downpour11
New member
NO! You install them NOW!! lol can't wait to see em those are gonna be sweet
SCRunner's Build Thread
- Thread starter SCRunner12
- Start date
GottaBeTRD
New member
JELLLY!!!!
dang you!
dang you!
SCRunner12
New member
Haha, I wish, but I'm waiting on the headlights. Once those are here I will start the challenging parts of seating the projectors. I really don't look forward to that.
JELLLY!!!!
dang you!
Mmmm jelly. I'm sure you'll start yours soon enough and blow mine away. Mine will be pretty plain, but with a few mild add ons.
SantaCruzRunner
Senior Member
those are gonna be sweet robert 
cant wait to see how much better they are than the H1s
cant wait to see how much better they are than the H1s
Dezert4Runner
Senior Member
This build thread will add as another "how to" source for my retrofit, so we better see some very detailed photos of the process.
Or else. :whipping2
Or else. :whipping2
SCRunner12
New member
those are gonna be sweet robert
Thanks Drew. I'm pretty sure they will blow the H1's away, at least they better... I will post before and after photos.
Haha I plan on doing a dedicated build thread for this retro. Since I'm a complete noob to retrofitting and on the lower end of having "project skills" I think it will help noobs later as well. I will take tons of pictures as I will be going slow on this one and doing it right. I can't wait to fire everything up once it's done. I'd expect it to be done around Christmas time.
The4kbeast
New member
Soo..... Where's the new build thread at?!? Pronto muchacho, pronto!
SCRunner12
New member
Haha, unfortunately I haven't gotten headlights yet. Lately though I've been rethinking if I want to follow through with the next retro. The headlights I was going to use have some flaws that will bug me too much if I use them. So I need new headlights now. It's just getting up there in costs and my 4runner might need some maintenance soon. I'm still debating it, but the kit might be up for sale soon. If I do follow through with the next retro it won't happen till the 1st of the year.
rickashay
New member
You know, if the headlights are in OK shape, you could still perform the retrofit. Install it and live with the lens flaws until money is available. Then order some new TYC lights (when the funds allow), bake them and swap the glass with the projector headlights on your truck. So pretty much just use the new TYC's for the glass and leave the old housing in place.
SCRunner12
New member
It's not just the lens, but the housing has a chip out of it. Nothing too major, but I'm not sure if I have the skills to repair it. I might still do the retro, but it won't happen till the 1st of the year when my bonus comes in. I'm still leaning towards it since if I keep my current set up I will want to get the XB's anyways. The holidays aren't cheap.
rickashay
New member
Oh, I see....
I understand, it's not always "the best" to keep sinking money into truck projects, especially around the holidays. I say don't sell your Stage III kit though.... just hold off until you can afford the new housings. I have a feeling you would regret it later if you didn't hold on to em'.
Best of luck.
SCRunner12
New member
Yeah I know what you mean. I'm waiting till the 1st then making my decision. Thanks for the advice.
T4Rex.
New member
Haha I think this exact statment when I see these retrofits !! I want a set so bad and my inside of my liight housing looks like poop!! But I know I would never be able to do tgis and if I tried, knowin my luck one my truck would look cross eyed! Lol!! I want a set so bad they look AWESOME!!
SCRunner12
New member
I absolutely felt the same way when I started mine, but it's not that bad if you use the Mini's. They are pretty easy to install and since there is no cutting, you can't really install them wrong. I know people say this, but if I could do it, anyone can. Just take it slow (I rushed a little) and you should be fine. The hardest part for me was separating the lenses, but that wasn't horrible once I got the right temps and times.
SCRunner12
New member
12/26/2012
It's been a little while since I bought my FX-R kit and it is still sitting in my garage. I've been super busy with the end of year and the holidays. Haven't really had much time or opportunities for mods with all the rain and shopping/hosting. As I mentioned before I think I'm going to pass on the retro and just sell the kit. It's going to be an amazing kit and look so sexy, but I would be sinking another $200+ into my retro after selling my current retro. That $200 could go towards more practical mods like tires, UCA's or maintenance. I just can't see myself spending that money for more light when I only drive 20-30 mins of night driving on a given night. I'd rather get a light bar instead....
So with that in mind, I want to figure out my next move. I really want UCA's as my alignment hasn't been right and I don't really like my ride with the caster out of spec and it would give me the extra travel with my Donahoes. I also might get new ball joints while I'm at it.
Tires are on my list, but at 6/32" I don't really need them quite and I'll probably hate the power loss. Plus my 4runner is averaging 15 mpg right now, so not the best idea.
Lastly is maintenance. This involves gear fluid, fuel filter, transmission fluid, ball joints & OTE, and O2 sensor. Boring, but practical.
Or save for a S/C...really boring, but the best reward. We're postponing our wedding this summer, so I should have a lot more spending money come July. Might wait till then for that.
Now to actually show some progress on my build. My 4runner passed its smog test, which I'm pumped about. Always worries me a bit. Two more years till I have to go through that. I also picked up a Budbuilt front skid from toytruck on here. It was a killer price ($120) and I couldn't pass it up. It's my Christmas present to myself. Unfortunately it's located in SoCal, but I have a TW member picking it up on the 5th. I'm pumped because it was around 1/3 the shipped price from Bud and now I can go on some of the harder trails with the TW guys this summer. Might try to make a belly pan this summer like driffter did. I'm also looking into reinforcing and remodeling the front bumper I have. I plan to add 1/8th or 3/16th to the center portion to replace the sheet metal I have now. I will also get a 3/16th 2x4 to mount to the frame. I will either see if a shop can do the welding or I will borrow my neighbors Harbor Freight welder. Not the best, but it will work.
It's been a little while since I bought my FX-R kit and it is still sitting in my garage. I've been super busy with the end of year and the holidays. Haven't really had much time or opportunities for mods with all the rain and shopping/hosting. As I mentioned before I think I'm going to pass on the retro and just sell the kit. It's going to be an amazing kit and look so sexy, but I would be sinking another $200+ into my retro after selling my current retro. That $200 could go towards more practical mods like tires, UCA's or maintenance. I just can't see myself spending that money for more light when I only drive 20-30 mins of night driving on a given night. I'd rather get a light bar instead....
So with that in mind, I want to figure out my next move. I really want UCA's as my alignment hasn't been right and I don't really like my ride with the caster out of spec and it would give me the extra travel with my Donahoes. I also might get new ball joints while I'm at it.
Tires are on my list, but at 6/32" I don't really need them quite and I'll probably hate the power loss. Plus my 4runner is averaging 15 mpg right now, so not the best idea.
Lastly is maintenance. This involves gear fluid, fuel filter, transmission fluid, ball joints & OTE, and O2 sensor. Boring, but practical.
Or save for a S/C...really boring, but the best reward. We're postponing our wedding this summer, so I should have a lot more spending money come July. Might wait till then for that.
Now to actually show some progress on my build. My 4runner passed its smog test, which I'm pumped about. Always worries me a bit. Two more years till I have to go through that. I also picked up a Budbuilt front skid from toytruck on here. It was a killer price ($120) and I couldn't pass it up. It's my Christmas present to myself. Unfortunately it's located in SoCal, but I have a TW member picking it up on the 5th. I'm pumped because it was around 1/3 the shipped price from Bud and now I can go on some of the harder trails with the TW guys this summer. Might try to make a belly pan this summer like driffter did. I'm also looking into reinforcing and remodeling the front bumper I have. I plan to add 1/8th or 3/16th to the center portion to replace the sheet metal I have now. I will also get a 3/16th 2x4 to mount to the frame. I will either see if a shop can do the welding or I will borrow my neighbors Harbor Freight welder. Not the best, but it will work.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Nice update. Nice score on the budbuilt! $120 is a steal. Wish I had caught that before you LOL 
SCRunner12
New member
Nice update. Nice score on the budbuilt! $120 is a steal. Wish I had caught that before you LOL
Yeah I couldn't believe it or pass it up. I've really been needing some armor to hang with the NorCal Tacoma guys, so now I'll be set for a little while longer. I have to figure something out for the back, but that isn't my biggest worry.
On the topic of armor, I made another future purchase today. It's not 100% yet, but I'm 90% sure I will be purchasing an Elite Offroad bumper off Jerry from BAMF. He will be SASing his 1st gen Taco and as such selling off his front bumper. I was planning on beefing up my current tube bumper, but for the price of Jerry's it makes sense to get his. I always liked tube better, but the Elite bumper is a fine looking bumper. I will probably have to make some modifications and the bud built will need to be modified, but I will have the option for a winch now. I might also add a center hoop, but we'll see $ wise if I can when the time comes. Pretty excited, but I have to wait a month or longer for Jerry to start the SAS. Glad I didn't go through with the retro now.
Here's the bumper
SantaCruzRunner
Senior Member
thats awesome. ive always liked jerrys bumper. :fro:
SCRunner12
New member
Yeah I'm pretty excited. I might have to volunteer some hours in his shop so he can find the time to start his SAS, although he's still gathering parts.
Thanks, I'm hoping it fits pretty easily, but I'm going to have Jerry help me with the install. With his skills and tools I'm sure we can get it on. Should be mid Feb when I can get it.