Unner's Build, 2001 T4R 4x4

[Bad Luck]

Another vote for the spiker engineering phone mount! 10/10 would recommend and buy again.

 

[Unner]

My dude! The Spiker Engineering phone mount is the only thing I recommend anymore. I still like my modified Panavise but only for accessories. The fit, finish, and placement is perfect.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3632581-post439.html

Another vote for the spiker engineering phone mount! 10/10 would recommend and buy again.

I really like the location of that mount, but I don't like the drilling holes in the dash since I'm known to change things up after awhile. I know they're small and all, but still. I may consider it.

The secondary mount would probably be for accessories as well, something like a radio while I keep the phone on the A pillar.

 

[Bad Luck]

I really like the location of that mount, but I don't like the drilling holes in the dash since I'm known to change things up after awhile. I know they're small and all, but still. I may consider it.

The secondary mount would probably be for accessories as well, something like a radio while I keep the phone on the A pillar.

Drilling holes for the rivets is optional and in addition to the double sided tape. I've had mine installed for several months with just the double sided tape and it's held great. Unless you are mounting a small iPad I think the double sided tape would be sufficient. Maybe [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] can chime in?

 

[Spiker Engineering]

Drilling holes for the rivets is optional and in addition to the double sided tape. I've had mine installed for several months with just the double sided tape and it's held great. Unless you are mounting a small iPad I think the double sided tape would be sufficient. Maybe [MENTION=198376]4Runner4Leon[/MENTION] can chime in?

Happy to chime in! The mount was designed to be adequate with just the tape, and the plastic fasteners would be needed only for the articulating phone holders, like the RAM. I did tons of tests with different tapes, and chose the type that held the best (and was recommended after numerous discussions with 3M applications engineers).

But for whatever reason, experience showed that some folks simply could not get the mount to hold well enough with just tape. I'd be tempted to blame it on user error or poor prep, but [MENTION=148218]JZiggy[/MENTION] was one of those people, and I know how meticulous he is. So we now recommend using the fasteners.

Personally, I have been running my mount with just the tape for over a year with no issues. Glad to hear [MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION]'s similar experience. So I'd say you can start with just the tape, knowing that you can always add the fasteners later if needed.

 

[Bad Luck]

I'm not sure if it made a difference, but I made sure the interior was around 70 degrees for install, cleaned it thoroughly with alcohol wipes, held the mount firmly in place for a minute (much longer than it sounds lol), and then waited a couple days before installing my phone mount and phone onto it. I'm not implying that anyone didn't install theirs correctly. I'm just listing what I did.

EDIT: Doing the dry fit and marking the mounting feet edges with masking tape was a very helpful install tip from the installation instructions.

 

[Spiker Engineering]

EDIT: Doing the dry fit and marking the mounting feet edges with masking tape was a very helpful install tip from the installation instructions.

Thanks, that's great feedback! Yeah, the mounting surfaces have so many curves in that area, that unless you get it into just the right spot, the tape won't have good adhesion due to gaps. That's why the dry-fitting is so helpful. You can move the mount around and you'll know right away when it's properly aligned, it sort of "locks" into place.

 

[Unner]

I wish this forum wasn't such a paint to post on from your phone. I plan to get a new laptop eventually to make it easier, but for the time you'll have to use your imagination.

Unner got some fun stuff the last few months. New Rokmen rear control arms, eimkeith PCK installed, full interior removal, detail, and sound deadening, and new shoes, both wheel and tire.

For now you'll have to imagine, but she looks good on Brushed Copper SCS Ray10s and 285 Cooper AT3 XLTs.

Sitting around the house I have a scarab washer bottle relocate, a titan fuel tanks 12 gallon auxiliary tank, new rear upper control arm bushings, and a new set of AVS vent visors to replace a cracked one. Still need to install those 4X bumper plates, clearance a little more for the 285s, and some little stuff.

 

[octanejunkie]

I wish this forum wasn't such a paint to post on from your phone. I plan to get a new laptop eventually to make it easier, but for the time you'll have to use your imagination.

Do.you have Tapatalk?

It's a PITA but makes posting pics easier than a web browser...

Can't wait to "see" what you're conjuring up!

 

[Unner]

Do.you have Tapatalk?

It's a PITA but makes posting pics easier than a web browser...

Can't wait to "see" what you're conjuring up!

I have the app, but I don't like the interface so I never use it. I like posting from my phone, but I can't post pics on this forum from my phone. Tacomaworld I can no problem though...

 

[octanejunkie]

I have the app, but I don't like the interface so I never use it. I like posting from my phone, but I can't post pics on this forum from my phone. Tacomaworld I can no problem though...

I don't like Tapatalk but, either, but it allows me to post, reply and add pictures directly to posts from the app, which a web browser doesn't - that's based on the forum software, rules and configuration.
TW is a different forum, hence, a different experience.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[brillo_76]

I don't like Tapatalk but, either, but it allows me to post, reply and add pictures directly to posts from the app, which a web browser doesn't - that's based on the forum software, rules and configuration.
TW is a different forum, hence, a different experience.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Yes Tapatalk is the easiest way to upload photos. Post a comment with basic features. I use both but for adding photos Tapatalk is how I do it..

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[thezentree]

I wish this forum wasn't such a paint to post on from your phone. I plan to get a new laptop eventually to make it easier, but for the time you'll have to use your imagination.

Unner got some fun stuff the last few months. New Rokmen rear control arms, eimkeith PCK installed, full interior removal, detail, and sound deadening, and new shoes, both wheel and tire.

For now you'll have to imagine, but she looks good on Brushed Copper SCS Ray10s and 285 Cooper AT3 XLTs.

Sitting around the house I have a scarab washer bottle relocate, a titan fuel tanks 12 gallon auxiliary tank, new rear upper control arm bushings, and a new set of AVS vent visors to replace a cracked one. Still need to install those 4X bumper plates, clearance a little more for the 285s, and some little stuff.

Tell me about that fuel tank.

 

[Unner]

Tell me about that fuel tank.

TITAN Trail Trekker II™ Tank for Vehicles with 6 Stud Wheels (4040387)

You'll obviously need a spare tire carrier on an aftermarket bumper. I haven't mounted it yet and would really only mount it when I'm going on a trip where extra gas is desired. I bought mine new but never used off a guy local here so I got a really good deal on it.

I plan to use it for a trip to Alaska that has been postponed until next year likely. This will allow me to stick a second spare under the 4Runner in the factory location also for that trip, while upping my fuel capacity to ~30 gallons which should be enough to get me between just about any gas stations, even at 15 mpg.

 

[Unner]

Here's some updates, and pictures.

Back in April I pulled the carpet out of the 4Runner and cleaned it with a carpet cleaner I picked up cheap on Craigslist. I thought about getting new carpet, but there wasn't much out there for 3rd gen replacement carpet without the rear heater under the passenger seat. I decided I'd just pull the carpet and see how it came out. Most of the stains came out, and most of these were there when I got it so hopefully it stays clean for a long time now.

I copied this idea straight from [MENTION=113939]JerkyDrewster[/MENTION]

Before:
20220429_161611 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

After:
20220430_155945 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Also put down some Killmat and closed cell foam for sound deadening on the floor. Now the only area I haven't touched sound deadening wise is the roof, firewall, and rear cargo area walls.

20220502_203931 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220502_212807 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220502_204004 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220502_212747 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

While the carpet and seats were out I went over them with the carpet cleaner as well. It made the seats look brand new! I can't believe how good they came out and how much dirty disgusting water came out of them.

20220429_171903 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220430_160009 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Reassembly in process.

20220502_215632 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220502_215646 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Final product:

20220506_180433 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220506_180130 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

The seat cleaning made the biggest difference, and really makes the car feel newer. The carpet cleaner and a drill brush got stains and dirt out of the seats that I honestly thought was just wear on the seats and wouldn't come out, so that was a nice surprise.

 

[Unner]

I had decided I wanted to go aftermarket wheels next time around for when I had to get new tires. Too many people have the 5th gen trail wheels now that they've sold them for nearly 10 years, and I had them since the beginning. I decided I was going to go for SCS Ray 10's. I was planning to go with the dark matte bronze, but then I saw that they were dropping the brushed copper color at the same time. That was the color I really wanted and I figured it would look great on a dark color vehicle. So I pulled the trigger on them, and planned to keep riding the 255/80/17 ST Maxx for a couple more months or so until I was really ready for new tires.

Then I saw someone selling a brand new set of 285/70/17 Cooper AT3 XLTs for about half what I would have paid at a tire shop. I jumped on those, bought a fifth matching tire from discount tire, and my plan for waiting was thrown out the window. They looked amazing even in the trailer on the way home from Discount Tire.

20220520_153746 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

The day I got them put on.
20220525_205103 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

And some pictures after a good cleaning.

20220613_194257 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220613_194306 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220613_194338 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I'm really glad I went with the brushed copper color. I get compliments on the wheels everywhere, and I think they look great on black. They'd also look great on the salsa red pearl 4th gen...

For the 255 vs 285 the tire and wheel setup weigh about the same because of the armor tek sidewalls on the ST Maxx being so heavy. I did notice a slight increase in steering effort with the 285s and MPGs may have gone down a bit. I'm not sure why on that one other than increased rolling resistance, but they really aren't that much wider. The 255 ST Maxx runs fairly wide for it's size.

My only issue with the setup is I cannot get Discount Tire to balance them correctly. It's been there 3 or 4 times and I still get a vibe that comes and goes between 60-70 mph. I put the old wheels and tires back on and confirmed the vibe was not there so I know it is the new tires. I will probably try a different place and see if they can get it right.

I have a slight bit of rubbing with the new setup, but not much. I ditched the spidertrax spacers with this setup so it doesn't stick out much farther than my 255's did with the spacers. Just need to massage some plastic with the heat gun when it cools down outside.

 

[Unner]

I also got a foam cannon, that's pretty neat.

20220613_181453 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Keeping the 4th gen clean with the foam cannon too.

20220610_153101 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

 

[Unner]

I had noticed around thanksgiving last year that I started the 4Runner once and the gas gauge was all the way past empty. I didn't think I left it totally empty, and the gauge later rose to around 3/8 of a tank where I thought it was. I didn't think much of it, and it didn't happen again for awhile so I chalked it up as an anomaly. Then back in March it did it again, but not repeatedly so I kinda ignored it. Then in May it started doing it regularly. About half the time I started it the gauge would be all the way at empty with the light on, and over the course of a few minutes it would rise up to it's real level.

I did some research and came across a thread from [MENTION=116877]fourfive[/MENTION] where his gauge was acting wonky and he replaced the sending unit along with the hanger for the sending unit and fuel pump. I tried the resetting of the gauge per the TSB for the 99s and that didn't do anything. I ordered the parts and started dropping the tank once they showed up. Having dropped it before I somehow forgot how much of a pain the hoses for all the EVAP stuff they added in 01 is. I got halfway through dropping it and decided I never wanted to do this again.

I stopped and went and ordered a new roll over valve, one way check valve, gasket for each, and picked up some new hoses to replace the evap lines. I also got a new hose for the one way check valve since that has the stupidest connectors ever on it. I replaced all of it, and had already done the fuel pump about 70k miles ago so I don't plan to drop the tank again until I'm at around 500k miles

Tank is out.

20220609_172218 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

One way check valve and stupid connector on the hose on the left. Rollover valve on the right. Both were pretty easy to replace once the tank was out.

20220609_172222 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Old rollover valve, nice and orange/brown after all the years.

20220609_172914 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

New rollover valve, nice and white.

20220609_173048 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Inside of the tank still looking very clean.

20220609_183356 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

With all the new parts installed I got it put back together and the fuel gauge has been working perfectly since. I always have and will continue to track my miles per tank, but it is nice to have an accurate fuel gauge.

 

[Unner]

I had been wanting to replace my rear lower control arms/bushings for awhile. I did a lot of research, and came up with the Rokmen trail series arms as being the best option for me. I didn't want a metal joint that would transmit noise and vibe into the vehicle, but I also wanted something beefier than OEM. The Rokmen trail series are certainly beefier, claim to have a lifetime bushing, and come in at a good price. I didn't hear anything negative about them so I pulled the trigger from Toytec.

The new arms are beefy.

20220529_093234 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Install was pretty easy doing one side at a time with the emergency brake set. You have to do it opposite of how the OEM arms are installed though because of the larger diameter of the tube the bushing is in. So the frame mount goes in first and then you pivot up to the axle mount.

20220529_110352 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

The next day I went by a friend's place for a wrench day and welded on my [MENTION=28464]eimkeith[/MENTION] PCK. What a difference this makes, I should have done it years ago. It handles better for sure, that tippy feeling going around corners is much more controlled, and it feels more stable through high speed sweeping turns, like on and off ramps.

20220616_201219 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220616_201229 by Unner Unner, on Flickr


Another benefit of the PCK is it fixes the geometry of the driveshaft as the suspension articulates. I barely had any clearance from the driveshaft to the gas tank skid without the PCK. With it I have much more clearance and the driveshaft moves in a more vertical motion as the suspension flexes.

20220603_185925 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220603_185824 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Stuffing the new wheels and tires pretty well.

20220603_185933 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Increased driveshaft to gas tank skid clearance.

20220603_190036 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I also had bought Whiteline bushings to go into the panhard bar, but the OE bushings were still in great shape so I left that as a project for another day. I also have whiteline bushings to go into the rear upper control arms, but haven't done that yet. Maybe this fall once it cools down outside.

Between the new tires, new rear lower control arms, and PCK this thing rides amazing. It's comparable to my 4th gen it terms of comfort whereas before it could be a little jarring and slightly unstable at times. I'm really happy with the setup now, and wish I had done the PCK about 100k miles ago...

 

[Unner]

For the 4th gen I did take up @Auxito on their offer for a free set of bulbs in exchange for a review. I got a set of high beams for the 4th gen.

20220712_211752 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I put one of the auxito bulbs in one side, and left the original in the other. I covered the opposite bulb and took the pictures below.

Original:
20220712_212913 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Auxito:

20220712_212933 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

The Auxito bulbs are amazingly bright for such a small package. I'm very happy with them and would recommend them. I'll update on reliability/longevity as things progress, but they've been in there for about 6 weeks without issues now and she does get parked outside.

I was concerned about heat generation and dissipation, but the little fan on the bulb does a good job. I compared the temps of the Auxito to the Halogen bulb and the Auxito actually stayed slightly cooler over a 10-15 minute test so that was good to see.

These bulbs are perfect for increasing night time vision without mounting aftermarket lights. They give the big auxillary lights on the front of Unner a pretty good run for their money.

 

[Unner]

I also picked up a floor jack from Harbor freight, it's a very close match to the 4th gen Salsa Red Pearl.

20220712_195556 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

I also took it on a trip down to the gulf coast. MPG was actually pretty good going down there too.
20220723_135918 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

20220722_174419 by Unner Unner, on Flickr