Building an '06 V8 4Runner

[Redline]

Downey Swaybar Relocation Kit

I received and installed my Downey anti-sway-bar relocation bracket kit this past weekend. It went well but...

The two short aluminum spacers were different lengths, one about 3/8" longer. Maybe this doesn't matter on the FJ but the holes wouldn't line-up using the longer spacer because the end of the spacer hit the cross-member where the cross-member is welded to the frame rail. I cut the longer piece with a hack-saw to match the shorter one.

Also, because of the welds at the cross-member/frame junction the rearward ends of the brackets don't lie completely flat on the frame. Maybe the spacers should be cut a little shorter to fit 4Runners.

They work. The sway-bar is forward and down a bit and there are wear marks on both sides of the lower front spring/strut collars where the sway-bar was rubbing.

 

[Redline]

Downey Sway-Bar Kit Photos

I've been needing to update this build-up thread so here are a few pictures of the Downey Anti-Sway Bar relocation kit. Notes are in the above post(s) but again I'm very happy with the results.

 

[Redline]

All-Pro Off-Road Uni-Ball A-Arms

Next modification is new Uni-Ball A-Arms from All-Pro Off-Road. I had read that a really good alignment guy could get a 4Runner in specification, or very close, with OME suspension and no other modifications. My alignment guy couldn't get it close enough for me with the HD 886 springs in front (but no bumper yet), and on-road handling is a priority for me with the Mall Crawler. I could feel it wander on road with less than 2-degrees of caster. Aftermarket A-arms were the answer but which ones?

I didn't need or care about fully adjustable Uni-Ball A-arms. I simply wanted my suspension geometry to be to be within specification, and easily adjusted by any alignment shop. Though I usually subscribe to Filson's motto, "Might as well have the best", I decided I didn't need billet aluminum A-arms for $1,000.00.

"All-Pro Off Road's Upper A-Arm kit is constructed of 4130 Chromoly material. These arms are TIG welded, not MIG welded like competing brands. A 1" uni-ball provides maximum articulation for the Upper A-Arm without binding up like the factory ball joint. These arms are designed to correct suspension geometry on lifted applications, and now have zerk fittings for easy bushing lubrication." $499.00 for the pair.

These are made for the FJ Cruiser, but since the 4Runner and FJ are the same platform these A-arms fit perfectly. To facilitate easy greasing of the zerks, I changed the straight zerks to three 90-degree and one 45-degree fittings. They are now easily greased from the top of the engine. The correct thread for these zerks is SAE 1/4-28 (I called All Pro to make sure before I purchased replacements).

Proper alignment was easily accomplished at my local tire shop. Drives nice.

 

[Redline]

Femco No Spill oil drain plug

My next addition is small but functional. The Femco No Spill oil drain kit allows for clean, easy oil changes. Access is going to be limited and more difficult when I have my BudBuilt skid plates in place. The Femco No Spill oil drain will allow me to change my oil without removing the heavy 2nd skid which is directly below the oil pan or making a big mess.

As my pictures show, the Femco drain replaces the standard plug. You can still remove the Femco like a regular plug if needed, but it is designed to stay in the pan. The plugs are machined from solid brass bar stock and are guaranteed for life for workmanship and materials.

The screw-on drain tube opens a stainless steel, spring-loaded valve inside the drain plug. Unscrewing the drain tube closes the valve. An O-ring sealed cap covers the vitals of the drain plug when not in use. It's that simple. There are both regular and low-profile compact plugs, the latter designed for better clearance and the one I purchased. The part number for my 2006 4Runner is 15-12125-01.

I purchased my drain from 'Geno's Garage', a diesel pickup parts outfit that I'm aquatinted with. Though they usually don't sell Toyota parts, after I got the correct part number from Femco, Geno's was able to order my Femco kit. The No Spill kit cost about $60.00.

In years of use on my old F-350 the Femco has been a flawless accessory.

http://www.nospillsystems.com/

 

[teotwaki]

How about some updated photos as the Death Valley thread shows that you have a lot of changes?

Thanks!!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Sounds cool, but...

:mixed-smiley-030::iagree: :violent-smiley-031:

 

[Redline]

Okay guys, I will try to do a little updating soon...

But, I have the opportunity to write a magazine build-up series on the Mall Crawler 4Runner so I will be limited in what I can share.

James

 

[p1michaud]

Mall Crawler 4Runner

Okay guys, I will try to do a little updating soon...

But, I have the opportunity to write a magazine build-up series on the Mall Crawler 4Runner so I will be limited in what I can share.

James

James,
I had a few cool shots from the Broken Arrow trail that I could post if that's ok with you. Your Mall Crawler is one sweet ride! At the very least you could post a list of changes since you created this thread. I know there are lots of changes! :victory:
Cheers,
P

 

[Redline]

Pierre:

You are welcome to post any shots of my car that you have. A list of my mods/changes is a good idea. After yesterdays prodding I'm thinking of some stuff I can post that won't screw-up potential magazine articles. For example, I have had some tires on the Mall Crawler that are now 'gone' and I won't be writing about.

But for the next two weekends I'm working on a 7.3L F350 Power Stroke performance build-up (for print). Fun but time consuming

James,
I had a few cool shots from the Broken Arrow trail that I could post if that's ok with you. Your Mall Crawler is one sweet ride! At the very least you could post a list of changes since you created this thread. I know there are lots of changes! :victory:
Cheers,
P

 

[p1michaud]

Mall Crawler 4Runner and Adventure Trailer playing on Broken Arrow Trail

As promised,
A few pics of the rig, enjoy.

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[viatierra]

I wish I had taken more pictures of the Mall Crawler in DV.

That rear bumper is FANTASTIC!

 

[slooowr6]

The stock Michelin Cross Terrain P265/70R16 tires were pulled and replaced with 32-inch Toyo A/T LT265/75R16 (C-range) for everyday driving and light-duty off-highway work. There will be another set later for slippery conditions.

Would you share your opinion on the Toyos?
How quiet are they on freeway?

 

[Redline]

Pierre:

Thanks for sharing the shots. It nice to see my rigs doing their thing (in motion), I rarely get these pictures myself

 

[Redline]

I installed the Toyo AT 265/75R16 after about one month and 3,000-miles and before any other modifications because they cleared without a lift. They were only on for a few months until I installed the OME lift & front bumper and had room for more tire. After this I purchased my first set of 255/85 for the 4Runner. My memory regarding the Toyo ATs has faded, but...

Compared to the stock Michelin Cross-Terrain 265/70, which were very quiet, the Toyo AT were 'audible'. That is to say that I could hear them, but they were not loud. After removing the stock tires they are probably the quietest tire I have had on the Crawler, with the possible exception being the Maxxis Bravo 761 AT in 255/85 that I have now. The Toyo ATs have a slightly more open tread pattern than the Maxxis Bravos.

These Toyo ATs are a popular tire for Les Schwab (western tire chain). Both a buddy and myself thought that the tire exhibited a bit of tread squirm when new. It seems to go away after a bit of wear. If I was to buy these again in this size I would get them in load-range-D. A D-load-range would have enough capacity (3,000-lbs.) to live on my F350 and I could have used them as a street tire on the Power Stroke after pulling them from 4Runner service.

I don't have anything definitive to say about them. I guess they are a good compromise all-terrain tire, and they are available in many sizes. They also might be better than a BFG AT on wet roads/slush because of their circumferential grooves that ‘may’ evacuate water instead of trap it. BUT, I have never owned or used BFG AT tires and I'm only basing this on looking at the tread patterns.

Redline

Would you share your opinion on the Toyos?
How quiet are they on freeway?

 

[slooowr6]

Redline,
Thanks for the detail info on Toyo and the tip on Maxxis Bravo AT. I just found there is a Les Schwab 12miles from me I'll give them a call see if they have that.
I've order a TRD supercharger and hope that will help with the power lost of 255/85/16. I'm searching a quiet/comfortable tire with some ability to go off road. All your posts about tires helps me greatly!! :26_7_2:
Still not decided on 33" or 32" but at least I got one thing down. It has to be load range D.


Alex