Thebrandon's 2000 SR5 4X4 Kayak Hauler Thread

[thebrandon]

That's a sweet setup you've got there! Yeah I know my 4runner is bone stock but I have a billion other projects that take up time and money, so my vehicles mostly stay factory-spec.

Here's a little flat-bottom boat I bought this past summer for fishing and waterfowl hunting. It's pretty bad ass. Weighs close to 100 pounds so not too bad to get it on the roof rack...

Any boat and runner is better than no boat and no runner! Me and buddy just bought a Coleman Crawdad that we are looking to secure to the top of this.

great looking build, excited to see how the control arm project finished up for you.

A question on your 'yak mounting. Are you just using pool noodles under the boat on the rails? I'm getting ready to fab a roof rack soon and I will need a part time solution for just taking a quick solo trip. I'm also building an expedition/kayak trailer for when I have to take a few boats, but need something in the mean time for just the truck. Thanks for your feedback.

For the yak I just used pool noodles, but I do have some Yakima saddles for the front, and hulley rollers for the rear that I used on my WRX when I had it. I found the factory bars to be more than good enough though. Two straps around the top over each bar, and for the bow I hook up to the front bumper. If you don't have a bumper you can secure things to you can use some hood loops like these ones which I also have and love.

Yak-Gear EZ Loop Hood Loops - Pair - austinkayak.com - Product Details

They arent the same ones I have, but similar and are awesome if you don't have tie down points on the front.


LBJs came in. I got an email from the company I purchased the bushings from and they said they were back ordered...I don't like it when companies advertise things as in stock and then this happens, but oh well. The search continues.

 

[whiskey_fish]

Awesome. I was running basically the same set up just using those foam blocks. My boat is very flat on the bottom so I'll probably switch the blocks over to my wife's v-bottom and get me a noodle. I run my bow straps to the bumper usually. Can't wait until I get the trailer built. I hate lifting the boats onto the roof.

 

[thebrandon]

LBJs

Still on the hunt for white line bushings or lower control arms. I just can't decide if I want to risk using something like MOOG lcas.

 

[thebrandon]

Took a chance and ordered an ebay light bar. It is 24" and was one of those fancy ebay "sales" where they mark prices down. It was under $100, plus had some ebay cash or credit or bucks or what ever they call it so it was even cheaper. We'll see how it does!

 

[Bandit Runner]

I bought the exact same light for my wife for Christmas. I installed it on her FJCruiser. We've been very happy with it. No issues, and nice & bright. Hope your experience is the same.

 

[thebrandon]

I wonder what's going on here (besides making a mess)

Here is a hint to part of what happened

 

[AZ_Trails]

So I saw this and thought to myself, hey that looks like the shop I go to. Well, it's not, but it's still good to see a fellow Tucson 3rd gen! Keep up the good work.

 

[thebrandon]

So I saw this and thought to myself, hey that looks like the shop I go to. Well, it's not, but it's still good to see a fellow Tucson 3rd gen! Keep up the good work.

This was actually up near Phoenix. I had to get it aligned before I could drive it back down to Tucson .

 

[thebrandon]

Lifted the front end a little more. Did the lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings and am sitting on the 3rd out of 5 notches on the tundra billies.

before

after

A little hard to tell but it did lift the front up a bit lol.

Also have this to go in when I do my timing.

If anyone is wanting to do their lower control arm bushings, the Whiteline bushings are ridiculously easy to install. Probably right on line with just putting whole new arms in. I'm happy I made the switch to poly and the install was much easier than expected. Removing the old bushings and putting the new ones in to the old control arm takes 5 minutes tops per arm as long as your old sleeves come out. Even if they stay in it's not that big of a deal to get the old sleeve out.

 

[Bandit Runner]

Did you find a good deal on the radiator? If so, where? I'm planning on replacing mine too.

Thanks.

 

[cdrewferd]

Nice build. I just caught up on everything. How are you liking the Whiteline bushings? I'm thinking of putting these on my rig.

 

[thebrandon]

Did you find a good deal on the radiator? If so, where? I'm planning on replacing mine too.

Thanks.

I got the radiator on eBay. I wouldn't call it a great deal, but it was affordable and what I needed. This was the only one on the auction I got mine, but there are plenty of others on there.

Nice build. I just caught up on everything. How are you liking the Whiteline bushings? I'm thinking of putting these on my rig.

I only have about 300 miles on them since the install, but I like them a lot so far. If you have the time and the factory bottle jack I would recommend installing them. Install is easy if your factory bushing sleeves aren't stuck, but even then they are easy to get out, and Whiteline provides you with new sleeves for the poly bushings.

 

[thebrandon]

Few things to check off of the to do list.

Spark plugs and wires
Timing belt/pulleys/tensioner
Water pump
Radiator
Rad hoses
Drive belts
Valve cover gaskets
Oil change
Tranny fluid

I need to put a new CV in later this week.

This is what all of the old timing components looked like.

Here is how she sits as of today

 

[thebrandon]

Tundra brake upgrade complete.

 

[Joshv4runner]

Good looking rig man. I'll be keeping an eye out on your thread.

 

[NateMob]

Staying busy man, I like it! You've already got a great build going.

Did you order your bushings through eBay or a third party dealer, i think i looked them up on Whiteline's site and they wanted a astronomical amount for shipping.

 

[thebrandon]

Staying busy man, I like it! You've already got a great build going.

Did you order your bushings through eBay or a third party dealer, i think i looked them up on Whiteline's site and they wanted a astronomical amount for shipping.

Thanks! I ordered the whiteline bushings from Whiteline Suspension Parts - A Dealer of the Whiteline Brand of Suspension Parts. They aren't whiteline but sell their stuff and have a bunch of other different names online. When I ordered they said the parts were back ordered and could take up to six weeks to get. I ended up getting them in about 2.5 weeks.

 

[thebrandon]

I have to comment again about these brakes. This upgrade has got to be a no brainer. No cons, only improvement over the factory undersized brakes in every way it seems. Pedal feels better, brakes are more responsive and much more confidence inspiring. I went with the bigger of the two options, but I'm sure even the 199mm would be well worth the money. If you're thinking about upgrading your brakes, especially if you have bigger tires/heavier wheels do it!

 

[nodakker]

I've always owned a truck so hauling my fishing kayak was easy... Now I have my 4runner so we will see how hauling goes with that. But love kayak fishing and 4runners so can't miss

 

[thebrandon]

Most up to date picture, showing off the new brakes too . I hope I can get the lightbar on soon since I have a trip coming up where it will come in hand racing down the long dirt roads!