"Sammy" Build and Exploration Thread

MN4RNR

MN4RNR

New member
"Sammy" is named after a tribe I had the privilege of living around as a child. The Samburu are a semi-nomadic herding tribe that live in an amazing, beautiful area of Kenya. When my trusty Hyundai was going to cost more to fix than I could justify the wife and I decided on a 4Runner. Given that my dreams are much bigger than my wallet I expect this to turn out to be as much a catalog of my explorations via the T4R as it is a log of its build.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19015606705" title="Pic 1 by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/341/19015606705_19b37ca2d2_z.jpg" width="640" height="243" alt="Pic 1"></a>

Notice the puddle of death under the Hyundai's engine.



How Sammy looked all stock.

35657599104_a4a4fa39b0_z.jpg

Sammy in progress.



How Sammy sits today.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Sammy's first major upgrade was an OME lift from Toytec.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19020073751" title="20150403_161944 by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/19020073751_f331eed791_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20150403_161944"></a>

I was looking for a couple inches of lift, not a full 3" like most want. :wow2: I initially went with an 884/895E setup.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/18396319813" title="20150403_162442 by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/450/18396319813_7bf06009b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20150403_162442"></a>

That put me level at the wheel wells but I was riding nose high. After talking with ARB and Toytec again, I swapped out the front springs for 883s. That gave me about 1" of rake and the look and lift I wanted. My biggest annoyance with my current setup is that the side steps slant back giving the appearance of reverse rake. Fender measurements and frame measurements both show me good. I'd love to take them off but I'll survive until the minions can make the leap up on their own.
 
Exploration

With the suspension issue ironed out it was time to do a bit of exploring. Not much in the way of public land around here and I am just learning the ropes of our OHV laws so I found out where that dirt road went.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/18990686136" title="Pic 3 by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/287/18990686136_5aa7e6971b_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Pic 3"></a>

The OME rode sooo much better than stock. I like the truck feel it has now. After a few hundred miles it settled in nicely. Very happy with the choice. Now to wear out these tires so I can justify something more fitting.
 
Chippewa NF

My first big venture was solo, long weekend in Chippewa National Forest.
It was pouring all weekend and the temps dropped from 70s to high 30s in a couple of days. So for me an all in way to jump in to this overlanding/exploration experience.

Finally off the highway and getting dirty.



<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19216770659" title="CNF Day 2 (172) by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/554/19216770659_44a452b27c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="CNF Day 2 (172)"></a>

I know it isn't rock crawling 75% of what I drove through didn't even require 4WD but I enjoyed my time and the sights.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19367626906" title="CNF Bog by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/458/19367626906_e082f239c6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="CNF Bog"></a>

An above grade bog I found hiding behind some trees the first morning.

Part of my approach to modding is to make changes based on functional needs. I don't know what I need to change until I find a problem. For example, sleeping in the back of a 4th Gen runner is TERRIBLE! I have slept in the back of my old Hyundai for days. It was nice and flat. The configuration of the runner demands a sleeping platform and vehicle camping demands drawers to keep the chaos organized.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19402277955" title="CNF Day 1 (46) by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3747/19402277955_db31ea17c0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="CNF Day 1 (46)"></a>

Regardless of the mess I had a great travel companion.

Packing out the last morning the forest apparently wanted me to stay. And the wife mocked me for bringing a hatchet.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19214639550" title="CNF Day 3 (3) by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/469/19214639550_a054857751_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="CNF Day 3 (3)"></a>

The first adventure with hopefully many more to come.
 
I don't know what you mean about not being able to sleep in the back of your 4runner. Ive spent over 40 nights in the back of mine with no complaints. Its actually very ideal. I use an inflatable hiking mattress and a sleeping bag and I'm good to go. 2 dogs and a mountain bike go inside with me.
 
Alberta4Runner said:
I don't know what you mean about not being able to sleep in the back of your 4runner. Ive spent over 40 nights in the back of mine with no complaints. Its actually very ideal. I use an inflatable hiking mattress and a sleeping bag and I'm good to go. 2 dogs and a mountain bike go inside with me.
Click to expand...

How tall are you?? Cause I would never fit in it...
 
Alberta4Runner said:
I use an inflatable hiking mattress
Click to expand...

That may help. I had issues working around the bump of the folded down seat but I was just using a pad. In the long term is to build a set of drawers that are level with the folded up rear seats. I'll keep experimenting until that time though.
 
Packing out the last morning the forest apparently wanted me to stay. And the wife mocked me for bringing a hatchet.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76293815@N00/19214639550" title="CNF Day 3 (3) by natsquared, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/469/19214639550_a054857751_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="CNF Day 3 (3)"></a>

The first adventure with hopefully many more to come.[/QUOTE]

Being over-prepared is never a bad idea! Nice rig/thread man
 
Thanks to the wonder of Expedition Overland videos the boss is developing an appreciation for the 4Runner and for the potential adventures the truck opens up. The first mod she wants to see is a snorkel. :faint: Sooo we will have to see about that one.

To feed this new found interest we decided to do a bit of driving. Found some nice spots and got a little dirty.



 
Since this is a build and adventure thread I figured I needed to update the build part. First up a full interior LED swap with bulbs from SuperbrightLED



What a difference the bulbs made. I purchased the car with an overhead DVD player already installed. The pitiful dome lights combined with the perplexing lack of lights in the front cabin left the interior very dark. A pair of center bulbs and one rear along with the courtesy lights in each door made a world of difference.

Most recently I broke down and plastidipped the chrome. Badges, grill, door handles and rear door accents were done. I wasn't sure if I'd like it but after seeing Dusty Driftwood's black on driftwood pearl scheme I took the plunge. It took me a few tries to get it smoothly applied but I like the results. Barring an unexpected rim purchase before winter I am planning to do the rims as well.

 
henrtenaitn said:
I'm looking forward to seeing where you explore.
7a.jpg
Click to expand...

Here you go. Exploring around the St. Croix and Nemadji State Forests. First time there. The area definitely caters to the ATV and OHM riders but there were some good spots for ORV riders as well.



Little man did a good job capturing some action shots.

19981648604_015149dcbc_z.jpg








So enjoying the truck but no further mods. 255/75/r17 Duratracs are planned before winter, hopefully before a Midwest Overland Society get together next month. I was going to start building a set of drawer but an impending move has put that on hold. If we get the house we are hoping for it does have a heated garage so it I can work through winter.
 
luvmyt4r said:
Not to hijack, but I am very interested in the MOS get together. Which campground or area?
Click to expand...

No problem.

Foothills State Forest in Backus MN. Looks like the staging area will be at the horse camp. I have never been there so I don,t know specifics to the location. You can sign up for the MOS forum as well. The thread for the event is under the planning section.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 172 (members: 1, guests: 171)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top