JNelson4x4Runner Build thread

[jnelson4x4taco]

I cant tell you all how excited I am to be submitting this thread! Ive missed my dear Tacoma so much, and after long time in a Subaru, then a short while in a Ford F-150, I am so happy to be back in the seat of a Toyota. Ive had this vehicle for about 6-7 months now and just got started on the mods. So far I am pleased with everything this vehicle has to offer, other than the inability to shut off that damn VSC (but thats another thread). Power and mileage is good enough for me, and I love the storage and comfort it offers. If you cant tell, im pretty pleased with it thus far. On to the good stuff...

2004 Toyota 4Runner
SR5 with roof rails and tow package
4.0 V6 w/ Auto

Plans include:
Mild lift - DONE!
More aggressive tires - DONE!
Front light bar
Driving and spot lights
Sliders
Possible sleeping deck for solo trips
Possible rear swing out tire carrier
And anything else that strikes my fancy

Here it is the first weekend I had it, had to get out into the backcountry and break her in.


Then in Moab a few months later. Spent most of the time on the bikes but got out to play a little.


And as it sits today (6/30/13) after Bilstein 5100's all around. Fronts are set at 2.5" and I added a 1.5" Daystar spacer in the rear. Sits perfect for me and the ride is great. I also added 265/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs and so far have been really happy with them.


Ill try and get a better pic up soon, but that was just a fun one from this weekends camping trip at Lake McConoughy, NE. Hope to get a lightbar and possibly some sliders built soon.

 

[Silver dude]

Looks like a great canvas to build up. Liking the upgrades. Subscribed for updates.

 

[28.]

Looking good. Love those wheels in that color.. And folks c'mon, over 200 views and 1 reply! Really?

 

[ebg18t]

Looks good.

 

[MountainMike]

Nice start. do you have plans for your sleeping deck yet? I have also toyed with this idea, but don't know if that's the way I want to go or build more of adventure trailer style. that way I can take the weight off the 4runner and setup fast still.

you building the sliders and tire mount or having it done?


good luck!

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

Nice start. do you have plans for your sleeping deck yet? I have also toyed with this idea, but don't know if that's the way I want to go or build more of adventure trailer style. that way I can take the weight off the 4runner and setup fast still.

you building the sliders and tire mount or having it done?


good luck!

My initial thoughts for a sleeping deck were to make it about 2/3 of the width of the cab, so about 30" wide and just high enough to go over the wheel wells. That way I could flip up the single rear seat if necessary. I wanted to make it something quick to install/remove and keep it light on weight since this is my daily driver. I thought about cutting a 3/4" sheet of plywood about 30" wide and 6'6" long, and then using 3" ABS pipe legs that would just slide into some mounting cups on the plywood. It would allow about 10-12" of storage underneath while still leaving a portion of the cab full height for coolers and such. I could also remove the rear seat cushion with a few bolts and have the ABS legs drop all the way down to the floor behind the passenger seat for extra length.

I will definitely make the light bar, since there isnt much out there that I like, but I may order the sliders. It comes down to time vs. money lol there are some good ones out there for a reasonable price, so it may not be worth it for my materials and time. Rear tire mount is still up for debate, I like it for the cool factor, but I really dont have a problem with it underneath. The only real positives I see for it are a mount for hi-lift and shovel, but is that worth the day to day hassle of having to open a gate every time I want to get into the back? That, im not sure of yet.