The Waco Kid's Build and Adventure Thread
- Thread starter The Waco Kid
- Start date
The Waco Kid
New member
So, I have a few updates to add.
I never added any photos post lift as I never really got around to taking many. I've worked my ass off for the past year and half and haven't really be able to get out and explore or keep up to date on changes to 4runner. That'll be changing soon.
I'll start with some life updates, sorry if this is becoming too much of a journal for you guys/gals:
In the last year and a half, I've started a new Job with way better hours, better pay, and more time off. Also in that time frame, I've gotten engaged, adopted a new dog (granted he came with my fiancé), lost an apartment in a fire (post Hurricane Harvey), and traveled internationally for the first time ever on top of my 50% travel schedule (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, The Netherlands). So needless to say, I've been busy.
As for the truck:
Initially, I tried to keep the same rake as from the factory. It as a bit stink buggy at first, but it seems to have settled down (or I've gotten used to it). The 265's make it seem worse than it is.
I have since ordered Icon Delta Joint tubular upper control arms, and will be leveling it out this Fall/winter.
I ordered a Prinsu Rack in May, and received within a week. Lead times seem to have really come down. My initial impressions were that it was well made and lightweight. I was not impressed with the instructions or the hardware included. I ended up having to shim the middle mount to bring it close to level, as all my standoffs were of equal size and height. Given that, I opted not to drill the roof, and just buy rubber cabinet feet from Parts-express for the front mounting foot. It appears to be sitting level now, especially with the with the weight of the light bar upfront.
Shortly thereafter, my James Baroud Explorer arrived 3 months ahead of schedule. I wasn't expecting it until late September (ordered mid-may, arrived early June). No pics yet as it's still in a box in storage. It's just too hot to camp right now (that's Texas for you)
Granted... it was too hot to install all this sh*t (see below), but I did it anyway.
My father gifted me some ditch lights brackets and a pair of Side Shooter Pods from Cali-raised (thanks pops!). I never intended on getting any myself, but I'm surprised at how useful they've been for non-offroad applications since I've installed them... like working outside in the dark, or finding stuff I've dropped in the grass or dirt while working or biking.
Since I ordered and installed the roof rack, I couldn't help myself from adding a light bar. I am "THAT GUY" now. I picked up the 38" slimline bar from Extremeled, and I couldn't be happier with it... Although, it was a bit of pita figuring out the right mounting configuration. I also am sick and tired of wiring.
Last but not least, I've made several upgrades to the interior.
First of which was the upgrade to the new Head Unit, Sound Deadening, Dash, and Front Door Speakers (no pictures). I went with Kicker's 44KSC 6x9 and 3.5" 2 way speakers, and the Kenwood DDX9905s for it's wireless android auto capabilities, HD screen, and iDatalink Maestro interface. I'm so happy to be rid of Entunes.
As for the sound quality... holy cow. The speakers alone were more than enough to satisfy me. But, its great having the ability to fine tune everything now with the HU. If you're looking for an audio upgrade, and you're debating on which to do... new speakers will get you 80% of the way there. The new HU alone won't get you nearly as far, based on my experience.
Adding sound deadening may be my least favorite addition. It's great after the fact, but I really did not enjoy the work involved. It's nice knowing how my truck comes apart, but I think I'll have a professional add CDL, MLV, and CCF to the rest of the truck doors and roof. At least I have the Rear floor and front doors done.
And finally, I had a local installer add in new Katzkin leather and seat heaters... for you know... that cold Houston winter morning. :bounce:
Texas Auto trim did the install, and they did a fantastic job. Their wiring was great (saw it first hand during my lighting install) to boot. If you're in the Houston area, I highly recommend them.
I never added any photos post lift as I never really got around to taking many. I've worked my ass off for the past year and half and haven't really be able to get out and explore or keep up to date on changes to 4runner. That'll be changing soon.
I'll start with some life updates, sorry if this is becoming too much of a journal for you guys/gals:
In the last year and a half, I've started a new Job with way better hours, better pay, and more time off. Also in that time frame, I've gotten engaged, adopted a new dog (granted he came with my fiancé), lost an apartment in a fire (post Hurricane Harvey), and traveled internationally for the first time ever on top of my 50% travel schedule (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, The Netherlands). So needless to say, I've been busy.
As for the truck:
Initially, I tried to keep the same rake as from the factory. It as a bit stink buggy at first, but it seems to have settled down (or I've gotten used to it). The 265's make it seem worse than it is.
I have since ordered Icon Delta Joint tubular upper control arms, and will be leveling it out this Fall/winter.
I ordered a Prinsu Rack in May, and received within a week. Lead times seem to have really come down. My initial impressions were that it was well made and lightweight. I was not impressed with the instructions or the hardware included. I ended up having to shim the middle mount to bring it close to level, as all my standoffs were of equal size and height. Given that, I opted not to drill the roof, and just buy rubber cabinet feet from Parts-express for the front mounting foot. It appears to be sitting level now, especially with the with the weight of the light bar upfront.
Shortly thereafter, my James Baroud Explorer arrived 3 months ahead of schedule. I wasn't expecting it until late September (ordered mid-may, arrived early June). No pics yet as it's still in a box in storage. It's just too hot to camp right now (that's Texas for you)
Granted... it was too hot to install all this sh*t (see below), but I did it anyway.
My father gifted me some ditch lights brackets and a pair of Side Shooter Pods from Cali-raised (thanks pops!). I never intended on getting any myself, but I'm surprised at how useful they've been for non-offroad applications since I've installed them... like working outside in the dark, or finding stuff I've dropped in the grass or dirt while working or biking.
Since I ordered and installed the roof rack, I couldn't help myself from adding a light bar. I am "THAT GUY" now. I picked up the 38" slimline bar from Extremeled, and I couldn't be happier with it... Although, it was a bit of pita figuring out the right mounting configuration. I also am sick and tired of wiring.
Last but not least, I've made several upgrades to the interior.
First of which was the upgrade to the new Head Unit, Sound Deadening, Dash, and Front Door Speakers (no pictures). I went with Kicker's 44KSC 6x9 and 3.5" 2 way speakers, and the Kenwood DDX9905s for it's wireless android auto capabilities, HD screen, and iDatalink Maestro interface. I'm so happy to be rid of Entunes.
As for the sound quality... holy cow. The speakers alone were more than enough to satisfy me. But, its great having the ability to fine tune everything now with the HU. If you're looking for an audio upgrade, and you're debating on which to do... new speakers will get you 80% of the way there. The new HU alone won't get you nearly as far, based on my experience.
Adding sound deadening may be my least favorite addition. It's great after the fact, but I really did not enjoy the work involved. It's nice knowing how my truck comes apart, but I think I'll have a professional add CDL, MLV, and CCF to the rest of the truck doors and roof. At least I have the Rear floor and front doors done.
And finally, I had a local installer add in new Katzkin leather and seat heaters... for you know... that cold Houston winter morning. :bounce:
Texas Auto trim did the install, and they did a fantastic job. Their wiring was great (saw it first hand during my lighting install) to boot. If you're in the Houston area, I highly recommend them.
Last edited:
The Waco Kid
New member
If you're not seeing all the photos from my last post, please let me know.
Also, please let me know which browser you're using (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, etc...)
PMs work best.
Also, please let me know which browser you're using (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, etc...)
PMs work best.
Last edited:
shrub1
Member
The Waco Kid
New member
shrub1
Member
Good to go.
The Waco Kid
New member
I finally installed my Icon Delta Joint UCA's to correct the alignment.
Before:
After:
Firestone was able to get exactly 3.5 degrees on both sides, with everything else very nicely in spec. They were hesitant to increase it further as its at the "extreme end" of what is considered possible for this vehicle. This was mildly frustrating, but I wasn't concerned enough to have them push it further, and it seems to track perfectly straight now, even after maxing out the height on my 6112's.
If I add larger tires down the road, I may revisit this later, but at another shop to try and get closer to 4 degrees.
Now to start planning my trips west!
Before:
After:
Firestone was able to get exactly 3.5 degrees on both sides, with everything else very nicely in spec. They were hesitant to increase it further as its at the "extreme end" of what is considered possible for this vehicle. This was mildly frustrating, but I wasn't concerned enough to have them push it further, and it seems to track perfectly straight now, even after maxing out the height on my 6112's.
If I add larger tires down the road, I may revisit this later, but at another shop to try and get closer to 4 degrees.
Now to start planning my trips west!
The Waco Kid
New member
Sorry, I'm just now seeing this. I used the brackets that came with the light, then I mounted them on top of the the front most crossbar in the lowest slot on the side rails. Seems to be just about right. I wish the wiring coming out of the light was better, or the bracket would accommodate mounting in the slot behind the wind deflector.
I hope this isn't an issue when I move to a frontrunner rack.
The Waco Kid
New member
Can you be a little more specific or what you're looking for so I can get the shot(s).
I use AOB switches in each of my knock outs, so there really isn't much to report. And as for the dash unit, I have the new Metra Charcoal black dash kit that matched my 2014's interior trim. Fitment on that is a bit suspect, but it at least looks stock in color.
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