Adam's 2005 4runner v8 overland build!

I could have sworn I already posted this but I guess not. Here we go boys! (and girls)
xposted from t4r as well. But i know there isnt an entire overland so I'll have a build thread here as well. :)
The Past
Hello Everyone! Long time no see! It's time for another build thread!!! :whoo:

To set the scene, two months ago I decided to part with my beloved 2nd gen Prerunner. Here is the build thread
This build taught me a lot, and I was even able to win t4r of the month one time.
Also, I had a little bit of fame with my "Best of" Craigslist ad

Although amazing on the trails, this truck was more of a toy-which was truly limited by its 3.0 motor. After numerous fails on trails :cry2:, I realized that it did not match my need for a trail running overland vehicle, and decided to upgrade. :bravo:

Out with the old, and in with the new

After looking for what my next vehicle should be- I concluded that the following factors were most important to me.

  • Stock Off road Capability
  • Reliability
  • Capacity for my Overland needs (Roof Top Tent, Awning, Storage Drawers, Weight etc.)
  • Fuel Economy
  • Noise and Comfort
  • Price
  • Aftermarket and Community support

I did not want to be biased, and with a near $15k budget, I had my options. I searched all over- ih8mud, t4r, expeditionportal, toyota120, fjcruiserforumns, even jeep forums.

After my extensive search. I first though that an FJ Cruiser would be right for me. But with the supply and demand so out of wack, along with every other Fj I see being abused. Chances looked slim to get a low mile FJ.
Not to mention-I had concerns about the interior being so small, and my budget FJ would only have the smaller HP engine, rather than the 2010's which got upgraded horsepower.

I then shifted gears towards the 4th gen 4runner. (HAH, get it!? :frisky: )
This platform still offered A-TRAC, 4wd, the aftermarket support I wanted, but came at about a 6k lower pricepoint.

Finally, I came to realize that the 4runner was the best choice!
  • It has more space
  • They are cheaper
  • They come with a v8 sport package that can tow up to 7000lbs
  • With the Waterpump and timing belt fixed every 90k, these platforms are bulletproof.

So the Hunt began! - Within weeks I found the perfect 4Runner
A 3 owner 108k mile 2005 Sport V8, with the most recent major service(including timing belt and water pump) done just 10k miles ago.

Once this was in my hands. the build began! :banana::banana::banana:

Here she is in stock form.
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Lets the mods begin!
I decided to go with the Icon Stage two kit, along with overland rear 3" springs and the rear lower link kit. To top this off and keep the geometry right, I did the Total Chaos Uniball UCA kit.I had success with their product in the past and I am truly looking forward to seeing it preform again in this build.
here's the receipt. And yes, my wallet still hurts. But that is the price you pay for quality. I wanted to do this build correct this time, and not get stuck in the woods again.

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I ordered through the site sponsor Metaltech4x4, and have nothing but positive comments to say about this team.

Within good time, The Parts arrived!
:whoo:

I also ordered 33" BFGoodrich KO2's, along with Procomp 7005 Wheels
-These tires perform great on and off road, are extremely quiet and responsive, and really look ************!
Shoutout to Agundi's Tires in So. San Francisco who installed these wheels and tires are a fair price and with speed!

Heres some eye candy
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Time to install! I am very fortunate to have access to great friends, and a lift. (And yes, that is a top alcohol flat bottom boat! )

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Total Installation time was a mere 7 hours. Not too bad.
Rear suspension, this took a transmission jack and some muscle.

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Front Suspension time.

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Uniballs go in!
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Sway bar drop piece.
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All done! Right before a camping trip to Hollister Hills SVRA- Perfect!
 
Lift and Tires done, Time to Test!
It rubs the front fender in the back, and the stock roof rack struggles to support my Roof top tent.

As for the rear suspension, the 3" lift overland springs are hard, but with weight in the back they are perfect an the vehicle is still level.

Overall the truck performed great, got some 2 and 3 wheel motion, and was able to flex the 4runner out. Very happy with the results!

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Till next time boys,
Adam
 
I have contacted Gobi Racks, USA These guys are pricey, but you get what you pay for. My concern with my previous route (custom fabricator) was that is wasnt quite a fit and finish product. the Angles were good. but not great, and it was really heavy.

I decided to go with Gobi, and then contact them on making custom adjustments to accomodate my overland need.

These guys are amazing! :cool:
They are going to do custom spacing on the upper and lower hoop to allow for my roof top tent to sit as far rear as possible.
The expanded metal will have openings to allow for easy roof top tent mount and dismount.
We are also doing 1" vertical drops so that my tent sits at a lower position, and is supported not only by the cross bars, but by the upper hoop.
There will be a rear ladder and side awning mounts
Lastly, there will be modifications to allow for a 40" LED bar up front.
Here is their final drawing
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Roof Rack Delivery & Installation :whoo:

  • New Gobi Stealth roof rack with the follow features
  • Cross bars for roof top tent had to be at the perfect distance for weigh distribution and installation.
  • To make installation easier, I opted out on expanded metal below the cross bars. (see later picture)
  • Rear Ladder I LOVE THIS THING.
  • And the ARB Awning mounts for my tepui Awning (these required some basic filing for the awning to fit.

It is a very tight fit but thanks to the custom spacing done by Gobi, its the ideal setup for my needs. :)

Enjoy the pics.

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Tight fitment, I better not gain any weight. wont be able to get the tent off!
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All together and awning room on
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Closed up the next day. Ready to camp! - (Going this weekend- actually)
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Sorry for the spam, but now that we're caught up I hope I can share my knowledge and experience with others and look forward to your input!
 

Watt maker

Active member
Nice build! I run Icons on my 5th gen and I love them! I've been thinking of upgrading my 4th gen with Icons as well but I'm not sure if I want to go long travel rear or just keep the travel about the same. Do you notice more travel in the rear with your setup?
 
Nice build! I run Icons on my 5th gen and I love them! I've been thinking of upgrading my 4th gen with Icons as well but I'm not sure if I want to go long travel rear or just keep the travel about the same. Do you notice more travel in the rear with your setup?

Compared to stock, Lots of travel with these extended and long travel shocks. I Quite enjoy them. is the long travel necessary? I don't think so. Id rather buy a quick front sway bar disconnect and maximize my overall travel if you are strapped for cash. But all in all it all depends on what you want to do. If you need travel, you need it. lol

Where in CA are you?
San Mateo, CA

Sweet build!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk

Thank you Very much!
 

wrenchMonkey_

Adventurer
Looking great man. I need to start working up a design for a rack for my Tundra. I want to go RTT, but I have two dogs so am unsure if I'll be able to work with that.

Whats next for plans?
 
Looking great man. I need to start working up a design for a rack for my Tundra. I want to go RTT, but I have two dogs so am unsure if I'll be able to work with that.

Whats next for plans?

Next is front bumper and some sliders. and then storage drawers and lighting. Also have some special plans for awning/tent lighting.

As for tundra rack, my buddy did a really cheap aluminum build rack for his Dodge power wagon, its sweet and temporary. Ill take some pics when we camp this weekend.
 

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