My 2014 TE build thread

[gm350reratliff]

*NOTICE*- All the pictures in this thread since photobucket gave us the shaft should now be restored. If you come across a picture that isn't loading please let me know so I can fix it.

This thread is about the (slow) build of our 2014 4Runner Trail Edition and all the places it takes us.

I was literally just hours late from buying a different white TE in April. I thought about buying another black 4runner but my mind was made up on owning a white TE. I found a dealer that would work with me on the price so, April 26th I placed an order over the phone for a white TE, no KDSS, with crossbars and nothing else. Because I was so specific on what I wanted, my 4runner wouldn't show up until July 7th.

I had decided to trade my Ford ecoboost F150. It was tuned and fun but had developed a few problems that FoMoCo didn't want to fix and I'm tired of dealing with them. I had actually done a bunch of functional mods to this truck but it was time to let it go.

It's here! It's here! Picked it up with 2 miles on it.

We've all seen bone stock TE's so I won't bore you with those pics. Here it is with 18% tint on all windows except the windshield, 3m clearbra and finally washed.

Here's how it sits currently.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I installed an Escort 8500 radar detector with the blue display. I also added Escort's direct wire smart cord so the detector only turns on when the key is in the ON position. I used a 1 piece countryjoycrafts.com radar detector mount (1st gen for them) out of my 4th gen.

The smart cord module fit perfect in here.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Another shot of the radar detector mount. I adjusted some more and now the detector is level.

 

[GSPRunner]

I wanted a white one as well, but decided on MGM. That 3M clear bra come with a warranty?

 

[rigtec]

Hi gm,

Very nice truck, I'm excited with you bro!! PS: ...Keep those pics coming!

rig

 

[gm350reratliff]

Last weekend was an expensive weekend. Broke my phone, had LASIK surgery, and most importantly, the new wheels and tires came in. I also had the front and rear silver trim pieces wrapped in black. Not sure why I picked gloss black (kind of metallic as well) but I don't really like it. I guess I might try some platidip or paint down the road.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I wanted a white one as well, but decided on MGM. That 3M clear bra come with a warranty?

Yes, lifetime. Pretty sure it is lifetime from 3m but I'm also good friends with the shop owner who installed the clearbra and tint.

Hi gm,

Very nice truck, I'm excited with you bro!! PS: ...Keep those pics coming!

rig

Thanks man! More pics on the way!

 

[gm350reratliff]

I ordered some Budbuilt sliders just before my 4runner ever came in. Finally getting around to see how they fit. I went with Budbuilt's standard slider, no kick-out, full tread on top.

 

[gm350reratliff]

It's really a good thing I test fitted the sliders before paint. On the bottom of my 4runner frame, where two sections of frame meet and where the last inch of the rear Budbuilt bracket sits, there is a small hump of frame and weld that prevents the bracket from sitting flat on the frame. I'm going to cut a small section of the Budbuilt bracket to accommodate this "hump".

Here is the section that needed to be cut out on both rear brackets in order to fit tight against the frame.

After the cut.

Finally applied some primer and off to http://m.mainstreethub.com/smithsultimate

Unfortunately, I won't have time to pick them up until sometime in October.

 

[GSPRunner]

Yes, lifetime. Pretty sure it is lifetime from 3m but I'm also good friends with the shop owner who installed the clearbra and tint.



Thanks man! More pics on the way!

Good, because the film will turn yellow over time. Which means because of lifetime warranties, you'll be getting a lot of fresh clear bras!

 

[gm350reratliff]

To do/ yet to come list:

* finish the sliders. I'm probably going to rhino-line them
* I just ordered an engine block heater
* alarm/remote start
* ARB or similar fridge/freezer
* small lift ~ 1.5", better shocks/struts, probably 5100s
* wire for my cradle mounted winch
* Rigid LED lights
* Diehard platinum or Odyssey battery
* probably more. I'm sure there will be more. Too many good ideas on here!

 

[gm350reratliff]

My two 4Runners together.

 

[Seatown]

You and I are twins! I have a white '14 with pro comp 7005's too. Solid combo, keep it up!!

 

[gm350reratliff]

You and I are twins! I have a white '14 with pro comp 7005's too. Solid combo, keep it up!!

Cool. I originally wanted the black TRD pro wheels but I was told over and over they would not be available for quite some time, if ever, to the public. I looked at a ton of wheels before I settled on the 7005's. I really like the way they look now that they are on.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I ordered all of this from a member on here who is also a Compustar dealer and installer. What you see here is alarm, remote start with blade-al bypass, starter kill, shock/tilt sensor, drone mobile, RPS touch pad, RF-ID remote, and regular remotes.

After running the harnesses for the antennas, drone module, and RPS touch, this is the rest of the wiring that comes with it.

These are the only wires needed for the install. A lot less wiring than a DEI kit.

 

[gm350reratliff]

In case anyone is interested, in order to remove the lower dash panel, you will need to remove the center stack trim piece first.

Or you can remove the whole surround piece.

After thats out of the way you can take out two bolts at the bottom of the lower dash panel and disconnect the hood release.

 

[gm350reratliff]

In order to run the antenna harnesses, I had to drop the center console a little. I popped out the crawl control dials first by using a thin plastic trim tool on the front edge of the dials.

Once that is out of the way, there are two hex head screws I had to remove. After the screws are removed, the center console is loose enough to run wires in front of it under the headliner.

 

[gm350reratliff]

After 4 separate sessions consisting of about 3 hours each the alarm/remote start is finished. I was hoping to show more pics of it but my phone made the pics come out like I was taking them on a washboard road. I'll post the pics that came out ok later, photo-bucket is not letting me log in now.

I want to say thanks to [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] for all the help and support!

 

[gshadow325]

you twist the wires like the good ole dei days LOL.

btw. i suggest putting the ez-go at the driver's pillar. since its a short range rf id remote, you want the range to be closest to the driver door so it can unlock for you and lock when you walk away.

Did you move the blank up from the bottom to the top dash and move the dimmer down? i feel its best to have the led as high up as possible.

if i can find a extra one. i am going to drop a temp sensor in the mail for you. this way you can see what temp it is in the car....little feature of the compustar stuff!

btw- i like the radar mount. my escort 9500csi doesnt go far down enough to get a gps signal.

from a noobie standpoint, what do you like and dislike about compustar vs dei on install?

 

[cd121082]

I ordered all of this from a member on here who is also a Compustar dealer and installer. What you see here is alarm, remote start with blade-al bypass, starter kill, shock/tilt sensor, drone mobile, RPS touch pad, RF-ID remote, and regular remotes.

After running the harnesses for the antennas, drone module, and RPS touch, this is the rest of the wiring that comes with it.

These are the only wires needed for the install. A lot less wiring than a DEI kit.

man i need to get with the person u got this from. i read on the forum u can do an alarm and still use the sr5 key so u dont have the extra remote.