**The RickRunner Build**

rickashay

rickashay

New member
CURRENT PHOTO

_08I6248.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


20170923-_08I4542 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0441 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

MODS

Suspension
Front:
- Icon 2.5" Coilovers w/Resi's (650lb springs)
- Total Chaos UCA's
- Total Chaos Spindle Gussets
- Total Chaos Cam Tab Gussets
- Wheeler's Superbumps

Rear:
- Dobisons 675 Rear LT coils
- MetalTech UCA's & LCA's
- Icon 2.0 LT shocks & stainless shock guards
- Wheelers Superbumps

Armor:
- Pelfreybilt Aluminum Front Bumper
- Element Aluminum Belly Skids + Gas Tank Skid
- Element Bolt-On Sliders

Rolling Gear:
- Stealth Custom Series Ray10 Wheels w/OMF True Beadlock Conversion
- Toyo R/T 295/70R17 Tires
- BORA 0.75" Wheel Spacers

Lighting:
- LS430 Retrofit
- Baja Designs Squadron (amber/fog pattern)
- Baja Designs Flush Mount LED (rear hatch)
- Baja Designs S2 Sport (awning light)

Overland Gear:
- Prinsu Design Rook Rack
- ARB Awning & Awning Room
- ARB 50qt. Fridge
- ARB Air Compressor
- Odyssey 31M Battery & Pelfreybilt Battery Cage

Recovery:
- ComeUp Gen2 9.5RS winch
- Factor 55 Fairlead & Prolink







Well, here I go again...

It's safe to say that I might have a problem. At least that's what my wife and friends sometimes tell me. I've gone through six vehicles in the last 12 months, they weren't all built Toyota 4x4's but I have a rap sheet of those as well...

I'll spare the history though, if you're interested in my other builds just check out the "Dirt Duster", "Tom Cruiser", or "Doug"."

Back to the point. I am recently married and my wife and I have been having discussions about having children. I also have 2 dogs and love everything outside. It doesn''t hurt that I always liked the 4th Gens and after owning a pretty clean example ("Phil the 4th Gen") earlier this year (which I sold LOL), I kinda started to like the platform. Phil was the best color, and a Sport Edition, but did not have the 2UZ so I knew it wouldn't last. In light of our recent discussions my wife and I realized the 4th Gen was the perfect platform for our upcoming needs and if we were going to look for one, it would have to be a clean (BC truck preferably) with low mileage, and have the V8. After being screwed out of a very clean 07' Limited V8 (seller sold it out from under me before taking delivery), I knew the hunt was on. A few weeks of hard daily classified scavenging, and I found "Rick". Rick has an interesting back story to say the least. Something that I will elaborate on a little later. However, here are the things you need to know:

- 05' Limited V8
- West coast BC vehicle it's whole life
- It has 43,000kms on it. No, that is not a typo.

Fast forward to last weekend and I was on a plane with my wife, headed for Vancouver. We made a quick weekend getaway out of it and landed Saturday morning at 8:30am in Van, BC.

IMG_8084.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Coming into YVR

IMG_8087.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

The current owner picked us up at the airport and we quickly finalized the deal. My wife and I spent the rest of the day and part of Sunday meandering around and enjoying the awesomeness that is Vancouver.

IMG_8091.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8092.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8094.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

We headed back to Calgary on Sunday where we gave the 4Runner a much needed stretch on the highway to work out any buildups in the engine. It's been driven but at 43,000kms it sure hasn't been driven a lot. My fuel economy has been improving with each tank which I think may be related to this.

Since being back in Calgary, I felt urged to remove the ugly running boards as my first official "mod".

IMG_8113.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

And a couple detail shots of the rig to start the documentation process off in the right direction. The plan for this build is to document everything. You may even see a lot of video style VLOG's as well. Something that I think would be a pretty cool concept for a truck build. I'm stoked to dive in.
IMG_8103.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8104.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Paint is like new:

IMG_8110.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Original glass:

IMG_8109.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

So fresh, so clean!
IMG_8111.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8112.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8114.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

That's all for now. Stay tuned!
 
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Don't like it...can't stand the color, hate the name.

Ha! Nice find, like to see how this proceeds...
 
Before I dive too deep into this thing, I am going to take the initial build slow and take care of a lot of the smaller details I always seem to miss when parts start showing up.

I do a lot of 'Adventure Touring' in my 4x4's. They need to be very flexible as the terrain I wheel on varies so much. I literally want a truck than can drive to the Rubicon (from Canada) and drive back home. Something that is comfortable on medium-hard difficulty trails, but just at home on the highway going 75 MPH. And seemingly, the older I get, the more I seem to be getting into the whole camp-and-relax thing.

Basically #RickRunner will be my basecamp for adventure.

On the to-do list for the short term:
- Pull seats and detail interior
- Synthetic oil change
- Redline synthetic ATF
- Diff breathers
- 115V always on mod
- HCF mod
- Replace hood struts (they almost killed me today)
- New HU w/Bluetooth
- Weathertech mats
- Fluid film frame and touch up all surface rust

Long Term goals are something that will evolve with the truck, but as it stands:
- 34's or 35's
- SCS kicks (still deciding which wheel I want to go with, maybe the new 17x9 F5's)
- 4.56 gears and ARB lockers F/R
- PrinSu Roof Rack
- Headlight retrofit (keeping this under wraps until it's done)
- Suspension.... debating on a simple coilover setup with UCA's, +2" LT, or no-compromise +3.5" LT
- Camping mods...


HCF Delete (11/2/16)

I had 30 mins to spare tonight, so I popped off the airbox cover and checked the air filter. Used a box cutter and hacked off the plastic rivets holding in the HCF. They say "instantly improved throttle response", and I think I'm ready for it. haha


IMG_8116.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8120.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
 
haha now i know what you mean, awesome, twinsies. I remember seeing your old V6 now that i think about it, can't wait to see how yours comes along as well.
 
rickashay said:
Before I dive too deep into this thing, I am going to take the initial build slow and take care of a lot of the smaller details I always seem to miss when parts start showing up.

I do a lot of 'Adventure Touring' in my 4x4's. They need to be very flexible as the terrain I wheel on varies so much. I literally want a truck than can drive to the Rubicon (from Canada) and drive back home. Something that is comfortable on medium-hard difficulty trails, but just at home on the highway going 75 MPH. And seemingly, the older I get, the more I seem to be getting into the whole camp-and-relax thing.

Basically #RickRunner will be my basecamp for adventure.

On the to-do list for the short term:
- Pull seats and detail interior
- Synthetic oil change
- Redline synthetic ATF
- Diff breathers
- 115V always on mod
- HCF mod
- Replace hood struts (they almost killed me today)
- New HU w/Bluetooth
- Weathertech mats
- Fluid film frame and touch up all surface rust

Long Term goals are something that will evolve with the truck, but as it stands:
- 34's or 35's
- SCS kicks (still deciding which wheel I want to go with, maybe the new 17x9 F5's)
- 4.56 gears and ARB lockers F/R
- PrinSu Roof Rack
- Headlight retrofit (keeping this under wraps until it's done)
- Suspension.... debating on a simple coilover setup with UCA's, +2" LT, or no-compromise +3.5" LT
- Camping mods...


HCF Delete (11/2/16)

I had 30 mins to spare tonight, so I popped off the airbox cover and checked the air filter. Used a box cutter and hacked off the plastic rivets holding in the HCF. They say "instantly improved throttle response", and I think I'm ready for it. haha


IMG_8116.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8120.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Click to expand...

I'm like you, the older I get, the more relaxation plays a big part in my life. Question... do you think you will need front and rear lockers? I plan on doing some sort of rear locker on mine (my intended use is similar to yours). I've read that the IFS is not robust enough for front lockers, although people do install them. My plan is to install a winch to help in those difficult places if needed. I think if I were to do the Rubicon, like I did with my Jeep Rubi, I would swap to a solid axle. Just my thoughts!
 
Sweet man!

I followed your build on your 3rd gen as i bought one around the same time as you (still one of my favorite rigs). Now i just bought a 4th gen a few days ago. V8 4x4 2003 black so can't wait to see another quality build from you! Lol, my hood has almost killed me also and my new struts are arriving today!
 
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SunPilot said:
I'm like you, the older I get, the more relaxation plays a big part in my life. Question... do you think you will need front and rear lockers? I plan on doing some sort of rear locker on mine (my intended use is similar to yours). I've read that the IFS is not robust enough for front lockers, although people do install them. My plan is to install a winch to help in those difficult places if needed. I think if I were to do the Rubicon, like I did with my Jeep Rubi, I would swap to a solid axle. Just my thoughts!
Click to expand...

I actually have Front and Rear air lockers in my Tundra. My Tundra is on 35's and only has the 7.5" front diff which is the same as the smaller, 3rd Gen 4Runner front diff. I have locked up the front multiple times and used it a ton in the deep snow. For my purposes, yes I will absolutely do it again. Especially since the 8" front end in the 4th Gen is stronger than the Tundra diff. A large part of the horror stories associated with front diffs and IFS is a result of locking it up at full lock and suspension compression, where the CV axles are binding and maxed out. My Tundra was built to only have 1" of lift and clear the 35's, which has kept my CV angles well within the range of a stock Toyota. Not to say you can't break a CV or front diff with a locker on IFS, but technique and vehicle setup play a HUGE factor in this.

masphx said:
Sweet man!

I followed your build on your 3rd gen as i bought one around the same time as you (still one of my favorite rigs). Now i just bought a 4th gen a few days ago. V8 4x4 2003 black so can't wait to see another quality build from you! Lol, my hood has almost killed me also and my new struts are arriving today!
Click to expand...

Haha that's too funny! Thanks for the compliments, still miss the Duster. I'll be watching out for your build too!

t-man said:
:popcorn:
Click to expand...

sportsbriefcase said:
Great writing and attention to detail, excited for more.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks guys :cheers:
 
rickashay said:
I actually have Front and Rear air lockers in my Tundra. My Tundra is on 35's and only has the 7.5" front diff which is the same as the smaller, 3rd Gen 4Runner front diff. I have locked up the front multiple times and used it a ton in the deep snow. For my purposes, yes I will absolutely do it again. Especially since the 8" front end in the 4th Gen is stronger than the Tundra diff. A large part of the horror stories associated with front diffs and IFS is a result of locking it up at full lock and suspension compression, where the CV axles are binding and maxed out. My Tundra was built to only have 1" of lift and clear the 35's, which has kept my CV angles well within the range of a stock Toyota. Not to say you can't break a CV or front diff with a locker on IFS, but technique and vehicle setup play a HUGE factor in this.



Haha that's too funny! Thanks for the compliments, still miss the Duster. I'll be watching out for your build too!





Thanks guys :cheers:
Click to expand...
Where's the build thread on that!

Sent from the drivers seat of my 05 4runner.
 
blakem5 said:
definitely the cleanest 4th gen in calgary, or at least cleaner than mine with the trail dammage mod
Click to expand...

Thanks man! Yah, it sure is hard to find clean vehicles in CGY.

What happened to yours?

UPDATE

Got together with my bro and a couple buddies last night. Brought out my POrter Cable random orbital polisher (such a nice peice of hardware) and went to town on 3 trucks. RickRunner didn't really need a wax per-se but with winter on the horizon I didnt think it was a bad idea to get an extra coat of protection on the paint.

The fruits of my labor:

IMG_8166.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8168.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
rickashay said:
Thanks man! Yah, it sure is hard to find clean vehicles in CGY.

What happened to yours?

UPDATE

Got together with my bro and a couple buddies last night. Brought out my POrter Cable random orbital polisher (such a nice peice of hardware) and went to town on 3 trucks. RickRunner didn't really need a wax per-se but with winter on the horizon I didnt think it was a bad idea to get an extra coat of protection on the paint.

The fruits of my labor:

IMG_8166.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr


IMG_8168.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr
Click to expand...

Looks fantastic. I need to detail mine again, paint feels like sandpaper.

I noticed yours has two paint chips beside the rear bumper reflector in the exact same place as mine. I never noticed this on anybody else's truck, do you have an idea what caused it?
 
I was straddling some slick ruts and slid into them and bounced off a tree, took a fender flare off but re attached it now i just have some scratches
 
blakem5 said:
I was straddling some slick ruts and slid into them and bounced off a tree, took a fender flare off but re attached it now i just have some scratches
Click to expand...

Ouch! That's a bummer. Glad it wasn't body damage... flair is an easy fix. I've had my fair share of sheet metal hits and it definitely sucks!

Inv4drZm said:
Looks fantastic. I need to detail mine again, paint feels like sandpaper.

I noticed yours has two paint chips beside the rear bumper reflector in the exact same place as mine. I never noticed this on anybody else's truck, do you have an idea what caused it?
Click to expand...

Yah a good detail really makes a big improvement. I still want to claybar mine as well, make the paint butter smooth!

Thats strange! Not sure how mine came about...
 
Well I have a sale pending on the Tundra. Gunna be super sad to see it go but it looks like the new potential owner has similar uses to mine and should put it to good use. As soon as the cheque clears it's time to start on the 4Runner.

My current TO DO LIST

Maintenance:

- power steering flush w/Redline synthetic: I've noticed a big difference in this with all my other Toyotas. Less steering whine, even with the big tires. Doing this to the 4Runner right out of the gate.

- Frame touch ups: This rig is clean, but I want it to be near perfect and stay that way. Going to do a thorough undercarriage cleaning and spray a layer of Fluid Film

- Replace hood struts: on order, no explanation needed.

- AFE Pro Dry drop in air filter: not sure if the OEM one has been recently replaced and i have liked these filters on my cars so I'm giving it a try on the T4R.

Mods Upcoming:

- WeatherTech Digital Mats f/r: installed last night

- 3M "Carbon" vinyl wrap for interior trim: not a huge fan of the fake "marble" look on the Limiteds

- Kenwood bluetooth headunit

- Projector Retrofit: as mentioned, under wraps until its done.

- Pelfreybilt Aluminum front bumper: Will take advantage of "November" sale

- Bussman fuse panel and breaker as well as BlueSea fuse block: wanna start out with a tidy wiring setup as things evolve and get more complicated.

- Mount and wire my 3x Baja Desing XL-Pros onto above said bumper

QUESTIONS

My big stumbling block right now is suspension and tire size. I thought I was going to go 295/70/17 Cooper ST Pro's or 285/75/17 Toyo MT's but I keep thinking about 35's and how well they have worked for me in the LX450 and the Tundra. Why change something that works? Although the weight savings might be nice with the smaller tires and I wouldn't really need to re-gear. Although I drove my Tundra on 35's for a year without gears and it never really bothered me.

- I do not want to run a bodylift
- I will be running longer links to center the rear axle and help with rear tire clearance
- I am good at trimming to make tires fit. haha
- Still debating Mid travel, +2" LT, and +3.5" LT: anyone here have some input?
- Suspension: really like the Metaltech rear LT but only want to run the new Bilstein 9100's (if I can even get them for the 4Runner at this point), Fox, or King. Never been a fan of Icon or Radflo. Is there a 11.5" rear shock that is Fox or King that can be used for the MetalTech rear LT? Possibly need to do more research here.

Sorry for the lack of photos and video. Will have an intro video up once the truck is gone and my plate is slightly cleared.

Addison
 
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