Saker’s Ebony Build

[ESS4RNR]

Hood Protector

Thanks!
BTW, I did have one on my other T4R, it was an OEM model. I decided to try the AVS because it is a molded, one piece unit that doesn’t use metal brackets that could possible chip hood paint.

Thank you for the posted information re : hood protector. I picked up a new 2021 ORP the day after Thanksgiving. Historically, I have always put a hood protector on my past 4runners but after searching this site and reading the many available posts I am a little confused. Some people have reported rubbing/chipping away of paint on the top edge of the grill as well as rubbing away of the paint on the underside of the hood with the AVS and Weathertech protectors. Others have reported the chipping of paint with the OEM metal clips. Some have said the AVS Bugflector / 23071 is the way to go i.e. no rubbing or touching of grill etc. and to stay away from the Bugflector II / 25053. I would like to run my Runner through the car wash in the winter. AVS states their protectors are car wash safe. No reference to the OEM protector and car washes. Which AVS model number did you put on your new ORP and have you noticed any touching or rubbing on the top edge of the painted grill? Now that you have experience with bot an OEM and the AVS Model #? which do you prefer? I considered PPF for the front end but decided to to do it because I felt like I was going down a rabbit hole that I couldn't get out of without additional replacement cost if the film was damaged and the cost to remove years down the road. Thank you, Matt

 

[Saker]

Mine barely touches the upper grill part. I do have a PPF on my front end so that offers a protective layer.
I prefer the AVS over the OEM.

 

[ESS4RNR]

Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm going to go with the AVS. Did you go with 23071 / Bugflector or 25053 / Bugflector II. Thanks again.

 

[Saker]

Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm going to go with the AVS. Did you go with 23071 / Bugflector or 25053 / Bugflector II. Thanks again.

Thanks............. :tea:

23071 Auto Ventshade From Autozone


$48.99

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm going to go with the AVS. Did you go with 23071 / Bugflector or 25053 / Bugflector II. Thanks again.

I took Saker’s lead after seeing and requesting pics from him. Purchased the 25053 model and installed it, 10 minute job, prior to my 128 mile off road trip through the desert. Looks great and seems to work good. I went with the 25053 because it has a higher profile. The 23071 is a low to mid profile. I applied the four small bumpers on to the inside of the shield and not on the paint. Thanks to Saker for his pics.

 

[Saker]

January 2, 2021

Installed Plug and Play Rear Camera Override Dongle

Thanking [MENTION=129513]bjohnston115[/MENTION] again for this mod!
Plug and Play Rear Camera Override Dongle - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

My install went off without any issues. Rear camera still works as normal.
Depress the AOB Rear camera switch when in any gear, camera comes on.
AOB Switch dims properly just as the other switches do.


EDIT: On the AOB Switch wiring pictured, I connected the red to red on the ABC wire & the AOB green to orange ABC wire. Polarity correct!

Wiring diagram

Indication of Override Working

AOB Switch Location and Functioning

 

[Matt831]

Truck looks great.

How many total sections of conical spacer were there inside the rear springs and how many did you remove for the airlift?

Thank you.

 

[Saker]

Truck looks great.

How many total sections of conical spacer were there inside the rear springs and how many did you remove for the airlift?

Thank you.

:thanks:

3 on each side were removed.
That left 1 (as seen in my photo) on the very top. You must leave that one!
I used a recip saw with a wood blade, made it pretty easy.

 

[Espresso_OI]

P&P my friend!

Alright one more DDM Tuning 55W high beam question (only could find experiences on the 50W) - did you purchase the 'decoders' for DRL? And is it too bright for daily DRL? If so I would probably just disable DRL, but had to check.

Thanks again!

 

[Saker]

Alright one more DDM Tuning 55W high beam question (only could find experiences on the 50W) - did you purchase the 'decoders' for DRL? And is it too bright for daily DRL? If so I would probably just disable DRL, but had to check.

Thanks again!

First my DRL are disabled.

So, no decoders.
If I had to guess without decoders, they would be wayyyyyy tooooo bright.
These things are so bright, I am not even considering any light bar(s)!

 

[Saker]

January 13, 2021

Windows Tinted & Valances Wrapped

Had my windows tinted with Xpel Ceramic to 11% (metered) & my front and rear valances wrapped matte black also with Xpel vinyl.

 

[ElectroBoy]

January 13, 2021

Windows Tinted & Valances Wrapped

Had my windows tinted with Xpel Ceramic to 11% (metered) & my front and rear valances wrapped matte black also with Xpel vinyl.

Looks great.
Did you remove the valances and take to a shop to wrap them? If so, any tips on how to remove? Thx.

 

[Saker]

Looks great.
Did you remove the valances and take to a shop to wrap them? If so, any tips on how to remove? Thx.

Didn't remove them, IDK if the shop removed them or not.
:shrug:

 

[TRD PANTHER]

January 13, 2021

Windows Tinted & Valances Wrapped

Had my windows tinted with Xpel Ceramic to 11% (metered) & my front and rear valances wrapped matte black also with Xpel vinyl.

Looks good! Did you tint the front windshield? How about the sunroof? If you did the windshield, what percentage?

 

[Saker]

Looks good! Did you tint the front windshield? How about the sunroof? If you did the windshield, what percentage?

Did not tint the windshield.
I did have the moonroof tinted @ 70%.

 

[Saker]

Took my baby hunting today!

 

[rageandlove]

Whaddya hunting for?

 

[Saker]

Whaddya hunting for?

Whitetail

IE:

 

[glwood54]

December 22, 2020

Installed my Ellis Precision TRD Shift Knobs

I received my Ellis Precision TRD etched shift knobs today.

Thanks [MENTION=139559]Ellis Precision[/MENTION]
Shift Knobs – Ellis Precision

They look great!

Hi Saker. I like those knobs! I assume they are these:

Black 5th Gen 4Runner/FJ Cruiser Shift Knob Set - Automatic Transmissi – Ellis Precision

Couple questions - do they thread on the same as the oem knobs, and did you have to specify "TRD" since the link shows "FJ"?

Thanks, Gary

 

[Saker]

Hi Saker. I like those knobs! I assume they are these:

Black 5th Gen 4Runner/FJ Cruiser Shift Knob Set - Automatic Transmissi – Ellis Precision

Couple questions - do they thread on the same as the oem knobs, and did you have to specify "TRD" since the link shows "FJ"?

Thanks, Gary

The quality on these are second to none.
They thread without issue onto the shafts.
No locking allen set screw or anything of the sort.
Really straight forward!
The only thing I did was to use 8mm bellville washers instead of the split lock washers he includes. Personal preference I suppose.

Yes that link is correct.
It states in that description:
“ CUSTOM ETCHING: Please reply to the order confirmation email with an image or description (text with font) of what you would like. Ideal images are black and white and of high resolution. If no etching is specified via email, a blank shift knob (with no etching) will be shipped.

Popular etching choices include FJ, TRD, TEQ, PRO, 4R, TRAIL, and Distressed American Flag.”

You would just place your selection in the comments when you place the order.