mbumpus11 New Build Thread - Need Input!!

[mbumpus11]

MBUMPUS11's BUILD:

Exterior:
BFG KO2 275/70/17 (second set; first set got 90k miles out of em)
Mud flap delete and homemade wheel well protection
32" OPT7 LED Light Bar (mounted in grille; one of the originals)
Custom grille work (which needs to be redone, hah)
Thule 58" square roof rack
'10-'13 Trail Roof Rail retrofit swap
Blindspot Mirror retrofit (RAV4 mirrors)
ANTMAN's Tailgater Cupholders
'10-'13 Trail Wheel swap
Bilstein 5100’s set at 1.75” to level
Baja Designs Flush Mount rear work/pod lights

Interior:
Cargo Area flush-mount LEDs
Oznium map & dome light upgrade
Husky Weatherbeaters (front, rear, and cargo)

Engine Bay:
Under Hood Engine Light
ARB Rear Differential Breather relo
BlueSea Under Hood Auxiliary Fuse Block

COMING SOON:
Jasontamu's A-Pillar driver's side handle (Awaiting Toyota Handle parts)
OldRed's console readout swap (TBD; when I can source the display)
Cargo security


I've come along way since my first post to the forum (below), but thought I'd clean up my signature block and add a "header" post stating all I've done!


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Hello all,

I recently jumped into this forum after purchasing a 2015 Magnetic Gray TEP T4R. Needless to say I've got the itch to start modding it.

Some of the input I need help with revolves around the steps which I will be modding, and needing to know what happens at the same time, or if timing is negligible.

The process will most likely be slow moving, and I'm not looking to make it a rock-crawling machine, just a little more capable since I have ranch land I frequent.

The list of wants :blah: :

LED bar - Will most likely be the first mod, and most likely will be tucked/hidden in the grill. Been eyeing an OPT7 32" since I'm not needing the specific optics of the Rigids, and I'm uncertain about the Epistar brands? Input is welcomed.

SS Slimline Hybrid bumper - will have the hoop. Not interested in a full bumper replacement, just enough in the front to handle the winch and if I need to push anything/love tap an idiotic motorist...

Obviously a winch (as stated above). I know nothing about what the best winches are/what capacities I need for "general" use (i.e. only when I get stuck in the mud and riverbottoms at the ranch).

Suspension/Lift - This is where the confusion really lies. Do I need to get the suspension at the same time I get the bumper, before, or after? From what I've seen the additional weight of the bumper will alter which degree of the suspension/lift I get (re: regular/medium/heavy), and if I choose just to level my ride will that additional weight of the bumper still make my nose sit lower?

Tires will come later since the 265's work decent right now and will still fill the wells "reasonably" with a modest 2-3" lift.

Just seeking some advice since y'all are the pros and I'm the rookie.

Thanks in advance. :shrug:

 

[1engineer]

Tires should be your first mod. Bigger size doesn't matter here as much as tread type and durability if you off road any at all. Stock tires are NOT very good off road.
Your next mod should be a recovery kit.

You should then drive it in all of your normal daily situations and read up on suspensions and other mods for about six months. You will then know exactly what you need and not be spending money inadvertently. So tires (good tread) and a recovery kit. Then drive drive drive and read read read.

OR, you could be modding for looks and then it really doesn't matter how good the components are. It just matters how good they look right? Let us know.

 

[mbumpus11]

Tires should be your first mod. Bigger size doesn't matter here as much as tread type and durability if you off road any at all. Stock tires are NOT very good off road.
Your next mod should be a recovery kit.

You should then drive it in all of your normal daily situations and read up on suspensions and other mods for about six months. You will then know exactly what you need and not be spending money inadvertently. So tires (good tread) and a recovery kit. Then drive drive drive and read read read.

OR, you could be modding for looks and then it really doesn't matter how good the components are. It just matters how good they look right? Let us know.

Going for a bit of stealth off-road capability - functional but not "HEY I HAVE AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE" or cheap looking mods "just for looks." If I'm spending money I aim to make it useful, durable, and focus on longevity.

The reason I mentioned the light bar will be first is because I took the stock T4R to the ranch last weekend and was able to maneuver completely fine, but needed some extra visibility to get to my hog beds. Further, through that was when I realized I would potentially need a recovery kit due to the *sometimes* shifty parts of the paths I've worn in despite being improved.

Interested in better treads for off road (yes!!), but that would impact how badly I would need recovery...right?

Finally, what I hear you saying is that getting that slimline bump wouldn't be too detrimental to stock handling; therefore removing the potential need for the "medium/heavy" front suspension tuning?

I'm such a rookie...sorry for the 1000 questions

 

[1engineer]

Going for a bit of stealth off-road capability - functional but not "HEY I HAVE AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE" or cheap looking mods "just for looks." If I'm spending money I aim to make it useful, durable, and focus on longevity.

The reason I mentioned the light bar will be first is because I took the stock T4R to the ranch last weekend and was able to maneuver completely fine, but needed some extra visibility to get to my hog beds. Further, through that was when I realized I would potentially need a recovery kit due to the *sometimes* shifty parts of the paths I've worn in despite being improved.

Interested in better treads for off road (yes!!), but that would impact how badly I would need recovery...right?

Finally, what I hear you saying is that getting that slimline bump wouldn't be too detrimental to stock handling; therefore removing the potential need for the "medium/heavy" front suspension tuning?

I'm such a rookie...sorry for the 1000 questions

It's more the durability of the tire. Easy to poke a stick or rock through. Yes, tread type to match terrain is good too. Recovery gear is essential no matter what you have though. You will either need it for some to get you out or you to get someone else out. Look on amazon for vehicle recovery kits. Back to tires: Pretty much ANY tire is better off road than what we have stock. If you are gonna spend money spend it on good tires. You will thank us later.

I won't recommend a winch because I use a come along off road due to it's flexibility. A lot of guys run them and will chime in though on winches. Last, google Bilstein 5100's and read up on those as they are probably the best inexpensive entry suspension components out there. Also check out the FAQ sticky. It will have tons of info there.

 

[mbumpus11]

It's more the durability of the tire. Easy to poke a stick or rock through. Yes, tread type to match terrain is good too. Recovery gear is essential no matter what you have though. You will either need it for some to get you out or you to get someone else out. Look on amazon for vehicle recovery kits. Back to tires: Pretty much ANY tire is better off road than what we have stock. If you are gonna spend money spend it on good tires. You will thank us later.

I won't recommend a winch because I use a come along off road due to it's flexibility. A lot of guys run them and will chime in though on winches. Last, google Bilstein 5100's and read up on those as they are probably the best inexpensive entry suspension components out there. Also check out the FAQ sticky. It will have tons of info there.

Awesome.

Thanks for the quick responses. This helps me know where to begin at least!

 

[3wbdriver]

The Slimline bumper with a 9,500 - 10,000 lb winch (150 - 160 lbs total weight) will drop your nose roughly 1/2 - 3/4", and basically it takes the "soft" part out of the factory springs. A medium duty spring will offset this but you will have a difficult time finding one in a factory height. I am completely satisfied with mine so far and have had use for the winch on several occasions in the 7 months it's been installed.

For light duty off roading/ranch work a Bilstein 5100 or OME spring and shock kit should do the deed for you. These guys sell almost any kit that is made for reasonable prices, and if you talk to them about your needs they may be able to recommend a specific setup for your purpose.

4Runner 10 & Up

But as 1engineer recommended above I believe tires should be your first purchase. I have stuck with the factory 265 size in an AT tread, and other than knowing they are not dedicated mud tires and driving accordingly I have been happy with their performance.

 

[mbumpus11]

The Slimline bumper with a 9,500 - 10,000 lb winch (150 - 160 lbs total weight) will drop your nose roughly 1/2 - 3/4", and basically it takes the "soft" part out of the factory springs. A medium duty spring will offset this but you will have a difficult time finding one in a factory height. I am completely satisfied with mine so far and have had use for the winch on several occasions in the 7 months it's been installed.

For light duty off roading/ranch work a Bilstein 5100 or OME spring and shock kit should do the deed for you. These guys sell almost any kit that is made for reasonable prices, and if you talk to them about your needs they may be able to recommend a specific setup for your purpose.

4Runner 10 & Up

But as 1engineer recommended above I believe tires should be your first purchase. I have stuck with the factory 265 size in an AT tread, and other than knowing they are not dedicated mud tires and driving accordingly I have been happy with their performance.

Do you have any pics of your truck with the stock sized AT tires and your lift? Can't decide if I should go 265 or 275 in the KO2s.

 

[3wbdriver]

Do you have any pics of your truck with the stock sized AT tires and your lift? Can't decide if I should go 265 or 275 in the KO2s.

All over the build thread linked in my signature. The blue link just above the picture below.

Or if you're using an app, here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/163995-3wbdrivers-2014-te-build-thread.html

 

[Mmikey]

Hello all,

LED bar - Will most likely be the first mod, and most likely will be tucked/hidden in the grill. Been eyeing an OPT7 32" since I'm not needing the specific optics of the Rigids, and I'm uncertain about the Epistar brands? Input is welcomed.

I've got the OPT7 22" in my grill and I really like it for the money. I initially got the 32" but it wouldn't fit behind the grill without cutting out a part of the air dam (approximate location indicated in the pic below in red). It's not a big deal, but I didn't want to do it. I still need to do something about the grill blocking some of the LEDs...

 

[mbumpus11]

The Slimline bumper with a 9,500 - 10,000 lb winch (150 - 160 lbs total weight) will drop your nose roughly 1/2 - 3/4", and basically it takes the "soft" part out of the factory springs. A medium duty spring will offset this but you will have a difficult time finding one in a factory height. I am completely satisfied with mine so far and have had use for the winch on several occasions in the 7 months it's been installed.

For light duty off roading/ranch work a Bilstein 5100 or OME spring and shock kit should do the deed for you. These guys sell almost any kit that is made for reasonable prices, and if you talk to them about your needs they may be able to recommend a specific setup for your purpose.

4Runner 10 & Up

But as 1engineer recommended above I believe tires should be your first purchase. I have stuck with the factory 265 size in an AT tread, and other than knowing they are not dedicated mud tires and driving accordingly I have been happy with their performance.

Tires should be your first mod. Bigger size doesn't matter here as much as tread type and durability if you off road any at all. Stock tires are NOT very good off road.
Your next mod should be a recovery kit.

You should then drive it in all of your normal daily situations and read up on suspensions and other mods for about six months. You will then know exactly what you need and not be spending money inadvertently. So tires (good tread) and a recovery kit. Then drive drive drive and read read read.

OR, you could be modding for looks and then it really doesn't matter how good the components are. It just matters how good they look right? Let us know.

Thanks to both of you for the direction. Getting my 275/70/17 BFG KO2s installed later today!

 

[The Waco Kid]

Off-topic: Sic'em?

Back on topic: Check out this post for light-bar fitment. He used OPT7 8 inch bars in the upper portion of the grill http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/159140-fmulinos-%2A%2Abuild-thread%2A%2A-2.html#post1967075

Welcome to the club!

 

[Saker]

Hello all,

I recently jumped into this forum after purchasing a 2015 Magnetic Gray TEP T4R. Needless to say I've got the itch to start modding it.

Some of the input I need help with revolves around the steps which I will be modding, and needing to know what happens at the same time, or if timing is negligible.

The process will most likely be slow moving, and I'm not looking to make it a rock-crawling machine, just a little more capable since I have ranch land I frequent.

The list of wants :blah: :

LED bar - Will most likely be the first mod, and most likely will be tucked/hidden in the grill. Been eyeing an OPT7 32" since I'm not needing the specific optics of the Rigids, and I'm uncertain about the Epistar brands? Input is welcomed.

SS Slimline Hybrid bumper - will have the hoop. Not interested in a full bumper replacement, just enough in the front to handle the winch and if I need to push anything/love tap an idiotic motorist...

Obviously a winch (as stated above). I know nothing about what the best winches are/what capacities I need for "general" use (i.e. only when I get stuck in the mud and riverbottoms at the ranch).

Suspension/Lift - This is where the confusion really lies. Do I need to get the suspension at the same time I get the bumper, before, or after? From what I've seen the additional weight of the bumper will alter which degree of the suspension/lift I get (re: regular/medium/heavy), and if I choose just to level my ride will that additional weight of the bumper still make my nose sit lower?

Tires will come later since the 265's work decent right now and will still fill the wells "reasonably" with a modest 2-3" lift.

Just seeking some advice since y'all are the pros and I'm the rookie.

Thanks in advance. :shrug:

Just pointing out a couple of things....
Since you are considering a SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper and an LED bar, I suggest looking at the SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper first before the LED bar, or the 2 together at the same time....Kevin can make that happen.

See if the bumper, winch and LED light bar all together will work for your needs.
If you install the LED bar first, you may be pulling it back out when you install the SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper.....

Just something to think about...

 

[jicko]

FYI, Rigid group buy.... you don't have to settle for the subpar lights...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...e-introduction-*group-buy*-spring-2015-a.html

 

[mbumpus11]

Off-topic: Sic'em?

Back on topic: Check out this post for light-bar fitment. He used OPT7 8 inch bars in the upper portion of the grill http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/159140-fmulinos-%2A%2Abuild-thread%2A%2A-2.html#post1967075

Welcome to the club!

Waco Kid: Sic 'em all DAY. Secondly, what did you use to make your bumps black? Spray paint? LineX? Plastidip? So many options...

Just pointing out a couple of things....
Since you are considering a SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper and an LED bar, I suggest looking at the SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper first before the LED bar, or the 2 together at the same time....Kevin can make that happen.

See if the bumper, winch and LED light bar all together will work for your needs.
If you install the LED bar first, you may be pulling it back out when you install the SSS Slimline Hybrid bumper.....

Just something to think about...

Saker: Honestly great thoughts. Since deciding on tires today, I'm putting more thought into the next purchase being the susp/lift but what you stated is definitely something I'm realizing I need to make sure and pay attention to. Thanks!

FYI, Rigid group buy.... you don't have to settle for the subpar lights...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...e-introduction-*group-buy*-spring-2015-a.html

Jicko: Looking more into this when I get home tonight...!!!

 

[The Waco Kid]

Waco Kid: Sic 'em all DAY. Secondly, what did you use to make your bumps black? Spray paint? LineX? Plastidip? So many options...

Plasti-Dip for now. I had the fenders flares dipped as well, but I was side swiped in a parking lot earlier this month and had to have the whole front end repainted. So I just removed all the remaining fender....dippings? Yeah I'll go with that... due to the bare front driver side flare. Now, only my bumper covers are dipped.

Before shot:

 

[mbumpus11]

Got the KO2's installed today!

Went for the 275's, and I am pleased. No rub, and it's raining so I did some wet testing before and after getting the tires changed. Definite grip difference from that alone.

Can't wait to see how they continue to perform.

Before and afters:

 

[mbumpus11]

A better daylight pic...for good measure...

 

[mbumpus11]

Cargo Lighting Question

Does anyone know how to get the panels off which are circled in red on the attached picture? Further, any idea how much room is behind that panel? I'm going to add some flush mount flood LEDs to light up the rear cargo area more directly. The plan is to wire them up with the rear hatch lights via other build threads I've seen with similar mods. I will place these where the arrows point in blue. Then where the yellow 'X' is is where I plan to angle them which would put them aiming at the back of the second row of seats.

 

[mbumpus11]

Mud Flaps Deleted

I didn't want mud flaps on my 4Runner when I ordered it, but it came with them installed. I don't like the way it looks. Today I did something about it.

Total time from going to the store, uninstalling/prep/fabricating mud flaps, eating, watching some of the NBA Finals, and finishing the project was 2 hours. This project is also VERY easy.

I took the front mud flaps off with no issue. I then removed the rear mud flaps and was anticipating the "hole" that was exposed after the removal based on other threads I had read.

I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts and picked up a generic 18-wheeler mud flap to base my "insert" off of which cost $13.

I laid the rear mud flap on the 18 wheeler mud flap to outline, identify where the stock holes are for mounting, and prepare to cut. This 18 wheeler mud flap is generic polyurethane and was easily cut with a sharp knife.

After cutting, I drilled through the markings I made for the holes to mount.

The holes lined up perfectly, and I installed it on the rear mud flap area to which I found that the fabricated "insert" covered everything I needed it to.

After getting everything cinched down and screws tightened, I took the same knife and trimmed the extra parts off of the flap to get it flush with the body.

I'm pleased with the result, and it was much cheaper than having to talk to the dealership to find whatever part they'd want to sell me that does the same thing.

Hope this helps someone who is looking to do the same thing.

 

[mbumpus11]

Interior LED swap complete. Used the Yitamotor eBay set and I'm pleased after installing. Maybe a little blue overall but not a bad deal for $20.

With my cargo area LED installation from earlier, now anything in my cargo area appears like it is being shown off at a museum with this type of lighting!

And license plate lights were changed. Haven't gotten around to changing the mirror puddle lamps yet.