Urban assault's '99 4runner build

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Just wondering, is there a reason you're not running your roof rack?

Good eye! Yes. After stepping up to 37's I could no longer get in the garage with the roof rack. I had about a 1/2" of clearance with the 35's. The new tires ate that up and then some. Sadly, had to let it go. [MENTION=84917]GreenbowCounty[/MENTION] has given it a beautiful new home with some trick accessories.

[MENTION=71939]jason in tn[/MENTION] and [MENTION=90485]URBAN ASSAULT[/MENTION], let's get a cove ride together soon.

I'm in. I've been wanting to check that place out! My schedule will probably be the biggest obstacle. November filled up fast with a kid birthday, Thanksgiving, etc, and I booked a trip to Hale Mtn on Nov 14-15th. Will be my first time to that park. Another one of the Georgia Trail Rider events. I think Jason, [MENTION=67110]RedDragonATL[/MENTION] is targeting this trip also. You guys jump in, if you want. December is wide open for me, if you guys are available.

T4R looks great!! I do agree with you though (your post in the gallery), it does look a bit tall now. Any room to drop it down an inch or two?

Also, what are you airing those tires down to for a good bite? The sidewalls are like iron on PBR's... I know some running the 37's at 5psi just to get them to bulge/grip rocks a bit better. I wheeled with a Zuk one time where the guy just took the valve stems out on a set of 39's.

Well....yes & no. The ORI's are infinitely adjustable through their range so I could bring it down an inch. I did run it there for a while, but that leaves me with only about 2.5 - 3" of compression in the front. I had to run the ORI's extremely stiff to avoid bottoming out. Once the rear suspension was complete, I leveled everything at its current height. It is much better and is the happy medium of all worlds. The ORI's are very stable, with little to no roll or 'tippyness'. It still fits in a standard height 7' garage.
What I do regret sometimes, is my 1" body lift. I would love to have that inch back. However, almost everything on the truck is built around it. Armor, suspension, steering, etc. It is there to stay. So the height is pretty much set.
It is a little higher than I envisioned when I started, but not out of control. I would say it's only 40% redneck.

I'm running the PBR's at 8psi. And yes, the sidewalls are stiff. I have about 1000 miles on the tires now and they are softening up nicely. But still stiff. I would run them lower, but here in the Southeast you do a lot of 'Bump it'. A less than technical term I find myself saying frequently while spotting, or wheeling. There is always some traction issue with obstacles out here. Loose rock or dirt at the base of an obstacle. So, rather than crawl it, you have to back up and 'bump it'. Then you can crawl it. I wouldn't want to do that with much less than 8. I will go less, but it will be specific to the conditions.


For those that are just skimming for a pic, I'll add one (I do it all the time).

Thanks!

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Without much left to update at the moment, I will list my plans for 2015.

Build Plans: (in no particular order)

• Suspension Seats (Likely PRP's) - The leather and foam on my 300k mile factory seats have had enough. And I have some long trips planned.
• Cargo area build - I've been putting this off, debating about what to do with a cage. Decided to just go ahead with some cargo storage, and will modify for future cage.
• Rework the Tire Carrier on the rear bumper. - I want it centered. And it needs to be beefier, since the spare is now a beadlocked 37. It bounces a lot on rough forest service roads. Maybe add a dual latch to it as well.
• Re-make the sliders - The drivers side has a little bend to it, and I have some other ideas I want to try.
• Cage - Huge project. Likely a hybrid cage. I am too tall for full interior cage. Significant body damage will obviously move this project to the top of the list.

Wheeling Plans: (These are the big weekend or travel trips)
January - TBD
February - Choccolocco Off Road Park, AL
March - Adventure Off Road Park, TN "Crawling for Reid" charity ride
April - Windrock Off Road Park, TN
May - Windrock Off Road Park, TN (GSMTR '15)
June - Morris Mtn Off Road Park, AL
July - Coppinger Cove, TN (1st time to this trail)
August - Harlan, KY
- Toyota Jamboree, CO (not kidding)
September - Golden Mtn Off Road Park, TN
October - TBD
November - Gulches Off Road Park, SC
December - TBD

Thanks for a great year, and looking forward to 2015.

 

[Frontier719]

I love the truck bed liner in the back. Did you have it professionally done? or DIY?

 

[jason in tn]

Like the way you have things laid out man, lots of projects to get done. Hope we run into each other on the trail soon your truck is a real inspiration.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Without much left to update at the moment, I will list my plans for 2015.

- Toyota Jamboree, CO (not kidding)

Thanks for a great year, and looking forward to 2015.

Sweet!
It will awesome to meet you and see this thing in person.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Haven't looked at your thread in a while, wow, amazing work! Bummer the rack wouldn't fit, but those 37s look awesome!

 

[Dirtco]

Sweet!
It will awesome to meet you and see this thing in person.

Yeah, I really hope you can make it out!

 

[TCMach]

Build Plans: (in no particular order)

• Cage - Huge project. Likely a hybrid cage. I am too tall for full interior cage. Significant body damage will obviously move this project to the top of the list.

Wheeling Plans: (These are the big weekend or travel trips)
- Toyota Jamboree, CO (not kidding)

Interested to see your hybrid cage too. Not like I need one but I think they are badass

WOOOHOOO! I wanna see this thing! Depending on timing I plan on making the jambo for the first time myself next year. I would say I would wheel in your group but you would drive all over me!

 

[spongerx]

Awesome thread. Awesome build. :thumb:

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Not much to update on the build, but the wheeling has been steady.

A section called "The Ledges" used to have an easy, moderate, and hard lines. But the buggies have dug it out real bad. So, now it is hard, ridiculous and stupid. I was denied on 'stupid' and settled for 'ridiculous'.

I had to stop looking out my passenger window because my pants started fitting funny.

Many of the trails are really tight. I have to plan different lines than the jeeps to avoid losing glass and sheet metal.

You can see where the passenger side tree has lots of scars from those that have gone before.

I took a higher line, which felt like it was going to be a flop, but flexed and rolled through without contact.

I really need to catch up with the times and get a GoPro or equivalent. But for now I will keep the pics updated.

Thanks!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Looking good as always, Steve. I'm hoping to make the Jamboree in CO again this year, and would love to see your rig in person.

I just went through the last couple pages again to refresh my memory and what you've done with your 4Runner is pretty incredible. Especially considering you did it all yourself, and all in your home garage... on jack stands... and it ALL works great. It always blows my mind. This one will always be one of my favorites.

BTW... I've read some of your tips on time management throughout your posts (ie working in the garage after everyone goes to bed), but I still can't figure out how you managed to get all this stuff done with two little ones running around, and one of them a toddler now. You must teach me. I can barely find time to get into the garage anymore and I only have one.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Looking good as always, Steve. I'm hoping to make the Jamboree in CO again this year, and would love to see your rig in person.

I just went through the last couple pages again to refresh my memory and what you've done with your 4Runner is pretty incredible. Especially considering you did it all yourself, and all in your home garage... on jack stands... and it ALL works great. It always blows my mind. This one will always be one of my favorites.

BTW... I've read some of your tips on time management throughout your posts (ie working in the garage after everyone goes to bed), but I still can't figure out how you managed to get all this stuff done with two little ones running around, and one of them a toddler now. You must teach me. I can barely find time to get into the garage anymore and I only have one.

Thanks Nick! Really looking forward to the Jambo. That would be awesome if you could make it again this year. I would love to meet you and your rig as well. From last year's pics it seems the event draws out many of the top tier T4R's. I can't wait. As long as I, or the truck, do not do anything stupid, I will be there.

I love the truck and what it has become. But it is give and take. It is obviously more of a lumber wagon now, linked, on 37 PBR, with towers thru the floor. It's smooth Lexus pedigree is long gone. That said, you're right, everything works perfectly. I take weekend trips to various offroad parks. Drive there, wheel, drive home. 70 mph, stable, driving with one hand. You have to talk really loud at 70, and can't hear your phone, but you're there.
Using the pre-fab brackets really helped. There is no debate as to where to put them, since there is no room to put them anywhere else. Also, the PSC hydro assist. Since I did it from the start, I have no reference point. Though I have to believe it really solved a lot of problems, both on road and off.
And jack stands are the only way to go. Everything is based off of ride height. Determine that, and make everything fit within it.

Ha! yeah. My boys, Thor and Leonidas, are 4 and 18 months. Vast majority of the work was after hours. 9p-1a was common. I would steal the occasional day off, and fully took advantage of nap time, too. I feel like things get busier as they get older, so the timing was probably good. The front took about 3.5 months from 1st cut, and the rear took about 6 or 7 weeks. It left a scar though. I haven't accomplished much since. Other than easy maintenance stuff. I have lots of things on the build list, but hesitant to start, knowing the commitment.
I thought I would be done even sooner. Who was it that knocked out a SAS over the weekend? Jwaldz? and [MENTION=56044]downpour11[/MENTION] tripped and knocked a full width under his truck practically overnight.
I love the result, but definitely have an eye twitch now.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Had a great time at the "Great Smoky Mountain Trail Ride" this past weekend. It is put on by the Southeast Toyota Land Cruiser Association. Toyota 4wd trucks of all genres and gens are welcome. This was my second visit to this event and it is one of my favorites. GSMTR 2015 | May 4-9 | Windrock Park

Videos of my truck in action are rare. The cast of characters I usually wheel with do not video much, and I haven't taken the GoPro plunge yet. However, Andy Goode of the Appalachia Cruisers took a few video clips on this trip.

2 videos of myself and a well built FJ-40, taking turns on 2 hill climbs.



To be fair, Sean did not know he had an " I love Lee Greenwood" sticker on his winch plate. That's what you get for letting your buddies pull cable for you. I once drove around for hours with a Barbie Christmas wreath on my grille courtesy of my 'buddies'.



As usual, videos never seem to do a trail justice. They were steep rutted out hill climbs with some ledges and step-ups. I was hoping we were taking the bypass after seeing one of the climbs. There comes a time when you realize it's not peer pressure; it's just your turn.

Will post up some pics or other vids as they turn up.
Thanks!

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

T4R and FJ40

And, a broken Landcruiser 80 birfield (not mine) after 4 hours in the campfire:

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

My well-used 16 year old factory seats have seen better days. They have served me extremely well. 300,000 miles and 23 different states. Wheeling trips, camping trips, and road trips. They outlasted 3 dogs, multiple girlfriends, and years of shenanigans. But alas, their job is done.

Enter PRP:

PRP Daily Driver Suspension Seats. Tan, with Ostrich skin centers to satisfy my inner pimp. Options/upgrades include: Double stitching, High back 2 slot headrest, extra tall (+4"), Seat Heaters (D&P), and adjustable lumbar support (D only).

I picked up these billet dog bones made by Chassis Unlimited, in an effort to retain slider function:

Really well made. I got them on sale from frontier4x4.com Thanks Luke!
They are approved by virtually every racing industry. Including U4/KOH. Not that I will be racing anything, though it is nice to have that stamp of approval.

The top and bottom halves "key" together. Slide front to back, and set with a lockout pin.

As usual, everything takes longer than expected and my schedule has been hell lately. I started with the passenger seat, and quickly realized the sliders probably wouldn't work. The rear passenger HVAC motors and fans are under the passenger seat and add several inches of height to the floor pan. Not a big deal since the drivers seat is really the only one requiring slider function.
My next plan was to use the factory rails and feet and add tabs for the PRP's. First off, that added way too much height, and secondly removing the feet from the rails nearly destroyed them. I was amazed at how thin the factory feet were.
So it became clear I would be making my own feet and rails.
I opted for 3/16" steel all the way around. Much beefier than factory and way overkill, but I had a several pieces readily available. (This process took forever when you have 1-2hrs/night to work on it)

Several bends, cutouts, and welds later, I had these:

I kept them wide for mounting accessories. Extra fire extinguisher, flashlight, etc.
The frame of the PRP's is also steel tubing which makes for a very stable structure.

Bolted in:

Also made a seat belt extender so you wouldn't have to fish below the seat for the receiver.

The drivers side had it's challenges as well. My goals were to sit lower and further back than factory. I'm 6'3" and look like a gorilla on a bike when in the drivers seat. This meant, once again, fab'ing up custom brackets. Yet, I was determined to use the sliders on the drivers side.

No 2 brackets were the same, which added lots of time and labor. 2 floor mounts and 2 transmission hump mounts.

I used all factory mounting points and grade 8 hardware on the seats.

Created another extension for the drivers side seat belt receptacle.

Bolted in. I haven't taken final measurements yet, though I am about 2" lower and several inches further back.

And the piece de resistance:

Seems silly installing seat heaters on a 95 degree day. Though, this winter I will be loving these on the trail!

Will update more on these soon.
Thanks!

 

[GreenbowCounty]

Man...

Man Steve :bravo:

Was looking at the Corbeau brackets to mount my TRD seats but fab work and wider rails definitely makes more sense. Look forward to seeing the seats in person man.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Man Steve :bravo:

Was looking at the Corbeau brackets to mount my TRD seats but fab work and wider rails definitely makes more sense. Look forward to seeing the seats in person man.

Thanks JFG [MENTION=84917]GreenbowCounty[/MENTION] !
I researched most of the aftermarket brackets. PRP makes some for a Tacoma, which would likely work. Other manufacturers make aftermarket brackets as well. However, all of them added height. I was looking to lose some height, and gain some stretch.

Its no V8 swap, but happy with the result.

Thanks again!

 

[Dirtco]

Those seats look great Steve, nice and clean install! How is getting in and out of the 4Runner with the new seats?

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Those seats look great Steve, nice and clean install! How is getting in and out of the 4Runner with the new seats?

Thanks! Getting in is about the same as always. Since the truck has grown over the past few years, I have found myself stepping on the slider, then pulling up on the 'Oh $h!t handle', and into the seat.
The frame and side bolsters on the seats are not overly high. The daily-driver seat bolsters are lower than their Premier seats. Nevertheless, they are significant and feel great when off camber, or even just turning a corner.
Getting out of the truck has had a learning curve. I don't think I've done it the same way twice. Though, no need to tilt up the steering wheel, or slide seat. Some more seat time will develop a pattern.

They are not the easy slide in/out of stock seats, though fit like a glove once in. Will get to know them really well on my trek to the jambo.

 

[URBAN ASSAULT]

Since the solid axle swap, I've been a little leery of how exposed my transmission pan is.

With all the movement of the links, and drive shaft I can no longer run a full belly skid. The pan sits above the frame rails, between the links and next to the driveshaft. So, it would take a really unfortunate shaped rock to get in there. Nevertheless, it looks exposed and I've thought about it more than a few times, especially when climbing ledges. Like this:

The crossmember I used for the transfer case/trans is 3/8" thick and bolts in/out. It is a massive heavy piece, but stops short of protecting the pan.
I decided to weld on an extension to the crossmember.

.120 wall 1" tube, and a 3/16" filler plate

That should at least keep the sharp pointy things from finding the pan. I wanted to tie into the passenger side frame rail but there wasn't enough room with my Cali' compliant dual cats. When I rework the exhaust, and drop to 1 cat there will be room.

I also replaced one my cigarette lighters with a dual USB socket.
This one: https://www.bluesea.com/products/1016/Dual_USB_Charger_Socket

Trying to keep the 16yr old truck current with modern technology. GoPro, and all of my iStuff will hopefully be happy now.

Other than that the truck to-do list has been long, but getting shorter, in preparation for the Jambo. New Tie-Rod ends, changed all fluids, re-built beadlocks (after losing a few bolts at Coppinger Cove last weekend), and rotated tires, torqued everything, and checked everything. I wanted to do new sliders before the trip, but it's not going to happen. Down to packing and details.

Thanks for checkin' in.