Yoter
New member
That looks like a lot of hard work but it sure makes the 4Runner look great and it hopefully will allow it to live a little longer.
work in progress
- Thread starter Bryan1
- Start date
That looks like a lot of hard work but it sure makes the 4Runner look great and it hopefully will allow it to live a little longer.
Bryan1
New member
Thanks! I'll keep posting up pictures, axle is next on the list. I wire wheeled the rust off then used rustoleum paint, nothing fancy or expensive but it should keep the rust under control. Then I sprayed the whole frame down with fluid film which is what the snow plow trucks down here use to stop/prevent rust.
Thanks! yeah it was alot of work and a big mess to clean up but I think it was worth it.
Bryan1
New member
Here is a pic of the new bumper, I'm still deciding whether or not to keep the hoops, they are too big in my opinion but Ill hold off another week or two before I whip out the grinder. I'm planning to build myself a rear bumper once thing settle down at work/school. I also got some wheel spacers and an Aussie locker installed over the last few weekends. The Aussie makes a huge difference it performs amazing offroad and I barely notice it on road.
IMG-20131004-00928 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
IMG-20131004-00928 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Last edited:
Bryan1
New member
Wheel Spacers installed
Doesn't look as tippy anymore!
DSC_0242 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
DSC_0179 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Doesn't look as tippy anymore!
DSC_0242 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
DSC_0179 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Last edited:
Bryan1
New member
Rear Bumper Built!
Here is a picture of the rear bumper my friend and I built last week
IMG-20131020-00963 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Here is a picture of the rear bumper my friend and I built last week
IMG-20131020-00963 by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Bryan1
New member
It's a Rola roof rack
Diesel_Dog
New member
I'm digging the front bumper, what make is it? It looks like it was a 2 beer job to install?
Bryan1
New member
Thanks! yeah I'd say about a 2 beer job lol. The front bumper was done by a custom fab shop, I was going for the ODL style. I wasn't completely happy with it so that motivated me to build my own rear instead of having a shop do it. It's is a very solid bumper but I think the hoops are a little big. I'll probably re-do them sometime down the road.
Last edited:
Diesel_Dog
New member
No wonder I couldn't figure it out, it's a custom job. Looks like a cross between
Shockworks and ODL. The hoops do seem a bit large, but they might be good with your first deer or tree encounter.
Bryan1
New member
yeah if ODL still made bumpers I probably would have bought one but who knows when or if they will be selling them again. However I saved alot of money not having to deal with shipping across the border.
This is a quick video I put together of the Aussie locker install and rear bumper build. Next on the list is 285's and new wheels.
Last edited:
Bryan1
New member
Did some exploring yesterday and found a sweet trail, but water got too deep and I didn't have anyone to pull me out if things went south. Still a good time though!
4runner by BryanHynes, on Flickr
4runner by BryanHynes, on Flickr
Bryan1
New member
Last edited:
tyr0981
New member
How do you like the locker in the snow & ice? Ausie tells me it's not a big problem, numerous people on here say it's a death trap! i want to put the lunch box locker on front & rear, the front shouldn't be an issue because when it's not in gear it won't interfere, but the back is where i hear about spin outs on corners and all sorts of terrible things i live in Portland Oregon, only snow and ice a couple of months a year but i take it up into the snow allot.... what's your experience with your locker?
Nice bumper build by the way, do you tow much with it?
Bryan1
New member
Thanks! yes I tow a pair of seadoo's and have pulled a few trucks out of the mud and its been great. With regard to the Aussie its been awesome and I love it. Yes, if you punch it on a corner on ice or snow you will go sideways but with regular driving there are no problems and barely notice its even there...definitely not a "death trap" haha. In my opinion electric and air lockers are expensive and at times unreliable. The Aussie is always there, no broken compressors, leaking lines, malfunctioning actuators, etc. Originally, I was also skeptical reading reviews but just laugh now when I see the death trap comments. I would definitely recommend getting one!
tyr0981
New member
Coming from a guy that lives in the heart of snow country, that's a very positive endorsement of the locker. brings me back to wanting it... and spending 1k plus dollars for A SINGLE locker per axle, and all the reliability issues you mentioned always looked like a waste of money to me also. is your runner your Daily Driver? thanks for the input man!
Bryan1
New member
No problem! yeah very cost effective compared to other lockers, the Aussie ran me around $350 after tax and shipping. Yes the 4runner is my DD.
Bryan1
New member
Thanks! It was my first bumper fab, I had a lot of help from a friend that had done it before. The spacers are 1.25" spidertrax. I often see them pop up on the classifieds section of the forum if your looking for a set. Eventually I will move up to a larger tire and proper wheels that will eliminate the need for spacers. They definitely help widen the stance if your still running stock wheels and 265's.
The song is called "Steam Engine" by Mathbonus
Last edited:
