**The Duster 2.0 - 00' 4Runner SR5**

[poleclimber63]

I feel the same...

**UPDATE - I'm back, and here's why**

Well, I think I'm back on the forums. I know they seem to be dying, but at the same time... I'm not sure I care? IG is where most people are nowadays but I still struggle with the lack of community and lack of technical knowledge on there. It's just so much more "mainstream" (lol) and I have been missing the forums a lot lately. IG is a great tool because so many people are on it, but for learning and sharing technical knowledge it's still hard to beat the forums like this one. I also think it's funny that most of the 4Runner people I keep in touch with on IG are guys that I originally chatted with on these very forums.

So with that being said, I'm going to try and be more present here. Even if no one comments, I know people still use the forums for information. Hopefully some of my posts will help "give back" to the place that honestly taught me a lot and to get me where I am today (in a vehicle sense). Throw a comment out there if you think it's valuable stuff, or tell me what you want to see more of so I can make sure I'm staying relevant! cheers,

Addison

EDIT - just realized I joined the forum in December of 2010. A decade on here! Crazy... time flies.

My view is the same... I have joined FB groups but most of the traffic was guys talking $hit--- or a lot of the time, not very helpful. I found myself providing recommendations or directing members to T4R.org!! Also, a lot of the same questions over and over... In the end, I'm back here. FB groups don't have the same knowledge base or the ability to save/archive specific threads(subjects) that can act as a "how to" for the community as a whole. YouTube is better ie TimmyTheToolMan. The thing is, nothing provides the depth of knowledge, searchability, ease of access or variety of subject ie The Durk's off road adventures or BigFishAllDay projects & adventures…

I'm back here for all those reasons!
It's true, I'm not driving the 4R as much, now the Celica is my daily, but there is still plenty of things to do on the 4R, which includes a great deal of maintenance (its coming up to 310K)-- I just received a new Toyota rear tailgate latch assembly for Camelback, I had intended to install it but my sons' vehicles got in the way... This project may be a good reason to start a thread, as I consider my 4R in exceptional good condition- virtually no rust-- and if my latch is going bad I'm sure lots of others may be or, will be in the same boat, in the near future!! Not only that, whenever a 4R appears in the West Kelowna Pick N' Pull, the rear hatch is the first thing that disappears...

as for me, my stable of joy:

 

[poleclimber63]

Wow, just had a look at your 2019 Utah pics! Looks like everyone had a great time! Wow, in 2019 (we returned in Oct) my Wife and I spent just over a month in South America. One leg, I rented a Hilux diesel 4X4 and got off the pavement in Patagonia Chile! (I created a thread).. after a week, I must say I'd hand over the keys to my 4R for that Hilux! By the way, you ave a great eye with the camera!!

 

[beklemmung]

**UPDATE - I'm back, and here's why**

Well, I think I'm back on the forums. I know they seem to be dying, but at the same time... I'm not sure I care? IG is where most people are nowadays but I still struggle with the lack of community and lack of technical knowledge on there. It's just so much more "mainstream" (lol) and I have been missing the forums a lot lately. IG is a great tool because so many people are on it, but for learning and sharing technical knowledge it's still hard to beat the forums like this one. I also think it's funny that most of the 4Runner people I keep in touch with on IG are guys that I originally chatted with on these very forums.

So with that being said, I'm going to try and be more present here. Even if no one comments, I know people still use the forums for information. Hopefully some of my posts will help "give back" to the place that honestly taught me a lot and to get me where I am today (in a vehicle sense). Throw a comment out there if you think it's valuable stuff, or tell me what you want to see more of so I can make sure I'm staying relevant! cheers,

Addison

EDIT - just realized I joined the forum in December of 2010. A decade on here! Crazy... time flies.

I haven't been around here for very long, and I'm still at the very beginning and steep part of the wrenching learning curve, but just want to add my voice to those welcoming you back. I know the "golden days" of this forum may be in the past, but I very much appreciate all the time and effort that more experienced people like you put in to making it still be as great a resource as it is.

 

[RomanSchnobrich]

Dude your in Bozeman! We are not that far away. Chase and I have been talking about doing some MT and WY exploring if the border opens again next year. We should try and line up sometime!

Appreciate all the kind words. Some cool "OEM+" stuff coming your way in 2021

Dang, I hadn't realized Nelson was so close to the border. Count me in! I'm in my last semester of college for an elementary education degree, but do a lot of photography (mainly weddings and portraiture) in my free time, just another reason it'd be cool to meet you guys-- talk shop how Tamarack Media does what it does. Let's make it happen!

 

[rickashay]

My view is the same... I have joined FB groups but most of the traffic was guys talking $hit--- or a lot of the time, not very helpful. I found myself providing recommendations or directing members to T4R.org!! Also, a lot of the same questions over and over... In the end, I'm back here. FB groups don't have the same knowledge base or the ability to save/archive specific threads(subjects) that can act as a "how to" for the community as a whole. YouTube is better ie TimmyTheToolMan. The thing is, nothing provides the depth of knowledge, searchability, ease of access or variety of subject ie The Durk's off road adventures or BigFishAllDay projects & adventures…

I'm back here for all those reasons!
It's true, I'm not driving the 4R as much, now the Celica is my daily, but there is still plenty of things to do on the 4R, which includes a great deal of maintenance (its coming up to 310K)-- I just received a new Toyota rear tailgate latch assembly for Camelback, I had intended to install it but my sons' vehicles got in the way... This project may be a good reason to start a thread, as I consider my 4R in exceptional good condition- virtually no rust-- and if my latch is going bad I'm sure lots of others may be or, will be in the same boat, in the near future!! Not only that, whenever a 4R appears in the West Kelowna Pick N' Pull, the rear hatch is the first thing that disappears...

as for me, my stable of joy:

Couldn't agree more. The search-ability and the ability to archive is WAY more intuitive than IG or FB.

Sounds like you've got a keeper. Keep that thing minty fresh! I have a spare hatch latch that I replaced but it was mis-diagnosed. If you need it, lemme know.

Wow, just had a look at your 2019 Utah pics! Looks like everyone had a great time! Wow, in 2019 (we returned in Oct) my Wife and I spent just over a month in South America. One leg, I rented a Hilux diesel 4X4 and got off the pavement in Patagonia Chile! (I created a thread).. after a week, I must say I'd hand over the keys to my 4R for that Hilux! By the way, you ave a great eye with the camera!!

Wow jealous! That's the trip of a lifetime. Can't blame you for the Hilux lust. lol I'll have to hunt down your thread to check it out!

Thanks! My brother and I own a small creative agency that specializes in photography, video production, and aerial media operations. I have some 'nice' tools at my disposal

I haven't been around here for very long, and I'm still at the very beginning and steep part of the wrenching learning curve, but just want to add my voice to those welcoming you back. I know the "golden days" of this forum may be in the past, but I very much appreciate all the time and effort that more experienced people like you put in to making it still be as great a resource as it is.

You've come to a great place to learn! Keep digging, asking questions, and contribute back where you can. Appreciate the kind words and don't hesitate to ask any Q's.

Dang, I hadn't realized Nelson was so close to the border. Count me in! I'm in my last semester of college for an elementary education degree, but do a lot of photography (mainly weddings and portraiture) in my free time, just another reason it'd be cool to meet you guys-- talk shop how Tamarack Media does what it does. Let's make it happen!

Yah! Really not that far away. I normally (pre-COVID) would travel down to Spokane quite regularly to make Costco runs. haha I'm sure we can line up soon and talk shop. We are renovating our new office/studio right now - you will always be welcome to swing by for a beer/coffee. We'll keep in touch!

 

[vicali]

If we end up with a 4Runner I'm blaming it on you Addison.

 

[rickashay]

UPDATE - Summer 2020

Where do I start...

Coastal Offroad Front Bumper:

I was playing around with the front plate on my Coastal Offroad Bumper. I didn't weld it in place like the instructions recommend and I made it "bolt on" instead. I thought it would help give me better access to my winch bolts (making my winch easier to service - IF I ever got around to installing my ComeUp). I originally thought it would be cool in RAW aluminum, kind of a throwback to the old Armorology bumpers. I actually went to Moab without the plate entirely as I was short on time before I left for that big trip. The shot below, you can see the gussets or ribs I cut to re-inforce the winch plate, knowing I would not be welding in the front skid as per Coastal's instructions.


_08I2464.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Skid in raw aluminum:

_08I0233.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Painted the Aluminum plate gunmetal:

_08I8057.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

I basically ended up not liking the multi-color look of the front skid considering it's shape. So I painted it black and that's how it sits today (but still removable).

Final Product:

IMG_2491.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Side note, HERE are the turn signals I am running on the bumper. They have been unreal and held up great this last year+. So bright!

THOUGHTS:
- super high clearance
- easy to DIY
- good lines
- my finishing abilities could have been better. The reality of it is, there are a lot of 90 degree angles that you need to weld, grind, and finish. After powdercoat I wish I could have done this better. In the sun, at certain angles, you can see some of the bumps in my un-even grinding. Not a Coastal problem at all, but a DIY problem.

Eimkeith Rear Bumper:

This thing is a beast in it's own right. I have a full album of step-by-step photos on my iphone from building this. I should upload them to flickr and share them... they are only phone pics but it's probably a good resource, regardless.

THOUGHTS:
- have to tub rear quarters (not for everyone)
- I had to remove my sleeping platform to do the above, so that I could pull the side interior panels to tub/seal the inside of the wheel well properly (more time)
- Had to adjust body on bodymounts 2x (more time)
- lots of frame cutting, drilling, welding
- the above point made my "rust prevention" steps extra extra involving. I probably have 100+ hours into this bumper if you include all the paint prep, rinsing, priming, seam sealing, and dry times. Jealous of all you Californians who just spray paint stuff and forget about it.
- high clearance AF
- Loved all the critical pre-bent items, which make the finished bumper look nicer as a DIY job (see my Coastal Offroad bumper notes above)
- OEM running board cover really take this into the OEM+ league. LOVE THIS
- Took more time finishing it and welding it. Used a palm sander on the whole bumper after it was welded and grinded clean so help reduce the "lumps" from my shitty grinding abilities.
- Hella nice fitment with factory bodylines
- Best rear bumper on the market IMO, but be prepared for some serious time commitment.

Finished Product in the wild:
- OEM hitch receive plug. lol - its all in the details!
- Rally Armor "generic" mud flaps


_08I2358.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I6093.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I4756.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

 

[soonenough]

Love seeing new content here Addison! Man, reading through this build thread here takes me back to better pre-social-media times when the forums were really active. Admittedly I've never been very active here on T4R in terms of posting, having a Tacoma I was always more on Expedition Portal, TacomaWorld, and (way back in the day) TTORA. But I loved reading the awesome 4R builds here like the OG Duster 1.0. Still honestly one of my favorite vehicle builds of all time, maybe the favorite.

**UPDATE - I'm back, and here's why**

Well, I think I'm back on the forums. I know they seem to be dying, but at the same time... I'm not sure I care? IG is where most people are nowadays but I still struggle with the lack of community and lack of technical knowledge on there. It's just so much more "mainstream" (lol) and I have been missing the forums a lot lately. IG is a great tool because so many people are on it, but for learning and sharing technical knowledge it's still hard to beat the forums like this one. I also think it's funny that most of the 4Runner people I keep in touch with on IG are guys that I originally chatted with on these very forums.

So with that being said, I'm going to try and be more present here. Even if no one comments, I know people still use the forums for information. Hopefully some of my posts will help "give back" to the place that honestly taught me a lot and to get me where I am today (in a vehicle sense). Throw a comment out there if you think it's valuable stuff, or tell me what you want to see more of so I can make sure I'm staying relevant! cheers,

Addison

EDIT - just realized I joined the forum in December of 2010. A decade on here! Crazy... time flies.

I just purchased a WRX as a new DD since the Tacoma has 235k and needed to be retired from DD duty. And like you and others have said, the only place I can find that's really active for Subaru enthusiasts is social media, but trying to find useful technical info on FB, IG, etc is a nightmare. It sucks trying to learn a whole new vehicle platform in terms of mods and repairs and not have the giant cheat sheet you get from forums.

Honestly just going through here and clicking the MultiQuote button and editing the 'code' to write this post brought a smile to my face lol. I know the audience is way less than it used to be, but I think the people that enjoyed the forums the most are probably the ones that are still here and still see the value. So keep posting man, I'll always pop back in to read. Social media doesn't have anything like these long-form forum posts, at least not that I've seen, and that long-form, threaded format is just more enjoyable to read than the swipe, swipe, swipe nature of social media stuff. Maybe this means I'm getting old...

UPDATE - Summer 2020

Painted the Aluminum plate gunmetal:

_08I8057.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Semi off-topic but your headlights look awesome in this photo! It has that subtle "OEM+" look where a lot of people wouldn't even notice they've been retrofitted. What projectors did you use? Sorry if you listed it earlier in the thread, admittedly I didn't click back through to look. I still place essentially 100% of the blame on you for getting me into HIDs and retrofits. The WRX I picked up has factory halogen projectors so I need to pick up an HID conversion kit from DD, but I'm lusting after a full retrofit.

P.S. I just realized I never responded to your email lol, my bad man.

 

[poleclimber63]

Couldn't agree more. The search-ability and the ability to archive is WAY more intuitive than IG or FB.

Sounds like you've got a keeper. Keep that thing minty fresh! I have a spare hatch latch that I replaced but it was mis-diagnosed. If you need it, lemme know.


Wow jealous! That's the trip of a lifetime. Can't blame you for the Hilux lust. lol I'll have to hunt down your thread to check it out!

Thanks! My brother and I own a small creative agency that specializes in photography, video production, and aerial media operations. I have some 'nice' tools at my disposal

I plan on keeping this truck until gas is longer available for Sale, or I can no longer climb into the drivers' seat!
I appreciate the offer of the latch, unfortunately, I've had the latch I ordered from Camelback sitting on my workbench for over a month...

Our trip to S. America was absolutely amazing! (link: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/278062-vacation-patagonia-chile.html)Aside from Patagonia, we covered a significant area of Argentina-- by car! One of the most incredible drives was from Salta on route 51 to Olacapato Chico (salt flats), the pass was a gravel track 6-7m wide, with a 2200m alt increase in 15km (post #19 On vacation in Patagonia Chile ) I've NEVER seen so many switchbacks-- huge trucks, cars all creeping up at 15kmh! Insane! The whole trip was an incredible adventure! Maybe just enough of an adventure to tide me over till the catastrophe ends...

All your pics are really great! I'm not surprised you do it for a living... My Wife is our talented photographer (and a pet portrait artist), I'm not so much...

 

[wrench.n.wheel]

Its an honor and pleasure to have read through this thread. Excited to see what you have in store next.

 

[rickashay]

Love seeing new content here Addison! Man, reading through this build thread here takes me back to better pre-social-media times when the forums were really active. Admittedly I've never been very active here on T4R in terms of posting, having a Tacoma I was always more on Expedition Portal, TacomaWorld, and (way back in the day) TTORA. But I loved reading the awesome 4R builds here like the OG Duster 1.0. Still honestly one of my favorite vehicle builds of all time, maybe the favorite.

I just purchased a WRX as a new DD since the Tacoma has 235k and needed to be retired from DD duty. And like you and others have said, the only place I can find that's really active for Subaru enthusiasts is social media, but trying to find useful technical info on FB, IG, etc is a nightmare. It sucks trying to learn a whole new vehicle platform in terms of mods and repairs and not have the giant cheat sheet you get from forums.

Honestly just going through here and clicking the MultiQuote button and editing the 'code' to write this post brought a smile to my face lol. I know the audience is way less than it used to be, but I think the people that enjoyed the forums the most are probably the ones that are still here and still see the value. So keep posting man, I'll always pop back in to read. Social media doesn't have anything like these long-form forum posts, at least not that I've seen, and that long-form, threaded format is just more enjoyable to read than the swipe, swipe, swipe nature of social media stuff. Maybe this means I'm getting old...

Semi off-topic but your headlights look awesome in this photo! It has that subtle "OEM+" look where a lot of people wouldn't even notice they've been retrofitted. What projectors did you use? Sorry if you listed it earlier in the thread, admittedly I didn't click back through to look. I still place essentially 100% of the blame on you for getting me into HIDs and retrofits. The WRX I picked up has factory halogen projectors so I need to pick up an HID conversion kit from DD, but I'm lusting after a full retrofit.

P.S. I just realized I never responded to your email lol, my bad man.

Hey Ryan thanks for dropping in over here! Lots to respond to:
- stoked for you on the WRX; they are awesome cars! Little more fun to drive than the Tacoma too Also, now you can put the Tacoma in the garage and get it ready for Colossal. That's a big drive (I've done it) so get that PM going! haha
- TTORA ... now we are dating ourselves.
- Glad I got you hooked on projectors. Still such a practical mod, I can't preach that enough to people. You use them everyday! I miss the old LS projectors (liek yours) but they are getting very expensive and hard to find. Plus the out-of-the-box Morimoto Mini 5.0 projectors (the ones in my 4Runner) are so good right out of the box. Props to Morimoto (TRS) for continually upping the game as a company. I still would kill for the rare-factor of another set of LS projectors though. Paging Tony [MENTION=30949]SIKHILUXSURF[/MENTION]
- No worries on the email, I think my last response time to you was like what, 3 months? lol Life is BUSY

I plan on keeping this truck until gas is longer available for Sale, or I can no longer climb into the drivers' seat!
I appreciate the offer of the latch, unfortunately, I've had the latch I ordered from Camelback sitting on my workbench for over a month...

Our trip to S. America was absolutely amazing! (link: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/278062-vacation-patagonia-chile.html)Aside from Patagonia, we covered a significant area of Argentina-- by car! One of the most incredible drives was from Salta on route 51 to Olacapato Chico (salt flats), the pass was a gravel track 6-7m wide, with a 2200m alt increase in 15km (post #19 On vacation in Patagonia Chile ) I've NEVER seen so many switchbacks-- huge trucks, cars all creeping up at 15kmh! Insane! The whole trip was an incredible adventure! Maybe just enough of an adventure to tide me over till the catastrophe ends...

All your pics are really great! I'm not surprised you do it for a living... My Wife is our talented photographer (and a pet portrait artist), I'm not so much...

Your trip looked insane! Jealous is all I can say. I really do hope I am able to follow in similar footsteps one day. So rad. Don't need to be a pro photographer either, just need to use what you have, but more importantly make sure you take the time to take in the moment and not worry about the photos. Memories are worth more than the photos (I have to remind myself of this sometimes too... gotta live in the moment as much as possible!)

Its an honor and pleasure to have read through this thread. Excited to see what you have in store next.

Thanks for the respect, but not needed. It's the community of good people and the information that make these forums good! Your thread is awesome too.. keep it coming and stoked for the Rubicon after I get a crawlbox put in my junk

 

[rickashay]

I for one am glad that your going to be posting here! I've never gotten into IG or facebook. I just thing these forums are the best possible way to record and archive so much information. The community is/was great. I wish we still had a more active 3rd gen section, but I know a lot of people don't want 20 year old vehicles. Still the best car I've ever owned.

I have really enjoyed all your builds. Your photography and attention to detail are a cut above the rest. Keep on!

Thanks a lot for the kind words! You nailed it... best possible way to record and archive info. 20 year old vehicles have all the character... people don't know what they are missing

Always glad to see you around man, your builds are always inspiration for a lot of us. That Lexus is SLICK btw.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Was creepin' your clean build the other day. That Sport Edition is too clean.

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION], I am another member that is thrilled to hear you will be posting more regularly here. I'm (probably) older than most members on here, and have never had a IG or Facebook account, but have always enjoyed this forum and have gained a lot of knowledge from it. I drew a lot of inspiration for your original Duster build. I appreciate your level of attention and the thought you put into your builds, and the fact you take them out and use them...

Also, love the SC400. I have always liked that model. They are very rare around here. The only ones I see are 'abused'...

And so...a while ago you started a thread on rear coils. That thread kinda got derailed, IMO. What did you end up deciding to do?

Cheers

Durwin

Hey Durwin, thanks! Ditto on all acounts. Rear Coil thread totally got derailed and turned into a general "what lift should I go with thread", but that's OK. Still some good info in there. I should take responsibility and do a better job asking for specific information and compiling it in the original post so that all the relevant info is easily represented, then I don't care what the discussion is thereafter.

To answer your question, I am still on 7 wraps and have too much rake. I should actually verify that I have 7 wraps though as I feel like I might have been sold 8 wraps and seeing as how the dots are worn off, it makes it slightly harder to verify. I decided to wait until I do the F150 fuel tank swap and all that weight moves out to the rear, before I attempt to fine tune my rear ride height. A project for this winter....

If we end up with a 4Runner I'm blaming it on you Addison.

Lol That's ok Mike. I accept full responsibility.

 

[cblock406]

Awesome build. I might not have commented before but I've enjoyed going through all of your build threads since I've been on the forum.

Can I ask what kind of spoiler you have? I've never seen an acrylic one (or whatever material that is) before, but I like it.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

brotha! I’m still alive! I haven’t forgotten about you! My head has been in the clouds from this anticipating the Bronco order. Well we are pushed back another month till Jan 2021 on the build and order date. But once I’m ready to part everything out the headlights can get on their way to you. I just need to build another set to go on the rig to replace them.

 

[Fishwerks]

Glad you are posting on here again, great photos as always. Truck and the daily are looking good!

 

[Dezert4Runner]

UPDATE - Summer 2020

Side note, HERE are the turn signals I am running on the bumper. They have been unreal and held up great this last year+. So bright!

Do you have daytime photos showing how bright the VLed amber strip lights are? I’m using one of the brightest amber 7440 leds I can find inside of my amber tinted corner markers, and they work great even in the daytime but I’ve been thinking about adding another more forward facing turn signal on the front of my tube bumper or on the headlight filler plate, and a lot of the cheaper smaller aftermarket amber leds are not bright enough for daytime use IMO.

 

[poleclimber63]

Your trip looked insane! Jealous is all I can say. I really do hope I am able to follow in similar footsteps one day. So rad. Don't need to be a pro photographer either, just need to use what you have, but more importantly make sure you take the time to take in the moment and not worry about the photos. Memories are worth more than the photos (I have to remind myself of this sometimes too... gotta live in the moment as much as possible!)

CAN'T AGREE MORE!
Having travelled a little when I finished College--backpacking through the UK and France, doing the youth hostel experience (and camping across the Western US)-- I wouldn't change a thing! Then meeting my English Wife and spending many Summers' crisscrossing the USA and Canada with her by car, and later with the family, and now, the two of us, seeing more of the World now that we have the time and $$, I feel blessed! Before we met, My Wife had already travelled extensively--- travel was a passion in her family--- her brother has spent the last 30 years living and travelling in India and Asia--- her parents embarked on 2 world tours after retirement! I don't know if we'll be able to match this, but I'm sure my Wife has plans to try!
Out of the trips we've done so far, Vietnam and SE Asia was the least expensive and unsurprisingly, Eastern Europe the most expensive(excluding the USA$$$). S. America was very reasonable approx. $12kCDN (5 wks)-- not much more than Vietnam... My Wife is not a fan of tours, so we have always researched routes in detail--- my Wife planned all flights, accommodations and itineraries in advance, leaving wiggle room for changes when we arrived. All our adventures have been unbelievable experiences-- the things we've seen and done....I have to pinch myself!! We've been doing this for 6 years now, and because I get 6 weeks of vacation a year, all doable!
In the end, its the memories and experiences that make us who we are, and hopefully more compassionate and better global citizens! I don't take for granted, for one moment, how lucky we've been to be in a place or be in a position, to do the things we have!!

 

[rickashay]

Awesome build. I might not have commented before but I've enjoyed going through all of your build threads since I've been on the forum.

Can I ask what kind of spoiler you have? I've never seen an acrylic one (or whatever material that is) before, but I like it.

Thanks! Damn your truck is clean too. Love it.

The rear spoiler is a Toyota unit. That's all I know... Canada spec from 2000. Not sure if that helps you. lol I agree though, I like the dark tint/transparency of it.

brotha! I’m still alive! I haven’t forgotten about you! My head has been in the clouds from this anticipating the Bronco order. Well we are pushed back another month till Jan 2021 on the build and order date. But once I’m ready to part everything out the headlights can get on their way to you. I just need to build another set to go on the rig to replace them.

Tony! All good dude. Maybe we could work out a trade so it's easy for you? No rush. Stoked to see what you do with that Bronco!

Glad you are posting on here again, great photos as always. Truck and the daily are looking good!

Cheers as always dude! Need to line up and wheel! (been saying this forever...)

Do you have daytime photos showing how bright the VLed amber strip lights are? I’m using one of the brightest amber 7440 leds I can find inside of my amber tinted corner markers, and they work great even in the daytime but I’ve been thinking about adding another more forward facing turn signal on the front of my tube bumper or on the headlight filler plate, and a lot of the cheaper smaller aftermarket amber leds are not bright enough for daytime use IMO.

Hmmm I don't actually. I will make a point of grabbing some for you though. They are SUPER bright. I would highly recommend them.

 

[rickashay]

**UPDATE**

Just picking up where I left off to catch this thread back up.


Rear Axle Seal Issues:


I've had some rear axel seal woes over the last year. The rear wheel bearings were done on the truck right before I bought it by a Toyota dealership but when I was in Utah I blew my 1st rear axle seal. We repaired it in Moab and about a month later it started leaking again. (same side) I replaced it one more time hoping that it was just a fluke, but sure enough it blew again. This time I measured where the retainer was and knew there was a poor installation when the wheel bearings were last done. I used to be a Toyota Parts Manager and I used to see these improperly installed by other shops ALL the time. Despite my truck having the rear bearings done by a Toyota dealership (not the one I worked at), I knew thatI was on borrowed time and it would soon leak again. So I put my 3rd seal in and ordered a 4th, along with all the associated bearing parts. Sure enough it leaked a 4th time, so I got one of the tech's at the dealership I used to work at help me after hours to replace the bearing. After pulling everything apart we found that the previous installer had even nicked my axle shaft and left a 1/4" cutoff disc gouge in it. Icing on the cake, I decided to replace the shaft while it was all apart. The tech who helped me get the bearing and retainer back on has done 100's of these and is a Toyota 4x4 enthusiast himself so we did the 'grease test" and ensure everything was perfect going back in.

Drove for a couple months and then the right rear axel seal blew. Replaced the seal twice, and then went through the same motions on the passenger side, eventually doing the bearing and retainer as well (it was also installed incorrectly - no gouged axle shaft this time though).

Been driving leak free for about 5 months now. Glad to have it sorted for now. If it happens again, I will start looking at full floaters or other axle options I think....

Headlights

Sometime last year I did a projector retrofit on the truck. I used to do this as a business when I was in University so I have done a LOT of retrofits. I went with the Morimoto Mini 5.0 D2S. I used to be kind of against these "thread in" projectors because the output quality was so much better with the OEM projectors. However, TRS and Morimoto have come a long ways and these new Mini d2S projectors are just so good right out of the box. I am running OEM Kioto ballasts (I had them professionally potted by an electronics manufacturing company to keep them moisture free) along with Osram CBI 5000K bulbs. They have been great so far and I still preach to people about how this is literally one of the best and most practical mods you can do - you use your headlights ALL the time.... way more than skid plates, sleeping platforms, and beadlock wheels

I opted to keep them as OEM+ as I could, and kept them all chrome. Still have to think about wiring up the LED halos in the Apollo shrouds though..

IMG_2491.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I6786.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Interior & Electronics

Somewhere along the line I scooped up a used sPOD with the touchscreen. Install was a breeze and sure makes wiring quick and painless. Love all the adjustability and dimmability with each circuit. Only thing I hate is the terrible touch screen - it's not very touch sensitive (old style) and really wish it was a new capacitive screen. Oh well, for the price I paid for it, I'm willing to live with it. May switch out for a switch panel in the future but we'll see.

Also installed some Baja Design Squadrons in the bumper and a Sony XAV-AX100 headunit. So clean and it has a volume knob

_08I6111.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


Camping Setup Improvements

I often camp solo. But on other trips I will be out there with my wife and daughter. This required an increase in sleeping space as the sleeping platform I made has been great for those solo trips, but not so much for the family outings (as designed). I reached out to ROAM Adventure Co and got one of their awnings and rooms. I used to have an ARB unit that is was very similar but I must say the metal hinges, rubberized floor, and cool color palette take this awning setup a notch above my old ARB stuff. Really happy with it so far and love having shade in just the awning form, but also the extra sleeping room with the family. Really makes the sleeping setups quite versatile and the best part is that I don't have to haul all that extra weight of the awning room, if I'm not using it (I just leave it at home). Also I love keeping the COG low vs. a big bulky rooftop tent.

Awning Link HERE.


_08I4796.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I4760.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I4785.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I4824.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

 

[owyheerat]

**UPDATE**

Just picking up where I left off to catch this thread back up.




Headlights

Sometime last year I did a projector retrofit on the truck. I used to do this as a business when I was in University so I have done a LOT of retrofits. I went with the Morimoto Mini 5.0 D2S. I used to be kind of against these "thread in" projectors because the output quality was so much better with the OEM projectors. However, TRS and Morimoto have come a long ways and these new Mini d2S projectors are just so good right out of the box. I am running OEM Kioto ballasts (I had them professionally potted by an electronics manufacturing company to keep them moisture free) along with Osram CBI 5000K bulbs. They have been great so far and I still preach to people about how this is literally one of the best and most practical mods you can do - you use your headlights ALL the time.... way more than skid plates, sleeping platforms, and beadlock wheels

I opted to keep them as OEM+ as I could, and kept them all chrome. Still have to think about wiring up the LED halos in the Apollo shrouds though..

IMG_2491.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


_08I6786.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


[/url]_08I4824.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Addison, I completely agree! I was initially intimidated by this mod. So I tried several 'high quality' bulbs, including some expensive LED replacements before performing this mod. And the Morimoto mini 5.0 D2S HID retro's from the TRS are such a big improvement to any and all of them. My only regret with the HID retro's is, I wish I would have skipped all the replacement bulbs and just did the retro first.

I used a video from another OG on here, [MENTION=8729]Speedy[/MENTION] as my tutorial and it made the project a breeze, even for a knuckle head like me....

Cheers and keep posting the amazing pics!

Durwin