swimmerdude1127's build thread

[swimmerdude1127]

Well, looks like it's time to do a build thread... my goal here is to help out the newcomer to this with any mods he/she is looking to do. I know next to nothing compared to mostly everyone on this forum, so it'd be great to give back to those who were like me when they started (totally clueless haha).

For now I will list my current mods, future/planned mods, and will get to posting pics over the next few days hopefully. Anyone feel free to hit me up via PM with any questions.

My goal/end-state for this truck is to have something first and foremost that I enjoy, that is very trail/offroad capable, and in general just very useful and fun.

Specifically I'd like to thank [MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION], [MENTION=51030]joneseyyy[/MENTION], [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION], and [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] for giving me some pointers on various topics. Also gotta add [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] to the list for sure.



Current mods/gear:


-35% front window tint
-Cup holders (credit goes to Antman)
-2 bike fork mounts on front of Gobi (credit again goes to Antman)
-17x8.5 SCS-6 wheels with 285/70/17 Goodyear MT/R kevlars
-Gobi Stealth roof rack w/ ladder, non-removable sunroof insert (I don't have a sunroof)
-Gobi Hi lift mount
-Gobi stealth toolbox
-2x Rigid SR-M floods and 2x SR-Q floods on the rear of the roof rack
-Rigid E 40" combo pattern with custom bracket on the Gobi
-Rigid 30" combo behind the grill
-ARB compressor in a box (WAAYYY more useful than I ever anticipated)
-hitch shackle (actually pretty useful), especially when you dunk your rear in something where you can't get to the rear recovery point
-Weathertech cargo liner and digital fit floor mats all around
-Icon extended travel coilovers with CDC, Icon/Metal-tech ext. travel rear w/ CDC and offset rear links
-FJ style "TOYOTA" lettered grill (thanks Adio3x), lettering to match my magnetic gray metallic
-OTRATTW Contura V switch bracket, currently a 4-switch setup
-Blacked out rear chrome with Plasti Dip
-Vision-X Tantrum rock lights
-Shrockworks full skids, sliders, and TE trim piece
-3M vinyl matte black hood wrap (center patch)
-Rotopax 4gal gas can on rear of roof rack w/ lox mount
-Blacked out door handles (Plasti-Dip)
-Both sway bars removed
-Fire extinguisher mounted in cargo area
-Shrockworks front bumper w/ full tubing
-Warn 9.5xp in the bumper w/ Master Pull synthetic Superline XD 85' winch line
-Factor 55 Prolink XXL
-VLED V3 Tritons in turn signal spots on Shrock bumper
-Total Chaos LCAs (stock length)
-HID projector retrofit, quad HID setup w/ amber halos
-ARB dual compressor under the hood
-ARB front and rear lockers and re-gear to 4.56
-Magnaflow muffler
-CBI rear bumper w/ swing arm tire carrier
-Rigid duallies (diffused) in CBI rear bumper

Future planned mods:


-CBI ditch light brackets (whenever they get released) with an SR-6 specter on each side if it will fit

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Here she is stock getting tint.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

This is what happens when you're installing the Gobi outside and it starts raining. Note the icon box in the corner

 

[swimmerdude1127]

This was awhile back, but here she is after wheels and tires.

 

[Semi-Hex]

This is what happens when you're installing the Gobi outside and it starts raining. Note the icon box in the corner

It's funny how that happens when you start a project like that. And there are only eight little holes.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

I'm uploading pics from my phone so stay tuned for several pics of the cup holder install. This was my first "big" mod (i.e. big in my head because I am taking a power tool to something so expensive), but it turned out great and I'm happy with it. It's a decent mod that stays outta the way but is still really convenient when the opportunity arises. Props to antman all the way on this one, both for coming up with it and answering my questions during it.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Measuring/marking. You can see the spare through the hole.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Done pic

 

[swimmerdude1127]

This is becoming really disorganized sending from my phone, but I followed Antman's advice and used a hole cutter for a drill smaller than the diameter of the cup holders... that way you can Dremel the holes to size for a tight fit. I have not put in any adhesive or sealant to try and adhere the cupholders to the bumper, and I see no need to. If you Dremel carefully/slowly, you can get quite a good, solid fit without needing to use any silicon.

Also wanted to add... I originally wanted to put the cup holders in closer toward the lift gate latch in the middle, but the spare tire underneath will not allow it. Measure twice, cut once.

These cup holders work with my Gobi ladder currently installed (pics to come), but the clearance is without a doubt CLOSE.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Last pic I took before the roof rack install

 

[swimmerdude1127]

On to roof rack install pics... pretty sure I'll only be able to upload one at a time so please bear with me.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Roof rack delivered. Biggest package I've ever received!

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Pre-staging hardware (a very good idea) and noticed this. Little oopsie but no big deal. Used another as a template and carefully drilled the hole into the rubber.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

I used RTV sealant as spec'd in Okki's thread but am having a hard time uploading the image. Less is more on something like that.

I put on all four rear brackets as noted in the directions. There should be a little overlap on each side of each bracket with the weather strip.

 

[Antman]

Look forward to seeing how your build progresses!:nicethread:

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Look forward to seeing how your build progresses!:nicethread:

Thanks man, me too! Thanks again for all your help thus far! I copied your exact front lighting setup (6" specter, 10" spot, 6" specter). Looking forward to finally powering it up when I have time to wire the switches and fuse box. Last night on my Tacoma I installed my bumper kit SR 30" spot/flood combo and HOLY CRAP. Seriously impressed. To be honest now I'm worried my 4Runner will be underpowered compared to the 30" ... and of course will have to upgrade so that my 4Runner is boss again

Now I just need to find a better way to organize my thread here...

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Here's how it arrived from Gobi.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

It's been too long since I updated. Got some toys in the last couple weeks. Pics to follow...

Rigid E 30" light bar. I went with this one to put on the Shrockworks bumper once it comes in. I had Mark at Shrockworks measured the distance between the top hoop, and it will fit. I also had him relocate the winch remote bracket to right in front of the driver side headlight, that way the 30" will fit (I'll have to use the cradle for mounting). What's cool is that in the meantime, I plan on mounting it behind the grill with the "no brackets needed" mod. I also got 3 amber lenses to use in inclement visibility.


New suspension came in... What is it you ask?
Front: Icon ext travel front coilovers w/ upgraded 700lb spring (to handle the weight of the Shrock bumper, winch, and eventual extra battery plus compressor), remote reservoir w/ CDC and IVD corrosion-resistant coating.
Rear: MetalTech ext travel rear w/ remote reservoir Icon shocks that have CDC.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Here's a quick shot of the ladder installed. I've noticed if it's hot day, the OEM struts do just fine... I hardly ever noticed the difference. If it's cold or on kind of a weird slope... not the deal. Needless to say I'm considering upgrading at some point. We'll see.

 

[swimmerdude1127]

WeatherTech cargo liner installed. Nothing fancy. At first from shipping it wasn't really laying flat, but with time it's fine. This is actually extremely useful. I've already found myself needing it when I had dirty crap to put back there.