Superman3043's Build Thread
- Thread starter superman3043
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superman3043
Senior Member
Uwharrie National Forest
Whoops, my sincerest apologies...
So nothing new on the build, but I wanted to update this thread. We got a chance to get up to Uwharrie National Forest yesterday and ride some trails with fellow forum member Aha2988. This is an upstanding guy, as most of us southern gentlemen are! Thank you for your hospitality Austin!
So as a noob on his first trail ride, here are a few things that I took from the experience. First we managed to work our way around a trail marked "moderate" and one marked "difficult", so the 4Runners performed great among droves of Jeeps, side by sides, quads, and dirt bikes. I learned the importance of airing down. I did what I could with what little rubber I had, and the Coopers performed wonderfully for an A/T tire. My huge concerns were: blowing a bead, cutting a tire on rocks out there that resembled knives and axe heads, gouging the crap out of these 20's, and wrapping something around those trees that tend to jump out of nowhere. I managed to make my way around without realizing any of those fears... A feat that I'm pretty proud of. I managed to high center a few times. Dinged my fuel tank skid (NBD) and teetered on a crossmember a few times (ideal). So with a set-up far from ideal for this type of riding, I'd have to say that we faired very well. I was even impressed with the stock suspension (with spacer lift). I'm sure my T-case was thanking me for the exercise. There were some very intimidating climbs and descents as well as some narrow lines afforded to us, but the challenges were amazing and rewarding.
My cousin brought his new "Trail Rated" JK out (his first time as well) and that thing was very impressive off-road (Minivan engine and all). The shear weight and size of our trucks become very apparent when you watch a Wrangler navigate the same obstacles as a 4Runner.
Anyway, I apologize for being long winded, so without further ado here are a few pics from the excursion:
Meeting up with Aha. My rig doesn't look tiny from this angle:
But does in this one:
Here's a fair angle:
Stuffed:
& Flexed:
Gathering at the bottom of one NASTY hill (my cuz's JK behind me):
A little HDR goodness:
I'll link some vids on Aha's build thread.
Coming this weekend:
-CV axles finally getting replaced
-Front brake upgrade
-OW rear springs with Bilstein 5100's
Thanks for looking!
Ma'am actually
Whoops, my sincerest apologies...
So nothing new on the build, but I wanted to update this thread. We got a chance to get up to Uwharrie National Forest yesterday and ride some trails with fellow forum member Aha2988. This is an upstanding guy, as most of us southern gentlemen are! Thank you for your hospitality Austin!
So as a noob on his first trail ride, here are a few things that I took from the experience. First we managed to work our way around a trail marked "moderate" and one marked "difficult", so the 4Runners performed great among droves of Jeeps, side by sides, quads, and dirt bikes. I learned the importance of airing down. I did what I could with what little rubber I had, and the Coopers performed wonderfully for an A/T tire. My huge concerns were: blowing a bead, cutting a tire on rocks out there that resembled knives and axe heads, gouging the crap out of these 20's, and wrapping something around those trees that tend to jump out of nowhere. I managed to make my way around without realizing any of those fears... A feat that I'm pretty proud of. I managed to high center a few times. Dinged my fuel tank skid (NBD) and teetered on a crossmember a few times (ideal). So with a set-up far from ideal for this type of riding, I'd have to say that we faired very well. I was even impressed with the stock suspension (with spacer lift). I'm sure my T-case was thanking me for the exercise. There were some very intimidating climbs and descents as well as some narrow lines afforded to us, but the challenges were amazing and rewarding.
My cousin brought his new "Trail Rated" JK out (his first time as well) and that thing was very impressive off-road (Minivan engine and all). The shear weight and size of our trucks become very apparent when you watch a Wrangler navigate the same obstacles as a 4Runner.
Anyway, I apologize for being long winded, so without further ado here are a few pics from the excursion:
Meeting up with Aha. My rig doesn't look tiny from this angle:
But does in this one:
Here's a fair angle:
Stuffed:
& Flexed:
Gathering at the bottom of one NASTY hill (my cuz's JK behind me):
A little HDR goodness:
I'll link some vids on Aha's build thread.
Coming this weekend:
-CV axles finally getting replaced
-Front brake upgrade
-OW rear springs with Bilstein 5100's
Thanks for looking!
superman3043
Senior Member
Rear Suspension
So my apartment was starting to look like an aisle at a 4wheel Parts store. I'm sure we've all been there. I finally had an afternoon to put a little wrench time in (the benefits of having a wife that works nights). With an upcoming ride @ Uwharrie, I decided to fit up my new rear suspension:
The ubiquitous Bilstein 5100's
New Overland Warehouse rear coils, bought from fellow forum member Aha2988, next to my stockers
And next to stock coils with spacer. This concerned me at first because at a glance the stock w/ spacer appeared a tad higher and I wasn't interested in giving any lift up
Proceeded with the install anyway. End result
So the install was straight forward. Took my old man and I about an hour to do. The only fight was popping the old coils/spacers out, which wasn't too bad. Oh, and hoisting those big 20's back on to the studs. It's gonna be even funner with more rubber, haha.
After 3 separate measurements, it looks like these coils netted me an additional 1" of lift (making it 2.5") over stock. I think the comparison to the rear coil with spacer on the ground was deceiving because these heavier coils squat less under the weight of the truck.
So far I'm very pleased with the set-up. Ride is tight yet still supple and the rear axle feels more live and responsive. The true test will be Saturday I guess.
Still left to do for the next spare moment
Thanks for looking!
So my apartment was starting to look like an aisle at a 4wheel Parts store. I'm sure we've all been there. I finally had an afternoon to put a little wrench time in (the benefits of having a wife that works nights). With an upcoming ride @ Uwharrie, I decided to fit up my new rear suspension:
The ubiquitous Bilstein 5100's
New Overland Warehouse rear coils, bought from fellow forum member Aha2988, next to my stockers
And next to stock coils with spacer. This concerned me at first because at a glance the stock w/ spacer appeared a tad higher and I wasn't interested in giving any lift up
Proceeded with the install anyway. End result
So the install was straight forward. Took my old man and I about an hour to do. The only fight was popping the old coils/spacers out, which wasn't too bad. Oh, and hoisting those big 20's back on to the studs. It's gonna be even funner with more rubber, haha.
After 3 separate measurements, it looks like these coils netted me an additional 1" of lift (making it 2.5") over stock. I think the comparison to the rear coil with spacer on the ground was deceiving because these heavier coils squat less under the weight of the truck.
So far I'm very pleased with the set-up. Ride is tight yet still supple and the rear axle feels more live and responsive. The true test will be Saturday I guess.
Still left to do for the next spare moment
Thanks for looking!
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superman3043
Senior Member
I have a feeling you're right. I've driven maybe 40 miles on the new setup so far and have loved every minute of it.
Thanks and see you out there man! Gonna be awesome to have more 4Runners out there!
superman3043
Senior Member
Pics from this weekends ride
Just wanted to share some shots from this weekends ride. It was a great time as always, but Toyota's did not fair well this weekend
.
Don't worry though, no 4th gens were harmed in the making of these. Enjoy!
Top of Kodak Rock
This is never good. Fortunately we were able to limp Tyler's monster off the trail and get her back to running order... better than she started thanks to Austin!
One beast of a 3rd
before the mis-hap. Yes Bobby was doing Kodak on highway tires... Pretty gangster
Aha & Superman
4Runners representing
Thanks for looking!
Just wanted to share some shots from this weekends ride. It was a great time as always, but Toyota's did not fair well this weekend
.Don't worry though, no 4th gens were harmed in the making of these. Enjoy!
Top of Kodak Rock
This is never good. Fortunately we were able to limp Tyler's monster off the trail and get her back to running order... better than she started thanks to Austin!
One beast of a 3rd
before the mis-hap. Yes Bobby was doing Kodak on highway tires... Pretty gangster
Aha & Superman
4Runners representing
Thanks for looking!
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superman3043
Senior Member
CV Axle Shafts Replaced
Nothing exciting, but I wanted to document it in my build:
Some items of note and lessons learned (keep in mind that this is not intended as a write-up and what worked for me may not work for everyone. There are plenty of good how-too's out there, this was just what I took from my experience):
- Bought parts from RockAuto for $45 a piece. I don't see how they can sell these parts that cheap, but I'm not gonna complain.
- I did not find it necessary to remove calipers, rotors, wheel hubs, or dust covers. I also did not disconnect my end links or tie-rods.
- I did unhook my speed sensor, which I always do when working in this area, but I'm not sure if that was necessary either.
- A 1/2" Drive Impact Gun will make light work of the large axle nut.
- Use a floor jack to support, lower, and raise the LCA when you separate it from the LBJ.
- I've seen a few methods of pulling the axle from the diff, but what worked for me was placing a pickle fork between the parts and using a small plate (I just used a piece of brass maybe 1/2" thick) as a fulcrum and just gave it a nice hard blast or two to dislodge the clip from the diff housing.
- To seat the new shaft, I hung the splined end inside the diff, finessed the threaded end back into the wheel spindle assembly, threaded the old axle nut on backwards (flange side out) halfway onto the shaft and gave it a few soft raps with a big ass sledge hammer. Worked like a charm.
- I wasn't concerned about damaging the old axle nut (even though I didn't) because a new one came with the parts along with a new retaining collar and cotter pin. That's why I used the old nut to protect my shaft and threads. However I had to reuse the original retaining collar because I couldn't get the pin pass through the new one.
- And lastly; while I bought a fluid transfer pump to replace the diff oil (which I fully drained and replaced), I ended up not using it. I just fit the tubing to the end of fluid bottle, ran the hose through this hole in the bump stop mount and into the case, hung the bottle upside down and punched a hole in the bottom. It was like that hole in the bump stop was put there solely for this purpose. Worked out really nice.
Overall, the job wasn't too difficult. But it wasn't easy either with the Carolina sun beating down on me on a 91 degree day.
The brake kit that I bought (rotors and pads) did not fit. Rotors were too large, so I'm returning them and gonna use the money for something else probably. I checked my brakes out when going to replace them and it turns out they're in really good shape. Should hold me over for a while at least.
If this helps anyone, then great! If you're planning on doing this job and would like to ask any questions, please feel free.
Nothing exciting, but I wanted to document it in my build:
Some items of note and lessons learned (keep in mind that this is not intended as a write-up and what worked for me may not work for everyone. There are plenty of good how-too's out there, this was just what I took from my experience):
- Bought parts from RockAuto for $45 a piece. I don't see how they can sell these parts that cheap, but I'm not gonna complain.
- I did not find it necessary to remove calipers, rotors, wheel hubs, or dust covers. I also did not disconnect my end links or tie-rods.
- I did unhook my speed sensor, which I always do when working in this area, but I'm not sure if that was necessary either.
- A 1/2" Drive Impact Gun will make light work of the large axle nut.
- Use a floor jack to support, lower, and raise the LCA when you separate it from the LBJ.
- I've seen a few methods of pulling the axle from the diff, but what worked for me was placing a pickle fork between the parts and using a small plate (I just used a piece of brass maybe 1/2" thick) as a fulcrum and just gave it a nice hard blast or two to dislodge the clip from the diff housing.
- To seat the new shaft, I hung the splined end inside the diff, finessed the threaded end back into the wheel spindle assembly, threaded the old axle nut on backwards (flange side out) halfway onto the shaft and gave it a few soft raps with a big ass sledge hammer. Worked like a charm.
- I wasn't concerned about damaging the old axle nut (even though I didn't) because a new one came with the parts along with a new retaining collar and cotter pin. That's why I used the old nut to protect my shaft and threads. However I had to reuse the original retaining collar because I couldn't get the pin pass through the new one.
- And lastly; while I bought a fluid transfer pump to replace the diff oil (which I fully drained and replaced), I ended up not using it. I just fit the tubing to the end of fluid bottle, ran the hose through this hole in the bump stop mount and into the case, hung the bottle upside down and punched a hole in the bottom. It was like that hole in the bump stop was put there solely for this purpose. Worked out really nice.
Overall, the job wasn't too difficult. But it wasn't easy either with the Carolina sun beating down on me on a 91 degree day.
The brake kit that I bought (rotors and pads) did not fit. Rotors were too large, so I'm returning them and gonna use the money for something else probably. I checked my brakes out when going to replace them and it turns out they're in really good shape. Should hold me over for a while at least.
If this helps anyone, then great! If you're planning on doing this job and would like to ask any questions, please feel free.
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superman3043
Senior Member
Weekend of Fail
I got an unbelievable deal on M/T's that couldn't pass up. They are Nitto Mud Grapplers, 33X12.50/R20:
Unfortunately my fears were realized during test fit, that these wide ass things would be all over my UCA's.
So it's looking like mid August when we return from vacation before I'll be able to have these on. That's when the new front suspension with aftermarket UCA's will go on. Hopefully it will gain me enough. If not, I'll have to look into spacers... which I really don't want to.
As a bored man, sitting at home with nothing to do while the wife was working all weekend, with new tires unmounted and left over Plasti-Dip, I searched for a project. It had to be something doable on a Carolina weekend averaging 104 deg temps, so I decided to black out those ugly huge chrome stars on my wheels. Some "historians" may refer to these as "fake chariot scythes" (most of you won't get what that is in reference to, but a few might). Anyway, I hated those chrome things, so I'm very happy with the result:
I think for this month, I'll be treating the wife to something nice for being so cool and understanding, so I anticipate it being a slow build month. It will probably consist of just getting my Clazzio seat covers and getting the sliders welded on. That is about all I've got on tap for July.
So yeah, a disappointing weekend. Sorry this wasn't a cooler post, but as always, thanks for stopping by and stay tuned!
I got an unbelievable deal on M/T's that couldn't pass up. They are Nitto Mud Grapplers, 33X12.50/R20:
Unfortunately my fears were realized during test fit, that these wide ass things would be all over my UCA's.
So it's looking like mid August when we return from vacation before I'll be able to have these on. That's when the new front suspension with aftermarket UCA's will go on. Hopefully it will gain me enough. If not, I'll have to look into spacers... which I really don't want to.
As a bored man, sitting at home with nothing to do while the wife was working all weekend, with new tires unmounted and left over Plasti-Dip, I searched for a project. It had to be something doable on a Carolina weekend averaging 104 deg temps, so I decided to black out those ugly huge chrome stars on my wheels. Some "historians" may refer to these as "fake chariot scythes" (most of you won't get what that is in reference to, but a few might). Anyway, I hated those chrome things, so I'm very happy with the result:
I think for this month, I'll be treating the wife to something nice for being so cool and understanding, so I anticipate it being a slow build month. It will probably consist of just getting my Clazzio seat covers and getting the sliders welded on. That is about all I've got on tap for July.
So yeah, a disappointing weekend. Sorry this wasn't a cooler post, but as always, thanks for stopping by and stay tuned!
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zbekken_03
New member
I really like the plasit-dip! It works well with your set up.
I had the white paint on my stars but then had it removed because it had chipped, but now I'm looking to get it re-done. You remember where you got it?
Also how much for the MG's? If you dont mind me asking? Our rides are gonna look even more similar when you get those bad boys on!
I had the white paint on my stars but then had it removed because it had chipped, but now I'm looking to get it re-done. You remember where you got it?
Also how much for the MG's? If you dont mind me asking? Our rides are gonna look even more similar when you get those bad boys on!
superman3043
Senior Member
Thanks man! I really like it as well. The more I look at it, the better I like it.
I remember the previous owner doing yours in white. I bought the plasti-dip from Amazon, but you'd be better off going to Lowe's or Home Depot to get it. It's cheaper and you don't have to wait for shipping. You can find it in the spray paint section.
I got a steal on the tires. I gave $400 for 5 of them. I guess you'd know, they retail for around $400 a piece. Dealer COST (not retail) on them is something like $337 a piece. I can't wait to get them on.
Yeah it'd have saved me a lot of time and money if I'd just bought your truck, haha. Not only will I have the same tires, I'm getting Radflo 2.0 coil-overs, and my bumper is looking like it will look similar to a Shrockworks, when it's finished.
Take care man!
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20034RunnerV84x2
New member
Got my running boards today.... Thanks so much man! Having a problem with a stripped bolt hole.... Fixing it Thursday. Looks weird/ ghetto with one on. Haha!
superman3043
Senior Member
Glad that they made it and that we could get you hooked up man! Sucks about the stripped nut, but that's one of those things that are gonna happen. We live outside of the rust belt, but I've still had to re-tap a license plate hole, AND I've got to re-tap TWO front skid holes thanks to the dealership effing them up.
Anyway, I'm glad it worked out for you and that somebody can get use out of those things. Take care!
superman3043
Senior Member
What's up Bobby!? Yeah man, you know, making progress when I can. It's never fast enough though, we all know that.
What kills me is I've seen guys on here and 120 running this size tires with stock UCA's, but mine are nowhere close to fitting. I guess every application is a little different.
You should PM your number so we can get up some time. Even if it's not for wheeling, maybe just dinner with the wives. Hell we're practically neighbors.
Take care man! Hope Lisa and the baby are doing well!
superman3043
Senior Member
Sliders
My custom designed "Superman Sliders" have been built. They look great! My guys did an amazing job with the fab work. I went in for test fit Friday and saw a few little tweaks that I wanted to make to the design that they'll be implementing today, so hopefully I can have them installed this week. I gotta say, these things are STOUT!
Last Friday was also the end of my 14 week window on the Clazzios (they quoted me a 10-14 week lead time). I followed up with Sparks for a status update... Looks like they'll be in this week sometime.
The little lady was able to indulge in her designer handbag fetish this weekend, so suffice it to say, that I'm within her good graces and all mods are a go when the bank account recharges. Still looking like adjustable coil-overs, upper control arms, and installing my M/T's are on the docket.
Just wanted to provide a little update since T4R is seemingly slow with everyone on summer vacation. Thanks for looking!
My custom designed "Superman Sliders" have been built. They look great! My guys did an amazing job with the fab work. I went in for test fit Friday and saw a few little tweaks that I wanted to make to the design that they'll be implementing today, so hopefully I can have them installed this week. I gotta say, these things are STOUT!
Last Friday was also the end of my 14 week window on the Clazzios (they quoted me a 10-14 week lead time). I followed up with Sparks for a status update... Looks like they'll be in this week sometime.
The little lady was able to indulge in her designer handbag fetish this weekend, so suffice it to say, that I'm within her good graces and all mods are a go when the bank account recharges. Still looking like adjustable coil-overs, upper control arms, and installing my M/T's are on the docket.
Just wanted to provide a little update since T4R is seemingly slow with everyone on summer vacation. Thanks for looking!
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Mytoy4
New member
-Side tip added (surprise it's black!):
Hey PD,
Do you have a bit more information on your tip? Do you have anymore photos?
