust:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UuU48xg-FYHv_9GWWvBUPdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fd-bYyM-mwo/UA1_U8D-76I/AAAAAAAACrA/aBN2VW0ptCE/s144/IMG_2736.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

The suspension components also arrived. I went with Toytec/Eibach front coils and OME 890 rear with Daystar 1.5" spacers and Bilstein adjustables up front and bilstein in the rear as well with all of the new bushings and such from Toytec. I also purchased the Toytec 1" body lift.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ahZJLvCDsbixk1x2OzphGdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wq_hTmV8pJY/UA1-jj0yllI/AAAAAAAACqU/4qs6wcKNEc4/s144/IMG_3284.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KTb0YHPZNh6ywnKyUDc6W9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kovxsVYxLZM/UA1-h_SB8OI/AAAAAAAACqE/gOxZIGEbcCE/s144/IMG_3283.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
At the shop having the lift installed.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Avd3vYn0vr1BInYgSl9R99MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m9lFXNmJNNw/UA15AcE0toI/AAAAAAAACpo/9alVTmTvji0/s144/IMG_3347.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

It is pretty comical what the 265/70/16 wheels look like with the full lift.


<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gQw7ed-1tVi8ZqMNhU-kadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-trIN_tK8LP0/UA14-sW83YI/AAAAAAAACpg/kOTAk11GLaE/s144/IMG_3348.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

However, the actual tires and new wheels fit even without spacers. I used the Gorilla spline black steel lug nuts. I covered the spline key with electrical tape and as such so far I have not had a problem with the finish. New brakes too!

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KGUSxX7NeaWtIgaHLlDpAtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wx5ReTZjvwk/UA2DRN-wcqI/AAAAAAAACtA/UJTEKe6HIKM/s144/IMG_3345.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5lW2FVEUjLKeQDfBNGHaDNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S62X7gnaUy8/UA15BndkoYI/AAAAAAAACpw/seciIz7uEIE/s144/IMG_3350.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Last edited:
My experience with Andy's Autosport has been awful. It took me over two weeks to receive my replacement shift knob. When I did get it it was the wrong color, the wrong thread pitch, the finish was defective AND scratched, and the threads were all quite rusty. They are a drop ship company, it is a month later and they still have not addressed the issue and Blackworks Racing is dragging their feet as well. I would not purchase an item from either group again. I was looking to get a weighted simple looking shift knob at a budget cost, it has proved to be more hassle than it was worth.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1XldWM8Krd42PswyXwIRkNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jxuzU4atBJw/UA2CnATHfHI/AAAAAAAACrY/49I2-fkrHP0/s144/photo%25281%2529.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

Here you can see the mottled finish.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NUUCsUR4buO2ym26_sOsOdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u-jWDkHkCq8/UA2CnFnIiQI/AAAAAAAACrc/KDAsez-gML4/s144/photo%25282%2529.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

Just like jeans, pre-distressed.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MwfnsUWeahbdac4XHIC3SdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fBJ26iBZBcM/UA2CnE8yQQI/AAAAAAAACrk/Jh-0M48US5A/s144/photo%25283%2529.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/abaOwBY4ChW2VIApE_8MVtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l-II04DDIag/UA2Cnon5MoI/AAAAAAAACrs/NqPjIt5ORn0/s144/photo%25284%2529.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Toytec suspension issue

First test drive with the suspension revealed contact with the coil even when simply driving through some grass. I am unsure of what the problem is.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DyUz44OUei-FJyak2rFXI9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uKCDtad_YsI/UA2C-VefG2I/AAAAAAAACr4/4FARCgP6XYs/s144/photo%25285%2529.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
I agree, I love those wheels. Where did you pick them up? And I like that you kep the white letters out, that'll look good with the lighter wheels against the dark color of the 4Runner.
 
And now some pictures of the suspension and wheels!

I finally got a chance to snap some photos and get an alignment. I drove around in some mud, dirt, rocks, and trees and got a good feel for everything.

The absolute most amazing part to me is that I still got almost 23 mpg highway, and I am yet to calculate my city mpg with the change. Everything feels much more planted, yet more resilient over bumps. The tires were E rated, and I was worried about stiffness with the extra ply. They feel a hair squirrely at 45psi, but perfectly smooth at 40. I can take turns in a manner that feels closer to a BMW X5 than a tractor now, and I am extremely pleased with everything. I have a feeling my city driving is going to kill the gastank though.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e4aou_QxRLZUOucMHr1NctMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xQD26JkjEuw/UA2DR-DABnI/AAAAAAAACtI/rbvY2EMhziw/s144/IMG_3358.JPG" height="59" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vtEX0swBCoP-fMp93RaDptMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m3yDT51u7rg/UA2DSYYhSNI/AAAAAAAACtQ/nCk_iPCboS0/s144/IMG_3362%2520B.jpg" height="63" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yuqlF62bPqRKtn0wXF0RoNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PX8nQhlswWg/UA2QqiSpzFI/AAAAAAAACuY/6Z0Vy_Rq2t0/s144/532425_10101485369908677_1787910216_n.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Last edited:
Millerad1651 said:
I agree, I love those wheels. Where did you pick them up? And I like that you kep the white letters out, that'll look good with the lighter wheels against the dark color of the 4Runner.
Click to expand...


Thanks! I was debating this. I have some retro stuff planned for the future that I am hoping will round things out. I want to do a recreation of the old school decals on the side of the truck, but I haven't figured out how to best integrate it. I also have to refinish the bumpers, add my clear corner lamps, install the front factory mudflaps, install my yellow fogs, and a few other things too.

I picked the wheels up from a fellow forum member and all around great guy, "Ryhi".
 
More pictures of my first test off-road trip

I just passed my boards and as a result decided to go up north and test this baby out! When I wasn't driving I was drunk for about 12 hours straight floating on the lake beer in hand...<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fu6LW6eXxuOB4dzbJglcXdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHZVDv-X3k4/UA2DKlpq-FI/AAAAAAAACsA/hXC5kEePW6A/s144/20120722_124858.jpg" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bwA6AP-n-fQ56kr1SyzKX9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uco60Y7uexk/UA2DLcmjhyI/AAAAAAAACsI/KYgBcGW6A9g/s144/20120722_124934.jpg" height="62" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/43gya2aHx8C7e8hTBQHip9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2Uq0qLoiBS0/UA2DLsI0cFI/AAAAAAAACsQ/-E2bm-Eg_Tg/s144/20120722_124950.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e8P3-H1NZd4_Kppk_IlFN9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BRqKFnuK38o/UA2DM45xJkI/AAAAAAAACsY/d-z_B5q2F1Y/s144/20120722_125635_HDR.jpg" height="94" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Ik2QNssG-RjrfqGXmfyYdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H53ZBlCRekM/UA2DQVAPy7I/AAAAAAAACs4/3q5-vSvgUUQ/s144/20120722_131723.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l-mhE-kxpEgfIGxAbteSTNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Vk4Lo75MZg/UA2DUaIHGcI/AAAAAAAACtc/r2SRq7kHaek/s144/IMG_3397.JPG" height="144" width="108" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5nTzEkjBskFnqTWzxQeL6NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-40A77MK9HUc/UA2DYS1nN9I/AAAAAAAACt4/SYsqQFOFHnQ/s144/IMG_3398.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>


<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Oqd3tc-jE3xm6nDqLYkRE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oy8nqrqW9Ec/UA2Da0zrLEI/AAAAAAAACuI/U-KiliBb_gg/s144/IMG_3428.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gzTjl8T_4b_X5tbhlAE1jdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5E0hn4MCRfw/UA2DWtwfi-I/AAAAAAAACtw/vzYqWNWrMoI/s144/IMG_3416.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Last edited:
And of course some baja style mud runs...

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zI-fp16T3UNmvloKnbWtj9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zDnO2jghNzo/UA2DPzV_LcI/AAAAAAAACsw/F-GsCmgSV0o/s144/20120722_131644_12.jpg" height="76" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tRv7rAtV2ZIbBIPbvFOCu9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qYex2pXKiRk/UA2DNDhYfQI/AAAAAAAACsc/y8J6D4iUFuU/s144/20120722_131604_8.jpg" height="59" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vou7nrwo-HdiE2BlmgEAX9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1YiFhtt7NsQ/UA2DOHvlKgI/AAAAAAAACso/8vbnpwN57Nc/s144/20120722_131644_11.jpg" height="74" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.lepkowski/4runner?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">4runner</a></td></tr></table>
 
Side skirts removed, dog not pleased about the jump...wait until he gets to the lift!
Click to expand...

:lmao: My dogs can't make the jump anymore... I have to lift their fat arses into the truck every time. The roll-down back window makes up for it though.

Great work on the 4Runner so far. You've done a clean job on all your mods.

I thought those wheels looked familiar... Ryhi has had so many different setups on his rig I can't remember them all. They look killer on your 4Runner though.
 
Haha! Good workout for you then lifting those pups up. Thank you also. Yea, the wheels look a lot like the Enkei Borgners he had, which were even nicer than these! :cheers:

It seems to me like these mods never end... In the near future I am looking to refinish my chrome in black, and use a vinyl dye on the existing mud guards and lower valence so that is all crisp black as well. I have front mudflaps to install, as well as larger generic sparco urethane flaps in the "jaos" school of design (love it or hate it, I know). However, I am installing my 1.5" wheel spacers so that I don't have to use hubcentric rings, so I will need the extra protection from flying debris.

Then I have to figure out how to install my pilot driving lights, as well as a reverse light. I am refinishing my trailer hitch too, and have to paint the gas can skid red as well since it is too visible. Then once that is done I have the retro vinyl work to figure out, and a windshield to replace. There are a lot of other little touchup/restoration things to do here and there as well.

And of course the coils are still very slightly touching something on the suspension during travel and I cannot figure it out. They are the brand new eibachs from toytec. It is installed per their instructions, and I don't see how it could be incorrect in some aspect of the installation :ybrick:
 
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