Runn4est's Projects Thread

[Runn4est]

Hi all, I'm naming this my project thread, because I will likely not be "building" out my 4 Runner (that's what I tell myself now...), but I will be doing little things here and there.

I'm not too well versed in documenting my projects so my first couple things went undocumented. I picked up a set of '14 trails, put KO2s on them and dipped them black. I also got a 35% tint up front.

Things that I have done:

• Rear Cargo Mod - [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] inspired
• Shrockworks Step Sliders
• RCI Fuel Tank Skid
• Daystar Top Spacer Leveling Kit
• Front end conversion

Things that are in the works:

• Upgraded Front Skid

 

[Runn4est]

Cargo Mod

I wanted to give the back some more storage options. My wife uses the car primarily for work and always has things in the back. This leaves little room for emergency things like jumper cables, little tool kit, rope, etc. That is the primary goal of this. I left the foam in for now, and will re address this at a later time. It works for now and keeps the bottom flat and the sensor protected.

Holy cow, I'm terrible at embedding images. They were huge...So just attaching final product.

 

[Runn4est]

I think my embedded images were broken or something. I couldn't get them embedded without being huge too. I will work on that tonight, but here are some pictures. Thanks.

 

[Runn4est]

I have to give a shout out to Shrockworks and RCI. I ordered a fuel tank skid from RCI, and the Step Sliders from Shrockworks -- both bare metal.

RCI got the skid to me in 2 weeks and Shrockworks got it to me in 3 weeks. It was an exceptional surprise from Shrockworks since I didn't get a shipping notice and they told me to expect 6 weeks. They look great and can't wait to get them on!

Hoping to get paint on during the week for an install this weekend. Pics will follow.

 

[Runn4est]

Finally had some time to work on my Shrockworks Step Sliders and RCI fuel tank Skid. The skid was easy, but the sliders...if I never have to deal with another stick nut in my life I will be happy. The top bolt on the rear dirver's side will remain in my nightmares for years to come. I don't think it helped that the bolt was JUST long enough to touch the nut, but really couldn't bite a thread. I eventually gave up and got a longer bolt. Additionally, the dirvers front did not even have one hole to bolt into on the cross member, so I am forced to drill in a hole in the frame. Unfortunately, the frame just ate up my bit, so I have a little work left to do.

Overall, I am very pleased with the look and the daily functionality of the sliders. It definitely makes for a good step. In the pics you'll see that I have empty rockers. I have some trimmed down panels (from a black LE) that are waiting for paint match. Hoping to get that done this week -- but I always say that

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160417_160226.jpg" width="1040" height="772">

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160417_160319.jpg" width="1040" height="772">

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160417_160332.jpg" width="1040" height="772">

 

[DenverTrailRunner]

Looking good man!

 

[white_trail]

How heavy is the fuel tank skid plate?

 

[Runn4est]

How heavy is the fuel tank skid plate?

It's pretty heavy -- about 50lbs. I figured I'd go Steel with the gas tank since I only had 1/2 a skid on the LE. If I get additional skids, I think they'll be aluminum though.

 

[Runn4est]

So I finally managed to get to the auto paint store, and I'm very disappointed. This isn't your run of the mill duplicolor...I had them specifically mix paint for me. I had one rocker sanded down prepped and primed so I gave it a go. The paint is not the same at all! It's significantly darker. Looks like I've got to give the paint shop a call now...

Anybody know if there are different paint codes for Mag gray? I used 1G3 as per the touch up pen provided by my dealership. Pics below.

<IMG src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160420_202517.jpg", width = "50%"/IMG>

<IMG src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160420_202359.jpg", width = "50%"/IMG>

 

[Seattle206]

Love reading about builds requiring some DIYing. Refreshing consideration the majority of the build threads involve just the usual lift, wheels and tires combo.

 

[Liquidmantis]

Your truck is looking good but I've got to give mad props for your username.

And a random panda. Because. anda:

 

[Runn4est]

Well, it's about time I actually finished these rockers! I got color matched paint again using my original rockers, so this was a muuuchh better match. I also snagged some 2 part clear for extra durability and deep gloss.

While the trim sat in my garage staring at me waiting for paint, I also got a little more ambitious and cut even more off. I test fitted before cutting and really didn't like how close to the slider it was... It pretty much covered up half of the step. So...off with the plastic. I left the front flap in tact to provide at least a little undercarriage protection.

Sorry for the crappy pics in my dirty garage. If it ever decides to stop raining, maybe I'll get some pics in real light.

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160519_205014.jpg", width = "50%" /img>

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160520_221130.jpg", width = "50%" /img>

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160521_092051.jpg", width = "50%" /img>

<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160521_091846.jpg", width = "50%" /img>

 

[2nd Chance]

Looks very nice.

I put a small piece of 2 sided tape on the back of the rocker to keep it tight to the front of the fender flare.

 

[Runn4est]

Over the weekend I was able to install a Daystar 2.5/1.5 spacer lift. I have a crappy pic of the after install, but I didn't take a shot of it right before install.

Here's the bad though. I've read over and over that no UCAs are needed with less than 3 inch lifts. My wife just took it into a local family tire shop for an alignment. They spent 2hrs on it and said they couldn't meet my request of getting the max caster with a minimum of 2. I didn't ask for a pic of the printout from my wife because she was already steaming that she waited with our 9mos old for 2 hrs...but, knowing that they weren't just being lazy ($50 for 2hrs of work...) has anyone really just not been able to get within spec on a 2.5inch lift with stock UCAs?

Despite that, I like the look, but 275s are probably in the cards down the road.
<img width = "50%" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160602_201657.jpg"</img>

I also managed to relocate the diff breather behind the tail light and learned that my full size spare isn't yellow.

<img width = "50%" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160601_223151.jpg"</img>

<img width = "50%" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160601_210314.jpg"</img>

 

[Runn4est]

We finally got the 4R out on the trails for the first time -- our first time too! I had a blast, and my wife is now hooked!

We took the 101 course with Kyle at Rausch Creek, and I would highly recommend it. He provides good insight and instruction, but also lets you learn in the moment vs. making you do it his way or the highway. I felt like it was a very comfortable learning experience, and certainly enough to get me back for a 201 now.

I had a GoPro running, but here's one of my more exciting obstacles for the day. It may look boring, but for me it was awesome. At one point I carried the rear wheel a good amount too, according to Kyle.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lCcnTG9A7Tk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We didn't get too many pics, but we're hoping they post some up on their FB page later.

<img width ="50%" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12358189/IMG_20160604_122900.jpg"</img>

 

[Runn4est]

Additional pics. Yep we were the only ones representing Toyota today. We definitely got sideways looks at first but then the first couple obstacles were handled very well, and suddenly the Trail Hawk became the black sheep.

 

[Runn4est]

Had a fun day a Rausch again. We did the guided trail ride to familiarize ourselves with the park more. We got a little more comfortable and got on some rocks for photo ops. Pics show progress on my way up. Caught the plastic on the way back off just a little scrape. Plus I need am excuse for a trail conversion haha.

 

[Magnetic4R]

Nice to see a fairly stock Limited in action.

 

[Runn4est]

Nice to see a fairly stock Limited in action.

Thanks! Every time where gone out, we're more impressed at the abilities of our 4Runner. We do plan on more modding... My wife is definitely hooked :reddance:, but why not still enjoy what it can do now, right!?

 

[Cymon]

[MENTION=95491]runn4[/MENTION]rest, looks like a great time! Love the pics! My wife and I absolutely loved our 101 course there as well. We felt the same thing, always amazed at what this truck can do (always more than I'm willing to do to it at this point). Can't wait to get back!