TRD_MIKE's Build thread.

[TRD_Mike]

I'm coming from a long line of tuner cars my last being a 2016 Subaru WRX that I used as a show car from time to time but was mainly built for Autocross and spirited driving it made a good amount of power for what it could handle 406WHP and 354WTQ. That's neither here nor there. I now have a 2017 T4R TRD PRO in Cement Grey, I wanted the pro one for the color and 2 because I wanted the PRO. I refused to pay over MSRP and found one of the last Cement Grey Pros on the east coast being sold for MSRP and readily available this was after about a month of searching and calling dozens of dealerships. I had the time to spare since I had gotten surgery and couldn't work or walk so I used my time to do my searching and came out on top. I will use this thread to track my own progress as well as receive input from those who wish to share! I'm keeping it semi-simple for now but will have more progress as time passes. I'm from the Northern Virginia area and am active within DMV Overland and Expedition.

Vehicle Purchased From: Parkway Toyota
Vehicle Purchased: Evening of 07/20/2017
First Modification: Morning of 07/21/2017
First Wheeling Adventure: George Washington National Forest - Flagpole Knob 08/05/2017​

I will try to link all of my parts and where I purchased them from or where you can purchase from (if a link doesn't work or becomes outdated let me know so I can fix it). If there is something you'd like to see specifically just ask on here and I will reply with pictures!

INSTAGRAM: DUMBO_T4R

Current modifications are as follows:

On Order Awaiting Delivery

There is a lot happening here we go:
]

The truck received a full Single step paint correction w/ Modesta Ceramic paint coating, high heat wheel coating, and front glass coating immediately after delivery. Performed by TLC Auto Detail (Facebook, Instagram) and they did an amazing job. If you are local to the Northern Virginia area and would like this done contact me first and the owner will give you a deal on services.

Lighting I used superbrightleds.com to get all bulb sizes.
- Low Beams: H11: Morimoto Elite XB 50w ballast 5500k
- High Beams: 9005: OLM LED 5500k (had left over from Subaru)
- Fog Lamps:- Baja Designs Fog Pocket Kit Squadron-R Pro Driving/Combo LED
- Side Markers: 7443: Morimoto Acme Switchback (w/ amazon resistor)
- Door puddle Lights, Map Lights, License Plate Lights, Vanity Mirror lights: 194 LED bulbs pure white (I went with amazon on these since they are not forward facing driving lights but they are bright and produce great output)
- Rear Hatch lights, Dome lights: DE3175 LED bulbs pure white (Amazon again)
- Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module +Backup Module (I wanted more light output when reversing)

- Reverse Light Bulb: 921: Morimoto Acme Backfire​

- Rear Turn Signal: 7440: Morimoto X-VF White​

- Custom made grill marker lights.
- Rago Fabrication Ditch Brackets w/ Baja Designs Squadron Pro LED

Electrical System
Powertray
Blue Sea 6 Circuit Fuse Block
Blue Sea 8 Circuit Terminal Block
Blue Seas 10 Screw Common Bus Bar with Cover
Stubby Cables For Switch Pros/ Blue Sea PowerTray

Switch-Pro SP-9100

Slee Off Road Battery Terminal Extensions
PelfreyBilt Battery Cage

Odyssey 31M-PC2150

Recovery/Winch/Compressor
- Bubba Rope Gator Jaw
- Bubba Rope 7/8"x20'
- Smittybuilt Red Shackles (2) connected to front tow points w/ Daystar D-Ring Isolators and I added Daystar D-Ring Washers so the shackles were snug and not easily moved during normal driving conditions.
- Smittybilt Receiver Hitch D-Ring
- ARB 10000011 Speedy Seal Tire Repair Kit
- MAXTRAX

- Switch-Pro Quick Connect Harness for ARB Compressors
-Bandi Compressor Mount

Exterior
- Gobi Stealth Rack 40" LED Setup received 1/18/2018 ordered Aug 8/24/2017 21 weeks
- Tint: Performed by TintFx: 20% 3M Color Stable on the front doors and Suntek CXP 45% over the factory dyed rear glass. (This was the best combination we could find to make the front and rear glass match)
- Toyota 4Runner Black Overlay Bundle Kit: Dipped in a cement grey color
- American Flag decal on rear windows.

Interior/Communications
- Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radiow/ K40 K-30 35" 300 Watts Stainless Steel Magnet Mount CB Antenna

- Phone mount: Scosche MagicMount Magnetic Dash Mount
- Center Console Organizers: Vehicle OCD™ Toyota 4Runner Center Console Organizer & Vehicle OCD™ Toyota 4Runner Center Console Tray
- Orange Boxx Fabrication Storage Panels
- Blue Ridge Overland Gear Medium Molle Pouch
- Blue Ridge Overland Gear Small Molle Pouch

Wheels and tires
- ARB E-Z Deflator/Tire Gauge
- Spidertrax 1.25" Spacers (Not Installed right now due to rubbing)
- I like the TRD wheels (atleast for now) I may possibly get a different wheel in the future.
- LT285/70R17 E121/118Q NITTO Ridge Grappler

Suspension/Drivetrain/Engine
- ARB Differential Breather Kit for rear diff
- Red Line 75W85 GL5 Diff fluid in front and rear diffs (I got water in my diffs and took it to the dealer to flush them. they said I could use any fluid as long as it was proper viscosity and it would remain under factory warranty, I've never had issues with Redline so I had them flush the diffs with it.).
- K&N Drop In Filter
- Stock Toyota TRD Pro Suspension for now w/ Toytec 2" TRD PRO Lift Kit
- SPC Upper Control Arms

Armor
- C4 Fabrications Rock sliders
- C4 Fabrications Fuel Tank Skid Plate

Gear Used Off-Roading/Camping
- Camping Hammock - I have not had one issue with this hammock thus far and can't justify spending $50-$75 for one at Cabelas, Dicks, REI, ETC...
- Ozark Trail Instant 13' x 9' Cabin Camping Tent - This thing takes us less than 4 minutes to put up and take down.
- I will update more as I remember what I have and I purchase more!

MOST RECENT PHOTO

 

[TRD_Mike]

Night of Purchase

TLC AUTO DETAIL Modesta Coating Pick up​

Lighting install​

Spidertrax 1.25" Spacer after install​

 

[MaddoxPics]

Not sure if it's me or what, but it seems like I'm not getting any pictures coming through? [MENTION=169942]TRD_Mike[/MENTION]

 

[TRD_Mike]

Not sure if it's me or what, but it seems like I'm not getting any pictures coming through? [MENTION=169942]TRD_Mike[/MENTION]

im fixing the issues as we speak my photobucket is taking a dump as we speak

 

[MaddoxPics]

im fixing the issues as we speak my photobucket is taking a dump as we speak

Makes sense. I'd love to see some stuff from GWNF if you have it. I'm from Alexandria and will be coming home for Christmas to do some work at my brothers shop. Plan on hitting that area up along with some other trails within the areas.

Let me know if you have any recommendations. I was looking at Potts Mountain, but not sure if the trail itself is a pain, or if it's mostly the side obstacles.

 

[TRD_Mike]

Makes sense. I'd love to see some stuff from GWNF if you have it. I'm from Alexandria and will be coming home for Christmas to do some work at my brothers shop. Plan on hitting that area up along with some other trails within the areas.

Let me know if you have any recommendations. I was looking at Potts Mountain, but not sure if the trail itself is a pain, or if it's mostly the side obstacles.

I didn't take very many pictures except for the camping we did adn the morning we were leaving at the summit. I had fun we were about 7 or 8 rigs going up the trail set up camp and then 3 or 4 rigs including mine did some night wheeling down the rock staircase. I had a lot of fun I thought it was a good trail especially for a beginner like me. Click the link in the first post for the NOVA yota club and add yourself that's how i found out about the trip.

 

[TRD_Mike]

First Wheeling: George Washinton National Forest​

 

[TRD_Mike]

Well I started a little project yesterday, I wanted to do the 3 grill lights everyone does. I wasn't sold on the mounting in front of the grill the I've seen everyone else do thus far and how the Rock Creek Overland tutorial explains how to do it. This is a great tutorial and I am using it for everything except the mounting and the addition one other thing. I started to cut and trim one of the lights and after one wasted attempt with a light I tried a different way and mounted them from the back side of the grill. Using a dremel I started some trimming to the lights them to fit the way I wanted or the best way i could without wasting another light but so far so good. I'm also trying to figure out another way to mount them instead of zip ties holding them on but I think this looks a hell of a lot cleaner than just zip tied to the front of the grill. They are not wired up yet, I'm waiting for a connector to come in to splice into the wires so if I need to take the bumper off I don't have to cut wires I just unplug it this is the only other diffrent thing im doing from the Rock Creek Overland tutorial.

 

[Ariboon]

What cutting / removal did you have to do to run the spideraxx spacers? I see you kept the front mud flaps on and is there any rubbing with your settup?

 

[TRD_Mike]

What cutting / removal did you have to do to run the spideraxx spacers? I see you kept the front mud flaps on and is there any rubbing with your settup?

No cutting or removal at all all I had to do was move the fenderliner a littl forward that's it.

 

[TRD_Mike]

Ok so an update, I've been busy with work and moving but had gotten a few things done a few of weeks ago. I finished my marker light project, I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out! I also got my American flag decals installed on the rear windows. Lastly I received and installed my Baja Designs fog light kit and these things are amazing!

Marker Light Project

Flag Decal

Baja Designs Fog Light Kit
Squadron Pro Driving/combo

Left lamp is BD fog lamp Right is morimoto LED bulb the amount of output is amazing.

Not the best pictures i was on a slope pointed down but here:
Just low beams:

Low Beams w/ Fogs

​

 

[spencenasty]

Holler if you want to run flagpole or any others.

 

[TRD_Mike]

Holler if you want to run flagpole or any others.

Where you from?

 

[MtnMan219]

Any update on your sliders? I just ordered some today and was curious what the lead times are looking like.

 

[TRD_Mike]

Any update on your sliders? I just ordered some today and was curious what the lead times are looking like.

You should receive an email within the next few days of a projected date to be done then shipping is 4-5 business days. Mine will be done this Thursday October 19th. I’m anxiously waiting. I ordered mine on August 24th.

 

[MtnMan219]

You should receive an email within the next few days of a projected date to be done then shipping is 4-5 business days. Mine will be done this Thursday October 19th. I’m anxiously waiting. I ordered mine on August 24th.

Oh man. I'm so glad I ordered them now. I guess i'll start planning out the lift and tires while i wait

 

[spencenasty]

Where you from?

Live in Charlottesville/Greene area.

 

[TRD_Mike]

C4 Fabrication Rock slider

Well I received my C4 Fabrications rock sliders and had them powder coated by Raphael at NV Coatings in chantilly VA. He laid down a Matte black finish on the rails and a semigloss texture on the steps these things came out looking amazing! NV will be getting the rest of my powder coating for other accessories I highly recommend them. I will be posting a full install write up in the coming days!

 

[TRD_Mike]

C4 Fabrication Rock Slider Install

C4 Fabrication Rock Slider Installation
14+ 5th Gen 4Runner w/o KDSS​

HARDWARE INCLUDED:
• Driver side rock slider (Labeled DFT)
• (1) Passenger side rock slider (Labeled PFT)
• (31) 8mm x 25mm bolts (10.9 Steel Grade)
• (33) Flat washers
• (2) 3/8“ thread cutting screws
• (1) 3/8" x 4 ½” bolt
• (1) Nut
• (1) Split washer
• If steps were purchased with rock sliders they should come attached with 10-24 torx pan head screws installed
• (3) Extra 10-24 torx pan head screws

TOOLS REQUIRED:
• (1) 12mm wrench or socket
• (1) 13mm wrench or socket
• (2) 9/16 wrenches or sockets or combination of one of each
• (1) Drill
• (1) 5/16” metal drill bit
• (1) Floor jack or buddy to help lift sliders up into position
• (2) Jack stands to support the sliders’ weight
• (1) Torque Wrench (Capable of 30 lb-ft)
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
• Socket extensions
• (1) Center punch
• Flash Light
• Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• (1) 5/8” Metal drill bit

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Drivers Side:
• (1) Driver’s side rock slider (Labeled DFT)
• (20) of the 8mm x 25mm bolts and washers
• 12mm socket or wrench
• 13mm socket or wrench
• Jack or a buddy to lift slider in position
• Jack stands
• Torque Wrench

Preparation:
1): Using a 12mm wrench or socket remove the three 8mm bolts from the bottom of the frame rail that hold the factory fuel tank skid into place, set these aside they will not be reused. Let the cover hang down a couple inches so the slider can be put into place on the frame. (see below for an additional step to make fuel tank skid sit lower)

2) Using a 12mm wrench or socket remove the factory 8mm bolt holding the e-brake cable bracket onto the frame rail. (set aside this will not be reused) Rotate the bracket so it is out of the way of the rock slider frame mounting plate.

3) If you purchased steps with your rock sliders ensure that all the hardware is installed and tightened prior to installing the rock sliders on the vehicle!

***Additional step this is not required***
Using a 12mm socket set up with extensions you may loosen or remove the rear driver’s side rear fuel tank skid plate mounting bolt if you want the skid plate to hang lower making it easier to get the slider in place. See depiction below.

Install:
1) With the help of a floor jack or buddies, lift the rock slider up into position on the frame rail, making sure that the e-brake cable mounting bracket does not get caught between the vehicle frame and the rock slider mounting plate. (I used a lift)

2) Once the rock slider is in position, support it with jack stands while you align the bolts.

3) Push in one of the supplied 8mm bolts with flat washer through one of the top holes on each end of the slider frame plates and thread the bolt into the threaded hole in the vehicle frame rail.

4) Now that the slider is hanging in position on its own by the two top bolts, thread the remaining 8mm bolts with flat washer into all available threaded holes to include the 3 holes for the skid plate. DO NOT REINSTALL THE E-BRAKE BRACKET YET. We recommend only threading in each bolt partially to allow for any necessary adjustments and proper torqueing.

5) Once you have completely aligned and partially threaded in all 19 bolts align your e-brake bracket into its original position over the top of the Rock slider mounting plate. Using another 8mm bolt with flat washer reinstall the e-brake bracket only partially threading your bolt into place.

6) Using a 13mm socket or wrench begin snugging down all 20 mounting bolts on the driver’s side rock slider. We suggest starting with the 3 skid plate mounting bolts and then moving to the 2 bottom crossmember mounting bolts and finishing with the frame rail bolts.

7) Using your torque wrench and a 13mm socket torque down all mounting hardware to a max of 30 lb-ft.

***If you removed or loosened the rear skid plate bolt in the additional step do not forget to reinstall and tighten***

Passenger Side:
**NOTE: The passenger side rock slider does not utilize all the mounting holes through the slider mounting plate because some of the holes on the vehicle frame are not threaded or do not exist. **
• Passenger side rock slider (Labeled PFT)
• (11) of the 8mm x 25mm bolts and washers
• 12mm socket or wrench
• 13mm socket or wrench
• Jack or a buddy to lift slider in position
• Jack stands
• (2) 9/16 wrenches or sockets or combination of one of each
• Drill
• (1) 5/16” Drill Metal drill bit
• (1) Torque Wrench (Capable of 30 lb-ft)
RECOMMENDED:
• Center punch
• Safety Glasses
• 5/8” Metal drill bit

Preparation:
1): Using a 12mm wrench or socket factory 8mm bolt holding the e-brake cable bracket onto the frame rail. (set aside this will not be reused) Rotate the bracket so it is out of the way of the rock slider frame mounting plate.

2) If you purchased steps with your rock sliders ensure that all the hardware is installed and tightened prior to installing the rock sliders on the vehicle!

Install:
1) The passenger side rock slider install is very similar to the driver's side and as noted above does not have as many mounting points due to shortage of threaded holes on the frame rails from the factory. Follow mounting steps 1-3 from the driver’s side to get the rock slider in the proper position.
2) Now that the slider is hanging in position on its own by the two top bolts, thread the remaining 8mm bolts with flat washer into all available threaded holes to include. DO NOT REINSTALL THE E-BRAKE BRACKET YET. We recommend only threading in each bolt partially to allow for any necessary adjustments and proper torqueing.

3) When installing the passenger side slider, there is one hole along the bottom edge of the frame rail, about halfway down next to the exhaust hanger, that is open through to the inside of the frame rail. This hole is where the 3/8" x 4 ½” supplied bolt goes through the slider mounting plate and all the way through the frame rail. Install this bolt so that the split washer and nut go on the inside of the frame rail, do not torque down yet leave loose. (the stack up should be bolt head, flat washer, rock slider, frame rail, flat washer, split washer, and nut)

5) At the front bottom of the passenger slider where the flange meets the transmission cross member, two 5/16" holes will need to be drilled into the cross member where the holes are in the frame mounting plates. After the two 5/16" holes are drilled, the two 3/8" thread cutting screws can be threaded into the holes using a drill or ratchet and socket. (see below for an additional step to assist with drilling)

***Additional step this is not required***
You may use a center punch to keep your drill bit aligned and not dance around while you are trying to be precise. You may also want to start with a 5/8“ metal drill bit to start your hole. As seen below.

6) Once you have completely aligned and partially threaded in all hardware ((10) 8mm bolts with washers, (2) 3/8 threading screws, and (1) 3/8" x 4 ½” bolt with washers and nut) align your e-brake bracket into its original position over the top of the Rock slider mounting plate. Using another 8mm bolt with flat washer reinstall the e-brake bracket only partially threading your bolt into place.

7) Using a 13mm socket or wrench begin to snug down all 11 mounting bolts on the passenger's side rock slider. We suggest starting with the 1 bottom mounted bolt and then moving to the 2 bottom crossmember mounting bolts you drilled this will require a 9/16” socket. Move back to the 13mm socket and snug the frame rail bolts and finishing with the bolt that goes all the way through the frame rail using a 9/16” socket or wrench.

8) Using your torque wrench and the proper sized sockets torque down all mounting hardware to a max of 30 lb-ft. Finishing with the bolt that goes through the frame rail using a 9/16” socket on the torque wrench while placing a 9/16” wrench on the bolt head side NOTE do not exceed a max of 30 lb-ft to refrain from crushing the frame rail.

Left Over Hardware:
• (3) Spare torx pan head screws for steps
• (3) Factory fuel tank skid plate bolts
• (2) Factory E-Brake clamp mounting hardware

INSTALL COMPLETE!

 

[Araj82]

Ok so an update, I've been busy with work and moving but had gotten a few things done a few of weeks ago. I finished my marker light project, I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out! I also got my American flag decals installed on the rear windows. Lastly I received and installed my Baja Designs fog light kit and these things are amazing!

Marker Light Project

Flag Decal

Baja Designs Fog Light Kit
Squadron Pro Driving/combo

Left lamp is BD fog lamp Right is morimoto LED bulb the amount of output is amazing.

Not the best pictures i was on a slope pointed down but here:
Just low beams:

Low Beams w/ Fogs

​

Love the decal.... where did you get it from?