t4rFL's Build

[t4rFL]

How is the Hi-lift mount holding up on the stock crossbars? Do you have any more details about how you mounted it?

holding up fine; i don't keep the jack up there all time, just when i go off-road. basically drilled a hole into the crossbars, get a bolt, nut, washer and wing nut, and it is very secure.

 

[t4rFL]

i bought this grille from SRQ Fabrications:

also did the Tundra brake upgrade using the 199mm calipers and Stoptech braided lines

 

[t4rFL]

i see i haven't updated in a while. after doing the brake upgrade i swapped in the '99 springs and struts laying around since i couldn't sell them, just decided to install them instead. i took measurements before/after, as of writing this i can't seem to find what i wrote down, but i gained a few inches, mostly in the rear.

here is an older pic and below is one after the install, but the truck is loaded with gear, so the rear is sitting lower.

DSC_6691 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7038 by Mike, on Flickr

 

[t4rFL]

and then in mid-May i took a trip from Orlando, FL to Niagara Falls, then the Adirondacks, and returning a different way. drove over 3600 miles round trip.

i visited Helen, GA; last time i was there it was 13 years ago. found a trail called Tray Mtn. Trail...very tough terrain for me as i am not used to the mountains being in Florida. but neverr got stuck and met a few Jeeps and 4runners along the way.
2016-05-14 16.25.04 by Mike, on Flickr

2016-05-14 16.24.25 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7032 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7035 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7038 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7039 by Mike, on Flickr

then i headed up to West Virginia and thats when i started to hear some loud squealing....one of my belts were torn badly. luckily i had a spare belt with me and finally found a sears auto center to change it, since it was Sunday no one else was open.
WV
2016-05-15 11.30.37 by Mike, on Flickr

2016-05-15 13.10.33 by Mike, on Flickr

no more problems for most of the trip.

headed up to Niagara Falls, NY camped at a KOA
DSC_7232 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7058 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7223 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7256 by Mike, on Flickr

Lake Ontario in the background
DSC_7260 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7407 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7402 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7374 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7320 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7466 by Mike, on Flickr

 

[t4rFL]

found another KOA in the middle of nowhere
DSC_7519 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7794 by Mike, on Flickr

i did use my sleeping platform
DSC_7737 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7776 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7772 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7768 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7766 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7767 by Mike, on Flickr

the whole purpose of the trip wasn't just to overland, but my destination, the Adirondacks to go backpacking.
DSC_7673 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7667 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7623 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7619 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7595 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7594 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7585 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7680 by Mike, on Flickr

cool shot while coming home
DSC_7959 by Mike, on Flickr

Amish country
DSC_7955 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_7919 by Mike, on Flickr

 

[t4rFL]

since the trip, i've taken it offroad once to Ocala National Forest (my go to place)

2016-07-03 13.39.49 by Mike, on Flickr

2016-07-03 13.39.32 by Mike, on Flickr

2016-07-03 13.39.20 by Mike, on Flickr

a video from that day (found a bottomed out jeep rubicon)

https://youtu.be/exgcIlw0aOE

 

[t4rFL]

replaced the factory hitch for a more hidden hitch....

 

[t4rFL]

couldn't pass up a sale on the winch a was planning on buying, smittybilt x20...i saved $80, cheapest around. now just waiting to buy a front bumper. i'm considering AOR or Shrockworks. i really wanted an ARB, but do not think my winch fits it.

also purchase a hilux snorkel from amazon, shipping from over seas, so it'll be a few weeks until it arrives.

 

[t4rFL]

and not 4runner related, but i traded in my other car for a 2011 Ram Hemi 4x4

DSC_8090 by Mike, on Flickr

 

[t4rFL]

snorkel came in sooner than expected. today i replaced my headlights/corner lights with the blackened version....

 

[t4rFL]

so i ended up purchasing an Addicted Offroad plate bumper with a 3-4 week turnaround. ordered it the last week of September. i hope to get it by halloween. since i didn't opt for the LED turn signals, i made my own....will wire them up when i get the bumper.

 

[t4rFL]

it was also time for a new radio; tired of using CD's and the factory one rarely lite up at night.....

 

[kolelt]

Nice man. Digging the small LED in filler panel. I did the same today. I did 5 lights. 2 orange for blinker and 3 white for daylights.





For some ideas check out my build thread. I made harness for the lights so I can easily remove the pillars and easier to install. Used Delphi weathepack from Amazon. Like $10 for 10 connectors.

 

[t4rFL]

my addicted offroad bumper was shipped friday, has it being delivered next thursday!

Hilux 167 Snorkel installed..

some more detailed pics...

DSC_8122 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8127 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8130 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8131 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8132 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8137 by Mike, on Flickr

my dirty engine bay
DSC_8126 by Mike, on Flickr

DSC_8135 by Mike, on Flickr

looking up inside fender..

 

[t4rFL]

added LED reverse & tag lights...

and plastidipped my emblems

 

[t4rFL]

i got the bumper and crossmember today, but not the 3rd package which includes the lights. had the day off, so i got started with the install.

some detailed pics....

 

[t4rFL]

the bumper and crossmember are bolt-on, the only cutting required are these end plates on the frame rails.

got home early today, so i was able to get one side off..

and my bumper lights came in..

 

[t4rFL]

i cut the other side and needed to drill the bottom....

started painting today....hopefully get it mounted next weekend, and then the wiring of pods, and LED blinkers, i also have a light bar i'll be putting on.

 

[OnTheEllipse]

Subscribed. I have the same exact truck, same color, totally stock

 

[t4rFL]

bumper primed

painted

this is how the pods came...

so i had to make my own connections

so apparently the previous owner was in an accident, which tweaked my pass. side frame rail, which prevented me from just bolting the bumper up myself. i contacted a local welder/fabricated and he was able to weld the crossmember for me, and then the bumper bolted to it. i did not have to wait long, it only took about an hour to do.

small gap on drivers side