Safari snorkel on a 5th gen?

I'm growing tired of arguing about this. Here's the deal, you're confusing initial enthusiasm of sales with long term numbers. This is like when a sequel to a sci-fi movie comes out and the fans are all hyped up and first weekend sales on tickets are high and then the week after attendance drops off shortly.

Of course the initial batch is going to sell out fast. However that's not important because the people who need to sustain sales are the people who aren't in that first group.

If you want to keep arguing then go ahead. But 4runners aren't a big market. They never were. They never will be and the percentage of folks looking to add snorkels are a sub group of a sub group.

Jeezus...this thread.

Maybe he meant they underestimated initial demand...? Seems like a logical conclusion to me, but life will go on....
 
It's all good, I see his point. :peace:

I was just hanging out with ARB as they were down from Renton for the re-launch of 4Wheel Parts (they got acquired by another company and did a remodel).

A few things that came out of the conversation:

1. this snorkel came really close to never making it past the prototype due to projected demand. Yes, the first run sold out, but it's not like there's a million coming over in that first run. The second run will be smaller, and so on and so forth.

2. They had to basically go to ARB corporate and complain about how long this project was taking. It's one of the most delayed they've had to deal with. Between everyone here, and especially me, *****ing it finally got into production.

3. ARB's fleet 4runner was there, so between that and my truck at the event today that represented 100 percent of the snorkels in the US for 5th gens*

*You'll wonder why I said 2 if there's that other 4runner with a safari snorkel, that blue one from a member on this forum. I was told that truck was crashed, which is certainly a bummer. So 3 snorkels down to 2. Eeek.
 
[MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION], quick question and you may not know the answer to this, but I certainly don't know...

Hypothetically, if something were to happen to the Safari Snorkel let's say a year or three down the road - something that required it to be replaced, i.e. accident, whatever - is that something you think Safari would typically be able to accommodate replacement of, or do you think they'd say "Sorry, we only made them for that one year"?

I guess the insurance company could just replace the entire A-pillar in an event like that, but I was wondering more about the longevity of the molds and if they'll plan on having enough lying around in retailers for accident replacement.

I know that's a really "what if" question, but as I said I don't know the answer and I'm not sure if you would either. Figured it's worth asking though.
 
Yeah, that's my primary concern right now. Sure, it's an unlikely scenario and I'm sure the snorkel will hold up to anything I'd put it through, but this is a commitment to a very particular piece of equipment that you can't just take another option if it's no longer available.
 
Like LawnDart stated nothing permanent under the hood. Obviously, there's no going back on the fender after the first hole is drilled but you can always buy a new fender. The A-pillar is different though as that is the cab of the 4runner. If you're considering ever removing the snorkel, just use some really good double sided tape like 3M VHB series and you should be good and you can avoid drilling into the A-pillar altogether.

That's interesting, did you personally installed a snorkel with vhb double sided for A pillar support?

Did it withstand rain and extreme cold/heat?

In the event of something get in the way of the snorkel. Do you think the vhb grip is strong enough, so the snorkel will get destroyed before being able to torque the fender?

Also, did you guys put anything to protect the hole bare metal from rust?
 
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I would NOT use VHB. I know some do, but don't do it. The guys at Safari don't include installation instructions for you to ignore them. They're smart guys, follow the instructions. If you think you're going to revert the snorkel back, why do you have it on in the first place. Yes it's a semi permanent modification, I don't know anyone who takes them off after the fact.

I swear, some of the nit pickiness in this thread is mind boggling. 8 main holes in the fender. One big air intake hole for the snorkel, 3 A-pillar holes for the support bracket. Install them per instructions, have a beer, and go use your rigs, guys.

Are you guys asking if the snorkel will never be available again? It'll always be available in small numbers, but it won't be an active production unit like some of the more common. Will it always be available? No probably not at some point. But this is the case with if you buy an offroad bumper, or suspension component. Nothing is forever. Likely the snorkel will outlive you.

As for ARB replacing something? No, I doubt it. They provide the snorkel and kit needed to fasten it together. The buyer assumes all liability for install and use. If you break it on the trail, you're gonna need to order another one. Seems kind of common sense.

Again I don't think anyone on here will ever break one.

That's interesting, did you personally installed a snorkel with vhb double sided for A pillar support?

Did it withstand rain and extreme cold/heat?

In the event of something get in the way of the snorkel. Do you think the vhb grip is strong enough, so the snorkel will get destroyed before being able to torque the fender?

Also, did you guys put anything to protect the hole bare metal from rust?

Yeah, that's my primary concern right now. Sure, it's an unlikely scenario and I'm sure the snorkel will hold up to anything I'd put it through, but this is a commitment to a very particular piece of equipment that you can't just take another option if it's no longer available.
 
In case you get a case of damage from something, you'll order a new Snorkel kit. As far as vehicle in production and people do modify the vehicle, aftermarket would be supporting it.
Safari Snorkels still available for even 70s-80s HiLux ando Mini Trucks. I wouldn't worry for my Snorkel....
 
[MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] is the snorkel compatible with the CBI ditch light brackets? I think I remember you saying "no" but I'm not sure. Thanks buddy your truck is awesome.
 
[MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] is the snorkel compatible with the CBI ditch light brackets? I think I remember you saying "no" but I'm not sure. Thanks buddy your truck is awesome.

I really don't know. "Maybe"...is maybe an answer?
 
[MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] is the snorkel compatible with the CBI ditch light brackets? I think I remember you saying "no" but I'm not sure. Thanks buddy your truck is awesome.
Although I got the Rago brackets, I think we will be fine. There should be enough room.

b333c71eb037e231fd94d382a75540be.jpg
 
Looks like the CBI brackets are a little different.

This is my setup
[MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] what do you think? Still maybe?

ae3ffaebcfdff6b9731f6511e9fcc2d6.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Do note there's 2 washers that are shortened/made straight on one side, otherwise it'll crease the fender. That's one of the things we learned we had to do on installation. I haven't seen the final installation kit as we learned from my rig, but you'll want to do that. You'll also need to jack the truck up, and remove the passenger front wheel. The snorkel can NOT be installed without removal of the wheel to access the inside of the fender well.

Also getting that dog leg rubber fitting to install is a biiiiiiiiitch.

Now that is good to know! Thanks!

...and thanks for being the guinea pig on this with ARB!

-H-
 
That's interesting, did you personally installed a snorkel with vhb double sided for A pillar support?

Did it withstand rain and extreme cold/heat?

In the event of something get in the way of the snorkel. Do you think the vhb grip is strong enough, so the snorkel will get destroyed before being able to torque the fender?

Also, did you guys put anything to protect the hole bare metal from rust?

Yes, I've installed a couple with double sided tape because the owners didn't want to risk the drilled holes rusting and I just installed the snorkel on my 4th gen this way. If you use good tape, it will withstand the elements just fine. In the event of something getting in the way of the snorkel, either way the A-pillar will get damaged, the question is do you want it dented or do you want it dented with holes in it from the rivets/screws ripping out. The majority of the work holding the snorkel on is done by the 8 or so bolts in the fender so more than likely the fender will get tweaked as well but it's far easier to repair/replace than the A-pillar if the rivets rip out or it starts to rust.

I also put a few coats of paint over all the holes I drill and let it dry to help prevent any rust from forming.

I would NOT use VHB. I know some do, but don't do it. The guys at Safari don't include installation instructions for you to ignore them. They're smart guys, follow the instructions. If you think you're going to revert the snorkel back, why do you have it on in the first place. Yes it's a semi permanent modification, I don't know anyone who takes them off after the fact.

I swear, some of the nit pickiness in this thread is mind boggling. 8 main holes in the fender. One big air intake hole for the snorkel, 3 A-pillar holes for the support bracket. Install them per instructions, have a beer, and go use your rigs, guys.

Are you guys asking if the snorkel will never be available again? It'll always be available in small numbers, but it won't be an active production unit like some of the more common. Will it always be available? No probably not at some point. But this is the case with if you buy an offroad bumper, or suspension component. Nothing is forever. Likely the snorkel will outlive you.

As for ARB replacing something? No, I doubt it. They provide the snorkel and kit needed to fasten it together. The buyer assumes all liability for install and use. If you break it on the trail, you're gonna need to order another one. Seems kind of common sense.

Again I don't think anyone on here will ever break one.

The VHB tape is some pretty good stuff, I would even bet it has a greater holding power when properly installed vs rivets in thin sheet metal such as the outer part of the A-pillar. The ARB guys are probably smart guys but that doesn't mean their way is the only way to get it done. The Toyota guys are smart as well and spent countless hours engineering our 4runners so why do we change a bunch of stuff on them?
 
Yes, I've installed a couple with double sided tape because the owners didn't want to risk the drilled holes rusting and I just installed the snorkel on my 4th gen this way. If you use good tape, it will withstand the elements just fine. In the event of something getting in the way of the snorkel, either way the A-pillar will get damaged, the question is do you want it dented or do you want it dented with holes in it from the rivets/screws ripping out. The majority of the work holding the snorkel on is done by the 8 or so bolts in the fender so more than likely the fender will get tweaked as well but it's far easier to repair/replace than the A-pillar if the rivets rip out or it starts to rust.

I also put a few coats of paint over all the holes I drill and let it dry to help prevent any rust from forming.



The VHB tape is some pretty good stuff, I would even bet it has a greater holding power when properly installed vs rivets in thin sheet metal such as the outer part of the A-pillar. The ARB guys are probably smart guys but that doesn't mean their way is the only way to get it done. The Toyota guys are smart as well and spent countless hours engineering our 4runners so why do we change a bunch of stuff on them?

It really boils down to the business. If the ARB snorkel breaks and you have these predrilled holes, you're forced to buy another ARB snorkel. You can't just replace the A Pillar like you can replace the fender.

For many, the snorkel will stay with the truck forever. That might not even be a problem.
 
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