TerraCrawler's Build Thread

[TerraCrawler]

TerraCrawler is for sale! Please let me know if you are interested! Location is West Palm Beach, Fl


Welcome to TerraCrawler's (formerly username "Signal") Build thread!!!

Here is a link to pictures just taken recently of my 4Runner:
Dropbox - 4Runner For Sale - Simplify your life

Some of the pictures in my full thread are of it during various stages of build, I made notes when anything was sold off like my Roof Top Tent, Shower, etc.

Here is my 4Runner "TerraCrawler" as it stands now:

2014 Magnetic Grey Metallic 4Runner Trail Edition Premium purchased June 2017, with 52,000 miles on the clock. Had a perfect service record and in outstanding condition.

Purchased as a daily driver and most importantly for extended overland travel. I will be embarking on travel for months at a time and documenting my journey. I did extensive research of everything from VW Touareg, Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Forester, and many others before discovering this wonderful machine.

Below is a pic of her the day I picked her up and before modifications.

Options included were:

• Security glass etching
• Remote start
• Glass break sensor
• Factory Stepsides (no longer installed)
• Full clear bra (no longer installed)

Installed

Misc Onboard Items

• Weathertech Digital Floor Mats
• Salex Vehicle OCD Center Console Tray
• Salex Vehicle OCD Center Console Organizer
• Toyota Cargo Cover (was sold and replaced with Goose Gear Storage System)
• Wits End Fire Extinguisher Mount
• H3R HG250B Fire Extinguisher

Air

• ARB Dual Compressor
• ARB Aluminium 4L Air Tank
• ARB Compressor Manifold
• ARB Air Compressor Pump Up Kit
• ARB Compressor Blow Gun
• ARB Inflator with Gauge
• Bandi ARB Compressor Mount
• SPOD ARB Compressor harness
• Misc Elbows and Hoses to connect compressor/manifold/mount

Tow

• Redarc Tow Pro Elite

Armor

• MetalTech Front Bumper
• RCI Offroad Rock Sliders
• FJToyman King Shock Skids

Camp

• ARB Simpson III Roof Top Tent (sold, not included in sale)
• Mellanni Sheets (sold, not included in sale)
• Lucid Plush Down Mattress Topper (sold, not included in sale)
• Eezi-Awn Series 1000 2.5M Black Awning (sold, not included in sale)

Communications

• Uniden CMX760 CB
• Firestik K4R Heavy Duty Stud Mount
• Firestik MU-8R9 Coax
• Firestik 5ft Antenna with Tunable Tip
• SS-3H Heavy Duty Spring
• Firestik INS-59 O-ring inserts
• AC Delco EGS20 Grounding Strap
• Rago Fabrication Antenna Mount

Cooler Box

• ARB Fridge Freezer 50QT
• ARB 50QT Transit Bag
• ARB Fridge Straps

Electrical

• SPOD Universal 6 switch
• Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Group 31 Battery (Engine/Main)
• Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Group 31 Battery (Battery Box/Aux)
• Pelfreybilt Battery Cage
• Blue Sea 6-port Fuse Block
• Fuzeblocks FZ-1 (used as a power distribution up front for dash cam, cb, etc)
• National Luna Dual Battery System (mounted behind Goose Gear setup)
• National Luna Dual Battery Controller
• Slee Offroad Universal Battery Terminal Extensions

Engine

• Safari Snorkel
• ARB Differential Breather
• Expedition One Washer Reservoir / Air Pump relocation kit
• Rad Rubber Engine Guards

Lights

• Baja Designs Onx6 40" Dual Mode Light Bar
• Baja Designs Work Lights: Squadron Sport (Amber LED Work/Scene)
• Outpost Offroad 30" Single Row Spot/Flood Combo light (mounted in front bumper)
• Outpost Offroad Flange Mount LED Fog Lights (mounted in front bumper)
• Baja Designs Rock Lights with Rago Fabrication Mounts

Rack

• Front Runner Full Roof Rack
• Front Runner Rack Mounted Bottle Opener
• Front Runner Shovel Mount
• Front Runner Hi-Lift jack mount
• Front Runner tie-down rings
• Front Runner Eezi-Awn mount
• Eezi-Awn Series 1000/2000 Awning mounting brackets (sold not included in sale)
• Gobi Ladder
• Gobi Hatch Struts
• Front Runner Pro Table (mounted on slides under rack)

Recovery

• Hi-Lift Red Jack
• Hi-Lift Jack Cover
• Hi-Lift Jack Rattle Stop
• Krazy Beaver Shovel with stand off mount and cover
• Smittybilt 98510 X20 Winch
• Factor 55 Flatlink E w/ rope guard
• Pair of MaxTrax (Grey) with Front Runner mounts (installed on top of rack)
• Complete Recovery Kit (Substantial, all quality)
• Adventure Tool Company Large Recovery Bag

Storage

• Blue Ridge Overland 4Runner Attic
• End of the Road Quick Fists
• Overland Equipped Ladder Steps
• Blue Ridge Overland Visor Organizer
• Rago Fabrication MSP
• Goose Gear Plate System
• Goose Gear Module Double Drawer Stack 22-3/16"W X 16"H X 27"D
• Goose Gear Module Icebox Standard 30-50 QT
• Trek Packs organization system
• Goose Gear Module Anchor Pack (2)
• Front Runner Stratchits (2 pair)
• Trek Packs 4” x 46” Strip (4)
• Trek Packs 6” x 46” Strip (4)
• Trek Packs Cutting Tool
• Trek Packs Foam Drawer Liners (5)
• Trek Packs Pins and Tabs (40)
• BlueRidge Overland Utensil Storage for fridge

Suspension

• Toytec KS4R10 King/Total Chaos complete kit (itemized below)
• King Front 2.5 Remote Reservoir Coilovers
• King 2.5 Rear Remote Reservoir Shocks
• Front Differential Drop Kit
• ToyTec Superflex RCC2.0 Rear Coils
• Rear 2" Bump Stop Drops
• Total Chaos Uniball upper control arms

Tires

• 285/70R17 BFGK02 2-ply
• Spidertrax 1.25" Spacers

Misc

• Smittybilt Beaver Step
• Tyger Locking Hitch Pin
• Proclip / RAM iPad Mount
• RAM-HOL-AP14U
• RAM-B-202U
• RAM-B-347U
• RAM-B-201U
• RAM-VB-138-SW1 (This is their complete laptop support system, substantial)
• Toyota TRD Pro Grill
• Toyota TRD Pro Grill Surround
• Toyota Emblem

Not installed

Rack

• Front Runner T-slot rubber beading

 

[Cougar House]

Good start to your build

 

[TerraCrawler]

Got the first lot of gear in, will start with the install of the rack in about a week.

 

[greatape]

Skipped walking and went running! Very nice, Looking forward to the build :thumb:

 

[TerraCrawler]

SPOD Install

Link to SPOD Universal Modular with 6 Switch Panel

I got my SPOD installed this weekend, which I bought from the recent group buy.

I pulled the console and used an 11/16" drill bit on it:

Just sufficient enough for the plug to go through:

Then hit it with a dremel to clean it up a bit:

Once trimmed as explained in 1Engineer's thread, it fits nice. I used 3M automotive double sided tape to hold the switch panel to the console:

I ran the cable to the switches through the drivers side rubber grommet:

The finished result:

I ran the cable out the side of the back of the console:

The Source unit I mounted on top of the fuse box:

 

[toppyjai]

Excellent write up! I'm surprised that not that many people here are utilizing the sPOD. How well do the switches fit in place?

 

[TerraCrawler]

Excellent write up! I'm surprised that not that many people here are utilizing the sPOD. How well do the switches fit in place?

The switches are solid within the switch panel, only way to remove them is a special tool. The switch panel fits solid in the console using 3M automotive tape, some have used velcro I have heard as well.

 

[toppyjai]

thank you for the prompt reply!

 

[TerraCrawler]

FrontRunner Rack

Link to Rack:
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/4runner-slimline-ii-2010-current-roof-rack-kit.html

FrontRunner Rack installed! It is very well engineered and rock solid. It does however, take some patience and time to install!

First I assembled the rack itself. I was not too delicate with it and so I did get some scratches on the powder coat, but as a general rule I am not trying to baby this thing, as I plan to do some serious overloading.

You can see for the foot rails there are many fasteners!

You will need a rivnut tool! FrontRunner sells one, but don't buy that, as it does not fit into the channel of the 4Runner roof! If you wanted it to work, you would need to file it down. I was not able to find one of these at Home Depot or Lowes, so plan ahead. I got this one from Amazon. It was decent and did the job and I liked that it came with a bunch of Rivnuts. Here is a picture of the tool:

You will want to practice with this tool. I am not sure what the fix is if you should botch the install of a rivnut, but it likely involves drilling it out and then possibly having to fish the rivnut out of the headliner. FrontRunner does not give any extra fasteners so having extra would be advised. In fact, it's a good idea to do an inventory quickly of all the parts. I was very impressed by their packing and quality control, but in my case I did not get a fastener pack with my foot rails, but a quick call to FrontRunner and I had one in the mailbox in a few days.

Here is a pic of a rivnut and one I practiced on, you can see how they are compressed:

The directions talk about measuring the holes for the front of the foot rail. Instead I just used the foot rail itself as a stencil, I installed it and then traced out the holes so I knew exactly where to drill:

I also marked the edges of the spacer. Don't be stupid like me and try to cut the rubber while its not he vehicle, I put a small scratch trying to do that :dammit:

You drill a 5mm (or so) pilot and then the 11.5mm hole. You will want to use a nice sharp drill bit, preferably one that is designed to prevent walking. Here is a comparison of the two holes pilot and final:

You will also find out that it can be difficult to find a 11.5mm drill bit. In fact, it's difficult to find metric drill bits at Home Depot or Lowes. What I did is bought a nice large set, which included 29 bits of almost every size! When you do this you will have a size 29/64" which is basically 11.5mm. Here is a chart that came with my bit set which nicely shows metric to inches mappings:

This is the set I picked up, it is by Milwaukee:

Here is the rivnut installed:

Here is the foot rails installed:

It is a good idea to do a good washing, maybe even a polish, but definitely apply some sealant. Sealant is much better than wax for a car that is going to be outside a lot. It can be purchased as a polymer based, which forms a chemical bond. A good sealant can do its job for months or even longer. Those expensive applications that dealers sometimes charge way too much for are sealants (Xymol, Zylon, etc). I use Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. It's about $40 a bottle, but its amazing.

Here are some shots of the finished rack:

I installed the wind deflector initially. I was VERY impressed at how little wind noise there was with this rack. I ended up removing the wind deflector to install my light bar. After I did this I do have more noise and even a whistle now and then, but I am working on addressing that.

 

[TerraCrawler]

Link to bottle opener:
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...mline-ii-roof-rack-mounted-bottle-opener.html

Installed the FrontRunner Bottle Opener off the back of the rack. Not sure if I will keep it there, it may be easier to access from the side:

 

[TerraCrawler]

Got an email today from [MENTION=125603]bandi[/MENTION] that my compressor mount shipped! Can't wait to install all this goodness:

 

[bandi]

Very kool idea for the roof rack mounting !

FrontRunner Rack installed! ....

Here is a pic of a rivnut and one I practiced on, you can see how they are compressed

 

[TerraCrawler]

Shovel Mount

Link to shovel mount:
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...er-ratcheting-spade-shovel-mount-bracket.html

Installed the Front Runner shovel mount. I put it in the back since I have the awning on the drivers side and jack on the passenger side. I will be shuffling things a bit however. Final setup will likely have the Krazy Beaver shovel in this spot, and the scoop moved to a stand off mount off the HiLift Jack.

For those that are curious, metal detecting is a huge hobby of mine, and so that is what the scoop is for. That scoop has an extra large diameter on the handle, which is made of carbon fiber. Because of the large diameter handle, the shovel mount strap barely hits the lift gate. I will be installing some 3M clear tape to remedy any pain abrasion. However, once I move the KB shovel to this spot, I am fairly certain its going to clear just fine.

Overall, it's a good mount, nice ratcheting action, and I am glad I can make use of that part of the rack. Eventually a Road Shower will be sitting up there, but more on top of the rack, so the shovel mount should still be working fine.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

Love how in depth you are with your write ups. I will definitely reference this when I purchase a FR rack.

 

[TerraCrawler]

Suspension Ordered!

Worked with David @ Toytec and got a suspension configured for my 4Runner. I am going with the King / Total Chaos complete setup:

KS4R10 - King Complete Kit for 2010+ 4Runner

I ordered it with the HD springs, as my calculated weights on my build are already at +1100+ lbs. I also got the adjustable compression option. I will be having the folks at Rock Your 4x4 set it up for me, hopefully within a weeks time! Definitely one of the more expensive parts of my build, but an important one!

 

[TerraCrawler]

Gobi Ladder

Link to ladder:
TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2010-2017 LADDER· DRIVER SIDE - Gobi Racks

Got the Gobi ladder in the other day and finally installed! The craftsmanship is top notch, real nice powder coat on it. Went together with no issues.

 

[TerraCrawler]

I have a lot of stuff on order right now waiting to come in or to be installed!

King/Total Chaos complete suspension, complete Goose Gear setup, ARB snorkel, compressor with tons of goodies..........and still much more to do!

 

[ConnMan66]

Nice write up so far. Can't wait to see more.

 

[TerraCrawler]

Lucid Plush Down Mattress Topper

Here is the Lucid Plush Down Mattress Topper. I got it in size full, which is the width of the ARB Simpson III, but of course not as long. 96" Mattress is long, and useful if you are sleeping say two men and you wish to sleep opposing. I am solo, so full size topper and sheets work fine. I got this one because the reviews say it doesn't come completely destroyed when you wash it, like so many others. It was cheap and not too thick. I worry a 4" or 5" topper could be too thick when you add in bedding, pillows, etc. I think this one is the right size.

Link to item on Amazon

 

[TerraCrawler]

Mellanni Sheets

As you can see these don't look all that impressive. It's because there is no real mattress structure underneath. The sheets are attached to my down mattress topper. I can't attach them to the actual ARB mattress as its 96" long. It really is fine though, this will make a nice pad to sleep on and comfortable. Nothing special about these sheets, they are a good value and highly rated on Amazon, one of the highest rated sheets on there. I got them in size Full to match my mattress topper.

Link to item on Amazon