Wlfmachine's Build Thread

[wlfmachine]

Hey guys, I have been a long time reader, but haven't posted before. Honestly I have never felt like my 4runner was worthy, since it doesn't yet have a lift, bumpers, and a lot of the other features I see on this board. But I have done a lot of other stuff to my truck over the years, and maybe y'all will enjoy seeing a truck that's built more for 4wd touring then rock crawling.

This was the 4runner when I bought it in 2015 with 145,000 miles on it (with my wife at the wheel):
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45177903005/in/dateposted-public/" title="20150630_161258"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4904/45177903005_05cd1ce333_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20150630_161258"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And this is the 4runner now, on one of my more recent trips. I spent a week out in Wyoming antelope hunting:
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So here goes! This is the setup so far.

Basic info:
- 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (3rd Gen)
- 3.4L DOHC EFI 24-valve V6 engine 5VZ-FE
- 4WD/AWD with center Toyota E-Locker
- B&M 70268 External Transmission Cooler
- Firestone Ride-Rite 4135 adjustable rear air bag spring assist
- Tundra 13WL (231mm) EOM front disk brakes

Electrical:
- Primary Optima Red Top battery (group 35)
- Secondary Optima Yellow Top battery (group 75/25)
- Stinger 200 amp solenoid isolator
- Front and rear auxiliary fuse boxes
- Front and rear voltmeters
- Front and rear 12 Volt/USB sockets
- LCE Performance 160 amp high output alternator
- Big three ground/power wire upgrade
- Xantrex PROWatt 600W (50 amp) pure sine inverter
- Xantrex PROWatt remote switch w/ ignition lockout
- 120V to 12V Powermax PM3-55 (55 amp) Converter

Trail:
- 265/75r16 BFG T/A KO2 tires
- Van Welder custom rock sliders
- Slider crossbar protective sleeves
- Maxtrax
- Towstrap and shackles
- Tire plug kit
- Fast tire deflator tool

Storage:
- BajaRack Utility MG custom full length flat rack
- Kitchen storage cabinets and drawer
- Stove double slide drawer
- Tool boxes
- Tie downs with straps
- Rack mounted Pelican 1720 w/ Maxtrax pin mounts
- Quick-fist fishing rod/flagpole clamps

Camping:
- Tepui Kukunam 3 roof top tent
- Room for whole family to sleep in truck
- Coleman 40 Liter Thermoelectric Fridge
- Coleman Two Burner Stove on a double slide platform
- Window bug screens
- Usb rechargable tent fans
- Tarp cover system for emergency rain cover
- 5 pound propane tank
- 3 gallon fresh water bottle w/ electric pump

Communication:
- Midlands MXT400 GMRS 40 Watt 15 channel radio
- Browning BR-450 5/8 over 5/8 rack mounted 32 inch GMRS UHF antenna
- Tacoma AM/FM whip antenna
- Two GMRS 5 Watt 15 channel handheld USB rechargable radios

Computing:
- OBD2 Bluetooth sensor
- Samsung S5 with Torque connected to OBD2 reporting live engine data
- Samsung Tab E-lite tablet with GPS, downloaded maps, torque, music, and movies
- Bluetooth connected stereo head unit
- Charging station for USB electronics

Other:
- Dash-mat carpeted dashboard cover
- Fire Extinguisher Class 10:BC (flammable liquids and electrical, for a 10 foot area)
- Rear mounted bottle opener with catch magnet
- 5 Gallon Jerry can for extra gas
- 2nd row Husky floor liners

I'll show pics of some of the more interesting projects in the next few posts.

 

[wlfmachine]

My first project was to build a box system for the back. I'll post some more recent pictures later, since I don't have a good picture right now of the latest modification. But here are some pics of the build process that give you an idea of how it works:

Here you can see the internal shape:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31151838807/in/dateposted-public/" title="20151107_131238"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/31151838807_a5e767f54f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20151107_131238"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here is with more of the top installed:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/44274442340/in/dateposted-public/" title="20151107_163712"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4890/44274442340_9489b857f1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20151107_163712"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here is something like how it looks now:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45366617784/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160319_183257"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/45366617784_1e709ff98a_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20160319_183257"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And here is a detail shot of the double drawer slides:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/44274442070/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160109_115921"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/44274442070_60c8c0841d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20160109_115921"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is also another half to the boxes that I can install in the middle seats that extends a sleeping platform all the way along the length of the back of the truck. You can see a demo of that setup here:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PpacnanwD5c?start=250" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[wlfmachine]

Another noticeable modification is the rack and whats mounted there. The base is a BajaRack Utility MG that the company custom made in the full length, which they don't usually offer for the 3rd gen. I contacted the company and they said they could do it, and a few months later it was ready to pick up.

This is it when it was first installed, without anything on it:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/46090607331/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160702_141147"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4846/46090607331_522929c22b_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20160702_141147"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/46090607721/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160702_144653"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4896/46090607721_61b4522404_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20160702_144653"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And here it is with the roof top tent mounted:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31151711687/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160909_065729"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4912/31151711687_e88cd8ef16_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20160909_065729"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31151711297/in/dateposted-public/" title="20160909_180435-01"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4863/31151711297_e9e8ed8dd5_c.jpg" width="800" height="541" alt="20160909_180435-01"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And this past year I added a pelican case with the pins to hold the maxtrax, and I love it. Its an awesome place to put a couple chairs, a tarp, an axe, a shovel, and anything else bulky or dirty that can stay out of the body of the car when we do trips

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178835725/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180703"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4832/45178835725_6a0d879e17_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180703"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178833985/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180735"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4811/45178833985_041d7fda24_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180735"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/32219437698/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180800"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4820/32219437698_43bb9f2f75_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20180213_180800"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And finally, I try to keep stickers to the minimum, but here are a few from the various places I have taken the truck the past few years:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178834975/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20181030_172104"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4850/45178834975_c8c020c596_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20181030_172104"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[wlfmachine]

The final big change that I'll show that makes camping so much easier is the dual battery system. Here are a few pics of the install.

This is the two batteries in a custom battery box that I welded:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178812695/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170311_181522"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/45178812695_32348553da_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="20170311_181522"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here is one of the fuses boxes in the back of the truck (There is also a fuse box like it in the front):
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178816935/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170311_181627"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/45178816935_b809c2718e_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170311_181627"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And here is one of the outlets that I added that goes to the secondary:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/45178819305/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170318_110820"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/45178819305_545fd7378a_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="20170318_110820"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I have a thermoelectric fridge that I use whenever I'm camping and it sits right next to that outlet above, and with the stock outlet just below it running to the primary battery, its really nice to be able to quickly switch its power source between the two outlets. Plus I can monitor the secondary battery level from the back, and charge cell phones from the USB ports.

 

[wlfmachine]

Finally, here are some pics from trips I have taken the past few years. I live in NC, so some of these trips out west were cross country. That was one of my reason's for staying away from some of the more rock crawling modifications... its gotta be comfortable to drive on the road still, in order to get to some of the places around the country where I can take it off road.

Wyoming last month:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/32220077368/in/dateposted-public/" title="20181016_102736"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4852/32220077368_00e42746af_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20181016_102736"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cape Lookout a few years ago:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/46041163292/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20161021_073846"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4819/46041163292_91d135d1d6_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ultimate_HDR_Camera_20161021_073846"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Grayson Highlands in VA this past spring:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/46041172432/in/dateposted-public/" title="Truck Thumbnail"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/46041172432_0e21097fdb_c.jpg" width="450" height="800" alt="Truck Thumbnail"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sunset Crater Volcano near Flagstaff:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31152396847/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170919_150608"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4828/31152396847_195c30f980_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170919_150608"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The road to Point Sublime in AZ last year:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31152404977/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170921_125724"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/31152404977_7d547a98cc_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170921_125724"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/31152406617/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170921_132040"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4910/31152406617_0657167776_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170921_132040"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Our Point Sublime campsite at the Grand Canyon:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/46041284082/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170921_172646"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4886/46041284082_ce50cca81c_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170921_172646"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mexican Hat:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/32220182558/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170924_133459"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/32220182558_02f0d57ede_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170924_133459"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gemini Bridges Trail near Moab:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebradlands/32220186758/in/dateposted-public/" title="20170927_154041"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/32220186758_d5266c4b65_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20170927_154041"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hopefully many more trips to come!

I should add that I have a youtube channel where I post videos from some of our trips, and this is a good example of one of our trips to a neat offroad area in NC:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/basCvjwvQMM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[TonyB66]

A belated welcome to the forum!

The build is purpose-built, and I like your logical approach to use of space. Nice job. Not so sure about leaving food out though as I'd be concerned about unwelcome visitors. Maybe that is a hunting tactic!

 

[wlfmachine]

A belated welcome to the forum!

The build is purpose-built, and I like your logical approach to use of space. Nice job. Not so sure about leaving food out though as I'd be concerned about unwelcome visitors. Maybe that is a hunting tactic!

That was actually a concern I had too, leaving the coolers outside when we were hunting in Wyoming and sleeping in the back. However we were very far from Yellowstone or anywhere where you find bears, and we were wildcamping on BLM land that's very lightly traveled, so the risk of any kind of animal messing with our stuff was very low, and we experienced no problems during the trip. But if I were camping in campgrounds or in an area with bears that that would definitely be a concern! This past spring when I was down toward Asheville camping we had a bear poking around our campsite twice in the night, and both times it was chased off by the neighbors dog. But we knew better that night to not leave any trace of food outside the vehicles.

 

[RunningForNow]

Sweet looking setup! Our cars are twins! Mine is a 2001 Millenium silver SR5 as well. I love the electrical setup in the cargo area, and the cabinetry work. That slanted drawer is ingenious!

 

[rickmum]

Nice build, clean truck. The outlets in the back look super clean. :yo:

 

[skcolb]

I for one enjoy seeing the 4WD touring setups. Also a twin, another 2001 Millennium Silver SR5 here.

Is the front of that custom rack just sitting on some adhesive, or is it attached through the roof in any way?

 

[squaregrouper2]

This is outstanding! Well done!

 

[wlfmachine]

I for one enjoy seeing the 4WD touring setups. Also a twin, another 2001 Millennium Silver SR5 here.

I love the silver... never needs to be cleaned, and doesn't show any of the [many] scratches!

Is the front of that custom rack just sitting on some adhesive, or is it attached through the roof in any way?

There are three points where the rack is bolted into the stock rack's track bar, which works great since that bar is mounted to the frame. However like you noticed, the two front legs of the rack simply rest on the roof of the truck. The rack comes with a pad that sits between the leg and the roof, and when that got worn down I replaced it with a piece of rubber that I glued to the underside of the leg.

There was a period when the original pad had worn thin and the rack rattled a little when I hit a bump, but once I replaced the pad with rubber, that stopped. That piece of roof supports the weight well, and with three points where the rack is tied into the truck further back, overall things are very secure. I was happy not to have to drill into the roof, and removal would be easy if I ever needed to do that.

 

[wlfmachine]

I got finished installing the LCE Performance 160 amp high output alternator today, and things seemed to go really well. The new alternator is installed and everything is running great.

I did the upgrade because with the dual batteries installed, the secondary will be recharged more quickly. Also down the road if I get a winch and lights installed the alternator will be able to keep up.

I made this quick video of the install:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b_kcUOoUbjM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[4RunnerGrom]

That is the most creative drawer build I've seen. Props! Jealous of the color of your rig too. Mine's black, but the silver's always had my heart.