**The RickRunner Build**

[rickashay]

Where did you manage to find those. I can't seem to find any.

Another member happened to have 2 sets and we worked out a deal! They are definitely a rare breed.

I really like your roof rack setup. Which size Rola rack did you get?

Rola? Not sure I'm following... I'm still running the factory rack. Although I may have a PrinSu waiting for me at the border :biggrin2:

I'm waiting to see what you do with the lights. Lighting is one of my future projects. I still have the crappy halogens...need to clean my lenses and upgrade the bulbs.

Having done projector retrofits for a while... I used to always discuss with my prospective customers the usefulness of proper lighting. I still consider this true... we spend all this money, do all of these crazy modifications, and in the grand scheme of things how often to you use your winch? Or lockers? or even bumpers for that matter. With headlights - you literally can use them everyday! Both onroad AND offroad they are a huge +. My justification for not being shy about spending money on headlights at least.

Love what you are doing with the runner and tamarack! I'll be keeping an eye on both!
Ps looking forward to seeing more mods and awesome pictures.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for following RickRunner and Tamarack. Always appreciate the support! I feel bad... my updates have been WEAK. I've just had a lot going on this year (see blog post...) and now I injured my back and its been crazy cold up here in Calgary. Kind of detering me from working on the truck! haha

Oh well... my goal is to have it basically 100% done by May. It's going to be a fast transformation when it finally happens.

Glad I stumbled across this thread - have been watching your IG for updates.
Addison, huge fan of this build and Tamarack - makes me wish I had held out longer for a clean 4th Gen instead of my Alberta Silver 5th gen. I need to take a page from your book and deal with my undercarriage, as yours looks so clean now. May also pursue the AFE Pro Dry.

Repping my orange Tamarack Media Co. sticker - you can see it here!

Hey 5th Gens' are awesome! I really like the pre-facelift bodystyle like yours as well. Thanks for following along as well and stoked to see some Tamarack stickers out in the wild! Lots in store this year... and we are already in the planning phases for Colossal 2017 and just landed a cool project with Cooper Tires! Registration for Colossal should be live in the next few weeks so keep an eye open if its something you might be interested in. More info to come on that front though too.

PS - fire me a PM,We've got a couple silver Tamarack stickers left!

 

[Ed_C]

Where did you manage to find those. I can't seem to find any.

Another member happened to have 2 sets and we worked out a deal! They are definitely a rare breed.

Working for a Lexus dealer helped a little I was ahead of my time back then,while everyone else wanted just the bulbs and ballasts off headlights destined for the dumpster, I took home any headlights,taillights, etc.

 

[T4RNightHawk]

Working for a Lexus dealer helped a little I was ahead of my time back then,while everyone else wanted just the bulbs and ballasts off headlights destined for the dumpster, I took home any headlights,taillights, etc.

Ah well if you have any left I'll have to hit you up when I decide to do retrofits.

 

[rickashay]

This is all I got... but it's a start. Good things happening in the RickRunner garage.


_DSC1765.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

I can't express enough feelings of joy around the fact that every bolt has come un-done so easily. No rust, no hassle... literally like working on a new vehicle. I love it.

Marked my alignment with a paint pen (to get it "close") and pulled out the lower control arm alignment hardware with ease. Stoked to not have to buy new LCA's. Then completely coated all the hardware in copper-coat before re-assembling. Hoping to have the suspension and spindles out tomorrow so I can drop them off to get the gussets welded on.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Definitely subbing to this one. Your 3rd gen was such a well done vehicle, and seems this one is off to an amazing start.

Will be watching with much anticipation!

 

[rickashay]

Definitely subbing to this one. Your 3rd gen was such a well done vehicle, and seems this one is off to an amazing start.

Will be watching with much anticipation!

Thanks [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] (Jim, if I recall??) for stopping by. I follow you on IG and have watched your clone build closely. Really like how this one is turning out. The big tires look badass!

UPDATE

Spent some time in the garage tonight and got everything torn out on the passenger side front suspension. Anyone know what size the axle hub nut is? I had a 36mm socket (which worked) but the fit just didnt seem super tight.

Also installed the RuTech block-off plates while I had everything out of the way. Followed this video on YouTube from RuTech, super helpful. I was kind of procrastinating this but it literally took me 10 minutes to do both sides. Happy that the blockoff plates are in and that worry can be forgotten. Saw a new Tacoma go down with this last time I was on the trail. Limp mode is no fun!

RuTech Solutions AIP kit

Install Video:
https://youtu.be/vZxqPIe4w3o

 

[wkeryder4]

Anyone know what size the axle hub nut is? I had a 36mm socket (which worked) but the fit just didnt seem super tight.

I believe its a 35mm

 

[soonenough]

Anyone know what size the axle hub nut is? I had a 36mm socket (which worked) but the fit just didnt seem super tight.

^ as he said, probably 35mm... that's the size for the 05-15 Tacomas

 

[NinjaOne]

Thanks [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] (Jim, if I recall??) for stopping by. I follow you on IG and have watched your clone build closely. Really like how this one is turning out. The big tires look badass!

UPDATE



Also installed the RuTech block-off plates while I had everything out of the way. Followed this video on YouTube from RuTech, super helpful. I was kind of procrastinating this but it literally took me 10 minutes to do both sides. Happy that the blockoff plates are in and that worry can be forgotten. Saw a new Tacoma go down with this last time I was on the trail. Limp mode is no fun!

RuTech Solutions AIP kit

Install Video:
https://youtu.be/vZxqPIe4w3o

Looking forward to seeing the results You had (have?) a killer 3rd gen, I have strong expectations....

Oh the joys of having the '05+ V8. Makes me happy realizing I accidentally purchased one w/out

 

[rickashay]

I believe its a 35mm

^ as he said, probably 35mm... that's the size for the 05-15 Tacomas

Perfect, thanks. Gunna go grab a 35mm after work to have in my trail toolbox.

Looking forward to seeing the results You had (have?) a killer 3rd gen, I have strong expectations....

Oh the joys of having the '05+ V8. Makes me happy realizing I accidentally purchased one w/out

Thanks! 3rd Gen is long gone... but still pops up on the forums with the new owners. Yah the AIB problem is brutal but I'll take it for the 5 speed trans and the higher HP/Torque with the vvti.

Speaking of wheeling... went out with Untitled Offroad for a day trip to the Crowsnest Pass a couple weeks ago. I was just riding shotgun with my camera.


20170304-_DSC1730 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


20170304-_DSC1754 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


20170304-_DSC1726 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


20170304-_DSC1756 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

 

[T4R_RA]

Thanks! 3rd Gen is long gone... but still pops up on the forums with the new owners. Yah the AIB problem is brutal but I'll take it for the 5 speed trans and the higher HP/Torque with the vvti.

Hate to be the one to burst your bubble but the 03-04 also had the 5 speed auto w/ the V8, and has more torque than the VVTI variant, you are however correct on having more HP haha

Sorry!

05:
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI VVT-i V8
260 hp @ 5400 rpm
306 lb.-ft @ 3400 rpm

03:
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI V8
235 hp @ 4,800 rpm
320 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm

 

[yosh2000]

wasnt 05 the first year for the newer testing standards though. I could have sworn i read all kinds of threads that noted lower numbers across the board for all manufactures?

also, not sure on your 5sp claim on the 03-04. i have done multiple cluster swaps for 4runner guys that didnt have 4th gear in their selector?

 

[T4R_RA]

wasnt 05 the first year for the newer testing standards though. I could have sworn i read all kinds of threads that noted lower numbers across the board for all manufactures?

also, not sure on your 5sp claim on the 03-04. i have done multiple cluster swaps for 4runner guys that didnt have 4th gear in their selector?

I've got an 03 with a 5 speed auto, however you could be right about power ratings, not a large difference between the 2 when it comes to torque regardless

Here's a digital .pdf of the brochure:
Note only the V8 had the 5 speed in 03-04, V6 had the 4 speed, in 05 V6's adopted the 5 speed.

03:
http://www.russauto.com/ncinv/modelinfo/brochures/034Runner.pdf

06:
http://www.toyota120.com/GenDocs/20064runnerbrochure.pdf


See the last page(s) for specs

 

[rickashay]

Hate to be the one to burst your bubble but the 03-04 also had the 5 speed auto w/ the V8, and has more torque than the VVTI variant, you are however correct on having more HP haha

Sorry!

05:
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI VVT-i V8
260 hp @ 5400 rpm
306 lb.-ft @ 3400 rpm

03:
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI V8
235 hp @ 4,800 rpm
320 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm

wasnt 05 the first year for the newer testing standards though. I could have sworn i read all kinds of threads that noted lower numbers across the board for all manufactures?

also, not sure on your 5sp claim on the 03-04. i have done multiple cluster swaps for 4runner guys that didnt have 4th gear in their selector?

I've got an 03 with a 5 speed auto, however you could be right about power ratings, not a large difference between the 2 when it comes to torque regardless

Here's a digital .pdf of the brochure:
Note only the V8 had the 5 speed in 03-04, V6 had the 4 speed, in 05 V6's adopted the 5 speed.

03:
http://www.russauto.com/ncinv/modelinfo/brochures/034Runner.pdf

06:
http://www.toyota120.com/GenDocs/20064runnerbrochure.pdf


See the last page(s) for specs

Crazy. I didnt know the V8 4Runners always had the 5 speed. The Tundra's and Sequoias with the 4.7 didnt get the 5 speed until 05+.

Still love the vvti.

A teaser while I'm here:


_DSC1776.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Last weekend I picked up the following from my US mailbox:
- ARB awning
- ARB awning room
- ARB compressor
- Prinsu Rack
- Pelfreybilt bumper
- ComeUp Seal Gen II 9.5 RS winch
- Baja Design Squadrons

Got my spindles gusseted yesterday and received my new tires. Gunna try and get them mounted on the beadlocks tonight!

 

[YetiX]

Last weekend I picked up the following from my US mailbox:
- ARB awning
- ARB awning room
- ARB compressor
- Prinsu Rack
- Pelfreybilt bumper
- ComeUp Seal Gen II 9.5 RS winch
- Baja Design Squadrons

Got my spindles gusseted yesterday and received my new tires. Gunna try and get them mounted on the beadlocks tonight!

Wow, you have a big mailbox!! :jaw:

Sounds like it's going to be awesome!

 

[NinjaOne]

Wow, you have a big mailbox!! :jaw:

haha, my thoughts exactly!

Looking forward to seeing the results and more of your (spectacular) photography.

 

[rickashay]

Wow, you have a big mailbox!! :jaw:

Sounds like it's going to be awesome!

haha, my thoughts exactly!

Looking forward to seeing the results and more of your (spectacular) photography.

Smart asses. :lmao:

Ok warehouse, is that more appropriate? lol I use Montana Shipping Outlet to receive all my goodies.

Who knew mounting tires on beadlocks was such a PITA. 3 down, 1 to go.

_DSC1792.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

 

[rickashay]

UPDATE

No pics... too busy with dirty hands last night to take any. I did delete the REAS system (Sat.)
- airbags & height position sensors removed
- All wiring (as much as I could) removed
- Rear air compressor pulled from under rear bumper cover

- Installed Metal Tech rear coil conversion kit and some factory 4th gen coils that I had from my old 08'. Band-aid solution until the backordered MetalTech LT springs land.

** I would like to note how awesome my experience has been with Metal Tech - I am not affiliated with them in anyway, just a regular customer but their level of service has been phenominal. I use a warehouse just inside the Montana border to ship my truck parts to and then I will drive down and pick them up every couple of months. This warehouse had a theft incident and some of my items from MT were stolen and the rear coils have been on backorder since November. MT (Metal Tech) has been over the top helpful in getting my order fixed and even helping me with a band-aid to get the truck on the trail until these new LT rear coils arrive. At which point they even agreed to ship them directly to Canada at a cost significantly higher than just shipping them to my US mailbox. Being in business myself, I wanted to take the time to send the crew over there a excellent review for their efforts. Will definitely be shopping with them again!

[MENTION=60147]the great him[/MENTION]

Got all 4 tires mounted. Lubed up the inner bead with some dish soap and the bead seated no problem. First time I've mounted my own tires before so it was a good thing to check off the list to know that I have done it before.

- Rear ext. brake lines installed (stainless)
- more frame paint touchups
- PrinSu design awning mounts chopped down to keep the awning lower
- ARB 6' awning mounted
- Rear 0.75" wheel spacers (Bora) installed
- First wheel test fit complete (rear)

First time checking clearances in the rear. I think the 295/70/17's are going to be a perfect size. Might have to trim the rear plastic bumper a bit but hopefully avoid cutting up the rear pinch weld at all.

_DSC1828.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Tire poke with 0.75" wheel spacers mounted:

_DSC1830.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Here you can see (for those familiar with the PrinSu awning mounts) that I cut about 1.5" off the top. Re-drilled my own top mounting hole and used the existing lower bolt track. I could have got it another inch lower, but with me being so tall, I needed to compromise a little so I'm not ducking under the awning all the time.


_DSC1835.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Oh, and I put a deposit on a 99' 4Runner today! Looks like the wife is finally getting her own. Pretty pumped to have 2x 4Runners in the fleet.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Hey man, which "stage" did you get for the spring conversion?

I see the stage 2 with the isolators is $150 more, which seems a bit steep, to me. Did you use those, or did you go a different route?

My suspension is allegedly getting close... Need to start getting the little stuff together.

I put an elocked FJ rear diff in and it appears to be on the way out. Locker works flawlessly, but the diff howls under load. So, I am looking at regearing through ECGS. The price sucks, but their warranty (and price compared to others) seems unbeatable.

 

[rickashay]

Hey man, which "stage" did you get for the spring conversion?

I see the stage 2 with the isolators is $150 more, which seems a bit steep, to me. Did you use those, or did you go a different route?

My suspension is allegedly getting close... Need to start getting the little stuff together.

I put an elocked FJ rear diff in and it appears to be on the way out. Locker works flawlessly, but the diff howls under load. So, I am looking at regearing through ECGS. The price sucks, but their warranty (and price compared to others) seems unbeatable.

I think it was the stage 2... I did get the spring isolators. I was reading that the price of the kit is quite high but it's due to the high cost of those OEM spring cones. Might be able to pull a pair of them from a junkyard 4Runner and save a few bucks. I just wanted to get it all in one easy sweep, so the Stage 2 worked well.

Bummer on the diff! All that work to have to pull it out again. Gunna do a front ARB? What gear ration are you going to go with? I think ECGS can't be beat, heard nothing but good reviews from them.