Unner's Build, 2001 T4R 4x4

[ltsr]

Sweet 4R! Definitely inspirational for me as I have a black one as well. I love your wheel choice and sliders. Subscribed for updates and photos.

 

[Unner]

Sweet 4R! Definitely inspirational for me as I have a black one as well. I love your wheel choice and sliders. Subscribed for updates and photos.

Thanks! Black is a great color for 3rd gens!

 

[Unner]

Got some more things knocked out this weekend. I swapped out my LC coils for the OME861's I bought from [MENTION=116877]fourfive[/MENTION] last summer. The stance is perfect in my opinion! Thanks to everyone I bothered about measurements, [MENTION=129084]Flemster[/MENTION], [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION], and anyone else.

I got my rake back, but not too much that it looks silly. I actually got less lift than I thought I would from them, but that's OK. I was expecting somewhere around 39.25" ground to fender. Right after install, and after jumping up and down on the bumper a few times I was at 39" driver side and 38 3/4" passenger side. After driving about 50 miles and flexing the suspension a little I'm at 38 5/8" on both sides. Perfectly level side to side which is awesome! The panhard bar isn't that far off either, the axle sits about 1/3" further to the passenger side.

Here are my before measurements with the LC coils:
DF 21 3/4" 36 3/8"
PF 21 3/4" 36 1/2"
DR 22 7/8" 37 1/2"
PR 22 7/8" 37 1/2"

Here are the after measurements with the 861s.
DF 21 3/4" 36 5/8"
PF 21 3/4" 36 1/2"
DR 24" 38 5/8"
PR 24" 38 5/8"

And just for reference here's my measurements right after I installed the lift, before the bumpers and winch, but with the skids, sliders, and rack.

Here's my measurements before and after:

Before:
DF 34 1/4" 19 1/8"
PF 34 3/8" 19 1/4"
DR 35 1/2" 20 1/2"
PR 35 3/4" 20 1/2"

After: (Note, without engine and trans skid, probably sit just a tad lower with those, maybe 1/8")
DF 37 1/4" 22"
PF 37 1/2" 22 1/8"
DR 38 3/4" 23 1/2"
PR 39" 23 1/2"

I like measurements. Maybe some of you guys do too...

Also, I replaced the rear coils in an unconventional way for most of the members here. Instead of loosening all the control arms, taking the parking brake and brake line brackets off and then removing the lower shock mount and bump stops and flexing the suspension until you can get the springs out I went the easy way.

Put the frame on jackstands, lower the rear axle until the shocks bottom out, and then spring compressor time. I rented one from autozone, and used it to pull the old coils out and put the new ones in. This was so much easier than messing around with the panhard bar and flexing the suspension like I did last time. You just need to make sure that you have the spring compressors in the right spots so they clear the shock and you'll be good to go. I marked the locations of the spring compressors before I moved them from the LC coils to the 861s. It really didn't take very much compressing to get the new coils in there either.

The ride is a little different. It's not as cushy and Cadilac like with the 861s versus the LC coils, but it's nice having it a little firmer back there with all the weight. I do hear more rattles and squeaks from the rear interior pieces now though going over rough portions of road.

Overall I like the 861s, they ride pretty well, and they handle weight super well. With the LC coils if I stood on the back bumper (200 ish pounds) it would drop about an inch. Now with the 861s it drops like half an inch, but it also sits over an inch higher so it's much better.

The one thing I thought I read somewhere is that you should tie the 861/851s into the spring seats so they can't come unlodged and free themselves from the rear axle. Any idea if this is true, or am I making things up?

Here's a few pics of the current stance of the truck on flat ground. It has the aggressive look/stance back again!
IMG_20170205_171922362 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171940369 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171953430 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_172001424 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Before stance of flat ground.

IMG_20170116_122254180 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Here's a few of the truck flexing. It flexes pretty much as well as it did with the LC coils, maybe not quite as much.

IMG_20170205_171144524 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171152707 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171159433 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171206563 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171218440 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171227769 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Bumpstops in action!
IMG_20170205_171106142 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Here's pics with the LC coils at the same spot just a few weeks before.

IMG_20170116_152011257 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170116_151950229 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


I also got an alignment earlier this week, yeah I probably should have waited until I swapped out the rear springs, but I didn't touch the front suspension so I doubt it changed it much. It's so much nicer being able to get a good alignment with the steering play gone now.

IMG_20170203_232159720 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

For the first time, I was also able to get my caster measurements into the green! By a pretty good bit too, this is with stock UCAs also and at Firestone. Just gotta make sure you get a good Master Tech doing the job and go out there and talk to them while they do it so they know you're serious and not just the average "toe and go" customer.

It's also time to start a garage sale and start selling all the old car parts I have laying around here...

 

[Road Bull]

Looking good Unner! Do you think you will stick with 255s when it's time for new tires again? I like the newer aggressive stance too with the updated coils.

 

[fourfive]

Your post install pics look great!

 

[88yota]

Got some more things knocked out this weekend. I swapped out my LC coils for the OME861's I bought from [MENTION=116877]fourfive[/MENTION] last summer. The stance is perfect in my opinion! Thanks to everyone I bothered about measurements, [MENTION=129084]Flemster[/MENTION], [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION], and anyone else.

I got my rake back, but not too much that it looks silly. I actually got less lift than I thought I would from them, but that's OK. I was expecting somewhere around 39.25" ground to fender. Right after install, and after jumping up and down on the bumper a few times I was at 39" driver side and 38 3/4" passenger side. After driving about 50 miles and flexing the suspension a little I'm at 38 5/8" on both sides. Perfectly level side to side which is awesome! The panhard bar isn't that far off either, the axle sits about 1/3" further to the passenger side.

Here are my before measurements with the LC coils:
DF 21 3/4" 36 3/8"
PF 21 3/4" 36 1/2"
DR 22 7/8" 37 1/2"
PR 22 7/8" 37 1/2"

Here are the after measurements with the 861s.
DF 21 3/4" 36 5/8"
PF 21 3/4" 36 1/2"
DR 24" 38 5/8"
PR 24" 38 5/8"

And just for reference here's my measurements right after I installed the lift, before the bumpers and winch, but with the skids, sliders, and rack.



I like measurements. Maybe some of you guys do too...

Also, I replaced the rear coils in an unconventional way for most of the members here. Instead of loosening all the control arms, taking the parking brake and brake line brackets off and then removing the lower shock mount and bump stops and flexing the suspension until you can get the springs out I went the easy way.

Put the frame on jackstands, lower the rear axle until the shocks bottom out, and then spring compressor time. I rented one from autozone, and used it to pull the old coils out and put the new ones in. This was so much easier than messing around with the panhard bar and flexing the suspension like I did last time. You just need to make sure that you have the spring compressors in the right spots so they clear the shock and you'll be good to go. I marked the locations of the spring compressors before I moved them from the LC coils to the 861s. It really didn't take very much compressing to get the new coils in there either.

The ride is a little different. It's not as cushy and Cadilac like with the 861s versus the LC coils, but it's nice having it a little firmer back there with all the weight. I do hear more rattles and squeaks from the rear interior pieces now though going over rough portions of road.

Overall I like the 861s, they ride pretty well, and they handle weight super well. With the LC coils if I stood on the back bumper (200 ish pounds) it would drop about an inch. Now with the 861s it drops like half an inch, but it also sits over an inch higher so it's much better.

The one thing I thought I read somewhere is that you should tie the 861/851s into the spring seats so they can't come unlodged and free themselves from the rear axle. Any idea if this is true, or am I making things up?

Here's a few pics of the current stance of the truck on flat ground. It has the aggressive look/stance back again!
IMG_20170205_171922362 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171940369 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171953430 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_172001424 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Before stance of flat ground.

IMG_20170116_122254180 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Here's a few of the truck flexing. It flexes pretty much as well as it did with the LC coils, maybe not quite as much.

IMG_20170205_171144524 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171152707 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171159433 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171206563 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171218440 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170205_171227769 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Bumpstops in action!
IMG_20170205_171106142 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Here's pics with the LC coils at the same spot just a few weeks before.

IMG_20170116_152011257 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170116_151950229 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


I also got an alignment earlier this week, yeah I probably should have waited until I swapped out the rear springs, but I didn't touch the front suspension so I doubt it changed it much. It's so much nicer being able to get a good alignment with the steering play gone now.

IMG_20170203_232159720 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

For the first time, I was also able to get my caster measurements into the green! By a pretty good bit too, this is with stock UCAs also and at Firestone. Just gotta make sure you get a good Master Tech doing the job and go out there and talk to them while they do it so they know you're serious and not just the average "toe and go" customer.

It's also time to start a garage sale and start selling all the old car parts I have laying around here...

let me know what you have for sale, I am starting my build soon

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[Unner]

Looking good Unner! Do you think you will stick with 255s when it's time for new tires again? I like the newer aggressive stance too with the updated coils.

Yes I plan to stay with the 255 size. The only thing I'm deciding between is going to a 255/80/17 or sticking with the 255/75/17 size. The practical side of me says to stay with the 75 aspect ratio to not harm MPGs or acceleration anymore, but the other side of me says bump up to the 80 aspect ratio, it's only one size bigger, how much can it really hurt?

If I go with the 75s I'll probably try the KO2s in that flavor, if I go to the 80 aspect ratio I pretty much have to go with the ST MAXX because there isn't much in that size and I'd like to get an aggressive A/T this time rather than an M/T.

Your post install pics look great!

Thanks! Glad the coils finally found their way under a 4Runner!

let me know what you have for sale, I am starting my build soon

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

It's mostly stock parts, the only aftermarket stuff is the LC coils and my CB antenna mount and maybe the cb radio too.

 

[MattJakobs]

Man, I love when people quote something overly long just to make a short comment. :zoom:

Looks good as always!

 

[Bandit Runner]

Nice review of the 861's! I'm planning on going with those springs soon too. Your post was very informative and helpful.

One question: What rear shocks are you using with them?

 

[papabeach]

Been rocking 861's for a few weeks now myself. Big fan! Your 4Runner looks great!

 

[Rock_Rat]

Unner, looking great as always. I like the 861's and am considering those once I install a rear bumper with tire carrier.

 

[Scramble]

let me know what you have for sale, I am starting my build soon

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Please dont quote posts with 15 photos. It makes going through build threads a real pain.

Unner, the truck looks awesome!

 

[Unner]

Man, I love when people quote something overly long just to make a short comment. :zoom:

Looks good as always!

Thanks Matt!

Nice review of the 861's! I'm planning on going with those springs soon too. Your post was very informative and helpful.

One question: What rear shocks are you using with them?

Glad I could help, I'm sure your rig could use them with all the extra weight you're running. I'm still using the stock LC shocks. They're just the cheap $30 each ones you can get through Toyota. Been thinking about upgrading, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it.

Been rocking 861's for a few weeks now myself. Big fan! Your 4Runner looks great!

Very nice! Your rig looks great from behind! I really like those hoops on the rear bumper. I went and got a quote the other day to have my hood done in Line-X and they wanted $275... I've got a couple spots that the clear coat is just barely starting to go bad (cheap non-OEM paint), but for that much I think I could just get it repainted...

Unner, looking great as always. I like the 861's and am considering those once I install a rear bumper with tire carrier.

Thanks Rock Rat, they hold weight wonderfully. I think they're a must if you're running any more weight than a just a rear bumper, or just armor. You can't have both and hope that the LC coils hold up. I think you should get a bumper with a tire carrier, your rig needs it!

Please dont quote posts with 15 photos. It makes going through build threads a real pain.

Unner, the truck looks awesome!

Thanks man!

 

[MattJakobs]

Glad I could help, I'm sure your rig could use them with all the extra weight you're running. I'm still using the stock LC shocks. They're just the cheap $30 each ones you can get through Toyota. Been thinking about upgrading, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it.

Speaking of which, how do you like these shocks? I have a set sitting in my room awaiting install. I'm not too crazy about the 5100s I've been running and hope this is an inexpensive upgrade. I've heard some people say they're stiff but not enough to really solidify the fact.
I'm hoping for a rear some time in the future, do you think your happier with the ride after adding the extra weight back there?

 

[Unner]

Speaking of which, how do you like these shocks? I have a set sitting in my room awaiting install. I'm not too crazy about the 5100s I've been running and hope this is an inexpensive upgrade. I've heard some people say they're stiff but not enough to really solidify the fact.
I'm hoping for a rear some time in the future, do you think your happier with the ride after adding the extra weight back there?

I like the shocks for what they are, $60 a set vs $$$ for some of the other rear shock setups. They're a great length for flexing, and with the stock LC coils it was nice having a slightly firmer shock as I'd heard the 5100s are too soft for the soft LC coils.

They're probably stiffer than what you have now, but they're not super stiff either I don't think. I could still compress them by hand when they were new and I installed them. It's hard for me to say now if the rear end would be a little better riding with different shocks or if the 861s make it ride kinda firm since these are the only shocks I've run since I lifted.

After adding the bumper on the LC coils it seemed to use more of the suspension travel when you'd hit a bump. Makes sense with more weight hanging off the back end. This might have made it ride nicer, but it is also nice having the firmer springs in the rear now and not having it move around as much back there, but still absorb some of the movement. I guess I was hitting the bumpstops somewhat frequently because there were clean spots on the rear axle where they would touch. I wouldn't want the 861s without a lot of weight on the rear end of the truck though, it would be too firm I think.

Not sure if any of that helps you or not, I'd say try out the LC shocks if you've got a set already. If you don't like them you can always switch back.

 

[Unner]

Small update, I had a slight vibration noise from the OME861's right at 40mph. I bought some 3/4" clear PVC hose and wrapped it around the top of the coils by the progressive part. The noise was from the coils vibrating and touching each other up there. So far I've only done the driver side but I plan to do the passenger side too just to make sure. All I did was slit the hose down the middle, slip it over the coil and then used some zip ties to secure it on. Sounds like a ghetto fix, but it works and I think it should last, I guess we'll see. I'll try and grab a picture sometime.

Also, it looks like Moab/Utah is a go!!!

Here's a thread I just made looking for some advice pointers on the trip.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...er-looking-input-suggestions.html#post2620275

She got a bath this weekend as well, here's a couple pics.
2017-02-22_09-30-44 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
2017-02-22_09-58-16 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
2017-02-22_09-54-43 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

 

[Kyle Reese]

Your runner looks good, first time I saw it in person in awhile. on eastview

 

[Unner]

Your runner looks good, first time I saw it in person in awhile. on eastview

Thanks, saw you too. I gave you a wave also, but realized you probably couldn't see where my hand was...

 

[Unner]

Small update here. Trying to get everything ready to go for Moab. Over the last few days I did the following.

Oil change, tire rotation, lube driveshafts, and general inspection.

New Toyota air filter. I will put this in for the drive there, put my old WIX one in for playing out in the desert, and then the new Toyota one again for the drive back. I don't want to ruin a new air filter being out there on the dirt roads for days...

Replaced my PCV and grommet. I replaced it before when I did my valve cover gaskets and was hoping the grommet wouldn't be totally brittle but it was. I had to break it out of there which is kinda nerve racking even though there is a catch under the grommet to prevent anything from falling too far into the heads. I will be replacing more often now, 60k is too long for that grommet apparently.

Regreased rear poly sway bar bushings, they were starting to squeak and there was no grease in them at all after 60k miles. If I have time I'll do the front ones again too.

IMG_20170303_132231563 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

A couple weeks ago I ordered 36' of winch abrasion gaurd from Southeast Overland to keep the UV rays off of the winch line.

(Abrasion Guards : 12' Southeast Overland Synthetic Winch Line Drum Wrap | Southeast Overland)

To make install go much smoother I used a fish tape hooked to the drum end of the line and pulled the cover right over. It was a much snugger fit than the original Smittybilt cover that was only about 5 feet or so long. Now the entire line is covered from the sun's rays. I'm also debating getting a factor 55 prolink if I can find a decent deal on one.

IMG_20170303_163239134 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170303_163245476 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I also ordered a Fuelpax from Rotopax. It's their new lower line, it's not as strong as a Rotopax, but I'm super impressed with the quality of it. They're only going for $45 right now so it's a great deal for a 3.5 gallon fuel tank. I didn't want to pay $33 for their mount so I made my own. I also mounted my Tred-Pros to my rack, I took this page out of [MENTION=116467]Rock_Rat[/MENTION] 's build thread.

The Tred-Pros are mounted with a 1/2" bolt going through the rack with a fender washer and rubber washer to protect the powder coat, and then a rubber washer, fender washer, and nut threaded on the top to hold it down on the rack. Then slip the Tred-Pros over the bolts and secure with wing nuts.

For the FuelPax I did the same thing, but after the nut that secures it to the rack goes on I put a lock washer on and a brass sleeve looking thing. Not sure what exactly they are, or what they're from but they worked perfectly. Then another nut on top of that and then some old rubber shock bushings that I had laying around. I cut the bushings to fit down into the FuelPax hole. To secure the FuelPax I took a ceiling fan hole cover thing from Lowes, drilled two 1/2" holes in it and slipped this over the bolts and into the FuelPax. It's the perfect diameter to fit into the FuelPax. Then two wing nuts on top. The rubber bushings are good because they compress a little under the plastic ceiling fan cover and keep from cracking the plastic when you crank down on the wing nuts. Pictures probably do a better job explaining...

IMG_20170306_123902431 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170306_123908364 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170306_123914199 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170306_124009018 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
IMG_20170306_124021656 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I've also got some more "recovery" type of stuff in. ARB snatch strap, NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp Lithium Ion Jump Starter, and some odds and ends like super glue, self fusing tape, 8 LBJ bolts, spare radiator cap, and my old PCV valve as a backup.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

A couple weeks ago I ordered 36' of winch abrasion gaurd from Southeast Overland to keep the UV rays off of the winch line.

That seems like a really good idea! I'll have to look into the wrap for mine since it has the same issue as yours, being too loose around the line and too short. Everything is looking great though! Have fun out in Moab!