Stockwell45
New member
Thanks! Dont give up hope, If you really want to get out there, save up a bit of money and do it! I just drove up to the Canadian border and back just because I've always wanted to. You'll have the time of your life if you do
stockwell45's 97 4Runner Build Up Thread
- Thread starter Stockwell45
- Start date
Thanks! Dont give up hope, If you really want to get out there, save up a bit of money and do it! I just drove up to the Canadian border and back just because I've always wanted to. You'll have the time of your life if you do
Stockwell45
New member
The 861's are in. I've driven about 10 miles on them, but I can tell I'm going to like them a lot.
OME 861 and old LC 9 wrap side by side
Before
After
It's got a bit of rake, but the new shock bushings for the front should be here soon to replace the old blown out ones. That should give me another 1/2 inch or so in the front. I don't mind a bit of rake though, and it will be just about perfect with the tent on top and the full jerry cans on the back.
A few things to compare the 861's to the 9 wraps:
- First of all, I immediately noticed the rear end is much stiffer now. The 9 wraps made the rear end float around and bounce on bumps on the highway, that has been eliminated. The 861's absorb the bumps much better, and I don't get the floating feel anymore.
- I run no swaybars. I've always had quite a bit of body roll, but that has been reduced quite a bit. The whole rig seems to hug the road better now. With that being said, I've never been able to get a rear wheel off the ground on a sharp turn with the 9 wraps. Today I did it with the 861's, it was a bit scary and I wasn't expecting that lol. I guess since the new coils are much stiffer than the 9 wraps, the rig can't lean as much without pulling the axle with it. Now that I know what to expect, it wont be a problem.
-The 861's flex great, just like the 9 wraps. But I already knew that, thanks to the handful of you that run these coils and have talked about their wheeling ability. So thanks for that!
I'm really looking forward to loading these coils down with all my gear for the Overland Expo trip in less than a month, that will be the real test.
...In other news, my elocker is giving me problems again. I switched it on to help flex out the 861's, and I couldnt get it to switch off. I had to pull the actuator yet again and turn it off manually. When I was down there I found this broken wire
This is definitely not a good thing, but I'm pretty sure this connector only controls the lock sensor, and not the motor itself? This is the small connector BTW. I'll try to figure it out on my next day off, whenever that might be.
OME 861 and old LC 9 wrap side by side
Before
After
It's got a bit of rake, but the new shock bushings for the front should be here soon to replace the old blown out ones. That should give me another 1/2 inch or so in the front. I don't mind a bit of rake though, and it will be just about perfect with the tent on top and the full jerry cans on the back.
A few things to compare the 861's to the 9 wraps:
- First of all, I immediately noticed the rear end is much stiffer now. The 9 wraps made the rear end float around and bounce on bumps on the highway, that has been eliminated. The 861's absorb the bumps much better, and I don't get the floating feel anymore.
- I run no swaybars. I've always had quite a bit of body roll, but that has been reduced quite a bit. The whole rig seems to hug the road better now. With that being said, I've never been able to get a rear wheel off the ground on a sharp turn with the 9 wraps. Today I did it with the 861's, it was a bit scary and I wasn't expecting that lol. I guess since the new coils are much stiffer than the 9 wraps, the rig can't lean as much without pulling the axle with it. Now that I know what to expect, it wont be a problem.
-The 861's flex great, just like the 9 wraps. But I already knew that, thanks to the handful of you that run these coils and have talked about their wheeling ability. So thanks for that!
I'm really looking forward to loading these coils down with all my gear for the Overland Expo trip in less than a month, that will be the real test.
...In other news, my elocker is giving me problems again. I switched it on to help flex out the 861's, and I couldnt get it to switch off. I had to pull the actuator yet again and turn it off manually. When I was down there I found this broken wire
This is definitely not a good thing, but I'm pretty sure this connector only controls the lock sensor, and not the motor itself? This is the small connector BTW. I'll try to figure it out on my next day off, whenever that might be.
SCRunner12
New member
I missed this update, but the 861's look great. I remember when I would drive behind you how much body roll you had.
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :banana::banana::banana:
arty:arty::rockon::cheers:
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :banana::banana::banana:
arty:arty::rockon::cheers:
Stockwell45
New member
Wow, haven't updated this in a long time.
Haven't done any modding, just lots of repairs and maintenance! So I moved to Colorado in August to attend a law enforcement academy. Before I left I replaced the radiator, condenser, dryer and AC compressor. Haven't had AC in 3 years, it's nice!
Then I hauled all my stuff to Colorado...
And immediately blew my rear end up a few days later on my first wheeling trip.
And so the 4Runner pretty much sat like this for 3 months because I had no time in the academy to deal with it.
I am so happy I brought my motorcycle with me out here, I've been getting groceries and stuff on it and if it wasn't for that I would be screwed! The academy is done so I finally got it fixed, and I'm planning on leaving in a week for another winter road trip like I did last year. I'm thinking Moab for a bit, Grand Canyon for a couple weeks, Death Valley for a couple weeks, then travel up the California coast for awhile.
Haven't done any modding, just lots of repairs and maintenance! So I moved to Colorado in August to attend a law enforcement academy. Before I left I replaced the radiator, condenser, dryer and AC compressor. Haven't had AC in 3 years, it's nice!
Then I hauled all my stuff to Colorado...
And immediately blew my rear end up a few days later on my first wheeling trip.
And so the 4Runner pretty much sat like this for 3 months because I had no time in the academy to deal with it.
I am so happy I brought my motorcycle with me out here, I've been getting groceries and stuff on it and if it wasn't for that I would be screwed! The academy is done so I finally got it fixed, and I'm planning on leaving in a week for another winter road trip like I did last year. I'm thinking Moab for a bit, Grand Canyon for a couple weeks, Death Valley for a couple weeks, then travel up the California coast for awhile.
Stockwell45
New member
Which academy are you going to? I'll be back sometime after new years probably I'll hit you up!
t4r4life
Elite Member
Law enforcement. altho im debating if i should go for masters and hold off on academy.
Stockwell45
New member
Another crumby update, but at least it's something...
I'm back in California now, and just got picked up by California Highway Patrol. I leave for the academy up in Sacramento in March.
In order for me to have the 4runner at the academy, it has to be perfectly legal. Cadets walk around the parking lots and look for violations, and write real tickets if they see any.
So for the mud flap problem, I came up with this. Looks like hell, but at least it's legal. Welded a small length of square tubing to the top of the frame rails with a hole drilled in them, and secure the mud flaps with a bolt and wing nut for easy quick disconnect. These will pretty much be used at the academy only, and as soon as I leave that parking lot they come off.
And did the MagLight clip mod for the front license plate on the winch fairlead, so now I'm legal there too.
Expect a ton more as soon as I start the academy and get some paychecks. I think a brand new Tacoma will be in my future too...
I'm back in California now, and just got picked up by California Highway Patrol. I leave for the academy up in Sacramento in March.
In order for me to have the 4runner at the academy, it has to be perfectly legal. Cadets walk around the parking lots and look for violations, and write real tickets if they see any.
So for the mud flap problem, I came up with this. Looks like hell, but at least it's legal. Welded a small length of square tubing to the top of the frame rails with a hole drilled in them, and secure the mud flaps with a bolt and wing nut for easy quick disconnect. These will pretty much be used at the academy only, and as soon as I leave that parking lot they come off.
And did the MagLight clip mod for the front license plate on the winch fairlead, so now I'm legal there too.
Expect a ton more as soon as I start the academy and get some paychecks. I think a brand new Tacoma will be in my future too...
downpour11
New member
Congrats! Now, I know you will at least not be a dick to fellow off-roaders once you become a cop lol. I just got every fix-it ticket possible on my truck on Saturday. Lame. Ugh… time for a rear bumper
Let me know if you ever make it up to Chico, we can grab some beers at the brewery.
Stockwell45
New member
Congrats! Now, I know you will at least not be a dick to fellow off-roaders once you become a cop lol. I just got every fix-it ticket possible on my truck on Saturday. Lame. Ugh… time for a rear bumper
Let me know if you ever make it up to Chico, we can grab some beers at the brewery.
My goal is to not be a dick at all! lol there's too many cops that are dicks now as it is...
My buddy and I are gonna be heading up there soon, in the next few weeks. Were gonna get a hotel and be spending a long night at that brewery, I'll definitely let you know.
downpour11
New member
Sweet sounds good!
Stockwell45
New member
I haven't been on here in quite some time, but I'm finally getting back to putting work into this thing now that I have the time.
I figured 315's were long overdue, so I got me 5 new 315/75/16 Cooper STT Pro's. Had to do a bit of grinding and pounding on the pinch weld, and had to get some 1" spacers to keep them from rubbing on the spindle. But they seem quieter on the highway than the KM2's and have better siping, which should be nice for all the snow and ice we get up here. I think I'll be happy with them.
I've got an ARB fridge on the way, and I'm in the process of piecing together everything I need for a dual battery setup. I'm going to get power to the roof also and add some LED lighting to the tent. Hoping to have all this done before I do a Moab trip in May.
Here's some pics of how the tires look.
Before this, I've been focusing on getting my DD set up the way I wanted. Here's the finished product. Ain't she purdy??
More updates to come.
I figured 315's were long overdue, so I got me 5 new 315/75/16 Cooper STT Pro's. Had to do a bit of grinding and pounding on the pinch weld, and had to get some 1" spacers to keep them from rubbing on the spindle. But they seem quieter on the highway than the KM2's and have better siping, which should be nice for all the snow and ice we get up here. I think I'll be happy with them.
I've got an ARB fridge on the way, and I'm in the process of piecing together everything I need for a dual battery setup. I'm going to get power to the roof also and add some LED lighting to the tent. Hoping to have all this done before I do a Moab trip in May.
Here's some pics of how the tires look.
Before this, I've been focusing on getting my DD set up the way I wanted. Here's the finished product. Ain't she purdy??
More updates to come.
Bandit Runner
Senior Member
Yeah, welcome back. I've always liked your rig.
Those tires look sweet. Let us know how you like them.
Nice Tundra too!
Those tires look sweet. Let us know how you like them.
Nice Tundra too!
the great him
Elite Member
Good to see your still hanging around!
SCRunner12
New member
Glad to see you posting an update, they truck looks great. I had to look up Alturas, damn that is up there. Hope everything is going great with the CHP.
Your Tacoma isn't too shabby either, congrats on the purchase.
Your Tacoma isn't too shabby either, congrats on the purchase.
Stockwell45
New member
Yeah Alturas is in the middle of nowhere, but the job is fun!
I'll hit you up when I'm in Santa Cruz next, we'll have to grab some brews or something. Hope all is well!
stever1000
New member
Love your rig!
Any updates?
Any updates?
Stockwell45
New member
I'm still here! Suppose I should update this...
