Tucker's Build Thread & Trip Photos

imdtucker

imdtucker

New member
I figure its time to take a walk back through the evolution of my 4Runner and put together a build thread. I've spent way too much time browsing the forums and admiring everyone's rigs, constantly adding to my mod shopping list as I go. I am a complete rookie when it comes to mechanics, having never worked on vehicles before, so this has been a huge learning experience for me and I absolutely love it!

This is my first Toyota and first offroad capable vehicle. I picked up my 2005 SR5 V6 in Magnetic Grey from the dealership in February 2013 with 180,000 km (111,000 mi) on it, third owner.

On the day I picked it up:


Stock by imdtucker, on Flickr

As she sits now (August 10, 2014):


McLean Creek, Aug 10 by imdtucker, on Flickr

Mods:
Toytec Ultimate 3" lift
Procomp 7069 rims
BFG AT KO 275/70/R17
Demello Offroad Front Bumper (06-09 style bumper because I'm impatient)
CBI Premium Rear Tire Carrier, Shackle D-ring tab instead of Pass through receiver
Matching spare with Trasharoo Bag
Pioneer AVH-X2500BT
Husky Floor Liners
Satoshi-Style Grille
Cargo Basket w/ 40" Single Row LED Light Bar
Debadged rear and plasti-dipped rear emblem

Upcoming/Wish List:
RCI Skid Plate Package
Fog Lights for DO bumper
20" LED Light bar for DO bumper
Winch (Warn M-8000, Smittly-built XRC, or???)
Angel Eyes LED Headlights
 
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First mod was to get a lift, and new rims and tires. Because of my limited mechanical knowledge, I had the lift professionally installed - I didn't think it was a good choice of mod to learn the ropes. It is also my DD so I couldn't have it sitting in a partially completed state for too long.


Lift by imdtucker, on Flickr

Like any reasonable human with a shiny new lift installed, I immediately had to take it out and see what it could do.


Lift Trip by imdtucker, on Flickr


Snowy Descent by imdtucker, on Flickr

Next was to start to doing things myself - baby steps: removed the running boards almost immediately, ordered a sport edition roof rack and installed it I also got a cheap full length cargo basket and put that up top. I decided to Plasti-Dip the front grille and rear "T" emblem, and debadge the rest. Picked up some quick fist mounts for shovel and axe mounts on the basket. Around this time I also upgraded the head unit to a Pioneer touchscreen display.


Grill by imdtucker, on Flickr


Roof Basket Mounts by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
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Winter really limited doing any mods as I don’t have a garage and it gets incredibly cold in Calgary, AB. Still managed to get out for a couple day trips to play in the snow. Notably, I went out and wrecked my front end (November 2, there was a surprising amount of snow and ice... thanks Canada) - from looking at the photos I don’t actually know whether this is what did the damage or not - it could have been from large (12-16” diameter, 1” thick) chunks of ice and not the hole I found. Either way, I bent my radiator, back into my radiator fan, ruining the fan, fan clutch and some other components. Took a solid mental note that it was time to invest in some front end protection as soon as possible and a full front bumper was moved up the install list as soon as funds allowed. This also marked a hiatus from the offroading and exploring Alberta - not because of the damage, but because I started training for an Ironman and devoted my time to that until the end of July this year.


Winter Hole by imdtucker, on Flickr


Winter - Front End by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
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With Ironman complete, it was time to devote some time (and money!) back into my 4Runner. Before I got my bumper, I installed a few smaller items on my 4Runner. First was a 40” single row LED light bar (Speed Demon lights, Canadian supplier) I originally installed it as a “stealth install” as per the great thread in the 4th gen section.


Lightbar Install 1 by imdtucker, on Flickr

I found that a lot of light output reflected off my roof or the angle was too high if I tilted it up to avoid this. So I moved it up to my cargo basket.


New Light Bar Install by imdtucker, on Flickr

I also put in Husky Floor Mats (highly recommend, possibly the best thing I’ve purchase for my 4Runner yet!). I did a Satoshi style grill mod - still unsure whether to add the Toyota emblem in or just leave it without.


Satoshi Progress by imdtucker, on Flickr


First Trip after Ironman by imdtucker, on Flickr

Picked up a CBI Premium Rear Tire Carrier and matching spare and Trasharoo bag. The tire carrier from CBI is very well built and their customer service was second to none. My only complaint (and I knew this fully going in) was the decreased departure angle - I didn’t think it would be that big of an issue but I find myself dragging the hitch over something at least a half a dozen times per trip.


Crowsnest Long Weekend by imdtucker, on Flickr


Crowsnest Long Weekend by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
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The most recent addition has been a Demello Offroad front bumper. This thing is rock solid and looks amazing! First trip out with it, it took some decent abuse and shows no signs of it. Very happy with how it’s completely changed the look of my 4Runner and how it is performing. And of course I had to go test it out - been out the past 3 weekends and am loving it!


McLean Creek, Aug 10 by imdtucker, on Flickr


McLean Creek, Aug 10 by imdtucker, on Flickr


McLean Creek, Aug 10 by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
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Time for some updates!

In August I had the opportunity to head out to British Columbia and do the Whipsaw Trail. This is the second time I've done the trail, both times starting from the Princeton end and heading to Coalmont.


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

After a long, late drive from Calgary and an impromptu campsite by the river, we started the trail in gloomy, wet conditions. The conditions made some of the features a little more difficult, but both vehicles (my 05 4Runner and a 2012 JK with minimal mods) managed. The trail is well established with bypasses for *most* obstacles. With more mods on my 4Runner this time I enjoyed tackling some of them that I had previously bypassed.

"Campsite" before starting the trail.

Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

The second day cleared up and with not as far to go we spent some more time playing. One of the co-drivers wanted to fish for a while, which left lots of time to explore.


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

New Demello bumper gave me the approach angle to finally do this!

Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

Definitely stop in for some beers at the Coalmont Hotel at the end if you have time - lots of character in that place.


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr

Finally a couple shots from the drive back to Calgary. First one is just a couple hours north of Coalmont in the Nicola Valley, second is up at the top of Mt. Revelstoke after a couple hours hike.


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr


Whipsaw Labour Day Wknd 2014 by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
Newest addition, RCI Skidplates!

I decided to paint them red to match my Toytec springs and front and rear shackles. Install was pretty straight forward apart from snapping a bolt and having to drill it out (huge PITA!!!!) I definitely feel more comfortable out on the trails with the additional protection they provide.


Skidplates by imdtucker, on Flickr


Skidplates by imdtucker, on Flickr
 
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