Wish I lived closer, I would love to see that thing in action. Great job!

 

I just want to start off saying that your build threads are amazing. Believe it or not, your threads are what got me into crawlin. Instead of going out and buying a pre made crawler ive saved and saved and spent countless hours in the shop learning hands on about these amazing machines and got to help build mine. I admire the time and care you put into your rigs and helping other people with there ?s. I hope one day to be at that level. Thanks!!

What type of tube bender do you use?

 

I think if you did put the headlight hoop think it would be in the way of the beam. I like the way it looks simple and sleek.

 

Thanks! I bought a used winch but it didn't work out (long story). I looked at the X20 8K and figured for the extra $200 it was worth stepping up to something that can pull both the truck and trailer out of anything. It's going to be a little slow, but as long as it gets me out of where I'm stuck I could care less.

 

I do miss the look of them too, I might play around with some tubing down the road and see if I can come up with something that looks good. If I pull the fenders I can fully weld the headlight bars in place, but it's going to have to wait until I wrap up some of the more important stuff on my list.

Thanks man! If you ever make it out to Colorado let me know.

Wow, Thanks for the huge compliment! I did the same thing when I started; I looked through other people builds and learned everything I could. The whole reason I post all this stuff is to keep the cycle going.

I agree, but I might play around with it in the future and see what I can come up with.

 

I had busy day working on the 4Runner. I wanted to finish up a couple small things so I could install the front Budbuilt skid plate. I still need to take care of a couple more things before the belly pan can be installed, but I feel better having the front section in place.

First I replaced the steering rack bushings. I bought the kit from Wheelers Off-Road and used this write up on I8Mud. It was really easy; I didn’t have to remove the tie-rods or the boots but I did have to remove my diff drop to get the long d/s bolt out.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/95-gen-toyot...ml#post5867828

I also replaced the front sway bar bushings and changed the front diff fluid to Royal Purple.

Then (with the help of a friend) I was able to install the skid plate.











I also extended the rear diff breather into the gas cap area (for water crossings, snow wheeling, etc) and installed the winch solenoid box (I had to build a custom bracket), along with the MasterPull rope.







And I re-installed the inner fender splash guards. I enlarged the holes around ¼” in the direction needed to make up for the 1” body lift, and there was enough slack to compensate for the extra ½”. I also had to trim them for the limit strap brackets. If these don’t hold up to snow wheeling, I’ll use them as a template and make some HD ones out of some thicker rubber.

 

its finally coming together. looking great and just in time for the up coming snow if you havent already got it. should you drop the sway bar mounts due to the lift?

 

now you should look into doing the 231mm tundra brake swap... real easy and decently priced... i can stop on a dime now even with all the extra weight

 

First off quality work once again. It really is looking more like a DIRTCO rig. I know it might be a little premature but did you notice a big difference after replacing the steering rack bushing?

 

Yeah, it’s finally coming together but there’s still a lot that needs to be done. I think the front sway bar is okay, there’s a lot of movement in it and I’m only running 2”-2 ½” of lift in the front. I going to keep an eye on it and see how it holds up.

It’s on the list

Thanks! It only has 118k so the bushings were in pretty good shape, it does seem like the steering is a little tighter but I need some more time behind the wheel.

 

I took the 4Runner on it’s first real wheeling trip! I’ve taken it out on a couple dirt roads, and I’ve gone down a moderate trail, but this was the first time I really wheeled it and put it through it’s paces. I did not have rock sliders and I still need to install the ARB compressor (so I was open in the front).

I met up with a few friends and we ran Wheeler Lake on Saturday, it’s a moderate trail with a couple fun/challenging spots. We had planned on this run for a few weeks, so it only figures that we get our first big snow of the year that day. Even the drive to the trailhead was an adventure! Here’s a combination of everyone’s pictures…

At the trailhead





Heading up the trail







Let the action begin!

 

About half way up the trail the snow started to fall again









I parked the 4Runner at the bottom of Bowling Ball Hill and rode up with my friend Tim; with all the snow, lack of a working front locker and no rock sliders I was starting to push my luck. After a little Baja action we made it to the top!

 

runner looks good in the snow. i cant wait for the snow here. seeing your pictures is getting me excited and hopefully have my elocker done by than along with a few other things.
i have to say, i got to see more pictures of that extremely chopped runner?

 

That thing looks even better in action.

Also, interesting cab design on that flatbad your buddy has, I kinda dig it lol

 

Your 3rd Gen looks awesome. A lot more luxurious wheeling that than the old turbo rig

 

Thanks guys! Here is the only other picture I have of Tim's super short 4Runner. He still needs to fiberglass the top, and take care of a little body work but I think it's awesome. And the rear window still works

 

haha thats awesome. seen a pix early that show the rear window down

 

It's like wheeling a big leather couch! The old turbo 4Runner was luxurious for an '86 but it's got nothing on this 4Runner!

 

funny how much interest the chopped 4Runner was getting in both yours and Zach's thread. Almost like having a x-cab..

Cool to see how fast you have moved on the new 4Runner

 

As Ocdropzone said, the progress youve made in this time is most impressive.

Also the fact that rear window is still functional is great attention to detail. Seems as though you wheel with like minded guys!