ScottD's Build Thread

[ScottD]

So going back about 10 years ago, I wanted a 4runner (3rd Gen) but I had 5 kids and a wife and a house and a job, so I opted for a YUKON XL that seats eight. Well now most all of the kids are gone and it was time for a new vehicle. I really needed a pickup but decided - just buy it.

So after 6 months of shopping I found a 2007 4runner Sport with 82,000 miles.

 

[ScottD]

So to catch up - I have had the 4runner now about 3 months. I did the Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift first. Keeping the XREAS. Still waiting on tires. I think I will ge with BF Goodrich Rough Terrain 265/70/17.

I have the shelf in the rear cargo area but I dont use it. I added a fire exstiguisher and a toolbox. FYI the toolbox is strapped down to the cargo hooks so as not to meet me up front if something bad happens. The other box contains a wool blanket, a camping pillow, small survival kit, and a pint of vodka (for emergency use only....you know if I ever got stranded)

I also added a tow strap, a winch pulley block, a reciever hitch with shakle all in the side storage area. Also a Bolt Power jump box - this thing is awesome. Supposedly has 600 amps. It would start my V8 Yukon with the battery removed.

 

[ScottD]

Next was the problem of not having hands free phone use. I am one of those people that can't walk and chew gum at the same time...my wife would say I can't just walk at the same time. I had hands free in my last vehicle so time to change out the factory stereo even though it was perfect.

I added a Kenwood KDC-X998 with Front and rear USB, HD Radio, and hands free phone capabilities. I also retained the Steering wheel controls.

But of course I couldn't stop there. I also added a Uniden BearCat 880 CB Radio with weather alert, weather reports, channel scan, and a bunch of other goodies. This is not a single Din sized CB radio. It required removing most of the outer box and even then I had to set up the faceplate in a mill and remove about .040" across the top to make it fit.

and the location of the hands free microphone.

 

[ScottD]

Only problem with the uniden is that the closest color to amber that you can get is a greenish yellow. The leds that light the faceplate are Red/Blue/Green leds that are controlled by the electronics in the cb. So I took the faceplate apart and covered the LEDs with LED lighting Film. Only problem is this difficult and I had to do it 5 different times to get the right color combination.

I also didn't like the CB Mic cable hanging down all the time so I made a short smooth cable with a right angle connector on the radio end. The other end is attached to a Uniden wireless microphone. The base for the microphone is mounted on the dash below the 4WD selector with suction cups.

Of course With the wireless mic, i had to build a custom piece of short cable to keep everything neat.

 

[ScottD]

Of course I also added a PA speaker. Warning... If you have teens , do not tell them you have a PA speaker. They will embarrass you.

here is the microphone..

and the color at night (picture distorts colors a little)

and the antenna. a 3 foot firestik on a Comet RS730 lip mount. Also a Firestik Spring and a firestik quick disconnect.

 

[ScottD]

Replaced the floor mats with Factory all weather.

Scan gauge 2 - bought from advanced auto using a 30% off online coupon.

and the cool switch blade key fob.

 

[ScottD]

Now for the front. I did the Fog Light Mod but also added a seperate panel switch on the console. Then I replaced the Fog light bulbs with HID's 3000k.

The light is a little yellow/geenish but much better than factory and lights up the roadside much better.

Zombie switch are for Fogs, Sasquach Switch is for the spots

 

[ScottD]

Then driving lights. I went with cube LED's from Rugged Ridge. They are plenty bright. They are wired into the high beams but almost too bright for the road as they throw a lot of glare off of street signs back in your face.

 

[ScottD]

The switches for the Fog lights and the Driving lights were mounted into a Limited console panel I picked up off of Ebay. I also added a dual USB port that is switched so that it can be on when the 4runner is off.

All of the switches are amber color.

While I was working on power, I added a cigarette outlet on a cord inside the glovebox for when i use my navigation unit but don't like the cord hanging by the shifter. Can also be used for an air pump or accessory. Has about 6 foot cord. Is switch to be on when you want it, even if ignition is off.

 

[ScottD]

It has been a busy three months with this thing.

Back to the front. I fabricated a flip up front plate holder.

up position

Inside is a Engo E9000 winch on a Budbuilt hidden winch mount. Clocked the clutch handle and added a wireless remote. It is a tight fit.

 

[ScottD]

I was a little worried about the stories of the winch selenoids sticking in the on position and making a mess. So I installed a winch isolator and a panel switch.

 

[sportsbriefcase]

82,000 miles on a clean '07...well done. Welcome in.

 

[Roody]

Very clean truck, nice build!

 

[Nashvillerunner]

Awesome build! What part of GA are you in? Atlanta/Canton here.

 

[ScottD]

I am in Loganville, across town from you, but my Mom/Dad live in Jasper and my sister in Ballground, I grew up in Woodstock so I know your area pretty well.

 

[Nashvillerunner]

I am in Loganville, across town from you, but my Mom/Dad live in Jasper and my sister in Ballground, I grew up in Woodstock so I know your area pretty well.

Sounds great man! If you are on Facebook look up the Atlanta 4runners Facebook Group. We usually have a monthly meet plus trail ride quite a bit.

 

[DizzyDoyle]

[MENTION=151910]ScottD[/MENTION], nice looking 4Runner! I am just down the road in Athens and I spend a lot of time in the Loganville area with my girl's family. I will keep an eye out for your 4Runner.

 

[ScottD]

Added this now. It is a Ram mount holding a Galaxy Tab A 7" tablet. It has stand alone GPS. I run Backcountry Navigator on it which allows you to download a wide array of maps including topo maps and forest service maps.

I also run AutoGuard which is a DashCam program that runs in the background.

The nice part is that at camp you can pull the tablet out and use it like a regular tablet to read, music, photos, etc.

 

[ScottD]

Rola roof racj with extention.

Got the roof rack on but I don't leave it on all the time. It is handy for extra gear and seems sturdy. It has the extension.

I needed a rear step to help get to the rack so I added this. It looks close to the factory side step bars plus gives a little added protection from bumps. I do leave the step on all the time. Only took about a week to learn not to bash my shins when getting stuff out of the back.

 

[ScottD]

Dash Cam

So I have been using Autoguard on my tablet and like it but it can be a pain to boot up for a short trip. Then the other day I was almost hit by a driver-less car that had rolled out of a gas station. Narrowly missing me as it rolled across a two lane highway htrough a construction site and then back across the same highway. No dash cam. So I did my research and landed on this.

It is a KDLINKS DX2 with front and rear camera. Hardwire capable, great quality, fantastic customer support.

But the mount that it comes with is a suction cup mount and is too large and bulky to fit where I wanted. Luckily I have a shop and started with a piece of 6061 aluminum.

used an angle finder for the windshield angle.

finshed with a bead blast finish for a nice soft grey finish.