Mstudt's TRD Build & Adventure Thread

[MStudt]

Out with the old and in with the new.

I had started a thread a while back when we purchased our 2019 TRD, but I deleted that thread not too long ago since it was all jumbled up, and didn't have much organization to it. That leads me here, to a new thread, and with hopes of actually keeping something organized.

This thread will document my build and adventures. Hopefully some of you will find the build useful for your own build.

The beginning: 2001 SR5

The new: 2019 TRD

 

[MStudt]

Upgrades & Modifications

Suspension
-Icon 2.5 Extended Travel Coilovers 58747-700 (Page 1, Post #5)
-Icon 2.5 Rear Shocks 57810CP (Page 1, Post #5)
-Icon Delta Joint Upper Control Arms (Page 1, Post #5)
-Icon 3" Dual Rate Spring 52800 (Page 1, Post #5)
-eimkeith PCK (Page 1, Post #5)
-OCD Forged Sway Bar Links (Page 1, Post #5)
-Durobumps Bump Stops (Page 1, Post #5)

Wheels & Tires
-Icon Rebound - Satin Black - 17x8.5 - 4.75" BS - 0mm OS (Page 1, Post #5)
-Falken Wildpeak A/T3 - 285/70/17 (Page 1, Post #5)

Armor/Recovery
-Artec Venture Front Bumper
-Nguyen Works Rear Bumper w/Swingout (Page 1, Post #9)
-RCI 20 Degree Sliders (Page 1, Post #8)
-RCI Engine Skid
-RCI Transmission Skid
-RCI Gas Tank Skid
-Ironman Monster 9500 Winch
-Factor 55 Hawse Fairlead
-Factor 55 Flatlink
-Factor 55 Hitchlink 2.0

Exterior
-Sherpa Equipment Creston Roof Rack
-Overland Pros Wraptor 3K 180 Awning
-Caliraised Ditch Light Brackets
-OCD License Plate Holder (removable)
-AT Overland Propane Tank Holder
-PowerTrays Switch-Pro Mount
-Baja Designs Fog Light Shroud
-Meso Customs Hitchpod

Interior
-OCD Composite Drawer Unit w/Removeable Sleeping Deck (Page 1, Post #10)
-Desert Does It Under Seat Compressor Mount
-Velox Offroad Molle Panels (Page 2, Post #16)

Electrical
-Switch-Pro SP9100
-ARB CKMA12
-Baja Designs SAE Amber (Fog Lights)
-Baja Designs S1 Amber (Roof Rack)
-Baja Designs S1 Clear (Backup)
-Baja Designs S2 Combo Amber (Ditch)
-KC RGB Rock Lights

 

[MStudt]

Day 1 of ownership looked something like this. I remember pulling in the driveway, and my wife telling me "don't start another project". Little did she know I already had a pretty lengthy Google Sheets document ready. I had been researching parts for quite a while, and knew what direction I wanted to go with just about everything.

 

[MStudt]

First modification was adding a 3/4 Prinsu rack with awning mounts, and a 99" CVT awning. The install on this is a mixture of various items. The roof rack itself is all Prinsu. I ditched their mounting hardware since it's not vary good, and used mounting hardware from RCI. RCI's mounting hardware is much like Sherpa, and both are far better options than Prinsu.

If I were to do a roof rack again I would go another direction. Prinsu's rack is thinner material than most and their powder coat is decent at best.

 

[MStudt]

Next was the suspension along with new wheels and tires. My original choice was King, but their lead time was around 16 weeks when I was looking to place an order. So I pulled the trigger on Icon since these I was able to find everything that I needed in stock.

For the front I went with the Icon 58747 remote resi with 700lb springs. I paired these with the Icon Delta UCA and OCD forged sway bar links. Sorry, but I didn't get pictures of the front.

For the rear I went with the Icon 57810CP remote resi with the Icon Overland 52800 dual rate springs. I also installed the eimkieth PCK, OCD forged sway bar links, and Durabumps all around.

I choose Icon Rebound wheels that are satin black, and are wrapped in Falken Wildpeak A/T3 285/70/17's. I have a thing for Falkens, and run them on every vehicle I own (minus the van).

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I also installed the eimkieth PCK, OCD forged sway bar links, and Durabumps all around.

I have all three of these same items on order to finish off my new suspension lift. Your 4Runner seems higher than mine. I was looking for 2.5” of lift, but it came out to 3”. My center of hub to top of fender arch in front is 23-1/4” and the rear is 24-1/4. I am getting the OCD sway bar links for the front also. Did you do a diff drop? Something I want to avoid. Also, what about the front sway bar relocation kit. Curious what your measurements are. TIA

 

[MStudt]

I have all three of these same items on order to finish off my new suspension lift. Your 4Runner seems higher than mine. I was looking for 2.5” of lift, but it came out to 3”. My center of hub to top of fender arch in front is 23-1/4” and the rear is 24-1/4. I am getting the OCD sway bar links for the front also. Did you do a diff drop? Something I want to avoid. Also, what about the front sway bar relocation kit. Curious what your measurements are. TIA

I dialed the front down quite a bit since I didn't have any weight on it at that time. So it's sitting a little lower in the front, and is right around where you are.

I didn't do a diff drop on this, and don't see a reason to do one either. For the OCD links, it's best to run a sway bar relocation kit for clearance issues. Most 2.5 coilovers with remote resi's will come with a relocation kit that's combined with the resi brackets.

Mike

 

[MStudt]

The next small project was installing some RCI 20 degree sliders. I still need to install the gas tank, engine, and t-case skid plates once the rain stops in a few months.

 

[MStudt]

For the rear bumper I went with Nguyen Works rear bumper with a single swingout. I chose to go with the bumper that allowed me to keep the receiver hitch since I do tow from time to time. I also designed a bumper cover that really cleaned up the look of the receiver.

 

[MStudt]

Over the past year or so I've had a few different drawer/sleeping systems in my 4runner. All of these have seen minor changes from design to design, and all allow me/you to keep the rear seats installed.

I have a 5th version in the works right now that will be pretty unique when it's complete. Not sure when I'll have it complete, but you can see it at PNW Overland Rally 2023.

1. This was my first attempt at making a composite platform.

2. Here's the first full unit with removeable sleeping deck. I ran this for about a year without any issues.

3. This is a full drawer/sleeping unit for a cargo tray.

4. Here's my current setup. This is a full composite drawer/sleeping unit with a topo wrap.

 

[MStudt]

Here are a few pictures from some adventures we've been on.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Out with the old and in with the new.

I had started a thread a while back when we purchased our 2019 TRD, but I deleted that thread not too long ago since it was all jumbled up, and didn't have much organization to it. That leads me here, to a new thread, and with hopes of actually keeping something organized.

This thread will document my build and adventures. Hopefully some of you will find the build useful for your own build.

The beginning: 2001 SR5

The new: 2019 TRD

I had a black supercharged 2001 for 17 1/2 years before getting my 2018 Pro.
I want to purchase your front and rear forged sway bar links with black hex tubes. Do you offer any discount for forum members? I need these asap. I have my Eimkeith PCK and rear lca skids on order. Whose sway bar relocation kit did you go with? Did you install radiator spacers as part of your relocation kit? I apologize for the questions, but, we have similar builds and I need to finish off my suspension to get out wheeling again before Christmas. I discovered your sway bar links from Wanderlust Overland. Please let me know. Thanks.

 

[MStudt]

I had a black supercharged 2001 for 17 1/2 years before getting my 2018 Pro.
I want to purchase your front and rear forged sway bar links with black hex tubes. Do you offer any discount for forum members? I need these asap. I have my Eimkeith PCK and rear lca skids on order. Whose sway bar relocation kit did you go with? Did you install radiator spacers as part of your relocation kit? I apologize for the questions, but, we have similar builds and I need to finish off my suspension to get out wheeling again before Christmas. I discovered your sway bar links from Wanderlust Overland. Please let me know. Thanks.

I do offer a 10% discount for forum members, and you can use code "T4R.ORG" at the time of checkout.

I have 2.5 remote resi's, and those come with relocation kits build into the resi brackets. I know Icon and Toytec both offer these along with many others, but Icon's are black if that matters. I have tons of stock on the shelf and usually ship within 2 business days.

Mike

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I do offer a 10% discount for forum members, and you can use code "T4R.ORG" at the time of checkout.

I have 2.5 remote resi's, and those come with relocation kits build into the resi brackets. I know Icon and Toytec both offer these along with many others, but Icon's are black if that matters. I have tons of stock on the shelf and usually ship within 2 business days.

Mike

Ordered. Thank you

 

[MStudt]

Ordered. Thank you

I'll try to get them out with our batch tomorrow, but could be Monday at the latest.

Mike

 

[MStudt]

Today I was able to install some molle panels that I've had my eyes on for a few months now, and they're from Velox Offroad. Total install time was about 20 minutes, and the install was very easy. My only recommendation is picking up some 1/4" stainless washers (4 per side) since these do not come with any, and you really need them to install these correctly.

Before:

After:

 

[4'running'26]

I have about a 2 inch lift (Eibach) and just replaced my tires Toyo Open Country AT/3s in 285/70-17. When I bought it a few years ago it already had wheel spacers all around and now I'm thinking about removing them. I'm hoping it will get rid of the rub I have in reverse at full lock on the body mount. I do like the look of the slightly wider stance, but yours looks pretty great and I don't see anywhere that you've added spacers. Am I right in that?

 

[jdm-v35]

I have about a 2 inch lift (Eibach) and just replaced my tires Toyo Open Country AT/3s in 285/70-17. When I bought it a few years ago it already had wheel spacers all around and now I'm thinking about removing them. I'm hoping it will get rid of the rub I have in reverse at full lock on the body mount. I do like the look of the slightly wider stance, but yours looks pretty great and I don't see anywhere that you've added spacers. Am I right in that?

Wheel spacers push the edge of the tires out further so are more likely to rub. Removing them should reduce that.

 

[MStudt]

I have about a 2 inch lift (Eibach) and just replaced my tires Toyo Open Country AT/3s in 285/70-17. When I bought it a few years ago it already had wheel spacers all around and now I'm thinking about removing them. I'm hoping it will get rid of the rub I have in reverse at full lock on the body mount. I do like the look of the slightly wider stance, but yours looks pretty great and I don't see anywhere that you've added spacers. Am I right in that?

I'm not running wheel spacers.

Even without wheel spacers I still rub in reverse just before full lock. This is very common with this size tire, and I know several people that have or have had this issue before doing a little trimming. The wider stance is only going to worsen the rubbing.

Mike

 

[4'running'26]

Thanks, guys.