patkelly4370 maintained and mod thread

[patkelly4370]

Being new to actually off roading, I think I am zeroing in on my mods.
A little background. I was parts manager at a Jeep shop (many years ago). Sold many many lift kits, tires, shocks, our shop did some wild builds. But I never went off roading.
Now I'm living in NW Arizona and there are many trails, mild to wild. I think I'll be mild(ish) fo a while.
The 4runner has 285's on it and enough lift that nothing is rubbing.
Currently has Nfab step bars, will be replaced with proper sliders.
Ultraswing hitch tire carrier will get the spare out from underneath and the proper size tire will be mounted.
Out front, Victory 4x4 "Blitz" bumper/winch mount and winch.
After that I'll start upgrading the skid plates.
All is subject to change, lol.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[spartacus]

Good plan. Post some pics.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

I say do the skids first!

 

[patkelly4370]

I say do the skids first!

I do like this suggestion.
I already have a receiver recovery point for the back.
Maybe start with some recovery points in front, then armor-up the underside starting in front and working back.
I really want to get that spare tire out from underneath.
Considering where I live (NW Arizona desert) there's not much to connect a winch to. Not many trees around.
More suggestions welcomed.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[5thToy]

I say do the skids first!

I concur. Tires and armor are first priority.

 

[patkelly4370]

Toyo Open Country A/T, 285/70R17 on Mickey Thompson "Deegan 38" wheels.
It came already lifted and I don't see any tire rub.
Skids and moving the spare tire from underneath.
Having no trees here in the desert, a winch may not see as much use as recovery straps.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

Been doing little things so far.
Been buying recovery & tow straps. Tree protectors. Shackles.
Today ordered BBG front recovery brackets
A-pillar grab handle.
Photosensor for dash lights (doesn't work, yet)
Black wrap on roof rack bars. Black end caps arrived today. Will install Monday.
Glovebox divider.
Made a hose assembly to air up/down all 4 tires simultaneously and to exactly the same psi, quickly.
More to come.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[xyzzy]

Google 'deadman winch anchor' to see how to use a winch when there are no trees around.

Deadman Offroad (no affiliation) makes a really versatile product that's lightweight.

Here's an example of its use

 

[patkelly4370]

Google 'deadman winch anchor' to see how to use a winch when there are no trees around.



Deadman Offroad (no affiliation) makes a really versatile product that's lightweight.



Here's an example of its use

That's also on my radar. But to use it where I live I'll have to add a pick axe.
Maybe dynamite too, lol.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

Moved and renamed to keep from starting and/or juggling other threads.
Starting to gather tools and ingredients for MY first service of the truck. It's not going to the dealer for the "free" oil change.
I bought it from the dealer with 20,000ish miles. At 25k, probably May, I'll replace engine, transfer case, & differential(s) fluids. Then again at 30k to assess under my particular driving. 65% highway, 20% city, 10% dirt roads, 5% trails.
Is it recommended to replace the plastic oil filter housing with the metal one?
Also living drive shafts & suspension, rotate tires, check brakes & all suspension components & bolts.
Not as easy to work on as my 68 F100, but easier than our Dodge Magnum.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[delloro]

At 25k, probably May, I'll replace engine, transfer case, & differential(s) fluids. Then again at 30k to assess under my particular driving. 65% highway, 20% city, 10% dirt roads, 5% trails.
Is it recommended to replace the plastic oil filter housing with the metal one?

25K is a bit early for the xfer case and diffs, but doing it again in 5k is really unnecessary.

Have you priced the xfer case fluid? Yikes.

Yes I installed a metal filter housing.

You in the AZ Strip?

 

[patkelly4370]

25K is a bit early for the xfer case and diffs, but doing it again in 5k is really unnecessary.

Have you priced the xfer case fluid? Yikes.

Yes I installed a metal filter housing.

You in the AZ Strip?

I'm doing it early mileage because the truck is new to me. A known starting point.
I'm not going to use Toyota TC juice. Either Royal Purple Syncromax (RP guarantees comparability) or 75w90 like the diffs. Just replaced more often. When I service the diffs.
I'm in Golden Valley, "work" in Bullhead.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

I won't be doing diffs and transfer 'every' 5,000 miles, just that initial 5k.
Then 15,000 or annually thereafter.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[delloro]

I won't be doing diffs and transfer 'every' 5,000 miles, just that initial 5k.
Then 15,000 or annually thereafter.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

That's what I thought. Why do it at 5k after the 25k change? I cannot see any benefit. If it was OK at 25k, it will still be at 30k.

 

[patkelly4370]

That's what I thought. Why do it at 5k after the 25k change? I cannot see any benefit. If it was OK at 25k, it will still be at 30k.

Evaluating the condition under my driving conditions/habits. I think it was a babied lease trade in. Those days are over.
Wife wanted a 4 seat CanAm to explore off the beaten path, I bought the 4runner. I'm ok with her getting a CanAm too [emoji16].
I could just drain a sample. Guess I'm still conditioned from changing oil between runs/heats.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

"A" pillar handle

Blacked out roof rack. It was silver.

Front recovery points.

Rear recovery points. Right one required trimming the exhaust (another item on my list. Two birds, one stone).

 

[patkelly4370]

Here's the hose(s) to inflate/deflate/equalize all 4 tires simultaneously.
Using my garage compressor I took all 4 from 28 to 35 psi in two minutes. This includes rolling the hose out and back in.
It includes a gauge, shutoff valve, and hose connector to the compressor hose or a chuck.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

Had to use or cash in my vacation time/pay, so cashed in 3 weeks pay.
Have a short roadtrip next month (1,800 miles) so funds set aside for that.
So bouncing around ideas for something on the 4runner.
Sadly, I'm not hitting trails like I'd hoped. The family doesn't want to go, I have no friends, and the local clubs go on weekends (duh) and I work weekends. So exploring is solo.
The 4runners capabilities aren't wasted though with the rutted, washed out dirt roads we live on (town is 79 sq/mi with 4 paved roads. Population 7,500).
So I've been looking real hard at ditch lights (actually pointed at the dirches). Would be handy on our dark desert street corners because of wild burros and escaped cattle.
Another temptation is an aftermarket front skid plate (easier oil changes and the other skids later).
Or sliders to replace the Nfab nerf/steps that came on the 4runner. A bit more peace of mind to encourage more solo treks.
I think I'm going to order sliders today.
A friend would still be nice. Preferably with safe offroading experience.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

Avid rock sliders ordered!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[patkelly4370]

Built a crude, but effective, sleeping platform a week or so ago. Tried it out last night.
After settling in from "this isn't what I'm used to" I slept fairly well.
I sleep 5 "nights" a week in the bunk of my 18-wheeler (could be night or day). Two nights are at home either in bed or on the couch.
The platform is a simple sheet of leftover siding that is hinged to fold so the right rear seat can be used. Fold down the seat, fold out the platform, lay down the pad (a better pad would be nice) and roll out the sleeping bag. Getting my fat old body in is the tricky part.
It's rudimentary, but it's a couple steps above reclining the seat and sleeping. It's for stealth camping for a couple of nights on the upcoming roadtrip. Might take a side trip along the way.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk