Sharpe97's Collge Kid Build

[sharpe97]

Sharpe97's College Kid Build

My Semi-Broke College Kid Build

Alright, so I'm pretty new here at the moment and after reading all you guys' builds I got super jealous and decided that I was going to start my own little thread to show you guys some pictures of my ride, some adventures, and ask everyone some questions/opinions, etc. So here we go...

Okay so here's some about me stuff, I'm from Western North Carolina, up in the mountains, I'm currently in school at East Tennessee State University, Engineering/Product Design major, blah blah blah... I've pretty much wheeled my whole life, growing up my dad had a '69 Bronco trail rig that he built so I was in there all the time learning all the tricks. But that's just a little behind the scenes stuff. Anyways, on to the stuff that actually matters!


The Runner
So I bought the 4Runner in April of 2013 from a guy that owns a Toyota shop that buys and sells vehicles, parts them out, rebuilds, pretty much anything, and if you need anything for a Toyota, he's got it. I traded in my old beat up 95 Avalon (if I find some pics I'll put them on here, took it mudding one time. Talk about a BLAST) for a couple hundred bucks off the price, and got my baby. I bought it as a 97, but after I started reading on here, I think there was some mix up from previous owners because it has a lot of 99+ parts on it... But whatever it's no big deal.
The Specs:
97/99 whatever who knows... Limited
4.30's, E-Locker
200k miles (now)
Literally stock as it gets other than the wheels that came with it.
Sorry that I don't really have very many pictures of everything, I've went through 3 phones and 2 computers since then. Lol. But here she is the day I bought her.

So she stayed more or less the same for a while, minus small mods, blacked the tail lights, took off the running boards, etc. Being stock never stopped me from going offroad at all. Mud, rocks, trails, snow, she took me where I wanted to go. Obviously she liked mud... <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037971102" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/15037971102_d7bb3b6460_b.jpg" width="765" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a>
But that's beside the point. Hahaha.

But anyways, she stayed stock for about a year, and then I found this lovely site and realized that I now needed to go mod crazy, starting with a lift. After reading and asking questions on here I finally decided to go with LC 8 wraps with Skyjacker Nitro 8000's in the rear, (saved some money from going with Billies), and went with adjustable Bilstein 5100's with the Ebaich/Toytec coils in the front. I don't really have any pics of the install, because after doing the rear in a little over an hour, it took TEN FRIGGIN HOURS to do the front. It was just a lot of little snags and problems that just kept adding up, and some lack of experience doing a lift on a Toyota, because we all know that all Toyotas are a PITA to work on sometimes, and there's certain tricks you have to know. But, we got it done. Actually managed to grab some pictures before and after...

Before...
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15042274021" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3895/15042274021_045ae16127_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15042273511" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15042273511_8a54a1bc9e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>

After...
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15035238861" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/15035238861_40cd6b7c5b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14837952555" title="image by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14837952555_d5e2aa607c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="image"></a>

Oh yeah, I forgot that while I was in the process of ordering parts and such, I started a roof rack build. I LOVED how the WMW looked, but with me being a broke college kid, I decided to just try to build a similar looking, full length roof rack. I guarantee that its nowhere near as strong as the WMW rack, since mine is primarily for looks at the moment, but I'm in the process of getting a hi-lift and a small tool box to mount on top for wheeling. But I'll put some pictures up of it, and if anyone wants a complete build thread for it I've got all of them and I'll put one together and throw the link in here. But here it is, just some shots of it before the bottom mesh got put in that I have yet to take a picture of...

frame
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037983862" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/15037983862_4097c50091_b.jpg" width="765" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a>

gussets
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037990172" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/15037990172_12782861ce_b.jpg" width="765" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a>

without plexiglass fairing
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851638069" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14851638069_796b6e78a0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>

Okay, so that's the rack. Just ask if you want info or a complete build!


Some test flexy pictures after she got lifted...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851827177" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14851827177_f11fd2c394_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851782518" title=" by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5565/14851782518_1397c0a5c1_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt=" "></a>

Then some beauty shots after she got cleaned up.. Gotta love those mountains...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037924672" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/15037924672_c5a31e0185_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15038285765" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15038285765_a4e220d602_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851731777" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14851731777_10959c8f4f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851681108" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14851681108_d5ca7db295_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14651400899" title=" by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14651400899_9aa9bbf6b6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=" "></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14651377869" title=" by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/14651377869_623a913812_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=" "></a>


My next project was actually just a little test, because I can't stand the two tone, and I'm going to paint the flares/cladding black, and probably bedline them, just for the toughness. But here she is with bumpers, flares, cladding black, and IMO it look WAY better than the two tone...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037961972" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3895/15037961972_e4f069d36c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Untitled"></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851709428" title=" by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14851709428_2b4a49d54c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=" "></a>

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15037942562" title=" by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/15037942562_08089b7989_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt=" "></a>

Then right as I got everything finished, something goes wrong. Starter and alternator go bad. One right after the other. So I just get a replacement starter from Advance, and then there goes my alternator. So since I had been on here for a while, I had read about the C-144 Cadillac upgrade. So of course it seems like a no brainer to do, I did it. And actually had an online coupon for 40 bucks off any purchase over $100, I ended up getting it for around $60, and they even took my old core, so no core charge! Grabbed the wiring harness, and a couple of washers and it went right in. And that's about all I've got at the moment, I've got some pictures and stuff that I may post later, but as for now, I have no more mods. Except for the custom bumper that is in the works now...

Teaser...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/14851725729" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14851725729_45ee261aeb_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Untitled"></a>

 

[tre9er]

perhaps you can fix the pictures? Only the OG pic of the runner is working.

 

[Hepar]

perhaps you can fix the pictures? Only the OG pic of the runner is working.

Perhaps he's building up the anticipation? Look forward to seeing the pics that go with the build.

 

[sharpe97]

Perhaps he's building up the anticipation? Look forward to seeing the pics that go with the build.

I don't know how to fix the pictures. Any ideas?

 

[Hepar]

I don't know how to fix the pictures. Any ideas?

Load your images on an external image site like Flikr or Photobucket and then link the IMG code into the thread.

 

[sharpe97]

Load your images on an external image site like Flikr or Photobucket and then link the IMG code into the thread.

That's exactly what I did. They're from my Flickr account, and I posted them using the insert image button.

 

[Hepar]

That's exactly what I did. They're from my Flickr account, and I posted them using the insert image button.

Don't bother with that insert image button. Just copy and paste the HTML code from Flickr into your response. It's under the "share" icon found on each one of your pictures on Flickr. I think the 1024x684 size works best for this site.

Oh and if you want, we can delete all of these responses that really don't pertain to your build after we get it sorted.

 

[sharpe97]

Don't bother with that insert image button. Just copy and paste the HTML code from Flickr into your response. It's under the "share" icon found on each one of your pictures on Flickr. I think the 1024x684 size works best for this site.

Oh and if you want, we can delete all of these responses that really don't pertain to your build after we get it sorted.

Okay. Thank you! I'll try it and see what happens.

Edit: I got it fixed. Thanks for the help man. Appreciate it!

 

[skcolb]

I really like that color combo. I think it has to be a 99+ because that's the first year they had the two-tones available for the Limiteds.

Edit: Haha now that the other pictures show I see that you got rid of it!

 

[sharpe97]

I really like that color combo. I think it has to be a 99+ because that's the first year they had the two-tones available for the Limiteds.

Yeah. That's what I thought. Just a mixup in the paperwork between owners I suppose...

 

[Hepar]

Glad you got it sorted. Rig looks great. Really like the way the flat black trim looks.

 

[tre9er]

Perhaps he's building up the anticipation? Look forward to seeing the pics that go with the build.

OP, thanks for fixing the pics. Whereabouts in NC are you? I may be residing in your fine state in the coming months.

 

[sharpe97]

Glad you got it sorted. Rig looks great. Really like the way the flat black trim looks.

Thank you kind sir. I do too. I was skeptical at first of going black on flat black because I thought it would look a little goofy. But after seeing it I love it. Flat black bedliner comes next. :naughty:

OP, thanks for fixing the pics. Whereabouts in NC are you? I may be residing in your fine state in the coming months.

No problem! I'm glad I could get them fixed. Haha. And I'm from Canton, it's a small town about 15-20 mins from Asheville.

 

[tre9er]

No problem! I'm glad I could get them fixed. Haha. And I'm from Canton, it's a small town about 15-20 mins from Asheville.

Aye, near Waynesville! Love that area, on paper, making a trip soon to check it out in person. Still waiting on J.O.B. stuff, but fingers-crossed

fftopic:

 

[sharpe97]

Aye, near Waynesville! Love that area, on paper, making a trip soon to check it out in person. Still waiting on J.O.B. stuff, but fingers-crossed

fftopic:

Yeah! I'm less than 10 minutes from Waynesville. I love it out here. The weather is awesome, the mountains are amazing, people are great, the only downside is there isn't that much to do if you're not outdoors. 30 minutes away from any shopping other than basic grocery stores and walmart...

 

[sharpe97]

So the runner caught on fire last night... But no worries, she's okay and no major damage is done. Was driving home from school and somewhere I'm the drive the nut on the J bolt for the back side of the battery holder came loose and fell off, and my battery slid into the engine, and from the looks of it got wedged onto the alternator and the pulley rubbed a whole in the casing and it leaked battery acid EVERYWHERE. From the engine bay all the way to the gas tank skid. Saw the dripping when I stopped at the house, and popped the hood to see what it was, and saw the battery had fell, and when I picked it up, since the bottom had leaked so bad and acid was everywhere it shorted out and started arcing in my face, and started to weld the positive terminal onto the battery, then I look up and the engine ground started sparking and caught on fire. Got the fire put out and battery unhooked before any major damage happened. Ran in side and got baking soda and started throwing it on the acid to neutralize it before it got into my wiring/plastic/paint/etc and caused any damage. After the acid was neutralized, I got a water hose and rinsed the engine bay and everything that had any acid on it off. From what I could tell in the dark last night:
-Battery is 150% shot.
-Engine ground is bad, burned in half.
-Alternator looks fine, no apparent damage, just melted plastic from the battery that scraped off.
-Belts and all other wiring seem fine.
Have to go get a new battery and run a new ground before I'll know if everything is working. I'll keep you guys updated on what I find out. I'm just thankful I was right there when it happens so I could save it. Glad it wasn't sitting outside of my apartment at school with me asleep, or it could have burnt to the ground. But I'm fine and so it the runner, hopefully. I'll post something when I get it figured out!

 

[sharpe97]

Got really busy with school and totally forgot to give an update on here. The runner is back on the road and running! Replaced the engine ground, got a new battery, and a j bolt, and she was back on the road. Haven't had any troubles except when tightening the battery terminal back up I snapped it in half. Ooops. But about 4 days after I fixed it, parked at my girlfriends to pick her up, walk out and there is a MASSIVE puddle of fluid next to the right rear tire. Quick sniff and I knew it was gear oil. Shot axle seal. Yay. And she sits parked until this weekend when I can get a new inner seal. Gonna take the really cheap and easy way of fixing this, and I know a lot of you guys will hate me for this, but I'm just going to get a new seal from the dealer, and then go to the junkyard and pull a new shaft out of a wrecked runner, in case the inner seal is bad too, clean it up, do a brake job, put it back together and fill her up with fluid. I know it's not what most of you would do, and believe me, it's not exactly what I want to do, but as I'm in college, and don't have the funds to completely replace everything on the shaft, or let alone a press to use.. A seal, a $50 axle shaft assembly, and a brake kit is going to be much less cash. Also going to do the extended rear diff breather while I'm under it. And any opinions on whether or not to do other inner seal while I'm under there? Oh, the joys of having a 4runner. Haha.

 

[sharpe97]

Houston, We have a problem...

Well I topped the diff off Friday and drove it from school to the house, which is about an hour and a half drive, got it under the carport and holy moly. the amount of gear oil that had shot off my tires was ridiculous. Inner fender was soaked, the quarter panel was sprayed, the suspension was covered, axle was wet, and even the hitch and back hatch had a coat. So I jacked it up, pulled the axle and it wasn't just a seal. It was much worse...
The gear is completely chewed up, and the wheel bearing is shot, as is the outer and inner seals. Just a few pictures that I grabbed so you can see how much damage this caused...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15344939065" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/15344939065_5742371a3b_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>

Obviously the bearing isn't gonna work anymore...

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15158406287" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/15158406287_8bf90e56aa_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>

Pulled this out of the housing, right infront of the inner seal.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15341762051" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15341762051_31406641b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>

Shot down the housing. You can see the small pieces of the seal down there.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/125901707@N02/15344942635" title="Untitled by Dakota Sharpe, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/15344942635_24c23304c5_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>

Also, you can't see it, but the inner seal was literally warped, and the ABS magnet was scratched up pretty good. Crazy thing is, the whole ride back, it drove fine, stayed in the road, no wobble, no roaring like you would normally hear with a bad wheel bearing. Even aimed the mirror at it to watch for wobbles, and it rode and sounded fine. Pulled the other side to check and it was still good, no leak, no play in the bearing, and no chunks in the housing.
Drained and flushed the oil at the diff, no chunks or signs of breaking, and no metal at all in the oil. I think it all stayed in the right shaft so it didn't get to the 3rd member. Cleaned it up and installed a new OEM inner seal, and now waiting to find another rear shaft/brake assembly. So she's stuck on jack stands until this weekend, so no progress until then. Just figured you guys would like to know what a destroyed axle shaft looks like. :wow:

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Yeah! I'm less than 10 minutes from Waynesville. I love it out here. The weather is awesome, the mountains are amazing, people are great, the only downside is there isn't that much to do if you're not outdoors. 30 minutes away from any shopping other than basic grocery stores and walmart...

Just over the Mountain from me and I agree the Mountain sure are nice from my side..

 

[sharpe97]

Just over the Mountain from me and I agree the Mountain sure are nice from my side..

Where at you at in TN? I go to school in Johnson City at ETSU.