SCRunner's Build Thread

[SCRunner12]

You cant let this build slip this far! I saw your current wheels for sale, soooo what new wheels did you decide on?!

Nate

Haha, I was going to do the major update tomorrow, but I have a little free time now. I've been meaning to sit down and update it all, but I've been lazy.


1/26/2012

I've had quite a few changes to the 4runner since my last update. First I met a TW member and picked up my BudBuilt front skid. This thing is beefy! It was a bit beat up, but i threw a fresh coat of paint and it's good as new. At least as new as a skid can be. I tried to do some custom colors but the paint was acting weird so I just went with black.

How I got it.

Painting

I'll add a mounted picture later, as I thought I took one.


I also changed up the front a bit. I decided to sell my tube bumper to prepare for the bumper I'm getting from my friend. I put it up the day before I left for a weekend snowboarding trip anticipating it will get some bites, but not sell till I got back. Ended up selling that night and I had to pull it off before I left as a TW member was driving up from SoCal anyways. Got the stock bumper back on around 11 that night. I actually like the look of the stock bumper better and it's nice having my fog lights back.

She's so nakey...

The next morning was my first real trip to the snow with my 4runner. I'd been last year, but there wasn't any snow and I didn't even use 4wd. This time was a little different, but it ended up being 50 degrees all weekend. We had a blast and the 4runner did amazing there and back. I was able to use the 4wd to clear the path on my driveway. Took a few tries, but I finally got up. It's pretty steep and has a 60 degree turn at the top which complicates things.

My 3rd and my parents 4th

Finally made it to the top

My daughters first real snow trip and she loved it!

I also took advantage of the Hanma light group buy that Gaterose put on. The bumper I should be getting from my Jerry has cut outs for Rigid Dually's. Well Dually's are way out of my price range so two Hanma 3x3's will fit perfectly and are around 1/4 the cost of Dually's. I can't wait to get them and test them out. I might cover the lenses with some yellow film like Arkrwlr did on his.



Lastly, I was looking into some new wheels to go with the Duelers I got. I figured now is the best time so I began to search. I liked my LX's, but I was looking for a change and wanted something with different specs. I had 3 candidates and couldn't choose so I created this thread. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/133856-looking-some-wheel-buying-help.html I ended up going with the Eagle Alloys so I wouldn't have to paint and the 4 BS would be nice.

That lasted a whole 24 hours before I found an amazing deal. I ended up finding a deal for 4 285/75/16 BFG AT's with 95% tread and wrapped around Matte Black Raceline Renegade 6's. I couldn't pass up the deal and was able to talk the guy down to $600 for everything including the lugs. He had bought the tires in October, but totaled his Tundra and just wanted the tires gone. They might have replacement certificates from America's Tire as well, but I will see when I get the paper work. They are being picked up by a TW member who was up that way anyways and I will be picking them up today or tomorrow. So the Eagles, my LX's/BFG's and Duelers will be up for sale now. So pumped and I can't wait to get them mounted.

 

[NateMob]

Those Racelines are going to look awesome! I have already said it in here before but i am really looking forward to seeing how the new bumper is going to look out front.

 

[SCRunner12]

Those Racelines are going to look awesome! I have already said it in here before but i am really looking forward to seeing how the new bumper is going to look out front.

I'm very happy with how the Racelines look on the 4runner. I'm excited about the bumper as well, but I need to make some cash/sell some stuff first. Those tires/wheels cleaned me out till I can sell my old stuff. Jerry won't be starting his SAS for a month or more, so I have some time to save up. Plus raises are this week, so I'm hoping I get a good one and can get extra cash going.

 

[SCRunner12]

Well I picked up the BFG's and Racelines yesterday and got to work once my daughter went down for her nap. The tires are practically brand new and in great condition. The wheels are a few scratches to the matte black, but nothing too noticeable or that I care about. They were practically free and I'm going to scratch them anyways when I wheel. Best of all they came with Discount Tire replacement certificates, so I'm very happy with the deal.

I started with the rear as I wanted to adjust my DR's to counter the sag from my BudBuilt and figured I'd do that last.

Practically brand new

New 285's vs. old 265's. Makes my 265's look tiny.

Rear is done and looking like a drag car!

Adjusting the DR's isn't too hard, but not something I want to do often. You can see the fresh threads after adjusting them.

The Racelines are 4.5 BS and provided more than enough room between the UCA's and sidewall.

Before

After

I realized I really need an impact as I was exhausted after all this and sick of threading each lug nut off and on again. I decided to remove the chrome center caps that came with the wheels. They are too big and look off with my 4runner having no chrome. I don't mind the capless look and may get some low pro ones down the line, but not likely. I also will probably replace the lugs with black ones or just paint the existing ones at some point. Although it's not very high on my list.

I took it out for a quick spin and a short highway run and noticed the balance is off. I'll be taking it to Discount on Wednesday for a rebalance and one tire has a slow leak. Also an alignment on Thursday since I messed with the front.

My impressions of the power difference between 265's and 285's. In the city I don't really notice any difference. It's a tiny bit sluggish off the line, but nothing major. The freeway merging is a tiny bit slower, but once again not the end of the world. Hills are worse though. I noticed I dropped down to 58 MPH going up this larger hill by my work where I was going 60-62 MPH before. This is the same RPM. It definitely downshift earlier and takes a bit more gas to stay at higher speeds, but not that bad at all IMO. Obviously I haven't tracked my MPG, but I will report back when I run a couple more tanks. Overall I love the new look and feel of the 4runner. The 33's look perfect and proportional for a 3" lift and I'm very happy with my upgrade.

 

[Yoter]

Looks Great, glad you found something that works nicely with your setup!
Any differences in ride from moving to the E rated tires?
For alignment I have the Firestone lifetime and they have not raised any issues with the car being lifted.
Are the wheels hub centric the balancing could be a result of needing hub centric rings.
PS: You should order some black plastic covers for the lug nuts.

 

[SCRunner12]

Looks Great, glad you found something that works nicely with your setup!
Any differences in ride from moving to the E rated tires?
For alignment I have the Firestone lifetime and they have not raised any issues with the car being lifted.
Are the wheels hub centric the balancing could be a result of needing hub centric rings.
PS: You should order some black plastic covers for the lug nuts.

Thanks! Not real ride difference that I could tell. Maybe a very tiny bit stiffer, but that could be also the coilovers being adjusted. I've been meaning to get the Firestone alignment for a while, but haven't forked over the $160+ for it. I have a 6 month warranty on my alignment from a local shop that I paid $40, so I will use that for now. Eventually I will get the Firestone, but I don't anticipate any more changes to my suspensions anytime soon.

I don't think the wheels are hubcentric, but I'm going to see if the rebalancing will help. If not I'll look into the hubcentric rings. I've never heard of black plastic covers for the lug nuts. Sounds like a nut condom to me...:eyebrows:

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Looks goo Robert. 285s look bad bleeep. As for the alignment I would go with the lifetime from firestone. You will be amazed how much you will use it. I think in the year I have had it I have gone 5 times. Definitely worth it.

You will have to make it to a run soon, since your twin sold his truck, we need a replacement. LOL

 

[SantaCruzRunner]

looks awesome !!!!!!

 

[Zachpins34]

Looks so good! Im jealous lol

 

[4Running Daily]

When you getting JLee's bumper?

 

[JWaldz]

Other than needing some cleaning up, it looks badass! BTW, I had the worst luck with Firestone when it comes to balancing over-sized tires. However, their alignment service has proven worthy. I decided to fork over the cash for the lifetime late last year. If you're a good talker you can talk them into discounting the actual cost of it. I think I ended up paying like $120 for mine. Plus, they constantly have coupons out. Check your local deals on their website. If you get an alignment from them, tell them to set your caster out to around +2 to +2.5. This will kick those 285s more forward and keep them out of your pinch weld and firewall. Just be sure they don't set it too far cus it'll mess up the other measurements. You might end up rubbing on the front bumper a tad but who cares, it's going bye bye anyways right?!? :eyebrows:

Good luck :thumb3:

 

[SCRunner12]

Looks goo Robert. 285s look bad bleeep. As for the alignment I would go with the lifetime from firestone. You will be amazed how much you will use it. I think in the year I have had it I have gone 5 times. Definitely worth it.

You will have to make it to a run soon, since your twin sold his truck, we need a replacement. LOL

Thanks! I plan on going with the Firestone, but I still have a month or so left on my warranty for the other place. Once that runs out I plan on getting the Firestone.

I think a Feb run will need to be in order. I've been wanting to get back out and this gives me more motivation. Hollister is close to me, but I'm down for wherever.

looks awesome !!!!!!

Thank Drew.

Looks so good! Im jealous lol

You're next!

When you getting JLee's bumper?

Not sure exactly. He is supposed start his SAS in a month or so, but I need to save up. There might be a chance I can't pick it up unless he holds it for me and I pay in payments. I'm going to try and work some overtime and sell my extra parts before then though.

Other than needing some cleaning up, it looks badass! BTW, I had the worst luck with Firestone when it comes to balancing over-sized tires. However, their alignment service has proven worthy. I decided to fork over the cash for the lifetime late last year. If you're a good talker you can talk them into discounting the actual cost of it. I think I ended up paying like $120 for mine. Plus, they constantly have coupons out. Check your local deals on their website. If you get an alignment from them, tell them to set your caster out to around +2 to +2.5. This will kick those 285s more forward and keep them out of your pinch weld and firewall. Just be sure they don't set it too far cus it'll mess up the other measurements. You might end up rubbing on the front bumper a tad but who cares, it's going bye bye anyways right?!? :eyebrows:

Good luck :thumb3:

I knew someone was going to mention cleaning it up. Haha, I'm cleaning it this weekend, but didn't have time after swapping everything. I'd love to pay $120 and will definitely be on the lookout for coupons. Just sucks forking out $120-160 for an alignment, but it's worth it. I need to trim the front bumper already, but no rubbing on the back right now. Hopefully it's going soon enough.

 

[SCRunner12]

2/10/13

Not really a big update, but some small things I left out of the last one. Right after I put on the tires I noticed it had a bad shimmy. I thought it was balancing issues, but turns out two tires are cupped on the outside edges. It wasn’t as noticeable when I first saw them, but it’s apparent when they are clean and on the truck. It causes a bit of vibration in the cab, but nothing unbearable right now. I may get them shaved to reduce the shaking, but I haven’t decided yet. Otherwise I love having 285’s. I can definitely feel the difference between 265’s and 285’s on the freeway and on hills, but on the street it’s exactly the same. Its worth it though as they look 100x better and gave me quite a bit more clearance.

One thing I’ve been thinking about is freshening up the wheels. They are a matte black, but even after cleaning them up they still look faded and dirty. I’m thinking of using the stuff runninonblue used on his spoiler and trim. It really brought back the true black and seems to last a while. Might be a good plan as I don’t have to paint anything and I can take my time with it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/91622-faded-trim-roof-rack.html

This is what I’d like them to look like.

In anticipation of getting the Elite bumper I bought some Hanma 3x3 lights from the Gaterose group buy. The bumper has spots for Rigid Dually’s, but I’m not made of money so the Chinese knockoffs will have to do. I chose a flood pattern so I may be able to use them as fog lights. I’m thinking I will just wire them up to the stock fog light wiring since I won’t be using them anymore. I’m assuming it will work and I won’t have to wire anything or find a switch. They should be here this week.

I also picked up an Ultragauge from a TW member. I haven’t even hooked it up yet as I need to figure out how to program it. It’s cool, but it might have to go if I need money for the bumper.

I’m going to be picking up some 231mm Tundra/Sequoia brake calipers as well. Found them on craigslist and talked the guy down to $50 for the pair. I’ve really noticed the stock brakes are struggling with the 285’s and it’d be a nice upgrade for a cheap price. I’m hoping it will be $160 total for the complete swap and then whatever I can get for my stock stuff.

Lastly, I picked up a complete set of black lug nuts to replace the chrome ones that came with the wheels. By the time I sell the other ones it should be an even swap, so I figured why not.

This has been a pretty boring update, so I figured I’d spice it up with some pictures from my weekend car wash. Nothing special, but it’s nice to see her shine.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Hey you missed a spot over there...lol she cleans up real nice bud....Oooh Elite bumper it is then? Can't wait to see it mounted on...I think you're really gonna love that choice.

 

[mcaz5]

I'm already picturing that Elite bumper on your rig. It's gonna look clean as hell!! I can't wait to see it!

 

[SCRunner12]

Hey you missed a spot over there...lol she cleans up real nice bud....Oooh Elite bumper it is then? Can't wait to see it mounted on...I think you're really gonna love that choice.

I actually missed a few spots :moping:

Elite it is, as long as I can afford it. The bills have been piling up lately and my freaking job still hasn't issued raises. Should be this month, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm going to talk with Jerry about possibly paying in payments for the last bit I don't have. We'll see though.

I'm already picturing that Elite bumper on your rig. It's gonna look clean as hell!! I can't wait to see it!

Thanks and I can't wait as well. I really don't mind the stock bumper, but it's useless on the trails. The bumper should fit in nicely.




I also forgot to mention I will be upgrading my stereo to a Kenwood DX419. I've been wanting a new headunit for a while now. One because I want the DVD function so my daughter can watch movies in the car. It makes an unbelievable difference on road trips and our Kindle sucks for uploading movies. Also my current stereo keeps dropping my calls or freaking out when I receive a call while playing music through my iPhone. Makes the bluetooth pretty much useless, which is annoying. I wasn't planning on getting one so soon, but my neighbor got one a few months ago and his engine blew. So he bought a new car and has no use for the Kenwood. I told him I was interested, but didn't have the money for a while. He said I can take it and pay him when I get a chance. Works with me!

 

[SantaCruzRunner]

Awesome

 

[SCRunner12]

9/25/2012 Cont.
I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my 4runner. Obviously I'd love to mod the hell out of it and wheel it all the time, but that's not going to happen. I've got my 9to5, a wedding next summer, a Fiance back in school and an almost 2 year old running around the house causing terror. I just don't have the time and money to devote to my 4runner and everything else that I need/want to do. My 4runner is my DD as well and needs to be ready every Monday for work or any trip we have planned. It can't be down because of repairs suffered when wheeling and I don't have the money to pay for the repairs. So I've decided to keep my 4runner somewhat stock for the time being and devote my mods to non-wheeling mods. It makes the most sense, especially for the amount of times I'm able to wheel in a year. I'll probably eventually get a tube front bumper down the line, but I have other mods in mind.

So what are these other mods???

My Next Mods (In somewhat order)
Projector Retrofit (November maybe)
Supercharger (January I think)
Double Din Radio w/ headrest TV's (December maybe)
285/75/16's and new wheels (July '13 hopefully)
TBU 231's (Whenever my brakes wear out)
URD 7th injector (when I can afford it)

This is the big item list. I will definitely do some small mods along the way, but for the most part I'm hoping to follow that list.

I will still wheel my 4runner whenever I can, but the more intense wheeling will have to wait till I get a 1st gen. I've been wanting one since the day my 87 was taken from me in a tragic accident. I've thought of skipping the s/c and spending a grand or so on a TLC 1st gen, but I'm not sure yet. It all depends on how my raise and bonus turns out this winter.

Been thinking about this post and how my plans have changed since September.

Updated List
My Next Mods (In somewhat order)
Projector Retrofit Completed 11/2012
Supercharger Maybe Summer or Winter 2013
Double Din Radio w/ headrest TV's Just have to install the Double Din and no clue on the TV's
285/75/16's and new wheels 1/2013
TBU 231's This Weekend Hopefully
URD 7th injector No Clue At All
Elite Tacoma Bumper Hoping This Month
Flowmaster Exhaust Next Month
1st Gen Roll Bar Maybe This Weekend


I'm sure more stuff will come up, but that's my short list and kind of funny to see how 5 months can change things so much.

 

[SantaCruzRunner]

That bumper is goin to look so sweet dude

 

[4Running Daily]

That bumper is goin to look so sweet dude

To anyone that's interested my front elite bumper is now for sale. Its a base bumper with square fogs and no hoop with an elite off road cutout in the lower section $600.00 takes it for another $200.00 i'll blast it and powder coat it.

...