Mason's Build Thread

[AZ4FNER]

Truck looks great. Welcome to the Duratrac team...

 

[4ever4running]

Looking good man!

Are your interior floor lights on an independent switch or did you just wire them to the factory lights?

 

[MasonT4R]

The door jam switches are ground switches meaning that the lights always have 12v+ to them and the circuit is completed when the door opens. I ran a fused 12v+ wire to each set of LEDs and grounded them into the existing jam switch.

I've been toying with the idea of doing the same with the map lights.

 

[4ever4running]

The door jam switches are ground switches meaning that the lights always have 12v+ to them and the circuit is completed when the door opens. I ran a fused 12v+ wire to each set of LEDs and grounded them into the existing jam switch.

I've been toying with the idea of doing the same with the map lights.

Cool! Where did you actually make the connection to the 12V+ and the existing jam switch? Any pics? Did you just use a 10 or 15 amp fuse for the 12V+ power wires?

I am interested in doing something similar so any additional info helps. Thanks!

 

[MasonT4R]

Cool! Where did you actually make the connection to the 12V+ and the existing jam switch? Any pics? Did you just use a 10 or 15 amp fuse for the 12V+ power wires?

I am interested in doing something similar so any additional info helps. Thanks!

Slow response! I wired directly from the battery for the 12v with (I think) a 10 amp fuse. The door jam switches are pretty self explanatory and I simply wired in directly by the switches. Worked out pretty well.

I got another little toy in today...

Had the iPad for awhile now but got the mount in today. Planning on using it for trail navigation with MotionX GPS and I also have it connected to my head unit via Bluetooth for running my music. I'll probably only leave it in for trips though.

It isn't a perfect solution however. I was looking at RAM's similar mount that goes for $100 but had heard that it vibrates a fair amount. This one from Akron does as well but only cost me $18 rather than $100! So I'm more willing to deal with a little vibration for the $18. I'm currently looking into a couple different ways to minimize the vibration. :nerd:

Doesn't get in the passengers (or my navigators) way and mounts up very simply.

 

[4-Ripcord]

^^ That is really cool! I like it!

 

[blcktpgsr]

looks almost like the ipads levitating on it's own in the second photo...

 

[4ever4running]

Thanks for the info, I am hoping to get my lights wired up today.

Sweet Ipad mount!

 

[MasonT4R]

Thought I'd disconnect my front sway bar for a trip next weekend and wanted to see what it is like before then. Found something interesting...

Seeing as how it wasn't doing much I went ahead and completely removed it. If I decide I want it back I'll get some disco's from WabFab or something.

 

[MasonT4R]

Went for a trip to Buckhorn OHV Trails this weekend in Arkansas to test out the new Duratracs!

Things started out fantastically!

Went to start the 4Runner to hit the trails Friday morning and it did nothing. A little troublshooting revealed a shot starter. Luckily I didn't go alone and my buddy in the FJ gave me a lift into Fayetteville to pick up a new starter and bolts. Someone had previously worked on the starter and horribly cross threaded the bolts. We ended up cutting one bolt with a hacksaw.

Half a day later we were up and running trails!

Air Down

The new Duratracs at 15psi. I ended up putting some more air in them and felt more comfortable after doing 20psi in the back and 18psi up front.

Trails

I've got some videos to sort through and edit but I will post them up soon.

 

[MasonT4R]

The video I promised! Sorry no cool music or editing. Feel free to mute the video and listen to your favorite song!

Buckhorn Arkansas - YouTube

 

[4ever4running]

Sweet video! Looks like a lot of fun! Man I really need to get out and hit the trails again...

 

[newmexrunner]

Mounted my maglite under the passenger seat today and goofed off a bit.

Stock flex... yeaaaaaah.

And the stable.

Yeah I'll post up a description of how I got everything to work once I actually get everything to work the way I want. Need to pick up a relay!

i got the same setup!! haha 1997 4runner and a 2003 mazda6. nice choice in vehicles.

 

[MasonT4R]

Ran another trip with Central Overland Travels in Arkansas again this weekend. They truly are a great group of guys.

While on the trip I decided to see how the new Duratrac's fair in mud... But wasn't expecting the mud to be this deep and soft!

Other pictures from the trip!

Hopefully the videos will be uploaded soon.

 

[Ironback]

I slapped a WetherTech Bug Guard on my 98'. Not pic worthy imho. But I did do something! Deckplate mod is next on the list.

 

[MasonT4R]

Got the video up, and some more pictures from other people.

New Guy Run.wmv - YouTube

 

[MasonT4R]

This isn't much a build thread! Instead I seem to keep go wheeling it pretty much stock.

Went and ran the K-Trail here in Oklahoma with other 4Runners! More trip pictures and discussion starts here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/165518-k-trail-april-25-27-a-9.html


The stock condition won't last much longer however. My rear shocks are leaking... So I better replace those... :naughty:

 

[MasonT4R]

Well it was time to do something real with the electrical. Before I had rigged the CB up at last minute before a trip. It was working but looked like crap. I was never very happy with the Hella's either (which have been completely pulled out for awhile awaiting a reinstallation).

Blue Sea fuse panel time!

Starting with a breaker and made some custom wires

Blue Sea location.

My couple devices wired up.

I also figured out what to use the garage door opener for! Cables!

 

[MasonT4R]

Some Mods I haven't included in this build thread

CB Installation Location:

Firestik on the original Drifter33 mount:

Tundra 231 Brake Upgrade (This is a must do IMO):

...found a little dirt above the skidplates...

Rally Armor Mud Flaps:

 

[MasonT4R]

I have been working on designing a sleeping platform/storage platform. Not sure If I really need the weight or hassle however. I keep going back and forth on it.