**The RickRunner Build**

[rickashay]

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] did you have to cut down your stock wheel studs any with the smaller 0.75" bora spacers, or did everything fit fine?

No cutting of studs required. Bolted on and running for a couple months now without issue.

Looking Sooooo good!

I gotta ask..... How do you keep it so clean?

lol Thanks! My secret is easy.... just don't drive it offroad! haha Sad but true however I now have a backlog of photos to post. 2 trips in the books and lots of miles offroad. Even too many pinstripes now to say it's "mint" anymore.

Almost totally unrelated, but what do you shoot with? Lens/DSLR combo?

That's a tough one... whatever I have near me? I have a media company so lots of camera gear around.

Bodies:
Canon 6D
Sony a6300
Canon 1DX MKii (Got last week)

Glass:
24-105L f/4
50mm f/1.8
Tokina 16-28 f/2/8
Canon 16-35L f/2.8

Drone:
DJI Inspire 1 Pro

Teasers from the weekend, you might notice a couple new mods


_08I0486 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0441 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

 

[rickashay]

Wanted to post a couple more photos from last week. We were out doing some filming for our Cooper Tires video as well as for Element Fabrication (out of Edmonton). Two very cool projects in the works and I will post the final edits up once we are done.

Notes on Suspension

I must say that RickRunner has been quite impressive. The Icon suspension has won me over as of writing this. I can't speak to the longevity (yet) but I am really liking the digressive valving and I seem to be able to drive faster on the gravel/logging roads and with more confidence than in my previous vehicles. I will say it's not apples vs. apples as the platofrm is obviously different. I need to get the VSC mod done because that was holding me back at speed. It didnt seem to like it when I tried to swedish-flick at 50 mph. Definitely looking more closely at doing the rear Icon 2.5's this fall.

The aluminum skids from Element are great. Absolutely love all the protection while still keeping weight at bay. For my uses the 1/4" aluminum is more than enough protection. I had the full weight of the truck on the belly skid while getting high-centered. After the recovery the skids still looked perfectly fine with only the faintest indication of a weight bearing impact. Plus the raw aluminum looks badass . Two little details I really appreciate over other brands is the "puzzle" interlocking cuts that each of the skids use to interlock with one another and also the extra width of the front skid to help keep the front alignment hardware on the LCA's out of harms way. IMO the RCI skids don't do a good enough job of protecting this area, thus part of the need for their LCA skids. My $0.02

Cool shot of a water crossing. This photo was taken AFTER I came out of it. Water came up to the top of the grille and definitely made me pucker. Easily a 4-4.5 ft. crossing. Hopefully some video of it shows up soon


_MG_1195.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0562.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0303.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0559.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Winding down:

_08I0548.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Meet #Bruce. My brother Chase's Team Tamarack 00' Tacoma. No lift and 33x12's:

_MG_1272.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0504 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

On a more personal note, my move has been completed and I am now living in the beautiful town of Nelson BC. So many trails to explore. Just a taste of why I moved out here... Nelson sitting in the valley below with Kokanee Glacier in the background).


_08I0629.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

 

[farmerjon]

Sweet updates Addison! Been a while since I've caught up - been following TMC on FB, always good to see updates! I find it ironic you're a parts guy now, that's very fitting since you've owned the range of 4x4 Toyotas!

Speaking of parts, I now have the Tundra brake upgrade done (199mm) on my 3rd gen! Another "classic" mod done!

Awesome photos and attention to details as usual!

 

[NinjaOne]

Great shots, as per usual. How are you liking the Prinsu? Any plans to make brackets for shovel/axe etc?

The aluminum skids from Element are great. Absolutely love all the protection while still keeping weight at bay. For my uses the 1/4" aluminum is more than enough protection. I had the full weight of the truck on the belly skid while getting high-centered. After the recovery the skids still looked perfectly fine with only the faintest indication of a weight bearing impact. Plus the raw aluminum looks badass . Two little details I really appreciate over other brands is the "puzzle" interlocking cuts that each of the skids use to interlock with one another and also the extra width of the front skid to help keep the front alignment hardware on the LCA's out of harms way. IMO the RCI skids don't do a good enough job of protecting this area, thus part of the need for their LCA skids. My $0.02

Glad I'm not the one that's noticed the gap. Now that I have RCI skids, I've been trying to figure our how I want to cover the cams. (Although, I do like that it can be aligned with the plates on given how many often shops strip my skid plate holes)

I need to get the VSC mod done because that was holding me back at speed. It didnt seem to like it when I tried to swedish-flick at 50 mph. Definitely looking more closely at doing the rear Icon 2.5's this fall.

Super easy mod, just finished it this weekend!

 

[rickashay]

Sweet updates Addison! Been a while since I've caught up - been following TMC on FB, always good to see updates! I find it ironic you're a parts guy now, that's very fitting since you've owned the range of 4x4 Toyotas!

Speaking of parts, I now have the Tundra brake upgrade done (199mm) on my 3rd gen! Another "classic" mod done!

Awesome photos and attention to details as usual!

Hey Jon! Hope your doing well and thanks for following our journey. I need to check out your build again. I always keep an eye open on flickr but it would be cool to see the full story of your 4Runner unfolding. The Tundra 199's are great!

Lol I know hey... somehow I think my "experience" building trucks helped land me this job as I have never officially worked in the car industry before. I have always just done car industry stuff (including buying and selling cars like they are going out of style) in the background of my normal job. The Parts Manager slot is pretty cool especially in my community that has a LOT of potential to get into offroad accessories. Why do I feel LT is in my future? lol

Great shots, as per usual. How are you liking the Prinsu? Any plans to make brackets for shovel/axe etc?


Glad I'm not the one that's noticed the gap. Now that I have RCI skids, I've been trying to figure our how I want to cover the cams. (Although, I do like that it can be aligned with the plates on given how many often shops strip my skid plate holes)

Super easy mod, just finished it this weekend!

Loving the Prinsu for the most part. I did strip out one of my rails on one side due to the awning mount fitting extremely tight and then with the nylock nuts it somehow managed to round out the slots. Kinda bummed. I think loctite and standard nuts would be the best solution for future accessories and to try to get away from the nylocks. Minor quam though, otherwise I love it and do plan on doing some more permanent mounting for stuff. I just need to dial in my tent situation first and see what kind of real estate I will have available (if any). Really want to do that swing-out soon... ugh so many plans.

Gunna look into the VSC mod this weekend. Its a must-do at this point.

The Element skids still allow full access to adjust alignment but do a better job of protecting the hardware from the front. This pic might show a little better. as you can see the front skid is basically as wide as the center section of the Pelfreybilt bumper but with a cutout near the cams to fit your wrench in without removing any of the skid plate mounting bolts:

_MG_1304.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

 

[NinjaOne]

Gunna look into the VSC mod this weekend. Its a must-do at this point.

The Element skids still allow full access to adjust alignment but do a better job of protecting the hardware from the front. This pic might show a little better. as you can see the front skid is basically as wide as the center section of the Pelfreybilt bumper but with a cutout near the cams to fit your wrench in without removing any of the skid plate mounting bolts:

Got it, looks awkward. Does look awkward to access (at least from this angle of the picture)

Best writeup I've seen for VSC mod if you don't already have it VSC Disable on Pre 2008 4Runners - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

You decided what you're doing for a tire carrier? Custom tire carrier? Full rear bumper?

 

[rickashay]

UPDATE

It's been a crazy summer. I feel like I haven't had a moment to rest with my move from AB to BC, multiple weddings, the crazy hot temperatures, my new job at Toyota, and so many projects on the go with Tamarack. Busy is a good thing but running away for a couple days is sometimes a requirement. Not to mention, part of the reason I made the move back to BC in the first place! With my fathers memorial/celebration of life last weekend, we had a ton of company from Calgary make the trek to Nelson to attend. It was great to say goodbye to Dad officially and also to visit some of our good friends from back in Calgary.

My good buddy Craig has been riding shotgun with me for about 2 years when my wife wasn't able or willing to attend our offroading trips. Craig has been bit by the mod and exploration bug but wasnt in a position to get into his own 4x4. However this year that all changed and I helped him scoop up a minty 08' GX470. He immediately baselined the truck with the help of me and Ian and began his build of the truck. Last week tires and wheels were installed and he was stoked to take "Jerry the GX" out on it's maiden voyage into the mountains. Ian, Craig, Dallas (his wife), and myself loaded up the trucks and headed for a region on the Kootenays that I'm kind of obsessed with. Guaranteed epic views, crystal clear mountain lakes to escape the 35 degree (C) heat, and also some mild offroading. The provincial-wide fire ban is a bummer for camping season but a definite necessity considering how dry the terrain is and the high risk of wildfires. Luckily propane fire-pits are still prohibited and something that was essential in the night ahead. We stopped by a nearby lake and cooled off before airing down to a modest 20psi for a good mix of gravel roads and offroad trails. Not sure why I didn't pull the camera out and grab a couple photos of the lake - cursing myself now for it.

Start of the trail, with the lake in the background.

_08I1997.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Jerry the GX:

_08I1999.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Loving these new Element aluminum skids for RickRunner:

_08I2007.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Up we climbed on the never ending switchbacks. This trail is so cool because you ascend through all the layers of the forest - low altitude vegetation then into the high terrain, and eventually above the treeline altogether.


_08I2018.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2021.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2036.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Eventually we gained the ridgeline and entered my favorite section of the trail. You drive the ridge at approx 8500ft with visibility down both sides of the mountain.


_08I2046.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

One of glaciers visib

_08I2034.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2042.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

The final approach shows the destination for the night - an old fire tower built in 1972.


_08I2055.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Finally, a couple very tight switchbacks to gain the peak.


_08I2060.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Once at the top of this ~6500ft climb in elevation, you are treated to 360 degree views of the surrounding backcountry with little evidence of civilization to be seen.


_08I2068.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

The smoke from one of the Okanagan forest fires making the view a little more ominous.

_08I2076.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2065.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2070.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

After walking around and enjoying the views, we set up camp for the night. Golden hour was approaching and we ate just in time to enjoy the sun setting behind the western peaks.


_08I2088.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

 

[rickashay]

Side note - first night spent using the ARB awning room. This thing is so cool! Especially considering the costs over an RTT there are many pro's: full stand up room with access to your vehicle, full canvas walls which can be rolled up to reveal full mesh walls when the weather permits, and the ability to keep the roofline clean for other gear storage. It's also quite easy to setup and tear down (although that edge still goes to the RTT slightly). It's going to be a well used addition until I aquire a hardshell.

_08I2087.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

The boys: Ian & Craig.

_08I2083.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Golden Hour giving me an excellent opportunity to grab some stills with our (Tamarack's) new camera - Canon 1DX MKii. Blown away by the combined capabilities of this camera and especially the dynamic range.


_08I2084.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2090.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2104.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Sundown in a spectacular fashion:


_08I2096.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I2100-Edit.jpg by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

After the sun went down, we simply relaxed and enjoyed the views until darkness set in. The propane fire pit was a life saver as temperatures approached freezing that night on the top of the mountain - crazy considering it was 25 deg C at the top before the sun set. A quick one-nighter but much needed considering all that's been going on. Excited for a few more minor mods to the truck to get it "done" ... for this year . Lots more trips planned so stay tuned.

Colossal 2017 planning now in full swing and definitely stepping up our game on the video production end. There may or may not be several 4k-8k cameras on deck for this year

Addison out/

 

[YetiX]

Rick, I have an ARB awning and have been pondering doing the same. Did you sleep in the awning room? If so, did you use a cot or?

 

[rickashay]

Rick, I have an ARB awning and have been pondering doing the same. Did you sleep in the awning room? If so, did you use a cot or?

I have thought about doing a cot but will have to ponder it. I'll see how this season goes as I've been camping just on the ground using my Thermarest. Haven't had any complaints so far but have also been fairly conscious of the ground where the awning will be deployed to ensure I have a decent spot to lay the mattress down.

 

[markymark191]

The pictures you take are amazing. Great looking through all of them. I would love to do some off roading and camping like that.

 

[rickashay]

The pictures you take are amazing. Great looking through all of them. I would love to do some off roading and camping like that.

Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully many more adventures to share this year so keep checking back

 

[yotaguy674]

I just picked up the ARB room and can also agree it's one of the best additions I could have! It's so easy to set up and we use it as a changing room and storage since we have a sleeping platform in the back of the runner.

 

[rickashay]

Lots of small projects to complete on the truck before Colossal 2017 in September:

- Rally Armor mud flaps
- Satoshi Grille
- Fix broken A/C line behind winch
- LS430 Projector retrofit (long, long, overdue)
- Change T-Case and Diff Fluids
- Grease UCA's + Rear Control Arms + driveline

Debating what to do with my 3x Baja Design XL Pro LEDs. Love the lights but they dont really suite the front end look of the 4R like they used to on my 1G Tundra. Tried selling them to buy the 20" BD light bar to fit in the slot in my bumper. But the more I think about it the more I want to just keep them. Thinking of doing the Satoshi grille and putting the 3x BD lights behind the mesh. I think it would make it look cleaner than on the front bumper and make them semi-stealth. Then still have the lighting power of the sun, should I need it.

Anyone done lights behind the grille on the 4th Gen? I've seen it a bit on 2nd Gen Tacos.

 

[spoonsports86]

just read your whole thread and love the build

i am debating on selling my 3rd gen to get a v8 4th gen

 

[rickashay]

just read your whole thread and love the build

i am debating on selling my 3rd gen to get a v8 4th gen

Thank you! If you want some extra space, more modern features, and the power from the V8 then its a pretty easy switch to make. Its great too because most of the other Toyotas with the V8 have a larger body (think 5.7L Tundra, 100 and 200 Series LC, etc). The 4th gen is kind of a sweet spot with the V8 yet still remaining nimble and fairly small on the tighter trails.

UPDATE

Got my rear Rally Armor mudflaps mounted. Used 2 of the factory flare attachment points and then fabrication a couple brackets to make them sit where I wanted them to. Turned out pretty good but still need to throw the fronts on. Hard to see them in this pic but the best I have ATM.


_08I3410.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

I was out for a photo session when I grabbed the picture above. I actually ended up using my Baja Designs camp lights to give some extra lighting for our subject. Pretty funny! Another random pic while my truck was clean and I couldn't resist:


_08I3405.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

 

[spoonsports86]

Thank you! If you want some extra space, more modern features, and the power from the V8 then its a pretty easy switch to make. Its great too because most of the other Toyotas with the V8 have a larger body (think 5.7L Tundra, 100 and 200 Series LC, etc). The 4th gen is kind of a sweet spot with the V8 yet still remaining nimble and fairly small on the tighter trails.

yea thats the main reason newer a tad bit more space and more power

now i need to sell my 3rd gen and get enough to buy the 05

 

[madbomber08]

I've been following your builds since 2011 when you had your 3rd gen. I couldn't tell you how many times I've read the "LC TRD lift vs. OME" thread.
I then followed the LC, then the Tundra, and am now following the 4th gen build. The amount of time and dedication you put into your build threads is unreal. I wish I had a fraction of the patience and organization skills you do to create these giant threads of awesomeness. Just think, you'll be able to go back 20 years from now and look at each build and the progression throughout and say "Yeah, I did that." Not to mention you're indirectly inspiring future offroaders to build and document their vehicles the same. I can tell you I'm inspired by your builds, I just live in the wrong part of the country to make a build like yours be practical.

Kudos to you sir and don't stop the radicalness that will continue to commence!

 

[JBFoster]

I like the Build!

 

[rickashay]

I've been following your builds since 2011 when you had your 3rd gen. I couldn't tell you how many times I've read the "LC TRD lift vs. OME" thread.
I then followed the LC, then the Tundra, and am now following the 4th gen build. The amount of time and dedication you put into your build threads is unreal. I wish I had a fraction of the patience and organization skills you do to create these giant threads of awesomeness. Just think, you'll be able to go back 20 years from now and look at each build and the progression throughout and say "Yeah, I did that." Not to mention you're indirectly inspiring future offroaders to build and document their vehicles the same. I can tell you I'm inspired by your builds, I just live in the wrong part of the country to make a build like yours be practical.

Kudos to you sir and don't stop the radicalness that will continue to commence!

Thanks for the kind words. An interesting perspective indeed. To be honest I haven't really thought about looking back at my threads in 10, 15, 20 years but it is a great idea (as long as the photo hosting stays alive). Would be cool to show my children (someday)my adventures and builds over the years and to appreciate all the time/effort I have put into these things.

I like the Build!

Thanks JB!

UPDATE

Been tidying up some small items in my spare time. Diff breather being a super important and simple mod that can prevent a hefty repair bill or amount of work to fix if you blow an axle seal or ruin a diff. Pretty standard mod but I did find some nice screw type clamps for my hose fittings that do not cut into the rubber fuel line like the traditional radiator clamps. These provide even pressure around the fitting and hopefully reduce the chances of tearing the hose over time. Ran the OEM breather (cleaned it and blew through it to ensure it was still working) on the other end of the hose up into the gas filler cap area.


_MG_1633.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

SKID PLATES

I have been working with a company out of Edmonton called "Element" - by RA Motorsports. Previously in the car game building skid plates for Subaru's, the owners deciding to apply their skills to the offroad/adventure crowd. They have some very stand-out design ideas and their products are stellar! A couple of great guys too that I have got to know better as our working partnerships have grown. I really appreciate the angle they are coming at the metal fabrication from... they want to build parts that help get us outside. Not only do they have sliders, skid plates, bumpers, RTT crossbars, etc but they are also building camping equipment like their badass "puzzle" firepit. More details and video to come, but in the meantime:

Here are a couple decent photos of their 4th Gen full skid plate offerings:

_MG_1628.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

The skids are composed of 4 skid plates made out of aluminum (can't recall thickness off the top of my head, its bothering me now and I will go look tomorrow).
- Front (oil pan and lower radiator coverage): Also notice the width of the front plate, which actually hides the front face of the alignment cam hardware from oncoming rocks. Something some of the other skid plate manufacturers do NOT have!
- Mid (transmission pan coverage)
- Rear (transfer case & new crossmember for additional support)
- Gas Tank (self explanitory)

All the hardware is cadmium coated for corrosion resistance and no holes need to be drilled for fitment. Also note the interlocking design between the plates.


_MG_1630.jpg by Addison Rickaby, on Flickr

Love all the little design elements as well (pun-not-intended) like the riveted logo and the 4 "lines" on the front skids to represent the 4 natural elements. The gas tank skid just looks plain badass too when you catch it from the side. As far as I know, they will only be offered in an aluminum version currently. The front skid can also be dropped independently to easily perform an oil change.

Contact the guys at [email protected] until they have their website live.

Couple more:


_08I0490 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0454 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr


_08I0405 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr

Repost, but a good side angle of the gas tank skid:

_08I0486 by Tamarack Media Co., on Flickr