War Sprout's Build Thread

[War Sprout]

Looks real good! Now paint that chrome rear bumper black.

I had an issue with the bed-liner not sticking. I'll probably redo the front when I do the rear bumper, and hit it without a primer this time and see what it does.

 

[NateMob]

What kind of problems did you have with the shocks? There are a couple other guys on here running them.

 

[War Sprout]

What kind of problems did you have with the shocks? There are a couple other guys on here running them.

They just don't fit where the shock meets the axle.

This hole is way smaller than what's on the car, at the moment. Even the rubber piece that fits in there has a hole too small to squeeze it on the car. Just doesn't fit.

 

[War Sprout]

Updated shock fitment pictures

 

[shootmymime]

have you taken the shock off to be sure it down fit? i know it looks a little smaller but are you sure?


let me give you some advice for taking the shock off. they can be very difficult if its your 1st time doing this on a 4runner. (i did both sides in 20 min the other day)

you will need a cut off wheel or saw-zall, 14mm socket and wrench, fairly large vice grips.


use the saw to cut the thin metal sleeve on the shock ether 4-5 inches up in a circle (be sure not to cut the shock body because they are charged with gas, dont cut the shock shaft ether) you want just enough room to get the vice grips tightly clamped on to the shock shaft.
Next step is to get the socket and wrench on the nut on the top of the shock, with the ratcheting on the wrench twist the vice grips back and forth to work the motion of breaking the nut loose on the shock.

thats the best way ive learned how to take shocks off these vehicles.

 

[tre9er]

I had a fitment issue with the N2.0 rear shocks. I called and emailed wheelersoffroad.com but they're closed until Monday.

Edit: nevermind. You guys must have posted while I was posting my question.
(What was the issue? I have some coming for the rear myself.)

BUT, do the RC shocks come with new top nuts? In case I have to cut my old shocks off...just curious.

 

[War Sprout]

I got the shocks off no problem when we replaced the springs. But yeah, I've heard of that method.

ETA: tre9er, mine came with new top nuts.

 

[tre9er]

I got the shocks off no problem when we replaced the springs. But yeah, I've heard of that method.

ETA: tre9er, mine came with new top nuts.

Sweet, thanks. I'm thinking the old ones may just get cut off. We'll see how it goes...

 

[War Sprout]

Update on fitment issue

I have confirmed that the shocks DO NOT fit my 4runner.

Rough Country 20014 on the left, Monroe sensatrac (on the vehicle currently) on the right

OEM spec bushings

OEM spec bushings on the vehicle

Rough Country Shocks and bushings

1/8" difference, and the islet is smaller. I also checked rough country's website and this part number is not for my model year 4runner, even though Wheelers claims this will fit. It doesn't fit, and yes I have tried. Wheelers is going to hear it from me Monday.

 

[War Sprout]

I talked to the manager at Wheelers offroad, and he said they have never had fitment issues with these shocks on 3rd gen 4runners. He tried to tell me that either my monroe sensatracs, or the axle weren't oem spec. I disagreed but I decided to ship them back anyway.

Then they saw the pictures of the measurements.

Before I could get the shipping address, they called me back to tell me that I was given the wrong bushings, and that they were shipping the correct bushings to me.

:doh:

 

[KidVermicious]

I talked to the manager at Wheelers offroad, and he said they have never had fitment issues with these shocks on 3rd gen 4runners. He tried to tell me that either my monroe sensatracs, or the axle weren't oem spec. I disagreed but I decided to ship them back anyway.

Then they saw the pictures of the measurements.

Before I could get the shipping address, they called me back to tell me that I was given the wrong bushings, and that they were shipping the correct bushings to me.

:doh:

Better late than never, I suppose. Hope they throw in some swag or something to make up for the trouble!

 

[Dirtyfingers]

Very nice runner. Subscribed

 

[War Sprout]

Better late than never, I suppose. Hope they throw in some swag or something to make up for the trouble!

They sent me a few pieces of bubble gum.

 

[War Sprout]

So I'm going to Pick-your-part tomorrow to get a new valve cover. It turns out that mine has a crack in it, and it's leaking really badly. I'm brainstorming now what good working parts I should pull off any 4runner or early model tacoma to replace mine with.

List:

Valve Cover Driver's Side
Door Lock mechanism Driver's Side
Power window motors for both Sides (front)
And I heard the new 01-02 headlights and tail lights can be retrofitted so I've added that to my list.
Maybe get that piece that covers where the fuel filter is. Mine doesn't have one.
If it's a lower mileage 4runner than mine, I might grab the ball joints.

Oh! and the 199mm Tundra brake upgrade!

If you can think of anything else before I head off, let me know!

 

[War Sprout]

Update on shocks and valve cover.

Wheelers Off-road sent me the correct bushings and I put the shocks in with no issues.

This was the crack in my driver side valve cover. I replaced it with this one:

No leaks! And I finally got all my suspension parts in.

:driving:

 

[Desertrunner25]

I had a fitment issue with the N2.0 rear shocks. I called and emailed wheelersoffroad.com but they're closed until Monday.

Love how it looks with the valence off and I'm really considering taking mine off...how do you like it with it off?

 

[5vzT4R]

Nice T4R! I'm in Angleton, I didn't expect to find anyone locally in Brazoria. I'll keep an eye out for ya!:thumb:

 

[War Sprout]

Love how it looks with the valence off and I'm really considering taking mine off...how do you like it with it off?

I don't mind it. I did it to keep from rubbing with the new wheels. Just know that you'll have to trim the fender lining a little, too. It only takes a few seconds with something sharp.

Nice T4R! I'm in Angleton, I didn't expect to find anyone locally in Brazoria. I'll keep an eye out for ya!

Thanks. I drive through Angleton all the time on 288, so I'm sure I'll see you around!