Urban assault's '99 4runner build

Couple of things I'd like to say. I haven't even gotten the chance to read more than a few pages of your thread, but damn! I like what you got going on. The cage turned out pretty damn sweet and those seats are *****in.
 
Super clean build. Really appreciate the detail.

The seats sound great off-road. Are they any better or worse than for those long highway runs getting to the trail? Would you recommend them for a daily driver?
 
subscribing. (can't wait to read this when I have a chance)

Thanks! Unfortunately, like many others, I will likely lose most of my build thread pics to the photobucket fiasco.

Super clean build. Really appreciate the detail.

The seats sound great off-road. Are they any better or worse than for those long highway runs getting to the trail? Would you recommend them for a daily driver?

Thanks!
The seats are at their best when on the trail. The main difference is you sit ON your factory seat, and you sit IN a racing seat. I really like them. They will be good for a daily driver. Try to demo somebody's if you can so you know what your getting into.
 
Headed out to Windrock Offroad Park this past weekend with some friends. The forecast was not good and it rained on me all the way there. I knew the trails would be slop but I was anxious to get out. With the recent cage project, it has been far too long since I've been in the dirt.

Trying my hand at Flickr....
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Jeeps and Me. Welcome to the Southeast.

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I popped off my rear passenger side fender flare in this rut. The sides of that rut was like wheeling in peanut butter and I kept slipping down in it. Fortunately, it popped back on and had only 1 broken clip thing. Though, I'm probably going to need another plan since the flares are taking ever increasing abuse.

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Ever wonder why they call them "The Smoky Mountains"? Low clouds and fog frequently fill the valleys. Which makes for great camping, even on a hot day.
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Pressure washer and oscillating sprinkler are going to get a workout. My neighbors are going to passive aggressive hate me after that flows down the driveway :shrug:
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My family and I had an epic, once in a lifetime, trip. We were able to combine a 3 day offroad trip with the recent solar eclipse. From Atlanta, we headed 3 hours north into central Tennessee. Golden Mountain Offroad Park sat right in the path of totality.
IMG_1323 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

It has been several years since I last visited Golden Mtn. It is a legit park with more wild than mild trails. We arrived on Saturday, set up camp, and hit the trails. The amount of stuff you have to bring to camp with your wife and 2 kids is insane.
DSC01274 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

Rock limo in full family wheeling mode
IMG_1345 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

A section of the park called, "The Jungle" did not disappoint!
21014080_1763009927060964_3910187271895920309_o by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr
21055217_1763009487061008_740267328235732799_o by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

Dangerous territory for a full bodied crawler. Nearly lost the drivers side cargo window.
20934893_1763008837061073_6745720644093318709_o by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

We hit lots of other great trails in the park. Most of them are relatively short, but with some time consuming obstacles. A buddy of mine gave me a tip. Keep a bag of candy in the console and every time you complete a trail, the kids get a piece of candy. It worked like a charm. The kids were literally cheering me on to get over some of the obstacles and always wanted to do another trail.

We stayed thru Monday and the Eclipse. My cell phone was not capable of picking up the eclipse, though this was during the totality phase
IMG_1351 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

Good time had by all and looking forward to the next trip!
 
Badass rig man!
Where in atl are you? I live and work in Kennesaw

I am essentially right in the heart of it. Grant Park Historic District. I wheel a lot of the Georgia Trailrider events. Good group, really well organized, and always a good time. Gatrailriders.com - Georgia's Premier Offroad 4X4 & Jeep Club

you coming back to Colorado for the Jambo this year?

Man, I want to so bad! But can't this year. :sobbing: Fall Season is my busiest. I was hoping the stars would align and I could pull it off. I was excited to check out the new location. It will be on my calendar every year and will always try to make it. I look forward to the pics and report!
 
Family limo pic is great! Made me smile, and I'm a cranky ol'man. Awesome looking rig, and great looking family. Your doin something right my man. Keep up all the great work and good luck to ya and the family.
 
I added some decorations to my sliders. When there is not enough time before the next trip for any 'real' projects, but I still like being in the garage. A buddy of mine put his CNC table to work. He said, "Won't they just get all scratched up?" I nodded and smiled and said, "Yeah, I can't wait."

IMG_1388 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG_1399 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

In other news, I stepped up my camping game. For longer trips, over 3 hours, and out west, I trailer my 4runner. I learned that lesson the hard way. In addition, I tent camp on my hunting property. Last year, I spent roughly 10% of the year in a tent (35 days). Even more in 2015. Upgrading the accommodations has been long overdue.

I started with bending up some tube and plate for a bed rack:
IMG_1418 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

I found some T-nuts online to fit my bed rail tracks:
IMG_1419 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG_1420 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

Mounted up
IMG_1421 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

And then added a 1 bedroom condo. Tepui Kukenam XL Ruggedized. Folds out to a 6ft x 8ft footprint. Should be enough for the whole fam.
Mounted low and tight, at cab level. Gas mileage is bad enough and I did not want any additional drag. In addition, I wanted to maintain the ability to park in the garage. Plenty of room underneath for cooler(s) and cargo.

IMG_1423 by Steve Hatfield, on Flickr

Maiden voyage is this weekend. Will add some pics of the whole setup.
 
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Damn you Steve!

As always man, your DIY skills are top notch! Tundra looks real sharp as does the insignia! Hope you and the family are doing well. We're relocating soon and I'm gravitating between investing more in the truck or stepping up to another vehicle. Cheers!
 
I admire and envy your creativity and ingenuity, man.

The fact that you enjoy this hobby with your family actually justifies
your time and money spent building it up. You won't have any regrets.
Good for you man. May the good fortune and good trails keep coming
your way! :thumb:
 

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