Roy's Build Thread - "Proteus"

R

RoyVfx

New member
I decided to finally do the build thread after lurking around for a month.

Here's how she looks currently. Apr 15th



Intro

* Sold my 2000 Mustang because of a need for more space and I've always wanted a 4runner ever since my dad used to take my brother and I on fishing trips in his 4runner.
* Bought in February 2012 in Phoenix, AZ with ~ 143,000 miles for $6,000
* Vehicle: 1998 4Runner Limited; 4x4 w/ eLocker; Black with leather interior; sunroof
* I work as a videographer/motion graphics artist for my own company. I basically produce, shoot, edit commercials, documentaries, logos, music videos.

First day photos after driving her home.






I had to leave for a 3 day trip as soon I bought her so I had my wife take her to a local shop to run a full check up. They told me the valve cover gaskets were leaking and that it needed a transmission flush and rear differential service and that it still had original suspension.

I googled 4runner maintenance how to's and BOOM that's how i found this gold mine of wealth that is t4r.org.

I started doing maintenance first before doing any mods. Replaced transmission oil, engine oil, and differentials oils. Found out brake pads and spark plugs were still in new condition. They must have been replaced less than 1k miles ago.

Mods
Deck Plate Mod
Blue Wire Mod
LED Dome Lights
Satoshi Grill Mod
Aftermarket Radio

Upcoming Mods
Toytec 3inch lift
Bud Built Skid
ARB bumper
CB with Firestik antenna

Moving to SLC



My project for one of my clients in Phoenix was coming to a end and my bid for the new 14 month project had been approved. Time to move to Salt Lake City.





Decided to rent a house with a garage!!! No more working out of apartment parking lots!!!

Any members local to SLC know good trails or fishing spots?
 
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Welcome to T4R.org! :D Yes, there is a ton of useful information here and some really awesome and helpful people as well!

Welcome to the west! I live in the Northern Rockies, myself.

Oh! I almost forgot! Nice rig! Keep up the good work! :D
 
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Welcome to the forum! I'm looking forward to seeing the progress in this build. And because of your career, I'm expecting to see plenty of cool pictures :hungry:
 
Found out shortly after arriving that the project was pushed back about a month :(. So for now ill be doing some cheap modding and fishing until i can get back on a regular paycheck. I have a month to mess around basically.

DeckPlate Mod



After Market radio installed so i can listen to Pandora



Painted Skid Plates





Painted faded Cowl piece



I was about to paint my spoiler when I noticed I was low on paint so ill have to wait till tomorrow.



Also took a inside and engine shots.


Don't mind the stuff in the garage the last renters still need to get their last stuff out.


Now time to go fishing...



Next post should be Satoshi Grill Mod. woot
 
Lookin' good! Nice finishing day as well. Looks like you had yourself a good meal that night.
 
@Brian I dident realize my 4runner had a twin :wow:. I gotta say though your 4runner is a sexy beast. I just read through your whole build thread and its quite impressive your journey. Were the 99+ headlight/side lights a huge difference in light output?

@puppetz007 thanks I found a group here in SLC going to trails and a RME group doing a 4x4 training this Saturday :D

UPDATE

Went to Home depot and bought some more paint to finish the rear spoiler. I think it came out pretty nice compared to the sun beaten grey it was.

2 Coats of Rustoleum Black and 2 coats of clear coat.
<a href="http://imgur.com/lY19e"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/lY19el.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/ZZhFc"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ZZhFcl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

Finally got the last piece I needed to finish my Satoshi Mod. I'll do it tomorrow following brians writeup on it.
 
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Thanks for the welcome :).

One thing for sure I'm seriously thinking about is making or buying a good container to put my gear in. If I make one ill try to find a way to make a fishing pole holder as well. Just so that they don't go rolling all over the place and getting tangled.

Maybe something like this.
<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/hhog4dc/SUV%20Fishing%20Rod%20Holder/?action=view&current=IMG_1814.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/hhog4dc/SUV%20Fishing%20Rod%20Holder/IMG_1814.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/hhog4dc/SUV%20Fishing%20Rod%20Holder/?action=view&current=IMG_1816.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/hhog4dc/SUV%20Fishing%20Rod%20Holder/IMG_1816.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://imgur.com/78Nya"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/78Nyal.png" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>


Generally I carry somewhere around 3 fishing rods with me. One flyrod and two spinning rods. If i bring anyone along we got something short of 6 rods back there.
 
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@Brian I dident realize my 4runner had a twin . I gotta say though your 4runner is a sexy beast. I just read through your whole build thread and its quite impressive your journey. Were the 99+ headlight/side lights a huge difference in light output?
Click to expand...


Thanks man!

If I had a chance to do the lights over again I would still buy the 99 style TYC (cheap0) lights on EBAY but** just swap the glass via baking them and not the whole housings. The aftermarket housing are cheap but the glass is an exact match and all you really need is the clearer glass.

:thumb3:
 
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Sounds like a plan. I'll look into buying some cheap eBay ones then and swap out the glass with my originals. Let's hope the misses doesn't think I'm to crazy and kick me out of the kitchen when she seems what I'm doing lol.
 
UPDATE

Satoshi Grill Mod

I had seens brianemc2_42 <a href="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84963-satoshi-grill-mod-build-thread-pic-heavy.html" style="color: #2d06c9; font-size: 16px; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">write up</a> on the Satoshi Grill mod and after a few days of looking at my original grill when walking past my 4runner I new the bug had bit me and I had to mod it.

I ordered a used dremel off ebay since I didn't own one already and snagged it for 40 bucks compared to buying it for 80 new from home depot. :) Ordered the FJ40 logo as well from eBay for 40bucks. The metal grill I found at home depot in a rather large size 2.5 by 8 feet. A bit large but i'm sure ill find other uses for it. Everything else i already had lying around.

Items:
Dremel- $40
fj40 emblem- $40
Metal Grill- $7
Painters Tape
Black Paint
Wire
Double sided tape

<a href="http://imgur.com/FTC8y"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/FTC8yl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/RyJQG"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/RyJQGl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/Yo5i3"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Yo5i3l.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

The dremel arrived first and I just couldn't wait so i decided to start the mod and add the emblem when it arrives.

<a href="http://imgur.com/rJJxC"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/rJJxCl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/7sf5y"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7sf5yl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/awb1Y"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/awb1Yl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

I reattached it and rode around like this for a few days till the emblem arrived.
<a href="http://imgur.com/aSY3c"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/aSY3cl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

When the emblem arrived I attached it the same way as Brian except I decided to drill the holes on the sides rather then then on top and bottom. that way I could hide the wires holding it to the grill.

Before
<a href="http://imgur.com/rKmcD"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/rKmcDl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
After
<a href="http://imgur.com/9RuDm"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/9RuDml.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>


After taking off my running boards I knew i was going to need some front mudflaps but i didn't really wanna fork over 30 dollars for each side. Seeing BigFishAllDay's thread I decided to go his route and buy the Highland Contura for 15 dollars.

<a href="http://imgur.com/oFzL6"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/oFzL6l.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

Some minor cutting later to fit my fender flares and they were on.
<a href="http://imgur.com/1cpmt"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/1cpmtl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/5ORze"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/5ORzel.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

I also picked up this shovel at a yard sale for 2 dollars while I was driving around. I figured it could come in a handy when camping. It had some rust on it nothing a good sanding and painting wont fix.

<a href="http://imgur.com/B2Df9"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/B2Df9.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/eKKti"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/eKKtil.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

Well time to go fishing.

<a href="http://imgur.com/1NiDy"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/1NiDyl.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
 
Since im still a complete noob to the 4x4 scene I found out about a local group having a quarterly training course on 4x4. I learned all about recovery gear and how to use them as well as what to do in certain situations when off roading. Biggest thing of all for me was getting comfortable going up and down inclines and learning the limitations of my stock 4runner.

I spent most of the time driving so i wasn't paying to much attention getting good shots for the camera or anything but I still had enough footage to at least put this piece together. Maybe later i'll actually do a cool promo video of my 4runner showing off my visual effects skills.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wTuxjzeeCok" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Upcoming Mods
* Toytec 3inch lift
* Bud Built Skid
* ARB bumper
* CB with Firestik antenna
Click to expand...


Cool video man. When that song started I kind of expected something dangerous or deadly but it looked like good times :)

I see you are interested in the ToyTech adjustable lift kit. Not trying to steer you away from that but there are some other options out there that are pretty good (depending on who you ask at least) ...


Have you seen this sticky:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html


These builds really inspired me and are full of very useful information including part #s and product links. They, like me are all using Tundra Coil w/ Bilstiens lift for the front and either OME or Land Cruiser coils in the rear. Just an FYI - I think it is a better $$ deal and overall suspension.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68346-i-found-one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/95322-dirtcos-1999-4runner-build.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/67225-brian2sun-build-thread.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84811-98-sr5-dirt-duster-build.html

You can order a full SS 1.2 Alt. kit for ~ $1250 or part it together for ~ $800.


Also with regards to the BudBuilt skid, I am thinking strongly about getting rid of mine. I paid ~ $400 for it shipped and powdercoated but it weighs a lot; like 70 lbs and all that weight adds up quickly on these trucks. Because I mostly hit the desert or light trails I am probably going to have a local shop fab me something lighter out of Aluminum and then sell my skid on C.L.

Whatever you do, Good luck!

:artist2:
 
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Thanks for the compliments.

Yeah the course had noob to expert courses but since I was a stock 4runner I stayed mostly to the noob courses and did a few of the moderate. I chickened out on the harder ones after a saw a stock jeep Rubicon bottom out on a hill and it started leaking fluid. I have to say though compared to some of the other vehicles there my 4runner seemed to be handling a lot easier then they were. The eLocker helped out a ton as well, I would put myself in holes on purpose that the other 4x4s were spinning out on and my 4unner would just roll through it without a problem.

Yeah I had really thought about piecing together a Tundra front/OME rear lift with Bilstiens and even did a spreadsheet on the total price of it all with links from where I would order them from. It came out to about 850 or so adding the cost of renting the coil compressor and the the tundra coil insulator for the front shocks. Im just not positive which way I want to go so far. I also heard a lot of good things about a full OME lift with Bilstiens. So that confused me even more.
Still thinking it over for sure before I purchase anything.

The Budbuilt skid plate seems solid protection from rocks and while I only plan on using my 4runner for camping/fishing trips and light trails I notice that much of the terrain here in Utah is rocky. At the training course there were a ton of rock crawlers and even the one of the instructors who uses his mostly stock tacoma for mainly camping had a big skid plate on bottom and ran 35s. Still new to the area so I'll go on some of the local trail forums and see what they recommend.
 
Look what just rolled into my garage. :D

<a href="http://imgur.com/Rc2wB"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Rc2wBl.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

I picked them up on the local classifieds here in SLC. $200.00 for the 4 rims with Michelin tires on them. The tires are only at 60% thread life if that. I really only wanted the wheels but the tires were a nice bonus since my old ones were pretty worn down.

I'm thinking of painting them but cant decide if i want to paint them gun metal or black. Any suggestions?

Here they are mounted on my 4runner. I'll take a better posing shot later. It was pretty hot and I had lunch waiting for me so I just snapped a quick iphone shot.
<a href="http://imgur.com/zoQPt"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/zoQPtl.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

While this did set me back on my lift I have been thinking about Brians post on the tundra/LC lift and reading Rickashays post I was convinced even more that piecing together my lift will not only be a little cheaper but a better ride. It shouldn't be to hard as well since rickashay did a good job posting links to where he bought his items from and part #'s.

Anyone interested in these? I imagine its like selling a PC to a Mac user but thought I'd give it a try.
<a href="http://imgur.com/9v6W3"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/9v6W3l.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>
 
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