Tigger's Build and Mis-Adventures

[FoxRunner1]

Nice build thread man! I am looking into some rock sliders right now. How are the RED Inc ones? Would you have gone a different route now that you have had them a while? Thanks!

 

[JasonRSG]

Great build thread!
I'm curious how quiet is the ride with what you have installed?

 

[tigger]

Nice build thread man! I am looking into some rock sliders right now. How are the RED Inc ones? Would you have gone a different route now that you have had them a while? Thanks!

I really liked them. They tucked up tight and high. But as far as install, they are probably one of the most difficult out there.
I would have gone with the same though.

 

[tigger]

Great build thread!
I'm curious how quiet is the ride with what you have installed?

I would say it was almost as quiet as my ES350. To me it was worth the time I put in. You could easily carry on a conversation at a normal level at 80 mph.

 

[RunRun801]

Just stayed up way past my bedtime enjoying this build thread.
Great runner you built, and excellent vinyl work on your new ride. Hope it is treating you well.

 

[mitchm92]

Decided to upgrade the interior lighting in the Toy. One of the forum members recommended a company out of Texas called Fyreflys. I found a high output set on their ebay site that looked like what I was looking for.
12pc 3014 Series Interior LED Light Bulbs Package Kit for 03 15 4Runner White | eBay

I chose the 3014 series as they are supposed to be brighter than the 5050 series. My only complaint is that they are 6000K so a little bluer than I had hoped for. Would have preferred a 4500K or 5000K.

It is so much brighter in the 4Runner now. I can actually see things at night if I am looking for something.

I used small pieces of gorilla tape to remove the small light bulbs from the overhead lights and vanity lights.
The center overhead bulb was the hardest to get out. I am sure there is a trick to it, but as you can see below, I destroyed the bulb trying to remove it.

Even the puddle lights in the mirrors weren't too bad once I figured out where the clips were to pop them loose. There are 4 sets of double clips on the back of the mirror and you can see the bars they pop onto on the housing side. I used a 90 degree pick to pry the clip out, but since they are double clips, it was probably easier to just carefully pull the mirrors loose.

about to order some of these. do you know what kind are needed for the puddle lights? I clicked that link but not sure if any of those will work for it. and spoke with Allen on the phone (I think he's the owner) and he said he'd give me a 25% discount for being military!

 

[tigger]

about to order some of these. do you know what kind are needed for the puddle lights? I clicked that link but not sure if any of those will work for it. and spoke with Allen on the phone (I think he's the owner) and he said he'd give me a 25% discount for being military!

The bulbs in the kit will work. I just don't remember if I used the Flat ones or the round ones. One put out more directed light. I think I used the round ones in the mirrors and put the flat ones in the license plate lights.

 

[tigger]

Just stayed up way past my bedtime enjoying this build thread.
Great runner you built, and excellent vinyl work on your new ride. Hope it is treating you well.

Thanks, enjoying the new ride but do miss having an SUV. Will get another one someday.

 

[Flix]

I have the slider frame built for about 2 months but have been trying to figure out a way to actually attach it. I don't know if this is the best way, and can't say for sure it would hold in a violent rollover but is should work for the upcoming 18 day adventure.
I still need to do some work on it, but the main structure is in place.

I like your mods! Just 2 questions: 1) how did you mount the fridge slider frame? The rails looks to be on (maybe) a piece of plywood. How is that plywood anchored in the cargo area? 2) how did you mount the inverter under the seat? Did you use self tapping metal screws into the floor?

Thanks!

 

[tigger]

I like your mods! Just 2 questions: 1) how did you mount the fridge slider frame? The rails looks to be on (maybe) a piece of plywood. How is that plywood anchored in the cargo area? 2) how did you mount the inverter under the seat? Did you use self tapping metal screws into the floor?

Thanks!

There is a piece of plywood under the carpet mat. Then I took a piece of metal I picked up at Home Depot (appx 3x48) and ran it under the plastic trays on either side near the rear hatch and secured with the tie down bolts in those trays and bolted to the wood. At the other side, I used a piece of T metal (for tying joists to support beams) and bolted the upper T portion to the wood and secured the base of the T to the tie down point under the bridge piece between the rear seat and cargo area.

As for the inverter, I slid a thin piece of wood under the carpet and screwed into that. I don't like screwing into the sheet metal unless I absolutely have to. Just creates more spots for rust to start.

 

[Flix]

There is a piece of plywood under the carpet mat. Then I took a piece of metal I picked up at Home Depot (appx 3x48) and ran it under the plastic trays on either side near the rear hatch and secured with the tie down bolts in those trays and bolted to the wood. At the other side, I used a piece of T metal (for tying joists to support beams) and bolted the upper T portion to the wood and secured the base of the T to the tie down point under the bridge piece between the rear seat and cargo area.

As for the inverter, I slid a thin piece of wood under the carpet and screwed into that. I don't like screwing into the sheet metal unless I absolutely have to. Just creates more spots for rust to start.

That's pretty creative with the metal bar and the T metal. I may end up doing that with mine. Thanks!

 

[xkevin303x]

Did you have to make any modifications to make the TRD skid fit? I am looking to do add this to my 2010 SR5 and was wondering if I would be able to just bolt it on?

 

[tigger]

Did you have to make any modifications to make the TRD skid fit? I am looking to do add this to my 2010 SR5 and was wondering if I would be able to just bolt it on?

It came with the 4-Runner but when we swapped a stock one in when I sold it, it bolted right up. So as long as the new skid has the support and bolts with it, you shouldn't need to do any modifications.

 

[Jhalko]

[MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION] Was that you and group of 4runners headed north on I-15 about 20-30 miles north of Vegas on May 3rd? I was headed from Toquerville falls to Death Valley and saw a group of 5-6 4runners and at least one taco. Saw side graphics on the lead runner and thought I’d seen the truck on here.

 

[tigger]

[MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION] Was that you and group of 4runners headed north on I-15 about 20-30 miles north of Vegas on May 3rd? I was headed from Toquerville falls to Death Valley and saw a group of 5-6 4runners and at least one taco. Saw side graphics on the lead runner and thought I’d seen the truck on here.

Sorry, wasn't me. Sold the Runner a couple of years ago. (unless they were being tailed by a GS 350 :lookout: )

 

[CajunRunnerRN]

wrap

To close out this chapter, the 4Runner has been sold. I replaced it with an RX-450h but found the seats unbearable after a couple hours so ended up going a completely different direction.

I sat in a lot of vehicles before I found something comfortable. I picked up a 2106 ES350 in Nebula Grey but really wanted Blue so did a color change with a Satin wrap.

Maybe someday I will get back into an SUV but for now, these old bones enjoy the comfort of this sedan.

I wanna do my 5th gen that color so bad.

 

[tigger]

I wanna do my 5th gen that color so bad.

It would look good on a 4Runner.
Unfortunately I totaled that car so am now in an Atomic Silver GS350 F Sport.
I miss the the blue color. May wrap this one if I decide to keep it after the lease is up.

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

The ES350 is one of the nicest sedans on the road at any price, too bad. Don't you have the hump on the tunnel in the GS or is that only on the IS's? Anyway, thanks for all the tremendous photos of your travels.

 

[tigger]

The ES350 is one of the nicest sedans on the road at any price, too bad. Don't you have the hump on the tunnel in the GS or is that only on the IS's? Anyway, thanks for all the tremendous photos of your travels.

Yes, the GS has the hump as it is rear wheel drive. The ES was a nice car but the GS is much more fun to drive. But I paid off the lease today (a bit early) so maybe it's time to look for another 4Runner.

 

[tigger]

Yep have a whole lot of friends from high school (Clark 68') move up there if not full time then fall & summer ! Still plenty of good property up there !

Just wanted to let you know it took a few years but finally bought a place up in Kalispell about a month ago. Only a third of an acre but so happy to be out of Vegas and the heat. It is so beautiful up here.