NateMob's "DD" Build

[bugeye1257]

Mine was an 06, and i loved it. It was a Knight Armor colored OffRoad edition so it came with an electric rear locker and a couple other offroad aids that functioned pretty well. The first thing i did was remove the rear sway bar, I stuffed a set of 255/85/16s under the stock suspension and wheeled it and never rubbed! It was a beast of a truck. It drove really well, the factory Rockford Fosgate system sounded great, tons of power on tap and i still got 17-18 MPG overall with the 33.4" tires. If i could go back to any of the vehicles i have owned in the past and kept, it would be the xterra hands down. Great offroad capabilities and very well mannered on the street. I pretty much gave it away because of my commute at the time was lengthy and i needed something for all the miles of pavement i was covering. I really like my 4Runner but i dont have quite the same feelings for it as i did my xterra, YET!:thumb3: Any specific questions you have let me know

awesome build so far! im in that predicament right now, wether to chose the xterra or 4runner. ive been looking at 05's/06 xterras and don't know what one to pull the trigger on haha whats holding me back on the xterras is they have some problems when higher mileage and im always thinking about the coolant getting into the trans :/ just wondering why you didn't get back into another one?

 

[NateMob]

Hey, Nate! I just realized I never replied on the NM owners thread regarding this weekend. It looks like we'll be in town this weekend, but I'm sure by now you already decided to take the VW up here for the gas mileage.

Did you make a stop over at U-Pull it for the roll bar?

Congrats on the purchase of the CBI as well. I'll can tell you right now, though, that those 890's aren't going to cut it.

Its all good man, we did bring up the VW and we still had a good time, we took my wife's boss's Raptor out and hit some jumps in it! haha Crazy money getting put into that thing. I bought the rollbar from an older guy who was cleaning out his storage unit. He said he took it out right after he bought his 4runner new and hadnt touched it since, it is in great shape with no rust anywhere.

RE. the rear coils. If memory serves me correct, you ended up with 861s didnt you? I need to start on a game plan for back there, i dont want to be dragging ass everywhere. I am really excited about the Hybrid too, it seems you lit a fire under their ass with the debacle you had, seems everyone recently has had a pretty easy time fitting CBI rears. Lets hope i do as well.

this build thread is off to a nice start...i'm subscribed

Its no SAS, but im trying! Thanks for stopping by, looking forward to your continuous build as well.

Nice truck man! Your gonna love the hybrid rear. I love mine and I get compliments all the time.

Question for you though. Why didn't you cut out the front crossmember? Was it not bent up enough to mess with the mounting holes? I ask because my crossmember is bent enough that the passenger side mounting hole does not even come close to lining up. I've resorted to running an open eye bolt over the crossmember and then through my skid.

Thanks Tyler! I am ready for my Hybrid to be here, its been so hard to be patient!

RE. the crossmember, I had eventually planned on cutting out the crossmember but ultimately decide that my new crossmember coupled with the factory mount would be the strongest setup possible. Yes, not all of the mounting holes lined up post tweakage, so i actually cut and rewelded the factory mount so everything lined back up. I have 3 12.9grade bolts that hold my setup together clamping all three pieces of steel together. (factory mount, then skid, then custom mount. top to bottom.)

awesome build so far! im in that predicament right now, wether to chose the xterra or 4runner. ive been looking at 05's/06 xterras and don't know what one to pull the trigger on haha whats holding me back on the xterras is they have some problems when higher mileage and im always thinking about the coolant getting into the trans :/ just wondering why you didn't get back into another one?

I definitely understand your predicament, the xterra is a great platform, but i will say i was much more comfortable buying my T4R with 125,000 miles on it than i would a newer X. My purchase came down to me needing something to drive and I purchased the first truck that fit my criteria. I actually had planned on looking at another X the day i bought my T4R! I drove the T4R first though and really liked the price and knew it would be a great platform to start a build on. T4R.org played a big role since i had been lurking on here for a couple weeks prior! :wave:

 

[NateMob]

I still havent received the CBI Hybrid rear yet, hopefully this week...I am going back and forth on rattle canning it and clearing it like i did my sliders and skids or just taking it to a local powdercoater once i get it test fitted and know there arent any issues. Anybody have any thoughts on that?

I have gotten a couple other things done this past week or so, modified and mounted my 1st gen rollbar, TRD SC gasket swap, and took off some soon to be useless parts!:thumb:

Here is the rollbar after cutting two inches off the front legs, making new mounting feet for it, burning them in and a couple coats of self etching primer.

I havent seen anyone else on here with a color-matched rollbar and i knew i didnt want the flatblack bar so i went with my trusty dark silver "hammered" rustoleum spray paint with rustoleum clear enamel. Mounted directly to the floor and trimmed the carpet to look as factory as possible. I let the paint and clear cure for several days since this is going in the cab with me, i didnt want any fresh paint fumes in there while i was driving. I am really happy with how it turned out and have some plans to build off of it in the future.

Just a shot of it with the window down.

 

[blcktpgsr]

That's a cool touch color matching the rollbar in there..it's hardly noticeable.:becky:

 

[4Running Daily]

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll buy one and color match it!

 

[NateMob]

That's a cool touch color matching the rollbar in there..it's hardly noticeable.:becky:

Thanks man, i aspire for my 4runner to grow up and be like yours!

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll buy one and color match it!

You should, you've got a great build going as well!




I stumbled upon a cheap and easy mod that goes well with the rest of my intake mods, not much else planned for the motor in terms of modifications.

The guys with superchargers have hopefully already done this, especially if you bought used, because according to TRD, this simple mod cant cost you up to 2lbs of boost with their supercharger setup. For some reason the factory throttle body gasket has a strange shape that cuts off air flow into the intake. The gasket that comes with the TRD SC setup is straight through and matches the full diameter of the throttle body as well as the intake. Cost me less than 10 bucks and 30 minutes of wrench time. I figured why not.

Box with part#.

Old vs. New.

Good shot showing the restriction free TRD gasket.

The other parts there are what i used to extend the rear diff breather up into the gas tank filler panel behind the fuel door. Another easy mod that i really need to knock out. No worries now!:hatsoff:

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Its all good man, we did bring up the VW and we still had a good time, we took my wife's boss's Raptor out and hit some jumps in it! haha Crazy money getting put into that thing. I bought the rollbar from an older guy who was cleaning out his storage unit. He said he took it out right after he bought his 4runner new and hadnt touched it since, it is in great shape with no rust anywhere.

RE. the rear coils. If memory serves me correct, you ended up with 861s didnt you? I need to start on a game plan for back there, i dont want to be dragging ass everywhere. I am really excited about the Hybrid too, it seems you lit a fire under their ass with the debacle you had, seems everyone recently has had a pretty easy time fitting CBI rears. Lets hope i do as well.

That would be fun to take a ride in a Raptor. Did you get to drive?

I figured U-Pull it on the roll bar because they've got about a dozen of them over there. I'm tempted to pick one up for the '97 every time I go, but I'm still not 100% sold on doing the mod. It looks pretty sharp in the back of your rig, though, and the color match is a nice touch.

Yup, 861's out back and they're great. I'm still bugged at CBI that they stuck me with a ill-fitting bumper and all you guys with newer orders are getting these perfect fitting bumpers. I'm glad my experience led to them ironing out their issues, though.

I still havent received the CBI Hybrid rear yet, hopefully this week...I am going back and forth on rattle canning it and clearing it like i did my sliders and skids or just taking it to a local powdercoater once i get it test fitted and know there arent any issues. Anybody have any thoughts on that?

I always vote to start with a powdercoat for bumpers, and then touch up w/spray paint going forward. There's alot of places on a bumper with the potential for chipping/damage to the finish, which can lead to rust, and I think a base of PC would hold up better than a rattle-can base. Plus you'll probably be into it for $50+ worth of rattle can primer/paint/clear/materials, plus all your time for prep and paint.

The guys with superchargers have hopefully already done this, especially if you bought used, because according to TRD, this simple mod cant cost you up to 2lbs of boost with their supercharger setup.

That's a coincidence. I just ordered 2 of these gaskets yesterday. The '01 already has one installed but it looks like it's leaking a little bit, and I'm going to install one on the '97 too. Great minds think alike!

 

[dhalsey]

Thanks man, i aspire for my 4runner to grow up and be like yours!



You should, you've got a great build going as well!




I stumbled upon a cheap and easy mod that goes well with the rest of my intake mods, not much else planned for the motor in terms of modifications.

The guys with superchargers have hopefully already done this, especially if you bought used, because according to TRD, this simple mod cant cost you up to 2lbs of boost with their supercharger setup. For some reason the factory throttle body gasket has a strange shape that cuts off air flow into the intake. The gasket that comes with the TRD SC setup is straight through and matches the full diameter of the throttle body as well as the intake. Cost me less than 10 bucks and 30 minutes of wrench time. I figured why not.

Box with part#.

Old vs. New.

Good shot showing the restriction free TRD gasket.

The other parts there are what i used to extend the rear diff breather up into the gas tank filler panel behind the fuel door. Another easy mod that i really need to knock out. No worries now!:hatsoff:

What were the results of the new gasket? Did you notice any difference?

 

[bluecollarjock]

This is an impressive thread. Love the build....makes me want to take a credit card and go get those Savage skids, sliders, and their rear bumper.

I LOVE the trail pictures, I would LOVE to go on trails like that for the scenic appeal and get away from the city. Stuff looks amazing.....

Maybe next year when life settles I can find some places to go explore on the west coast with some 4x4 clubs.

 

[Toyotacolin]

I took a few pix of Nathan's sweet 4runner this weekend.

Man that thing flexes nice!

 

[NateMob]

That would be fun to take a ride in a Raptor. Did you get to drive?

Not this time, he has offered a couple times and its just never happened. Its badass for sure. I want one!

I figured U-Pull it on the roll bar because they've got about a dozen of them over there. I'm tempted to pick one up for the '97 every time I go, but I'm still not 100% sold on doing the mod. It looks pretty sharp in the back of your rig, though, and the color match is a nice touch.

Thanks, I wasn't sure either. I am very happy with how it turned out.

Yup, 861's out back and they're great. I'm still bugged at CBI that they stuck me with a ill-fitting bumper and all you guys with newer orders are getting these perfect fitting bumpers. I'm glad my experience led to them ironing out their issues, though.

Any idea what the spring rate is on the 861s vs the 890s? Your CBI experience would definitely leave a nasty taste in my mouth, i hope my investment with them goes well. They are already a couple weeks behind on my delivery date.

I always vote to start with a powdercoat for bumpers, and then touch up w/spray paint going forward. There's alot of places on a bumper with the potential for chipping/damage to the finish, which can lead to rust, and I think a base of PC would hold up better than a rattle-can base. Plus you'll probably be into it for $50+ worth of rattle can primer/paint/clear/materials, plus all your time for prep and paint.

This makes perfect sense, powdercoating it is! Thanks for the great feedback.

That's a coincidence. I just ordered 2 of these gaskets yesterday. The '01 already has one installed but it looks like it's leaking a little bit, and I'm going to install one on the '97 too. Great minds think alike!

:nod:

What were the results of the new gasket? Did you notice any difference?

Honestly Mr. Halsey, I drive like a gramps and probably wont ever see a difference performance wise. I did however average 19.37 mpg on the tank of fuel prior to the install, next time i can get a full tank in without spending 5-6 hours in 4lo i will let you know if it helped efficiency. Can't hurt!

This is an impressive thread. Love the build....makes me want to take a credit card and go get those Savage skids, sliders, and their rear bumper.

I LOVE the trail pictures, I would LOVE to go on trails like that for the scenic appeal and get away from the city. Stuff looks amazing.....

Maybe next year when life settles I can find some places to go explore on the west coast with some 4x4 clubs.

Thanks a ton BCJ! I have always wanted to live out west after growing up on the east coast. Now i am living the dream and enjoying it every chance i get, if you are ever down this way, let me know, we will hit some trails for sure!

I took a few pix of Nathan's sweet 4runner this weekend.

Man that thing flexes nice!

Thanks for posting those Colin, here are a few more i took with my Nexus.

I am really able to stuff the front with no sway bar.

More to come soon!

 

[rickashay]

How have I not been frequenting this thread?! Your truck is awesome. Great action and flex pics. That T4R sticker is perfect on that 3rd brake light. Damn, why didnt I think of that?!

Thats funny you also went with the TRD Throttle Body gasket. I got one too, although I can't feel any improvements of any kind. Oh well, it's there for when I S/C! haha

Sucks regarding your bumper too and it being delayed. My CBI ended up being two weeks late, but unlike bigfishallday, I probably had one of the first ones after the "fitment" issue was corrected. Mine fits perfectly.

On a side note, I ordered F/R Bumpers and sliders for my Dad's Tacoma 7 weeks ago. They were supposed to have them shipped at the 8 week mark. I called yesterday and ONLY the sliders are built!!! WTH is with fabbing companies and their ability to create an accurate delivery schedule. I feel like they just throw a date out there so that your satisfied, then when you have paid, they just get it done as they see fit..... Ok, I'm probably over-exaggerating. /Rant.

Anyways, stoked to see the bumper installed. Oh, and I vote for a professional paint or powdercoat job. I spray bombed mine and it looked great for the first 3 months. Now it looks like terrible. Where the tires have kicked up rocks it's like the bumper is now half-sand blasted and rusting. hahaha

 

[NateMob]

How have I not been frequenting this thread?! Your truck is awesome. Great action and flex pics. That T4R sticker is perfect on that 3rd brake light. Damn, why didnt I think of that?!
Thanks a lot man, means a ton! Don't hesitate to sticker up your brake light, i emulated your tweaks on my new rear bumper.
Thats funny you also went with the TRD Throttle Body gasket. I got one too, although I can't feel any improvements of any kind. Oh well, it's there for when I S/C! haha
Maybe one day, I hope anyway
Sucks regarding your bumper too and it being delayed. My CBI ended up being two weeks late, but unlike bigfishallday, I probably had one of the first ones after the "fitment" issue was corrected. Mine fits perfectly.
It finally made it this week, fit great and looks awesome!
On a side note, I ordered F/R Bumpers and sliders for my Dad's Tacoma 7 weeks ago. They were supposed to have them shipped at the 8 week mark. I called yesterday and ONLY the sliders are built!!! WTH is with fabbing companies and their ability to create an accurate delivery schedule. I feel like they just throw a date out there so that your satisfied, then when you have paid, they just get it done as they see fit..... Ok, I'm probably over-exaggerating. /Rant.
Took the words right out my mouth.
Anyways, stoked to see the bumper installed. Oh, and I vote for a professional paint or powdercoat job. I spray bombed mine and it looked great for the first 3 months. Now it looks like terrible. Where the tires have kicked up rocks it's like the bumper is now half-sand blasted and rusting. hahaha
I did go with a powdercoat, it turned out looking great. Sorry to hear about the current state of your bumper. Still looks awesome from what i have seen! :bigok:

I tore a CV boot this past weekend on the trail, really put a damper on the streak of awesome i have been having with my truck lately.:trophy:

 

[NateMob]

Between selling my Go-Pro and stock wheels/tires in addition to getting some taxes back i have had some extra money to throw at my 4Runner. :frog:

I thought long and hard about whether to build my own or buy Lotus Development's awesome RCAMS (Rear Control Arm Mount Skids). I decided after seeing them on amazon with free shipping i couldnt help but support them. They came quickly and well packaged. Simple instructions and everything needed for the install.

welded up and smoothed out.

Primed and painted.

And installed, haven't banged them up yet but I wont have to worry if i do, these things are beefy! The gap is an illusion here, they hug the mount pretty tight.

Had to pick up 35 Cinder blocks for a Honey-Do project a couple weekends ago that really put the rear springs in a choke hold. The average cinder block weighs 30lbs, 35 of them loaded in the back of my 4runner equals 1050lbs of concrete! She was a little ass heavy. Having all that weight back there made me not so worried about my current spring and shock setup with the upcoming bumper install.

 

[NateMob]

We have a bunch of scrap 2x2 steel tube at my work that i thought would be perfect for extending my bumpstops to limit my uptravel and save my shocks from bottoming out.

Cut myself two pieces 3" long, then drilled a hole opposite of each other to mount in the factory location using the stock hardware. Primer and paint, then mounted them up. Being 1/8" thick i dont have to worry about them collapsing on me if they take a heavy hit. Perfect size and cost me zero $!

Got around to mounting my new OEM hood deflector, the hood and leading edges on my fenders have been taking a beating lately. Gave her a bath afterwards.

Hit the trail this past weekend with some buddies and had good time, it was a beautiful Easter Sunday to go wheelin! Not many pictures but it was a great time, i was the only 4Runner.


Leading up to the eye.

6 Tacos of various age, 1 TJ, 1 FJ, and 1 lonely 4runner.

Stuck!

The only casualty i suffered for the day were some new pinstripes and a ripped inner cv boot.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Looks fun!

 

[4ever4running]

Sweet build! I really like the custom extended bump stop mount, would you happen to have some more 2X2 so you can make me some? :bigok:

 

[Bandit Runner]

Nice updates.

I really like the rear link skids, but does anyone know what the slots around the bolt holes are for? Do they provide some sort of stress relief?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Nice updates.



I really like the rear link skids, but does anyone know what the slots around the bolt holes are for? Do they provide some sort of stress relief?

The skid has to be larger to be able to fit over the mount, but because of that the skid doesnt fit as tight as it could, so those slits enable the part of the skid around the bolt hold to bend in a little bit and cinch down on the mount so the skid is nice and tight and doesnt rattle.

 

[Bandit Runner]

The skid has to be larger to be able to fit over the mount, but because of that the skid doesnt fit as tight as it could, so those slits enable the part of the skid around the bolt hold to bend in a little bit and cinch down on the mount so the skid is nice and tight and doesnt rattle.

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks so much.