Urban assault's '99 4runner build

[nyvram]

awesome truck!!! how did you do your front grill paintjob? i see it was black before but looks much better now..some type of bedliner?

the chrome on mine is so chipped from road trash that i've been thinking of pulling it off and doing the whole thing black..yours looks GREAT. THAT IS WHAT I WANT

NO -->

YES!!!! -->

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

awesome truck!!! how did you do your front grill paintjob? i see it was black before but looks much better now..some type of bedliner?

the chrome on mine is so chipped from road trash that i've been thinking of pulling it off and doing the whole thing black..yours looks GREAT. THAT IS WHAT I WANT

Thanks! I appreciate it.
It was easy. I removed the front grill. Lots of write-ups on this site about how to do it without breaking the clips. Scuffed it up a bit so paint will grab and sprayed multiple thin coats of Duplicolor bedliner (blue label). Matches the bumpers and the flares. Still looks good after several years. Maybe a little faded, but easy to redo/touch up.

Thanks again.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

I did a little off roading yesterday to test out the limit straps, cv's, etc. Nothing too crazy, since I haven't put the front skid back on yet. I want to change the front dif oil before I wrestle that thing back on.

I kept trying to find a place to wheelie a front wheel off the ground to fully test limit straps. I couldn't seem to make it happen. When I don't want it to happen, I can't seem to keep it on the ground.

Everything worked well. I am going to take care of a few more details, put the skid back on and take on a tougher trail in a few days.

Thanks!

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Updates and Upgrades

I threw a few new things on my rear end (no homo). First I swapped out the factory rear sway bar links, for some new front links. They are about an inch longer and better suited for my current lift and flex. This is not new to most, but somehow I missed this step until now. Really old vs. new:

An inch longer is about the most you could do without contacting the lower links during articulation.

And speaking of links, I replaced the wimpy rear upper links with some beefy ones from Toytec. I kept loading up my online cart with heim joints, weld washers, misalignment spacers etc and threatening to make my own, but ultimately opted for Toytec's. Time has a lot of value to me right now. I am really happy with them. I adjusted in approx 1/4" of length increase. Big improvement on driveshaft angle, and seems to eliminate some driveline stress.

Lately, I have been jealous of some of your CBI bumpers. I really like the rear quarter panel protection option. Last month, I had to make about 10 attempts to turn a corner in a rutted out dry river bed without scraping up the RQP. Took some flack from some heepers in the process. Just because I want to go off-road doesn't mean I have to drive a mud covered raisin. A simple rub-rail was all I needed.

A couple hundred jack pumps later:

It is .120 wall 1" steel tubing. I went with 1" because I can bend it at a 5" radius vs. a 7" radius on everything bigger. The load rating is still very high for the .120 wall, and this rub-rail 'shouldn't' be bearing the full weight of the truck during a rub or kick-out.

Added a 'fish mouth' to get good surface area on side and top of rear bumper

Welded it on. Angled it out slightly to same width as fender flares and to give a little forgiveness between panel and rail in case it gets bent.

Schedule has been tight lately but found time to venture out to a fire road not far from my office.

Also, a few weeks ago, I put my winch on a diet and swapped out steel cable and roller fairlead for synthetic rope, thimble, and aluminum fairlead. I bet the weight savings is in the 35-40lb range.

Stuff and stretch with new links.

Thanks for checkin' in!

 

[crazydubman]

Looking great Urban. The swaybar endlinks definitely help with droop. I need to take into account the pinion angle when I finally get my upper links installed. Think I will use the 1/4" extra as a starting point. Thanks.

Also, its amazing how much lighter the synthetic rope is huh. I was pretty shocked when I swapped mine out.

I always enjoy seeing your runner evolve. Keep up the great work.

 

[NateMob]

I like the added quarter panel protection! Good job going with the 1" tube, looks functional without looking too big and out of place. New links are sweet too.
I also moved my front sway links to the rear, and yes, they are the perfect size. Not sure why I don't see it more.

 

[crazydubman]

Maybe I missed it but when did you get the RCV shafts? Do you feel they were worth the price tag? How many issues did you have with the factory CV's before you purchased them?

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Maybe I missed it but when did you get the RCV shafts? Do you feel they were worth the price tag? How many issues did you have with the factory CV's before you purchased them?

I got them about a month ago and the whole process has been a disaster. I've been holding off on a write-up/review on them because I want to give RCV a chance to make it right. I own a small business, and although we over-emphasize customer service, eventually you get somebody who is unhappy (honestly like 2 people in the last 10yrs). But in those cases, I just asked the person to allow me to make it right, and it all worked out.
Getting frustrated though! So, at the moment, No, not worth the price tag. I hope we will get there and ultimately I will be happy with them. RCV's has been okay to work with, and gurantees satisfaction, lifetime rebuilds etc. So far, still not satisfied. Not even close.

Like everybody else, I've become very proficient at changing CV's. I've tried most combos with varying success. Factory's, remanufactured factory's with larger cages, etc. Prior to the RCV's I had the best luck with remanufactured factory CV's from cvjreman.com and they look very similar to the Lotus CV's. Only issue was their thicker off-road boot occasionally contacts the LCA and eventually ripped wide open. I rebooted them and now they are my trail spares, but I wheeled them for probably 2 years with only a couple of reboots. But they were expensive and rebooting is a PITA, so the thought of just jumping to the RCV's with fewer issues in the long run was very attractive. Also, I have a 2yr old and another kid on the way. So when I get a chance to wheel, I want to wheel. Not lay on my back in the dirt beside the trail fixing something. It happens sometimes, but I would rather beef it up in the garage, wheel all day, and then drive it home on time.

I debated long and hard about the SAS. Though, the way I want to do it is just too expensive right now. Links, coilovers, etc. then custom coilovers in rear to level ride height etc, then hydro assist, etc etc etc. Pandora's box! Probably will eventually happen, but I am committed to the IFS at least for the near future.

Sorry for the long-winded answer! The RCV experience is not unique to me. A quick google search shows similar testimony from the FJ crowd. The potential is great, so it is hard to give up on. It's kinda like dating a really hot chick. You put up with twice as much crap, cause the 'payoff' is worth it.

 

[crazydubman]

Thanks for the honest opinion. I'm still on the fence about stepping up to 35's someday with the additional CV breakage. All things taken into consideration, would you say it has been worth the step up to 35's? Or would 33's have taken you everywhere you needed to go with less headaches?

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Thanks for the honest opinion. I'm still on the fence about stepping up to 35's someday with the additional CV breakage. All things taken into consideration, would you say it has been worth the step up to 35's? Or would 33's have taken you everywhere you needed to go with less headaches?

I love the 35's. They weren't easy but I've never regretted it. I broke a cv with 33's too. Not much difference between 33's/35's as far as places you can/cannot go. With the limit straps, I think once I get the Rcv's dialed in, I should be good.
Cv's have been, and will be the weak link of any IFS.

Beefin' up IFS is like wetting your pants. Everybody can see that you have done it, but only you know how bad it sucks.
I read that somewhere, so won't take the credit. Funny though.

Sorry if some of those cell phone pics show upside down on your iPad/iPhone. I will figure out why and edit it.

 

[JWaldz]

Man, this rig has really taken off.. Love the work put into it so far. Sucks about RCV, hope it all gets better. Keep up the good work.

 

[crazydubman]

I love the 35's. They weren't easy but I've never regretted it. I broke a cv with 33's too. Not much difference between 33's/35's as far as places you can/cannot go. With the limit straps, I think once I get the Rcv's dialed in, I should be good.
Cv's have been, and will be the weak link of any IFS.

Beefin' up IFS is like wetting your pants. Everybody can see that you have done it, but only you know how bad it sucks.
I read that somewhere, so won't take the credit. Funny though.

Sorry if some of those cell phone pics show upside down on your iPad/iPhone. I will figure out why and edit it.

Right on. Thanks for the info. I have been back and forth a number of times on the 35's. Maybe as the 305's get closer to the end, I will make up my mind to take the plunge. :surfer:

 

[4RunnerChaos]

.................

Sorry if some of those cell phone pics show upside down on your iPad/iPhone. I will figure out why and edit it.

Orientation lock helped me check out the pics I was like "why in the hell did he post pics that were upside down?!?!?!

 

[NateMob]

Just noticed you are from ATL, i grew and lived in Augusta for 26 years before joining the Air Force last year and moving out west. In other news, would you mind taking a couple side shots of the position of the spindle/balljoint adaptor on your LR UCAs? I have had mine on for a while and keep playing with how far forward i can rotate them to gain firewall clearance. I looked at your install pictures and couldnt see the parts clear enough to tell what location you run yours in.

Thanks bud.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Car Seat, Fire extinguishers

looks functional without looking too big and out of place.

Thanks! Well said. That pretty much sums up the goal of this build. Inside is nice, leather, modern ameneties, dvd, gps, and outside all hell could break loose and the truck could walk over it, or simply take you to dinner.

Man, this rig has really taken off.. Love the work put into it so far. Sucks about RCV, hope it all gets better. Keep up the good work.

Thanks! RCV is trying to work it out. I just wish I would've known I was the guinea pig before purchasing.

Just noticed you are from ATL, i grew and lived in Augusta for 26 years before joining the Air Force last year and moving out west. In other news, would you mind taking a couple side shots of the position of the spindle/balljoint adaptor on your LR UCAs? I have had mine on for a while and keep playing with how far forward i can rotate them to gain firewall clearance. I looked at your install pictures and couldnt see the parts clear enough to tell what location you run yours in.
Thanks bud.

Ha! We have had the opposite moving patterns. I grew up out west, and had my first birthday in New Mexico.
I will dig up some shots of the UCA's. The amount of info for the alignment adjustments is dizzying. However, any additional caster for the purpose of firewall clearance will have to come from below the spindle. Adjusting it above the spindle (at UCA) will push it further into firewall. So, my UCA is set at 2+ (which is the neutral/recommended setting out of the box). SPC logo facing out. Max out caster at LCA's, then adjust camber at UCA for increased firewall clearance and should put overall caster at around 3+.


A couple of other updates:
Most of you 'flatbills' will not understand this mod, but I bet guys like [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION], and [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] will appreciate it. Because you know your kid needs a full racing harness carseat

Kid Approved:

Sometimes I get the most satisfaction out of simple, yet original ideas. Like color-matched fire extinguishers and the perfect mounting spot.
Driver's side:

Passenger side:

2.5lb fire extinguishers, rattle can'd, and several coats of enamel for toughness.

Thanks for checkin' in.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

As always, good stuff happening in this thread! The limit strap setup looks good. When I bought mine, Poly Performance did not offer the "no label" straps, but I wish they had because I prefer that style.

I've wanted to add some rear quarter panel protection to my CBI for a long time now, but I don't own/have easy access to a tube bender. I think my boss has one, and this reminds me that I need to ask. Nice add there.

RE the car seat, my baby girl is still in a rear facing seat. I know she can't wait to be front facing though, because she gets bored staring at the dogs, the headrests, and the headliner. She'll grow up soon enough, though. Probably more like TOO soon.

That's a good place for the FE's. I have mine in the back on my storage box, and there have been several times where I've wondered if I could get to it quickly enough in an emergency. A matter of 10 seconds could save a lot of damage if you have an engine fire.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

I checked out a 'new to me' fireroad yesterday. I've heard of this spot a few times, and a local club has an event there so I figured it was worth a look. Fireroads are common 4WD spots around here. They are legal forest service roads often leading to overlook points, weather monitors, or towers. Most are easy and simply gravel roads, but others can be a little more challenging and at least satisfy your offroad itch until you can get to something bigger. This one was steep, rutted out, with some rugged granite near the top.



Funny thing was that my in-dash Garmin GPS still recognizes this as a road. So much for county maintenance.

Nice views from the top of Bell Mountain. If you are used to looking at the Sierra's or the Rockies then not that special, but not bad for the Appalachians.



If you look close, you can see a couple of hawks flying near the cliff side. Not often you can get a pic from above the hawks.

Bad news is that there is tons of grafitti and trash at the top. Which means eventually this road will get closed, like so many others, thanks to morons.

It was fun, but not that challenging. I did notice a little steering rack noise though. I've already done the poly bushings, ITR's and OTR's. I need to crawl around under there for a while and probably hit the search function a bit. Will update.

 

[FactoryRide]

Build looks good man! Where at in atlanta are you?

Those last few pictures look like bell mountain? Did you take the bypass up?

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Build looks good man! Where at in atlanta are you?

Those last few pictures look like bell mountain? Did you take the bypass up?

Thanks! I am right in the heart of Atlanta. Grant Park. Though I work up in Northern Gwinnett Co. Reverse commute. No traffic.

Yes. That is Bell Mtn. I have been there 2x. Long drive for short trail. Do you mean bypass the first big gully on the trail? I didn't bypass it. In fact, that is the very spot that led to the genesis of my rear quarter panel protection. Without it, it took about 10 attempts to keep the sheet metal off the wall. With the RQP I made it on 1st try with a little rub/kick. Scary close to a driverside flop in that spot though.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

I finally got around to fixing my 'hyperflash' turn signals. Thanks to [MENTION=87543]nihkon[/MENTION], via his post, for reminding me to do this and the part#. I have had the hyperflash since I rearranged my lights and swapped for LED's. I added inline resistors to the LED's but still had the problem. The Tridon EP35 did the trick. I did remove the under dash panel and dropped down the fuse box in order to get my big ol' 'merican hands back behind it.
So nice to have gotten rid of my hyper jack russell terrier turn signals, and get back to the relaxed labrador blinkers. I think the hyperflash makes you feel like you need to turn more urgently. Like some songs make you drive faster.

Also, may finally have the whole RCV thing figured out. What a nightmare this has been. I should have the new set in by the end of the week. This will be the 3rd set they have sent me. Ridiculous. Will post up a full review at that point.

I really hope they have the details sorted out, otherwise, Chewbacca gets 'em.