Mike's (Redswan) 2005 4x4 sport edition

[having fun]

I used to run cross country long hauling for awhile,( don't miss that ), but one thing for sure I miss, was all the beautiful scenery the eyes could see. Your photos of that places you have been and going to, brings back memories of down south. Many thanks for them.

 

[Redswan]

I picked up a strobe warning light for my upcoming trip to DV which we are planning some night events.

 

[Tayzorz]

Awesome!

 

[Redswan]

Icon Bumps

So I got home from my trip early this morning and these came in the mail from metaltech4x4.

I am going to try to get them on there this week.

 

[Redswan]

I got up early this morning to install the new bump stops. Overall the install was very easy and only took about an hour for both sides.







Done deal! Now its time for some road testing

 

[kkz]

When they first announced those I really wanted them. At the BF sale price they're great, but imo at their normal price they could have at least made them 2.5" bumps.

As always, good stuff Mike, my jealousy grows with every new addition. And awaiting videos of those bumps in action!

 

[ebg18t]

Can you post a pic under articulation?

 

[Redswan]

Can you post a pic under articulation?

As requested...

 

[Redswan]

Inscription Canyon

So, I took the ladies out for a picnic out at a place about 20 miles from the house called Black Canyon. We found a spot out there with petroglyphs all along the canyon walls.


It also gave me a chance to test out the suspension a little more on some harsher roads. which they did great. My only complaint is that on the driver side strike plate has come loose 3 times now. It just has a washer with a bolt that goes through the middle. I might ditch the strike plate if it comes loose again.

 

[RallyBud]

On a different note, I made two new videos from my trips this year.

Enjoy!

Summer Vacation (this one came out good!)


Mojave Road Compilation

Mike,

Your "Summer Vacation 2013" video was awesome. It is reminding me of why I am getting a 4runner and planning similar mods as yours. I live in San Diego and after seeing your videos I am looking forward to the journey with my wife and seven year old daughter throughout the area. Thanks brother!

 

[Redswan]

Mike,

Your "Summer Vacation 2013" video was awesome. It is reminding me of why I am getting a 4runner and planning similar mods as yours. I live in San Diego and after seeing your videos I am looking forward to the journey with my wife and seven year old daughter throughout the area. Thanks brother!

Thanks, I would say that is the best part about having this truck is getting out and exploring with the family. :usa:

 

[Redswan]

Death Valley Winter 2013

I finished up a trip to Death Valley this weekend.



The group going through steel pass

 

[Cory619]

Any UFO's?

 

[Redswan]

Any UFO's?

UFOs? Nope but I did meet the friendliest wild burrows you have ever seen.

 

[Redswan]

So in build news.

1. I bought a pair of OME 895 springs for the rear that I am going to give a try. I am hitting the bumps in the rear every time I turn the wheel sharply. I thought it was a symptom of being loaded down from the trip (about 1000lbs extra weight), but I unloaded it and they are still sagging a little.

2. I found a good deal on a pair of used +06' headlights. I want to give the projectors a chance. I bought these TYC OEM replacement ones last FEB for a pretty good price, but they have some diffusion that is driving me nuts. I really just want a organized beam that i don't have to drive with my brights or light bar on to see at night on the trail.

So i will let you all know how that goes.

 

[LTDSC]

So in build news.

1. I bought a pair of OME 895 springs for the rear that I am going to give a try. I am hitting the bumps in the rear every time I turn the wheel sharply. I thought it was a symptom of being loaded down from the trip (about 1000lbs extra weight), but I unloaded it and they are still sagging a little.

2. I found a good deal on a pair of used +06' headlights. I want to give the projectors a chance. I bought these TYC OEM replacement ones last FEB for a pretty good price, but they have some diffusion that is driving me nuts. I really just want a organized beam that i don't have to drive with my brights or light bar on to see at night on the trail.

So i will let you all know how that goes.

I plan to do this swap soon as well. Interested in the outcome and i never heard that about the TYC OEMs. Noted.

 

[Redswan]

I plan to do this swap soon as well. Interested in the outcome and i never heard that about the TYC OEMs. Noted.

Yeah, I will let you know how it comes out. I guess the TYC's are as good as the OEM's, but they reflect random glares in the beam. They look shiny and pretty, but the glares annoy me.

Does anyone know if I MUST upgrade to HID bulbs immediately or if they run off of the same bulbs as the 03-05s?

I think they both use 9006/9005 bulbs. Am I mistaken?

 

[HokieRunner]

Yeah, I will let you know how it comes out. I guess the TYC's are as good as the OEM's, but they reflect random glares in the beam. They look shiny and pretty, but the glares annoy me.

Does anyone know if I MUST upgrade to HID bulbs immediately or if they run off of the same bulbs as the 03-05s?

I think they both use 9006/9005 bulbs. Am I mistaken?

Hey Mike. I think the 06+ use an H11 bulb for the lows. I'm not 100% but that sounds right. The high beam bulbs should transfer though.

I upgraded and had to swap in the 06+ light wiring harness as well.

I remember reading you can trim a tab or two on the h11 bulbs and they'll fit but I don't have firsthand experience. Hopefully someone can chime in.

 

[gaterose]

I think the 06+ use an H11 bulb for the lows. I'm not 100% but that sounds right. The high beam bulbs should transfer though.

This, the '06s use H11 low beam. It's just easier to upgrade to HIDs since you have to buy H11 bulbs and connectors if you go halogen.

All (or most) HID ballasts on the other hand use 9006 connectors flipped upside down, so you buy an H11 HID kit and they're just plug & play. i.e. connector plugs into '03 9006 connector, bulb fits in '06 H11 housing.

edit - you don't *have* to buy the wiring harness, all it does is give you a second set of turn signals and make the parking light connector a little better. The '03 parking light will work in the '06 housing, it just fits a little funny. Once you turn it 90 degrees to lock it in it snugs up firm though.

 

[kkz]

So in build news.

1. I bought a pair of OME 895 springs for the rear that I am going to give a try. I am hitting the bumps in the rear every time I turn the wheel sharply. I thought it was a symptom of being loaded down from the trip (about 1000lbs extra weight), but I unloaded it and they are still sagging a little.

2. I found a good deal on a pair of used +06' headlights. I want to give the projectors a chance. I bought these TYC OEM replacement ones last FEB for a pretty good price, but they have some diffusion that is driving me nuts. I really just want a organized beam that i don't have to drive with my brights or light bar on to see at night on the trail.

So i will let you all know how that goes.

If those OME's don't work out for you there's a couple new expo style progressive coil springs out that you could take a look at

ICON FJ Cruiser Overland Series 3" Lift Rear Coil Springs
FJ Cruiser/4Runner Rear Long Travel Coil Spring