SCRunner's Build Thread
- Thread starter SCRunner12
- Start date
SCRunner12
New member
...
Haha, I feel the same way. Unfortunately the deal didn't work out. The bills got to be too much and I haven't received my raise so I had to pass. Really sucks because it was a great deal, but nothing I can do about it now.
Read through your whole build thread finally. Great job Robert! I miss updating my buildthread
Love the look of your lift on the truck. Looks real clean and just enough. Have anything planned for mods sometime soon?
Thanks Matt, I appreciate the comments. You'll be back to building soon enough. I have a few odds and ends that need to be installed (new projector shrouds, flowmaster, tint and fixing my CV), but nothing yet. I'm trying to save up for some UCA's and maintenance, but we'll see what kinds of deals pop up.
SCRunner12
New member
4/25/2013
Well it's been a while since my last update. A few new items to the 4runner and some frustrations. I was planning on picking up an Elite Offroad bumper off a TW friend, but things didn't work out. I ended up having to pass on it, which was a big let down, but it was the right thing to do at the time.
Now onto the new stuff. I ended up picking up some Tundra 231mm calipers and rotors for $100 at the local pick n pull. They were a little rusty, but in good overall shape. I ended up painting the calipers black to make them look better. I ended up installing them with my coworker and the install was very easy. This was the first time I've done brakes and it was really straight forward. Unfortunately I'm now getting some vibrations when braking, but I will be pulling the rotors to get them turned this weekend. Hopefully it cures the vibrations. Otherwise I really like the added stopping power and feel safer when making quick stops. No pics, but everyone has seen Tundra brakes
I've had a Kenwood DDX419 sitting around that I am buying off my neighbor (paying him in payments). I've been wanting a double din for a while now and my neighbor had this one just laying around since he got a new car. It's a lower end unit, but has dvd and bluetooth capabilities, which is what I needed. It will eventually be tied into some DVD headrests so my daughter can watch a show on our road trips. I installed it myself and I still need to hook up the ground for the DVD's to play while driving and he lost the bluetooth mic, so I need a new one as well.
My last addition is a trade off for missing out on the Elite bumper. Todd (CrazyDubMan) had his old 96-98 front bumper sitting around and offered to give it to me so I didn't have to chop up my fat lip bumper. He had cut the flares to accommodate his 305's so I knew I would be good to go. Plus the older style bumpers have a lot better approach angles and I wouldn't feel bad if this one got dented or scratched up. It bolted right up and actually looks pretty dang good. I was able to squeeze my turn signal connections into the older turn signals, which was a big plus. Of course it got a coat of plasti dip and gloss black to match.
It's first test was a day at Hollister Hills with Todd (CrazyDubMan) and Drew (SantaCruzRunner).
I had a great time and I definitely need to do some trimming to the pinch welds and wheel wells. We had fun and I narrowly escaped rolling my 4runner. That's about all and hopefully I can get some new stuff installed soon.
Well it's been a while since my last update. A few new items to the 4runner and some frustrations. I was planning on picking up an Elite Offroad bumper off a TW friend, but things didn't work out. I ended up having to pass on it, which was a big let down, but it was the right thing to do at the time.
Now onto the new stuff. I ended up picking up some Tundra 231mm calipers and rotors for $100 at the local pick n pull. They were a little rusty, but in good overall shape. I ended up painting the calipers black to make them look better. I ended up installing them with my coworker and the install was very easy. This was the first time I've done brakes and it was really straight forward. Unfortunately I'm now getting some vibrations when braking, but I will be pulling the rotors to get them turned this weekend. Hopefully it cures the vibrations. Otherwise I really like the added stopping power and feel safer when making quick stops. No pics, but everyone has seen Tundra brakes
I've had a Kenwood DDX419 sitting around that I am buying off my neighbor (paying him in payments). I've been wanting a double din for a while now and my neighbor had this one just laying around since he got a new car. It's a lower end unit, but has dvd and bluetooth capabilities, which is what I needed. It will eventually be tied into some DVD headrests so my daughter can watch a show on our road trips. I installed it myself and I still need to hook up the ground for the DVD's to play while driving and he lost the bluetooth mic, so I need a new one as well.
My last addition is a trade off for missing out on the Elite bumper. Todd (CrazyDubMan) had his old 96-98 front bumper sitting around and offered to give it to me so I didn't have to chop up my fat lip bumper. He had cut the flares to accommodate his 305's so I knew I would be good to go. Plus the older style bumpers have a lot better approach angles and I wouldn't feel bad if this one got dented or scratched up. It bolted right up and actually looks pretty dang good. I was able to squeeze my turn signal connections into the older turn signals, which was a big plus. Of course it got a coat of plasti dip and gloss black to match.
It's first test was a day at Hollister Hills with Todd (CrazyDubMan) and Drew (SantaCruzRunner).
I had a great time and I definitely need to do some trimming to the pinch welds and wheel wells. We had fun and I narrowly escaped rolling my 4runner. That's about all and hopefully I can get some new stuff installed soon.
SCRunner12
New member
I forgot a few things in my last update. I found this beauty one morning and I have no clue how it happened. I didn't drive my 4runner all weekend and Monday the clear coat was peeling. I don't notice it because it's on the passenger side, but it is a bummer.
Luckily I had acquired this gem off a member here. I'm not sure when I'll use it, but the price was right. I might get around to this during the summer or next winter.
I also passed the two year anniversary of owning my 4runner. I have to say I'm extremely impressed with it and couldn't ask for a better DD. I haven't had any issues besides a stalling issue that was resolved by the end of the night. I also rolled over this mini milestone.
Luckily I had acquired this gem off a member here. I'm not sure when I'll use it, but the price was right. I might get around to this during the summer or next winter.
I also passed the two year anniversary of owning my 4runner. I have to say I'm extremely impressed with it and couldn't ask for a better DD. I haven't had any issues besides a stalling issue that was resolved by the end of the night. I also rolled over this mini milestone.
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SCRunner12
New member
So I got some more done since 2 days ago. On Friday I got out of work early and made a trip down to the local Pick-N-Pull. I ended up pulling a cv from a 4runner there and some bumpstops from a 95 Chevy Blazer. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/134139-junkyard-rear-bump-stops.html
This was my first time messing with a cv and it is a pain to get that 35mm nut off. I couldn't get one side, but managed to loosen the other. Then I ran into the problem of getting the inner cv out of the diff. That took a small crow bar I got at Home Depot. In the end it was nice working on a different 4runner for my first CV so I didn't have to mess up mine. Ended up costing $29 for the CV with a $5 core charge and I opted for the $9 1 year warranty. I can replace the CV if it is defective for one year as long as they have the part. I felt this was a good deal and I might just make the same markings on the torn cv I pulled and replace it with the other one at the yard. I'm happy with $45 for an OEM cv and the warranty.
So yesterday with the help of my 2.5 year old daughter I started to replace my CV. The 35mm nut again was a PITA and I almost though I wouldn't be able to get it off. I finally used a jack handle on my breaker bar and got it loose. I really wish I had an impact and that is what I will be asking for for Father's day or my next bonus. I then ran into my next big issue, trying to get the CV out of the diff with my Budbuilt on. I tried for 20-25 min with no luck at all. Finally I gave in and took the skid off. I was thinking of pulling the skid anyways to change my oil and diff fluids, so o well. After that things went a bit more smooth and I got the "new" cv in. Now I need to either reboot my torn cv or "exchange" it for a new one at the pick n pull.
I also have been having vibration issues with the TBU. It was getting really annoying so I pulled the rotors and brought them down to O'Reilly's to get them turned. After an hour and $30 I had some nice looking rotors. I slapped them back on and found out I was missing 1 lug nut. Turns out my daughter was playing with the lug nuts and misplaced one. I was removing the wheel chocks and looked at my passenger rear tire. She apparently placed my lug onto my valve stem that has a chrome cap on it. I probably would have driven away with it on there if I hadn't noticed it. She cracks me up. I'm happy to say that now I have vibration free braking. It's so much nicer, but I may need to bleed my brakes again.
I didn't get a chance to install the bumpstops yet, but that will probably happen next weekend if I have time.
Lastly, I got a new "used" item for the 4runner. I won't have it till Wednesday, but I'm excited to get working on it. I'm not 100% sure of the fitment, but I still need to add some additional parts (skid) to it and paint it. It's the same bumper as a TW member who I've wheeled with. I have always liked the bumper and for $200 I couldn't pass it up. I'll probably add a 1/8" or aluminum skid to the front and possibly to the sides. I'll see once I get it in my hands.
This was my first time messing with a cv and it is a pain to get that 35mm nut off. I couldn't get one side, but managed to loosen the other. Then I ran into the problem of getting the inner cv out of the diff. That took a small crow bar I got at Home Depot. In the end it was nice working on a different 4runner for my first CV so I didn't have to mess up mine. Ended up costing $29 for the CV with a $5 core charge and I opted for the $9 1 year warranty. I can replace the CV if it is defective for one year as long as they have the part. I felt this was a good deal and I might just make the same markings on the torn cv I pulled and replace it with the other one at the yard. I'm happy with $45 for an OEM cv and the warranty.
So yesterday with the help of my 2.5 year old daughter I started to replace my CV. The 35mm nut again was a PITA and I almost though I wouldn't be able to get it off. I finally used a jack handle on my breaker bar and got it loose. I really wish I had an impact and that is what I will be asking for for Father's day or my next bonus. I then ran into my next big issue, trying to get the CV out of the diff with my Budbuilt on. I tried for 20-25 min with no luck at all. Finally I gave in and took the skid off. I was thinking of pulling the skid anyways to change my oil and diff fluids, so o well. After that things went a bit more smooth and I got the "new" cv in. Now I need to either reboot my torn cv or "exchange" it for a new one at the pick n pull.
I also have been having vibration issues with the TBU. It was getting really annoying so I pulled the rotors and brought them down to O'Reilly's to get them turned. After an hour and $30 I had some nice looking rotors. I slapped them back on and found out I was missing 1 lug nut. Turns out my daughter was playing with the lug nuts and misplaced one. I was removing the wheel chocks and looked at my passenger rear tire. She apparently placed my lug onto my valve stem that has a chrome cap on it. I probably would have driven away with it on there if I hadn't noticed it. She cracks me up. I'm happy to say that now I have vibration free braking. It's so much nicer, but I may need to bleed my brakes again.
I didn't get a chance to install the bumpstops yet, but that will probably happen next weekend if I have time.
Lastly, I got a new "used" item for the 4runner. I won't have it till Wednesday, but I'm excited to get working on it. I'm not 100% sure of the fitment, but I still need to add some additional parts (skid) to it and paint it. It's the same bumper as a TW member who I've wheeled with. I have always liked the bumper and for $200 I couldn't pass it up. I'll probably add a 1/8" or aluminum skid to the front and possibly to the sides. I'll see once I get it in my hands.
4Running Daily
New member
I've been looking for a cheap front bumper like that for a while. Good find!
crazydubman
New member
Looks good Robert. Hopefully you can figure out the mounting for it. :thumb:
SCRunner12
New member
Thanks, I wasn't sure if I was going to get it since I was 3rd in line, but I kept bugging the guy and made sure I had cash in hand. It's actually a Demello tube bumper and is really nicely made. The welds are clean and is powdercoated, but I need to touch it up. The PO said it was meant to be welded on so I have some mounting issues I need to figure out. I just hope the hoops by the headlights don't interfere with the light output.
Thanks Todd! I might try to stop by a local shop to get some opinions on Friday.
An update on the bumper. I got it home and the bumper looks awesome. It's a Demello tube bumper for a 1st gen and is very stout. It has tabs for two lights under the middle hoop and mounting brackets for a skid I need to get made. For the price I am very happy with the buy and I priced some 1/8" steel cut for the skid plate and it would cost $37. Not bad, but I'm looking into other options as well. I am running into issues with the mounting of the bumper though. The bumper was for a 1st gen and it isn't lining up exactly with the 4runner front end. I had to remove the stock mounting plates on the ends of the frame, but I still was running into problems. Also there is only one mounting hole on the bumper, so that needs to change if I want it to be sturdy and safe. I will be going to a local shop for some ideas. I want to add some kind of crossmember to bolt to like the Addicted bumpers. It might cost a little more, but I'd feel safer with one.
Side shot of the only current mounting point.
Rear shot of the mounting bracket.
SCRunner12
New member
Thanks, I have an idea for the skid, but I have to think about it some more. A custom cut out would be sweet, but not in the budget yet. I could always pull it off later on and get it cut. Especially if I'm ever up by BAMF.
SCRunner12
New member
5/22/2013
This last weekend I went on a trip with the local TacomaWorld guys up to Slick Rock near Bear Valley. Since I've owned my 4runner I haven't taken it on any significant wheeling trips so I was excited about this one. My friend couldn't leave till Sat so we ended up leaving Santa Cruz at 4:30 am. I wasn't too excited, but I'm happy I had someone in the passenger seat for the ride. I wasn't able to get my Demello bumper on before, but I was fine with the stock bumper. Although I ended up losing a one of the bumper flares on the trail into camp. Luckily I found it on the way back into camp at the end of the day.
The crew: about 9 Tacoma's, 1 3rd gen, 1 1st gen 4runner, Jeep GC and a Unimog
Going down the first obstacle. Its a tight squeeze and sliders are very useful here.
Flexing
A lot of water holes throughout the trail and some snow as well.
This ledge doesn't look that bad, but its pretty dang steep.
Going up the last obstacle, I ended up taking the right line which is the harder of the two. I had only seen a Unimog, SAS Jeep and locked F/R Taco go up it at that point, but I had to try. after a little bit and some awesome spotting I made it up. My friend got a video, but the copy he gave me is messed up so I'm trying to get another.
Everyone after we completed the trail.
Our view from the Corral Hollow trail
The aftermath.
Wheels took a beating.
Here is a link to the rest of the pictures from the trip. There is another person who has a ton of pics, but he hasn't uploaded them.
Slick rock camping trip pictures 5-18/19-13 - Tacoma World Forums
This last weekend I went on a trip with the local TacomaWorld guys up to Slick Rock near Bear Valley. Since I've owned my 4runner I haven't taken it on any significant wheeling trips so I was excited about this one. My friend couldn't leave till Sat so we ended up leaving Santa Cruz at 4:30 am. I wasn't too excited, but I'm happy I had someone in the passenger seat for the ride. I wasn't able to get my Demello bumper on before, but I was fine with the stock bumper. Although I ended up losing a one of the bumper flares on the trail into camp. Luckily I found it on the way back into camp at the end of the day.
The crew: about 9 Tacoma's, 1 3rd gen, 1 1st gen 4runner, Jeep GC and a Unimog
Going down the first obstacle. Its a tight squeeze and sliders are very useful here.
Flexing
A lot of water holes throughout the trail and some snow as well.
This ledge doesn't look that bad, but its pretty dang steep.
Going up the last obstacle, I ended up taking the right line which is the harder of the two. I had only seen a Unimog, SAS Jeep and locked F/R Taco go up it at that point, but I had to try. after a little bit and some awesome spotting I made it up. My friend got a video, but the copy he gave me is messed up so I'm trying to get another.
Everyone after we completed the trail.
Our view from the Corral Hollow trail
The aftermath.
Wheels took a beating.
Here is a link to the rest of the pictures from the trip. There is another person who has a ton of pics, but he hasn't uploaded them.
Slick rock camping trip pictures 5-18/19-13 - Tacoma World Forums
crazydubman
New member
You lucky sob haha.
I was about 1.5-2 hrs south of you cruising around hull creek ohv just off 108. Can't wait to hit slick rock at the end of June. You gonna be able to make it out with us?
I was about 1.5-2 hrs south of you cruising around hull creek ohv just off 108. Can't wait to hit slick rock at the end of June. You gonna be able to make it out with us?
SCRunner12
New member
Should have came...
I may make the June trip, but we'll see as time gets closer. The trail is a bit short IMO so I'd want to see what else is around there as well.
Haha, yeah it was all rutted out and slippery. A bunch of straight axled jeeps couldn't make it up, but they also didn't have anyone spotting them. None of the guys they were with would help them out so they just tried to skinny pedal it and failed horribly. Made me stoked to complete it with my IFS and 33's.
t4r4life
Elite Member
Last time i was there, it was wet as hell, that was the day i said F ATs MTs for life
SantaCruzRunner
Senior Member
cant wait to go 
SCRunner12
New member
Haha, I was ok with my AT's, but some MT's wouldn't have been bad. I probably lost a few mm's of tread burning them on the rocks. I did rip two gashes in my front tires sidewalls. Opps
cant wait to go
You'll love it, but expect some damage. Mostly scrapes, but your front bumper might get in the way if you don't be careful. Even with my 96-98 bumper I managed to hit is a few times and scraped the rear bumper on some rocks.
4Running Daily
New member
Too bad that trail is 8 and a half hours away... Looks like alot of fun
SCRunner12
New member
6/7/2013
So the bumper is still sitting in my backyard...but I might have a new plan for it. I might be trading it for a All Pro tube winch bumper. A local TW member wants to trade and while I like the looks of the Demello better I'd rather have winch capabilities. This wouldn't happen till next month as I need to add some cash on my end.
I did though make a purchase last night. Picked up a set of these beauties!
The price was way too good to pass up and they came with tires that have about 40% tread. I'm thinking I will swap these on and sell my current Raceline/BFG set up. I love my current set up, but the tires are causing me vibration issues and I'm going crazy. I'm thinking selling that set up will give me just enough to get some new tires and start fresh. I'm debating going Treadwrights 285/70/17's because they will be right in my budget. I know, I know people don't like them, but I have no issues running them. Or I've thought about tall skinnies. Hmm, decisions. I'm going to swap the Tundra's onto the front this weekend to see if it is the tires that are causing my issues or something else. My fiance is going to kill me!
So the bumper is still sitting in my backyard...but I might have a new plan for it. I might be trading it for a All Pro tube winch bumper. A local TW member wants to trade and while I like the looks of the Demello better I'd rather have winch capabilities. This wouldn't happen till next month as I need to add some cash on my end.
I did though make a purchase last night. Picked up a set of these beauties!
The price was way too good to pass up and they came with tires that have about 40% tread. I'm thinking I will swap these on and sell my current Raceline/BFG set up. I love my current set up, but the tires are causing me vibration issues and I'm going crazy. I'm thinking selling that set up will give me just enough to get some new tires and start fresh. I'm debating going Treadwrights 285/70/17's because they will be right in my budget. I know, I know people don't like them, but I have no issues running them. Or I've thought about tall skinnies. Hmm, decisions. I'm going to swap the Tundra's onto the front this weekend to see if it is the tires that are causing my issues or something else. My fiance is going to kill me!
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