Red-Runner getting built

[red-runner]

Did my Tundra brake mod today.

It didn't go smoothly due to a bad Powerstop caliper. Luckily, I had a set of ebay Callahans also. So, I now have Frankenbrakes with Powerstop on driver side and Callahan on passenger side. More details in this thread.

Very happy with the performance after an hour of testing, bedding, and panic-stopping.

Full setup: Powerstop/Callahan calipers, Wagner pads, Brembo rotors (blanks), and Wheelers braided lines.

Trimmed and prepped.

Installed and bled.

 

[red-runner]

Got a couple more items ticked off the list:

I installed BudBuilt belly pan -- destroyed a bolt with my mind (or lack thereof), and I had to cut it off. First scratches on the armor go to the cutoff wheel. Glad they shipped a couple extra fasteners with the kit.

ORW fixed a bad connection on the compressor, so it's back online. I've also been looking at the mounting location, and remain concerned about the tank/compressor being vulnerable (it's in the stock spare location). Any suggestions? It's pretty big with the tank, so not sure where else it could go... CBI hybrid bumper shipped today, so we may need to relocate comp/tank anyway.

Have had a couple of the wheel balance weights fall off. Think I resolved it by putting some 3M super strong attachment tape under the weights. The weights barely clear my calipers and they keep falling off, so I'll probably end up rebalancing with weights on the outside face of the rim. Again, any suggestions? Maybe the 3M did the trick.

Friend gave me a bluetooth OBDII scan tool, so I've also been messing around with Torque on Android phone. Very cool app.

 

[red-runner]

Rear bumper arrived, but I need to relocate the air tank and quick connect to get it installed. Will be taking care of that plus some more suspension bits this week.

In the meantime, I had a detailer come out to restore the paint as much as possible. I think it came out pretty nicely. He even got the dull mirrors and handles to shine. I'm very close to "finishing" this project, so I can spend the rest of my time breaking it.

 

[red-runner]

Couple more things done this evening. Plastidipped the fender trim. Seeing how I like it without the chrome.

Also installed the CBI front passenger antenna mount.

 

[mizzle415]

First off; great job on getting the Red-Runner up to speed in such a hurry. There are so many here that have taken years to get where you've gotten in weeks.
As far as the compressor/tank position, I've seen others (@broker) with the same Viair setup in the same location that have been on some pretty serious trails without incident.

If you're still thinking about moving it:
I have the Viair constant duty setup with 2.5 gallon air tank. I mounted the compressor in the cab in the driver side rear quarter panel following a great write up by [MENTION=48892]slomatt[/MENTION].
My air tank is located in the rear cargo area within a custom storage box built over the drivers side wheel ala BFAD's specs.
I've found that the small air tank is pretty useless for airing up tires and am contemplating getting rid of it all together. It is definitely not enough storage to inflate tires quickly or to run air tools, and my primary use is to air up the tires (no air locker, no air horn, etc.) I've contemplated building a rear bumper with integrated air tank to triple storage, but with the recent purchase of a battery powered impact gun, I just don't see the need for air tools. my 2 cents.

 

[red-runner]

First off; great job on getting the Red-Runner up to speed in such a hurry. There are so many here that have taken years to get where you've gotten in weeks.

Thanks. I'm a bit obsessive, so lately if I'm not working, I'm fiddling with the truck. Expensive hobby, but I'm having a blast.

As far as the compressor/tank position, I've seen others (@broker) with the same Viair setup in the same location that have been on some pretty serious trails without incident.

Yeah, I think it's staying put in the "spare tire" location, but we mounted the tank too close to the rear, and it's interfering with the CBI bumper. Tank will end up on the other side of the compressor, where it will be on the more protected side of the exit angle.

Also have to grind off the quick connect bracket we welded to the frame. The CBI bumper basically sleeves around the frame at that location. Will probably relocate the quick connect between the bumper tubes (hybrid bumper) for easier access anyway.

If you're still thinking about moving it:
I have the Viair constant duty setup with 2.5 gallon air tank. I mounted the compressor in the cab in the driver side rear quarter panel following a great write up by [MENTION=48892]slomatt[/MENTION].
My air tank is located in the rear cargo area within a custom storage box built over the drivers side wheel ala BFAD's specs.
I've found that the small air tank is pretty useless for airing up tires and am contemplating getting rid of it all together. It is definitely not enough storage to inflate tires quickly or to run air tools, and my primary use is to air up the tires (no air locker, no air horn, etc.) I've contemplated building a rear bumper with integrated air tank to triple storage, but with the recent purchase of a battery powered impact gun, I just don't see the need for air tools. my 2 cents.

Thanks for the link. When I went out to TDS Safari a couple weeks ago, I only had the air in the tank, since a connection worked loose on the compressor. There was enough air in the tank to get my rear tires to adequate pressure for highway driving. The tank was definitely nice to have in that situation.

-Jeremy

 

[95yotarunner619]

sweet rig!!

im also pretty sure ive seen you around town.
super jealous of your quick mods lol wish i had the money to do all that.

 

[red-runner]

sweet rig!!

im also pretty sure ive seen you around town.
super jealous of your quick mods lol wish i had the money to do all that.

Thanks. I appreciate it. My wife wishes we had the money to do all this as well. Seriously though, I've been waiting 20 years to do a "car project", and finally feel like I've got the resources. As it turns out, I should have just done it sooner. Wouldn't have been as quick, but it would have been just as fun, planning, modding, planning more, breaking stuff, etc.

I guess I'm saying you should be stoked you're on it, and not waiting like I was for so long. I had no idea what I was missing.

 

[95yotarunner619]

Well I haven't really started on much just paint and very cheap mods. My 3rd gen isn't really my project truck. But those quick mods got you trail ready quick. I've got a few years before my is ready for all that.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Awesome red rig I've owned three red Toyota trucks in a row. Most recently bought a 2014 4runner and getting it somewhat minimally outfitted for trail use.

I sometimes wonder if I should have bought a 3rd gen for 10 grand or so then put the rest of the money into a bigger build instead!

 

[MTD]

Man, I thought I was dumping money into my Runner fast! Sweet looking rig! Fortunately for you, you are nice an close to some of the best offroading action in the country. I am stuck here in the midwest looking for dirt roads, logging trails, and farmers who don't mind if I tool around in the bottoms lol. And in reference to your statement about nothing going quite right like "fast and loud" it is ok it happens to everyone I spent this entire weekend installing a winch and full skids and it was setback after setback. Thats what makes it fun i guess lol

 

[marshal]

love your 4runner, that thing is hot

 

[red-runner]

Well I haven't really started on much just paint and very cheap mods. My 3rd gen isn't really my project truck. But those quick mods got you trail ready quick. I've got a few years before my is ready for all that.

One thing that really impressed me about the 4Runner was how excellent it was without mods. I took it to the desert prior to doing anything, and ran around Ocotillo Wells for a day, and the truck was a lot of fun. Definitely more fun now, but I'm in love with these rigs. Can't believe it took me so long...

Awesome red rig I've owned three red Toyota trucks in a row. Most recently bought a 2014 4runner and getting it somewhat minimally outfitted for trail use.

I dig the red, and honestly think it knocked a couple grand off the price, since many people seem to dislike red. The place I picked it up sells a lot of 'runners, and they had two others in very similar condition for much more money. More popular colors... Also, red is fantastic for visibility out in the desert. I couldn't be happier -- and the fireman in my neighborhood love it.

Man, I thought I was dumping money into my Runner fast! Sweet looking rig! Fortunately for you, you are nice an close to some of the best offroading action in the country. I am stuck here in the midwest looking for dirt roads, logging trails, and farmers who don't mind if I tool around in the bottoms lol.

Yeah, SoCal is a pretty great place to have toys, that's for sure. I grew up mudding in the midwest, and then playing in the desert/mountains in San Diego. I love the midwest, but I do prefer dry ground. Had a jeep years ago, and been focused on my career since. Getting back to my roots with the red-runner I guess.

And in reference to your statement about nothing going quite right like "fast and loud" it is ok it happens to everyone I spent this entire weekend installing a winch and full skids and it was setback after setback. Thats what makes it fun i guess lol

Yeah, my skids. Hmmm. I tore up some carriage bolts. I shot hot metal in my eyes from the dremel (one of the dumbest things I've ever done, and lucky I didn't really hurt myself). Get one thing right, and then two things go wrong seems to be the process.

...and it's never good enough. I'm already thinking about dual shocks up front after talking to guys at Total Chaos. I'll do it, but I think I'll wheel it a little first. See how those Fox Shox do on their own for a while.

 

[red-runner]

OK, so the front end has gotten a little "chaotic":

Rear links next week.

Also got the bumper on. I've moved the license plate, but it was getting dark, so I took some pictures first. The air only needed to move a little bit, so it basically stayed put.

Front end is now much closer to level, and the ride has definitely improved. This was sooooo necessary. Also, you can see the plasti-dipped trim better in the daylight. Trying to get rid of all the shiny bits. I've got black lug nuts, but I've been lazy...

Truck will be "done" for now after the rear links and seats next week.

I exchanged some email with Pat at Total Chaos, and I'm definitely going to do spindle gussets and dual front shocks, but I'm a little burnt on spending money. Just wanna wheel for a little while. Very happy with this 'runner.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Looking great!

Can you really notice the new UCAs?

 

[red-runner]

Looking great!

Can you really notice the new UCAs?

Thanks!

Don't think I really notice UCAs, but alignment is definitely better. Tires even sound a bit different on highway.

I was mainly commenting on the front coil over adjustment (we brought the front end up 1.75 inches - front was at stock ride height before yesterday). I had so much rake before that I was always driving downhill. Still have some rake, but the front is stiffer (necessary with all the weight up there), and everything feels more balanced. FWIW - I like the rake, because we carry a lot of weight when we go camping. I'm sure it will take some time to get it all adjusted just right.

 

[95yotarunner619]

yea i totally agree, they were definitely built to see some dirt in there stock life. i have a 2wd thats seen crazier stuff than most guys i know with 4x4's haha funny to say but true. as soon as i get new tires gonna hit up ocotillo. would be cool to have a desert meet with all the socal guys.

 

[MTD]

OK, so the front end has gotten a little "chaotic":

Rear links next week.

Also got the bumper on. I've moved the license plate, but it was getting dark, so I took some pictures first. The air only needed to move a little bit, so it basically stayed put.

Front end is now much closer to level, and the ride has definitely improved. This was sooooo necessary. Also, you can see the plasti-dipped trim better in the daylight. Trying to get rid of all the shiny bits. I've got black lug nuts, but I've been lazy...


Truck will be "done" for now after the rear links and seats next week.

I exchanged some email with Pat at Total Chaos, and I'm definitely going to do spindle gussets and dual front shocks, but I'm a little burnt on spending money. Just wanna wheel for a little while. Very happy with this 'runner.

Looking good! after my weekend I decided after i get my roof rack built for my roof top tent I will be spending more money on recovery stuff than parts. I can't wait for some wheeling pics!

 

[JohnBill53]

well....that was fast haha :naughty:

 

[red-runner]

as soon as i get new tires gonna hit up ocotillo. would be cool to have a desert meet with all the socal guys.

I think my wife and I are heading out there this weekend ~90% sure. It's gonna be really hot soon. We're gonna try to get out there a couple more times in the next three or four weeks.

Def looking forward to meeting some of the SoCal guys. ...maybe this Friday. :shrug: