Oeconomia - 2014 TEP Build

Oeconomia

Oeconomia

New member
On 8/29/2014 of this year, I purchased a new 2014 Trail Edition Premium, Black, with NAV and KDSS.



Prior to owning this TEP, I had a 2011 FJ Cruiser that I always wanted to do an expedition build on. Over time, I started to not like some things about the FJ, mainly the small interior, reduced visibility, and after a while, even the looks. I had bought a few mods for the FJ already, but it never felt right. I bought new wheels, suspension, and some electrical mods. All of them ended up on forums like this, sold for the lost shipping and a discount for my stupidity. Someone always got a good deal. And it wasn't me. I decided this fall to shop for a replacement.

Looked at Ford, Chevy, Nissan, and even Jeep. After driving just about every "Off Road" version of the above, I was either turned off by the price or the quality.

Then I drive the 4runner. Holy shit! I was in love.

I had the bug again. I wanted to do a build that would allow me the chance to hit the road, leave the road, and get lost and do some camping again.


So far, I have done a little purchasing, and started to compile a list of upgrades. I live in North Dakota, so there is a lot of time to think in this God forsaken cold. My plan is to start installing over the next couple weekends before the new year. I will Keep the project sorted out by completed, not completed, and planned.

COMPLETED

EXTERIOR

SUSPENSION WHEELS AND TIRES

INTERIOR

PURCHASED - NOT INSTALLED YET

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR


PLANNED


This forum has inspired me, and I love reading the posts here.

Till my next update!
 
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Sounds like you have a good plan together. I don't see too many 4runners when I go up there, or Toyotas in general. I mostly see cars and trucks from the big 3. I'll be in the Rolla/Belcourt area in a couple days to get my real cold weather fix.
 
gm350reratliff said:
Sounds like you have a good plan together. I don't see too many 4runners when I go up there, or Toyotas in general. I mostly see cars and trucks from the big 3. I'll be in the Rolla/Belcourt area in a couple days to get my real cold weather fix.
Click to expand...

You are actually going to arrive during a heat wave. We are looking at temperatures in the mid to high 20's today, and we might even go above freezing on Saturday. But then it's all down hill from there :tongue:

I live in Bottineau and work in Westhope. So I am due west of there on highway 5.
 
Yeah, usually when we go there it stays below zero the whole time. I actually like the cold so it really doesn't bother me though.
 
Installed a couple things this last week.

Installed the NFAB Steps:
rWXkER.jpg

So much SALT on the rig! I hate North Dakota winters!

7Qbt9Z.jpg



I noticed based on the install instructions, that once I got the bars lined up, that I would have to remove the front mud flap for them to fit correctly.
So the bars are installed on the opposite sides of the vehicle until I decide how I want to handle it.

It doesn't look too bad on the truck, and the step is actually in a nice spot a little further back than if installed the correct way.


The next thing I put on was the die cast metal TRD Logos:
ZxuwNG.jpg

YOAql0.jpg



I plan on doing the brake calipers, firestick antenna, and some interior accents in Red.
So this will go nicely, and is a subtle accent that I think will look very nice when the vehicle is done.
 
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mace. said:
I was thinking about going the fluid film route on the whole underside. I try and go through the touchless car wash once a week in the winter. Do you know if the high pressure undercarriage wash will rinse it off?
Click to expand...

If the water is warm, a few washes will definitely take some off. On their own website at the bottom of the page here:
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

"For easy removal of Fluid Film for the purpose of handling or inspection, a high pressure, cold-water pressure wash (1,000 - 3,000psi) is recommended. A standard, industrial strength pressure washer will suffice.
Fluid Film can also be removed by warm water detergent wash or with a commercial-grade biodegradable cleaner. When choosing a cleaner, one formulated to remove tough grease and grime deposits is advised.
Fluid Film can also be rubbed in like a wax if total removal of the product is not necessary, since Fluid Film is safe for use on most paints and plastics. This will also offer extended protection of materials.
For equipment that is to be painted following a treatment of Fluid Film, a more vigorous cleaning is advised. A high-pressure, hot water or steam detergent wash (minimum 120F) is needed. Utilizing cleaning compounds specifically formulated to remove grease/wax as a pre-treatment process for painting are highly recommended."​

I dont think that car washes reach those PSI levels, but if they do, then it will degrade the coating some I think. But even then, there is still a coating left behind. You almost have to scrub the parts to get it all off since it penetrates pretty well.
 
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Picked up another treat for my Rig today!

Still contemplating a location for it, but I am thinking it will be very near my 4WD shifter.

Uudy5C.jpg


ESEE 4P-CP-MB
 
Didn't post this earlier. But did another mod. Updated the list at the top of the post.

Added a remote start with a 1 mile range to the vehicle.
I live in North Dakota, and a remote start is almost mandatory for living up here. We will regularly get a 1-2 week period where it will remain below zero F day and night, and never climb into the positive digits. It's nice to get into a car that has run for 15-20 minutes and been given a chance to warm up to a toasty 20-30 degrees. :)

Added the:
AstroStart® RSS-5225

Actually had the dealership install it.

RSS-5225_xlarge.jpg


Will post some pictures of the antenna (behind the rear view mirror o the windshield), and the remotes soon.
Because the 4Runner doesn't have an electronic release on the rear hatch, there is no way to get the trunk button to work though.
 
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Oeconomia said:
Didn't post this earlier. But did another mod. Updated the list at the top of the post.

Added a remote start with a 1 mile range to the vehicle.
I live in North Dakota, and a remote start is almost mandatory for living up here. We will regularly get a 1-2 week period where it will remain below zero F day and night, and never climb into the positive digits. It's nice to get into a car that has run for 15-20 minutes and been given a chance to warm up to a toasty 20-30 degrees. :)

Added the:
AstroStart® RSS-5225

Actually had the dealership install it.

RSS-5225_xlarge.jpg


Will post some pictures of the antenna (behind the rear view mirror o the windshield), and the remotes soon.
Because the 4Runner doesn't have an electronic release on the rear hatch, there is no way to get the trunk button to work though.
Click to expand...

You need to have a competent installer. Had some issues at first. They set something so I actually had to "unlock" the vehicle first to use the "start" or the alarm would go off. Took it back and they have it set to the "lock" now. So I press the lock for 2 seconds, then the start for 2 seconds, and it starts without setting off the alarm.
 
Antman said:
Your N-Fabs are installed correctly.

The instructions are wrong. It's really hard to believe that N-Fab hasn't fixed this yet.
Click to expand...

^^^This! The instructions are for the Tacoma. The brackets wont even line up correctly if you try the other way. I had the same confusion with mine last February.....
 
Ordered the Stealth Gobi rack this afternoon as well from Trail Duty. Posting here as a reference point, so I can post how long it took to get it.

Ordered the sunroof insert, high-lift mount, stealth tool box, ax/shovel mount and upgraded gas struts.
Wind deflector and ladder are included in the price.

Also tossed in a Hi-Lift Jack X-treme and handle Keeper. Could have bought them cheaper somewhere else, but I love to be impulsive.
 
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Lift installed. Would have posted earlier, but was busy, and even today the weather wasn't cooperating.

Wheels are ATX Ledge Teflon 17x8
Tires are 255/80/17 Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx
Lift is Toytec Boss
UCA's are Total Chaos tubular UCA's













Slight rub on the mud flaps in front, but there is plenty of play in the flap. Going to tuck the underside and bolt down tight when I get a chance.


Good shot of the Drivers side UCA's and Coilover
 
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Tires and wheels were also upgraded in the images above.

ATX Ledge Teflon 17x8
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx 255/80/17's
 
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