Unner's Build, 2001 T4R 4x4

[Unner]

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] Were you by chance in Birmingham this past Feb for a church function called D-Now put on by Dawson? If so, I think I saw you and your truck. Just now realized that it might have been you

[MENTION=142168]jgd99[/MENTION]

Nope, wasn't me. Haven't been in Birmingham in probably 7 months now. Although I will be passing through just about every weekend for the next several weeks most likely.


Grill has been line-x'd and reinstalled and I got to do a little off-roading with my dad on father's day. Pics/videos to come.

 

[Unner]

Here are the grill pics. Came out really good I think!

DSC04179 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04190 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04188 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04189 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And for Father's day I took my dad out to Hawk Pride Off Road Park in Tuscumbia, AL. It was a great time as usual. We stuck to the "easy" trails since his Tacoma is pretty close to stock other than bigger tires and a 1" lift or so. Both trucks did great, only issue was him breaking his trailer wiring plug that hangs down when the truck slid off it's line going through a mud hole and I found out my driveshaft still hits my Shrockworks gas tank skid when I stuff the driver side tire. I was never stuck, but it makes a horrible noise so I had to keep backing up and taking a different line. It only rubs at full flex, like I was two wheeling when it was happening.

I think I could hit some of the intermediate trails now with the lift/and armor, but we stayed together since it was fathers day.

Anyway, some pics to follow.
DSC04195 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04197 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160619_090538828_HDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160619_090644527_HDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160619_090713449_HDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04205 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04208 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04214 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04216 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04220 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

One of my favorite pics of the truck.
DSC04227 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

DSC04233 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Video of me going through the last mudhole thing. I was leading so I was the guinea pig for all three holes. The first two got pretty deep, I hit my skids and slider on the one when I got sideways coming out of it. Then at the last one I asked my dad to take a video and it was nothing more than a puddle..

 

[Unner]

DSC04239 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04241 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04243 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04244 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04247 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04248 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04255 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Top of the World, Alabama style.
DSC04262 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04267 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Flexy Flexy
DSC04269 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04272 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04287 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160619_123827203 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Done and airing up.
DSC04288 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04289 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

 

[Unner]

Haven't done anything major to the truck lately. Cleaned my MAF yesterday after removing the rounded screw. It had been about 55k miles since the last cleaning and I could see the wires were a little dirty. Hopefully that'll bring my MPGs up a bit. I'm also gonna get a TRD throttle body gasket and clean the throttle body here sometime in the near future.

I also decided to finally take care of the driver side grommet leak I had and I am glad I did. The last week I had been noticing a couple ants in the truck but I just assumed they were from being parked in a friends dirt driveway the other day as I keep the interior really clean, never keep food in there or anything. I killed them and moved on. Yesterday I bought RTV and went to town on the grommet sealing it up as I'm almost positive that's where it was leaking from. Then I went to pull the carpet up to dry it and found a bunch of ants under there... I grabbed the vacuum and sucked them all up. I ripped out the wet carpet padding, dried it out with a hair dryer and currently have it folded up so it totally dries out in the heat. I already cut a new piece of padding and will test with the hose to make sure it's still not leaking.

I learned my lesson here, if you have a leak fix it ASAP. I've known about this leak for a couple months, but would only think about it when cleaning the truck because the floor liners would cover up the wetness. I just kept forgetting about it. Hopefully the leak is gone as well as the ants.


In more positive news my Tred Pro recovery ramps should be here soon.

Also a major spending update, I have a swing out bumper on the way! Tuesday I placed my order with 4xInnovations for a bumper with tire carrier. Lead time was 3 weeks as of my order according to Adam. I'm also going to order a set of OME861 springs for the rear to handle the extra weight and a pair of sonoran steel rear body mounts.

 

[Unner]

Sonoran Steel poly rear body mounts were delivered over the weekend. Still need to order the 861's and a set of universal mudflaps for the new bumper. Should be getting my Tred Pro recovery boards soon too.

Over the weekend I replaced my power steering fluid using a syringe. Fluid definitely looks better, but I plan to do it again in the next few days.

Also picked up some wire loom for the winch, and plan to grab some grade 8 and stainless hardware to replace the garbage hardware the winch came with. Hopefully the winch will be on within the next two weeks or so and the bumper within a month!

 

[Flemster]

Sonoran Steel poly rear body mounts were delivered over the weekend. Still need to order the 861's and a set of universal mudflaps for the new bumper. Should be getting my Tred Pro recovery boards soon too.

Over the weekend I replaced my power steering fluid using a syringe. Fluid definitely looks better, but I plan to do it again in the next few days.

Also picked up some wire loom for the winch, and plan to grab some grade 8 and stainless hardware to replace the garbage hardware the winch came with. Hopefully the winch will be on within the next two weeks or so and the bumper within a month!

I'm super excited to see the bumper and 861's in your truck! You and I both will be looking for bigger tires!

 

[fourfive]

Browsing through your build thread and saw this,

Sonoran Steel poly rear body mounts were delivered over the weekend. Still need to order the 861's and a set of universal mudflaps for the new bumper. Should be getting my Tred Pro recovery boards soon too.

Funny, I have a set of 861s I've been considering selling. I bought them as backups in case I didn't like my superflex. I planned on installing them to compare to the superflex but never got around to it & will most likely stick with them because they have worked well for my set up.

The OME 861s are new in box. Let me know if you're interested. Do you ever pass through Atlanta going from AL to SC?

 

[Unner]

I'm super excited to see the bumper and 861's in your truck! You and I both will be looking for bigger tires!

I am too! She'll be on 33s soon enough. Had to wait until I could get a matching tire so I can do a 5 tire rotation. Waiting for the next discount tire direct eBay sale. 255/80/17 in a cooper st maxx is what I'm thinking.

Browsing through your build thread and saw this,



Funny, I have a set of 861s I've been considering selling. I bought them as backups in case I didn't like my superflex. I planned on installing them to compare to the superflex but never got around to it & will most likely stick with them because they have worked well for my set up.

The OME 861s are new in box. Let me know if you're interested. Do you ever pass through Atlanta going from AL to SC?

I'm interested, going to shoot you a PM.

 

[seth.l7]

Sweet truck!:thumb3:

 

[Unner]

Things that happened over the last 3 weeks or so:

TRD 'O' throttle body gasket.
DSC04295 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Cleaned Throttle Body, some before pictues. This was about 50k since the last cleaning.

DSC04300 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04301 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

My handy dandy intake runner cleaner...
DSC04305 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Then installed some fun things like my winch finally. Remote mounted the solenoid and mounted a Blue sea fuse battery disconnect switch inside the engine bay on the passenger side. It's all mounted on some left over tinted lexan I had left from when I made my fairing. Also got new longer higher gauge wires made for the power wires. They came form Greg's marine on eBay and they were very high quality. It was nice not having to mess with putting terminals or heat shrink on the cables either.
DSC04429 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04433 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04439 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC04441 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


I'm really happy with how the winch install came out in the end. It was worth the extra work of taking the solenoid apart, rewiring, and all that.

DSC04445 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I'm using my Southeast Overland soft shackle to hold the winch line up there. Anyone care to comment on how tight the winch line is supposed to be when it's stored just normal like mine is?

Then I went on a trip to New Orleans and saw some gators. Also rolled over 200k on my way back.

DSC04358 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

DSC04419 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

IMG_20160724_203206471 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Then I got my 4xInnovations rear bumper and swing out delivered. I got the shipping labels cleaned off with some acetone and took it to the powder coater. $145 later I had my bumper powder coated in a flawless semigloss black.

Install wasn't too bad, this bumper is heavy and stout though.

[MENTION=5345]habanero[/MENTION]

Thanks so much for your measurements. The tire, swing and ladder all clear with plenty of space. Unfortunately when I ordered the bumper I didn't even think of the antenna bracket which was in the way and had to be removed. Not sure if I will even reinstall or not... I never really use the CB. The tire lines up really well with the ladder, probably perfectly with 33's imp:

I also installed my Sonoran Steel rear body mounts to prevent the body from hitting the bumper. The only thing I haven't done yet is drill the hole at the very end of the frame for the last nut, but I've got the other 8 in there already.
IMG_20160728_075728908 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160728_075739746_HDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160728_075746229_HDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr

 

[Unner]

Wired up my license plate lights to my trailer light connector. I used some of those double sided wire holder things that you can run zip ties through to keep the wiring clean. You can see them in the pictures of the recovery ramps below.

IMG_20160729_245457153 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I also made a lock for the spare like [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] using chain and vinyl tubing. I put a little 3M black vinyl wrap where the swing arm support for the latch rubs on the actual bumper to keep it from eventually rusting. I've got a set of universal mudflaps sitting here that I plan on installing tomorrow as well.

IMG_20160728_215131866 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Sorry the pictures aren't great, I'll get some better ones sometime. The spare has the center cap on now and the lock which it doesn't have in the pictures.

I also got my Tred Pro recovery ramps delivered the other day. I'm not sure if I will mount them inside of the truck on the back seats, or just leave them at home and only take them if I plan on wheeling or if the weather is looking sloppy during the winter. They fit well on the back seats, but I'm not sure how to mount them securely. They're kinda heavy. Like 18ish pounds.

IMG_20160801_234059938 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160801_234052895 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


Tonight I changed my plugs, and have some other basic maintenance planned for this week. I'm also waiting for a response from Shrockworks on my skidplate driveshaft contact issue... You can see the rubbing below and the sheared off grease zerk that I have to replace now.

IMG_20160729_103707519 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20160729_103553858 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Kinda a big update with lots of new things on the truck, not really great pictures but I'll get some eventually.

Somehow with that rear bumper I've still got 1.5" of rake. I was not expecting that so I had purchased that set of 861's from [MENTION=116877]fourfive[/MENTION]. I still haven't opened the box man, sorry about that. I'm going to do that this week and leave you feedback, I've been really busy lately.

I'm not sure if I want to swap those springs in and raise the coilovers up another inch, or if I should just put the rear cone bumps and a trim packer or two in the back to push it up another inch or so and raise the coilovers only like half an inch. It seems to ride really well now with the little bit of extra weight over the rear end. Right now I'm at right around 36.5" up front ground to fender and 38" in the rear. Not sure what it will look like loaded down either.

 

[habanero]

Really glad those measurements worked out for you! As far as the cb antenna- there's more than one way to skin that kitty.

 

[Scramble]

Looks awesome! I'm so jelly of that rear bumper!

 

[Chim]

My runner sat nice and level with the rear superflex and 4xinnovations bumper.. until I had more than one person inside or any gear in the back :/ I bought some 861's as well to remedy the situation.

 

[Coley]

Awesome photography!!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Looks great. When are you heading back to Greer. Hopefully another roommate is in order.

 

[jpeaslee]

Looks great man. Hopefully I can actually get a glimpse of the Unner in person sometime soon!

 

[Rock_Rat]

Post #1000

So hey Unner, I've been at post #999 for a while and after looking at what you've done recently, you're deserving of my 1000th post. Congrats! It's almost like winning the Powerball but different. haha. :dance: :banana: arty: :guitar3: :cheers: :guitar2: :dancin:

I like what you've done and I actually like the rear bumper. Looks like the tire sits low enough so you can still see out your rear window. Fits well with your ladder and wraps around the side rear quarter panels nicely. As for your antenna, I went with a Wilson Lil Will magnet mount and the Midland 85-822. I'll probably pick up a bigger antenna later on. Like you, I'll probably remove it when I'm not using it. Not sure yet.

Great stuff man. I'll keep you posted on my upcoming trip. I'll be putting mine to the "test" for a good week.

You got my 1000th post in your thread.

 

[Unner]

Really glad those measurements worked out for you! As far as the cb antenna- there's more than one way to skin that kitty.

Yeah, I'm debating passenger side mount, bumper mount, or hand held one. Might just go hand held so I don't have to worry about tuning it or any of that stuff again.

Looks awesome! I'm so jelly of that rear bumper!

Thanks man! I love it!

My runner sat nice and level with the rear superflex and 4xinnovations bumper.. until I had more than one person inside or any gear in the back :/ I bought some 861's as well to remedy the situation.

Yeah I was surprised that it didn't sag more. We'll see how it sits with some stuff loaded into it and I'll make my decision on what to do spring wise. Good news is it sits almost as raked as I want it without adjusting anything which is nice because I'm kinda burned out on working outside in this awful August Alabama heat.

Awesome photography!!

Thanks! I try and post as many from a real camera as I can. I got a new phone so it takes slightly better pictures than my old one, but not nearly as good as the camera.

Looks great. When are you heading back to Greer. Hopefully another roommate is in order.

Thanks! I actually leave Saturday to go back, and the new roomate situation seems much more promising than last time... Since I leave so soon I've been in a rush to get all these little things done. I hate working on the truck in the apartment complex parking lot. You aren't supposed to even though I never had anything said to me about it, but I was also the only one I ever saw out there working on a car. They probably just think I'm crazy anyways...:der:

Looks great man. Hopefully I can actually get a glimpse of the Unner in person sometime soon!

Thanks, for sure. Unfortunately I move back to South Carolina this weekend, but when I'm back I'll let you know and we can definitely meet up. I've spent a lot of time out of town this summer. Out of the 12 weeks I was back I think I spent maybe 3 in Madison...

So hey Unner, I've been at post #999 for a while and after looking at what you've done recently, you're deserving of my 1000th post. Congrats! It's almost like winning the Powerball but different. haha. :dance: :banana: arty: :guitar3: :cheers: :guitar2: :dancin:

I like what you've done and I actually like the rear bumper. Looks like the tire sits low enough so you can still see out your rear window. Fits well with your ladder and wraps around the side rear quarter panels nicely. As for your antenna, I went with a Wilson Lil Will magnet mount and the Midland 85-822. I'll probably pick up a bigger antenna later on. Like you, I'll probably remove it when I'm not using it. Not sure yet.

Great stuff man. I'll keep you posted on my upcoming trip. I'll be putting mine to the "test" for a good week.

You got my 1000th post in your thread.

I'm honored! It's better than winning the powerball for me because we don't have a lotto here in Alabama :bash:.

I appreciate the compliments, especially coming from you. I know you've got a keen eye for well done things and don't do anything halfway. Visibility out the rear window isn't bad at all actually. You can see just about everything you could before with the exception of when a car is really close to you. Earlier this evening I thought the guy behind me had a burnt out headlight, turns out he was just really close... I think everything on the rear goes together really well also.

I wish I could join you on your trip. Ever since I saw [MENTION=63487]A.Wilson013[/MENTION] and [MENTION=82154]GSPRunner[/MENTION] 's posts on the WABDR I've been looking for something similar down here in the southeast, but I can't seem to find much. Enjoy the trip, I'll be looking for your trip report in your build in the coming weeks as well.




Today I got the oil changed and rotated tires. 4700 miles since my last oil change and the oil didn't look too bad really. Normally I try and get it between 3 and 4 thousand miles. I switched to a WIX XP filter last time I changed it and I think I will continue using them. They're a little more expensive, around $11 I think, but it's worth it if it keeps the truck happier.

Also replaced my grease zerk, an easy out made really quick work of it, like 2 seconds easy. I put a new one in, greased it, and left it in for now. I think if I plan to actually wheel and flex it all the way out before I get anything done with the skid (Still waiting on shrockworks to respond) I will just pull the zerk and put a some sort of tape over the hole to cover it up. I'm afraid putting a bolt into the zerk hole will tear up the driveshaft if it contacts again.

Also got the mudflaps put on today and they came out really well. They have pretty wide coverage which I like, keeps the mud down out of other places. Also I learned today you can't use self tapping or self drilling screws in 3/16" steel even if you drill a pilot hole... After snapping 5 screws I just said screw it (pun intended) and drilled bigger holes and bought stainless bolts and nuts from lowes. I wanted to use the screws just because it would have been easier, but it just wouldn't work. Hardly any trimming was required on the mudflaps as well, just a little notch had to be cut.


Real pictures from a real camera to come soon.

 

[habanero]

Also replaced my grease zerk, an easy out made really quick work of it, like 2 seconds easy. I put a new one in, greased it, and left it in for now. I think if I plan to actually wheel and flex it all the way out before I get anything done with the skid (Still waiting on shrockworks to respond) I will just pull the zerk and put a some sort of tape over the hole to cover it up. I'm afraid putting a bolt into the zerk hole will tear up the driveshaft if it contacts again.

I've got a buttonhead bolt in mine, so far so good. Just swap w/zerk when greasing and swap back in when done.