Well I haven't done much to the 4runner since my last post. Actually my life has changed pretty significantly since the day after my last post, but that's another story. Other than enjoying driving it and riding around the woods in it, the only thing Ive managed to do to it is upgrade the headlights. I ordered some VisionX headlights/bulbs and a 20" LED bar. I still haven't mounted the LED light bar yet tho.


New lights and light bar



Old headlights



New headlights



This is with the light bar mocked into place.



I did get it a lil muddy on my lease one night after a big rain storm we had. Prolly wouldn't have been bad if I had actually used 4wd lol.



The new headlights work 100x better than the old. Definitely worth the money. I also just ordered a Bluetooth receiver to hook to my amp for music. I daily drove the 4runner for about 2 weeks and I got tired of hooking up the aux cord to my phone lol.


I'm hoping to make the Lonestar Toyota Jamboree coming up in May, but before I go I want to build sliders, tcase skid, and possibly a rear bumper. I don't see that happening tho. My free time is now limited due to the life event mentioned above.

 

Headlights look great, so does the light bar, looks like a perfect fit on the front bumper! I know how it goes not having the free time to get things done, I hope the life event you mentioned was a good one!

 

Thanks. Unfortunately it wasn't a good event. My wife decided she didn't want to be married anymore. So I'm a single dad of two boys now (I have primary custody). That plus my crazy work schedule lately doesn't leave a lot of free time. Life goes on tho.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, on a positive note it's good that you have primary custody of your boys. I know you'll have your ups and downs, I hope everything works out for you!

 

Thanks. So far everything is working out as good as it can. Its definitely not something I wanted to happen (I wasnt expecting it), but life goes on.

 

Hey bump, I am glad to see the runner is still running strong. On the other subject, everything happens for a reason man. One day you will find out and be a better man for it. Keep on truckin man.

 

Thanks. I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason. I just hate it for my kids.

Enough about the depressing stuff, hoping to do a little off-roading this weekend. Its gonna be wet lol

 

I decided to install a Bluetooth receiver. I got tired of hooking/unhooking my phone everytime I got in and out. I had to redo the dash piece I made for my gauges to fit it tho.



I also picked up this the other day. I didn't really need another hobby but figured why not lol.

 

Been awhile since i seen your rig...looks awesome!!How do you like the 4.3??Im sure i will be bothering you in the future cause im still in the process of finishing my 87 truck with the 4.3

 

Whats going on with your radio? Is it mounted elsewhere and you just have that button pad to control it remotely?

 

I like it. Of course, there is always times I wish it had more power lol.



I don't have a radio. That pad is a Bluetooth receiver. I use my phone for music. The Bluetooth receiver is hooked up to an amp mounted under the passenger seat to power the speakers.

 

That my friend, is an excellent idea! Does the receiver have 2 rca plugs in the back of it?

 

Heres the one I bought


http://exileaudio.com/store/index.ph...oth/exmc1.html

 

Well I took the 4runner out last week for a little cruise. Went down to a creek by the house and found a place to flex a little.











Then we decided to make a trip to another place. I didn't realize this was as bad as it was.














The good news is the winch and bumper work great. The bad news is water got in the transmission and I didn't know until a little while later. I believe the vent was underwater and as the trans cooled it sucked water in. So a trans rebuild will be happening soon. Also got water inside the cab which found the amp that powers the rear speakers (which I could never make work). Now I just have static coming out the rear speakers and no music in the front. The front diff is also full of water(leaking pinion seal). The starter got wet and is acting up too. I will also be doing some kind of snorkel set up as the belt throws water directly on to the air filter.


Not sure when ill be ordering parts to rebuild the trans, but the 4runner is down until I do.

 

cool rig, cool build... if you had it to do over would you still do a 4.3, or would you go v8?

Mud hole looks fun, but costly... but fun!

How do you like to those headlights?

 

I think if I had to do it over I would use a v8 and one tons. The mud wasn't enough fun to make it worth it lol.


I love the headlights. I def recommend them.

 

Yah, mud for me was a one time thing. Got in, got out. spent millions of hours cleaning.

Rig looks great... too bad about your tranny though :/

 

Thanks. Yea the tranny sucks, but oh well I guess.


We don't have many rocks in Louisiana so its mud. I just try to stay out of the bad stuff. If I would have known it like that I would have went around.

 

Well the 4runner has been parked ever since the trans got wet. I finally started ordering parts yesterday to rebuild it. Now I just have to find the time to start tearing it apart and fixing it. Ive got a list of things to do just need to start knocking it out.

-Rebuild trans
-Install new trans cooler under the body in the rear
-Relocate intake
-Clean or replace the starter
-Change header gaskets
-Figure out the stereo (I'm assuming the factory rear amp got wet and its causing issues.)
-Install new speedo cable while the trans is out.

 

I thought I would share a pic of what my trans fluid looked like when I drained it yesterday.



Strawberry milkshake anyone? lol