mscot build thread

[mscot]

I'm laid up and bored so I thought I'd do a build thread. Photos to come.

I bought a 17 ORP w/ KDSS in August of 17. I hardly drive for work and have a toddler and some health issues (just had back surgery) so I haven't put as many miles on it as I thought I would have by now.
My original intention was for this to be a way to get my son and I as far away from civilization as possible for camping trips - which is still part of my intention - but it's also going to be more of a road trip vehicle. Given this I would have done some things differently, but here we are.
Most of this is your regular bolt and go but I have done a bit of minor custom work and will create a separate post in the thread for these things.

Truck
2017 OffRoad Premium w/ KDSS - Silver

Suspension/Wheels/Tires
NEW: Eibach Pro Truck Suspension (resulting in 1.5" front and 1" rear)
KMC XD Series Turbine 301 17" x 8"
Falken Wildpeak A/T3 285/70R17
JBA Offroad UCAs : Standard High Caster

Thoughts: I was originally going for 2" up front and 1.25" in the rear but the rear spring took it up to 2.25" so I just left everything there. I hoped it would settle but it did not. Looks fine, just wasn't what I wanted.
My original inclination was to go with adjustable Fox or King but went with the Toytec's b/c they are progressive shocks made by Radflo and it would save me over a grand. I now think that was a mistake. The ride is really rough around Denver. Terrific the few times I've been offroad but not what I want for around town and with the idea that this is a road trip vehicle. It's an expensive lesson but a lesson nonetheless.
I started off with Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT265/70/17 that I brought over from my diesel Touareg. They rode fine on the Touareg but were like a rock on the 4R so I sold them and got P-rated Falken 285s b/c they get terrific ratings for the snow and like I said, I don't plan on rock crawling.
Added the UCAs over Father's Day weekend. Alignment of caster now at 4.0/3.8 everything else is in spec.
Edit: I replaced the suspension around the 1st of October. For what I want and am willing to do the Toytec was just too stiff. I even discussed it with Mike at Toytec and had him drive my rig to confirm everything was working properly and the problem was me. It was me. So it was between a $3k+ adjustable King set up or an Eibach set up (or the Toytec Boss if I wanted Eibach shocks with an adjustable coilover). In the end I went with my wallet and the vast recommendations from this board. It took most of the day to install it by myself but I'm happy I did it. It was frustrating and fun at the same time.
I didn't get anywhere near the 2.75" lift in the front. I didn't expect to. But I didn't expect it to drop more than the stock suspension did with the same weight. So with at 1.5" I've done some more cutting to the front fender and removed the mudflap. I can still make it rub if I compress and turn but it's fine. An alignment might help a bit, which I'll do with RSG in November.
I think the truck drives great now. I actually like that it sits a bit lower since I still have the benefits of the 285s.

Next Up: Alignment, maybe some more trimming, but I hope I'm done for a while.



Armor/Bumpers
C4 Fab hybrid bumper
RCI 5-degree Rock Sliders

Thoughts: I installed both of these myself. Each were relatively easy just took sometime. Had a friend hold the bumper in place to get a bolt on each side but that was all the assistance I had. I really like the look of the bumper. I prefer the look of the 20-degree angled sliders but these function better as a step (but not great as a step).


Recovery
Smittybilt XRC 9.5 G2 winch
Smittybilt receiver shackle
Smittybilt generic shackles
30' 30k lb Tow Strap (can't remember brand)
Few pieces of 2x6
DB Power 1200a portable jump starter

Next Up: Arb Snatch Strap and maybe maxtrax if I get out more. Goal is to be self-reliant.

Storage:
Custom built rear storage a la Dieck

Thoughts: See below

Electrical
Customized PowerTray
AOB switches in stock left side dash locations

Thoughts: See below.

Next Up: Nothing. I may add the SwitchPro later if I add more lights but I imagine that's a long ways off.


Lighting
Xtreme LED amber/white combo light bar in the bumper
Replaced all interior bulbs with UCAs
Edit: Replaced the headlights with Katanas and did Antman's DRL disable mod.

Next Up:
Edit: Replace the fog lights. I already have the bulbs, just need to do it and haven't felt like pulling the fascia off again.
Following that I'll replace the reverse lights with LEDs. Maybe do Antmans foglight independent on mod. I still want to do some camping lights and a light under the hood but I'm in no rush to get it done.


Random
Toyota rubber mats
Center console organizers
CD Slot magnetic phone holder
Modified driver side interior rear wheel well to hold first aid kits a la Antman
Black wrap on fenders, center of hood, roof racks, and grill cross bar
Blacked out letters

Next Mods: New Roof Rack since I broke the stock crossbars and I'm not giving Toyota money for a whole crossbar when I just need a small part - great excuse, eh?
S&B CAI



The photo is out of date. It was taken last spring before I changed the tires to 285s.

 

[mscot]

I've never understood the idea behind having a winch hooked up to the battery at all times. After a lot of research on quick disconnects and shut offs I finally decided to use a BlueSeas on off switch. But then I had to figure out how to cleanly mount it. After some bad L bracket ideas, I finally decided to pony up for a PowerTray on the hopes that I could customize it.

With the help of a dremel and a drill press I took a PowerTray made for a SwitchPro and cut two holes in the inner side of the tray so that I can fit a BlueSeas On/Off switch for the winch and a breaker for the rest of the electronics.

Honestly it was more of a pain in the ass to install the plate than it was to customize it.

Here's the final product.

 

[mscot]

My inspiration came from Dieck's post. Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - View Single Post - "Base Camp" 2015 Superwhite TE Build Thread

My design is slightly different in that I took the section right behind the seats into a single piece that stretches the width of the vehicle and I went a different route in attaching it to the vehicle by using L brackets the threaded inserts right behind the seats and just bolts at the rear of the car. I built it so it sits really snug between the wheel wells anyway so I'm confident it will stay in place.
All in it took me about 6 months to do it but I could probably knock one out in a long weekend if i worked on it continuously.
I do regret using Hefty bed liner b/c it smells really bad. I let it sit outside for over a month before installing it and it still smells. I'm pretty disappointed in that part of it.

I started by using MDF to make templates for the rails and styles. Then with band saw and router I cut the actual rails and styles out of baltic birch ply (IMG_4286).

Next is the glue up of two 3/4" pieces per rail and just using a single 3/4" piece for the styles. (IMG_4287)

Test fit of the assembled rails and styles (IMG_4288) as you can see on the style next to the seat I had to do a lot of cutting to get it to fit as close to the seat as possible.

Then I put the center rail, hinge blocks, and side support wings on (IMG_4306) before starting to layer up the non door parts of the top (IMG_4309)

Then I cut and test fit the doors and the T track. (IMG_4312)

Next was the roll on bed liner (MISTAKE!) (IMG_4445)

And finally the finished product. (IMG_4459)

 

[mscot]

It's been 3 months since I finished the rear storage and the smell is nearly gone. We'll see how it does when it starts to get hot out side and the truck bakes in the sun for a while but for now I'm happy.

One issue I'm having is that the lids bounce a bit. I've already put some sound deadening on the insider of the lids but I think I need to latch them.
Was going to go this route unless someone has another suggestion.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR0267Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[sn_85]

My inspiration came from Dieck's post. Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - View Single Post - "Base Camp" 2015 Superwhite TE Build Thread

My design is slightly different in that I took the section right behind the seats into a single piece that stretches the width of the vehicle and I went a different route in attaching it to the vehicle by using L brackets the threaded inserts right behind the seats and just bolts at the rear of the car. I built it so it sits really snug between the wheel wells anyway so I'm confident it will stay in place.
All in it took me about 6 months to do it but I could probably knock one out in a long weekend if i worked on it continuously.
I do regret using Hefty bed liner b/c it smells really bad. I let it sit outside for over a month before installing it and it still smells. I'm pretty disappointed in that part of it.

I started by using MDF to make templates for the rails and styles. Then with band saw and router I cut the actual rails and styles out of baltic brick ply (IMG_4286).

Next is the glue up of two 3/4" pieces per rail and just using a single 3/4" piece for the styles. (IMG_4287)

Test fit of the assembled rails and styles (IMG_4288) as you can see on the style next to the seat I had to do a lot of cutting to get it to fit as close to the seat as possible.

Then I put the center rail, hinge blocks, and side support wings on (IMG_4306) before starting to layer up the non door parts of the top (IMG_4309)

Then I cut and test fit the doors and the T track. (IMG_4312)

Next was the roll on bed liner (MISTAKE!) (IMG_4445)

And finally the finished product. (IMG_4459)

Nice. How did you secure the platform to the cargo area?

 

[mscot]

Thanks! I was really happy with how it turned out and how perfectly I got the dimensions.
I used the bolts for the existing D ring mounts right behind the rear seat with L brackets attached to the back style of the storage. at the rear door I used L brackets and lag screws. I may replace the lags with bolts at a later time but right now it's secure. I've yanked on it really hard and it's solid.

 

[mscot]

Made some recent updates and thought I'd mention them.
I replaced all the interior bulbs with LEDs. It was inexpensive so it's fine but I still think they should have higher outputs on the door bottoms and the rear hatch door.

I got tired of some of the rattling caused by the subwoofer so I spent a couple hours putting vibration dampening on a good bit of the truck area. There's still one section that I can't get to without pulling the plastic on the passenger side off but I really don't want to deal with it as I'd also have to pull my storage compartment out. I'll get to it someday.

Finally, this weekend I replaced the OEM UCAs with JBA Offroads. I'm going to drive it around until Friday so everything settles a bit then get the alignment done. I'll report back on Caster afterwards. I'm really hoping for 4+.
I won't go into the install because there have been several posts on this forum and in Youtube that will walk you through it better than I can. I will just say to check out this thread and read it all the way through. I had a bear of a time getting the inner washers on until I saw a post in that thread about using a pry bar to give yourself just enough space to cram the second small washer in. The driver's side took me 3 hours on Saturday night and at one point I honestly didn't think I'd get it done. The passenger side took 90 minutes from set up through clean up.
Everything seems to be working great so I'm pretty satisfied that I did the install myself. I haven't worked on cars outside audio/electrical stuff in a couple of decades.

Edit: Alignment of caster now at 4.0/3.8 everything else is in spec.

 

[mscot]

Replaced my Toytec Boss Performance suspension and Dobinsons springs with Eibach a couple weeks ago. Love the way it drives now. More comments in the top post.
Also replaced the headlights with LEDs and did the DRL disable mod.

 

[mscot]

Had RSG Offroad take my JBA upper control arms off today and replace them with new OEM takeoffs. The new lift was so low (1.5") I couldn't get great alignment specs so I decided to just pull them and it's too damn cold to do it in my garage.

I'm selling the JBA UCAs in the classified section if anyone is interested. They only have 3,500 miles on them.
Yes, this has been a costly educational experience in modifying vehicles.

In better news, about two weeks ago, I put on a LFD Offroad 7/8" rack with my Yakima Fat Cats for boards mounted directly to it. Works great.

After a trip to Aspen during a blizzard this weekend I'm considering getting some OEM sized Blizzaks or maybe even 255/70/17 so they're a tad narrower (and $80 cheaper for the set).

 

[burritoslicer]

My inspiration came from Dieck's post. Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - View Single Post - "Base Camp" 2015 Superwhite TE Build Thread

My design is slightly different in that I took the section right behind the seats into a single piece that stretches the width of the vehicle and I went a different route in attaching it to the vehicle by using L brackets the threaded inserts right behind the seats and just bolts at the rear of the car. I built it so it sits really snug between the wheel wells anyway so I'm confident it will stay in place.
All in it took me about 6 months to do it but I could probably knock one out in a long weekend if i worked on it continuously.
I do regret using Hefty bed liner b/c it smells really bad. I let it sit outside for over a month before installing it and it still smells. I'm pretty disappointed in that part of it.

I started by using MDF to make templates for the rails and styles. Then with band saw and router I cut the actual rails and styles out of baltic birch ply (IMG_4286).

Next is the glue up of two 3/4" pieces per rail and just using a single 3/4" piece for the styles. (IMG_4287)

Test fit of the assembled rails and styles (IMG_4288) as you can see on the style next to the seat I had to do a lot of cutting to get it to fit as close to the seat as possible.

Then I put the center rail, hinge blocks, and side support wings on (IMG_4306) before starting to layer up the non door parts of the top (IMG_4309)

Then I cut and test fit the doors and the T track. (IMG_4312)

Next was the roll on bed liner (MISTAKE!) (IMG_4445)

And finally the finished product. (IMG_4459)

What kind of hinges did you use?

 

[mscot]

What kind of hinges did you use?

Sorry I missed this question. here's what I used. You'll need the right and left for each top. part number 57671 and 57672

Hettich 1001143, 30lb Right Hand Lid Fitting, Zinc

 

[mscot]

Wednesday I pulled the winch off. I've never used it since putting it on aside from unwinding and recoiling the synthetic rope once a year and I really do think that Eibach suspension can't handle the weight of a hybrid bumper and winch together.
I got nowhere near the stated lift when it was on - although I haven't remeasured since removing.
I think this put too much pre-compression on the shocks and contributed to a worse ride.
So... pulled the bumper off, took off the winch, then got the bumper back on. Only took two hours.

Winch is now for sale in the classified sections if anyone is interested.

Next up in my attempt to make the truck more of a road trip vehicle than off road vehicle is replacing the tires with Michelin Defenders.

Was considering swapping out my rockslides for predator steps but I don't think the 50lb savings is worth the effort.

 

[burritoslicer]

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

I did this build, havent completed yet but will post finished once i am done.

 

[mscot]

The neutering of my 4Runner continues :rofl:

I switched to stock size Michelin Defenders in early winter. The car drives much, much nicer. Far less road noise, far more stable, doesn't get caught in ruts. Still fine in all the off roading I would do. In fact, when I think back to when I was a kid, all of our farm trucks were 2wd with normal old light truck tires and they went through way more shit than the fire roads I would do without ever getting stuck.
So far I think this is a good move for me despite it not looking anywhere near as cool as it used to.

I traded my RCI rock sliders with another board member's predator steps. I saved about 100 pounds of weight, my mom and son have a much easier time getting in the truck, and hopefully mbm1112 will get some actual use out of them.
One thing we discovered while doing the swap is that while the bolt pattern is the same from 2016 to 2017, the bolt sizes are different.

Next up... I'm seriously considering what to do with the LFD roof rack. It's great for what I occasionally use it for (snowboards and hauling plywood) but it has significant wind noise...
And as soon as my suspension wears out I'll go to a shock with progressive dampening. Digressive is a bad idea with KDSS IMHO.