2001 4Runner ... let the mods begin

[goodtimes]

Wow, there was that much snow out there??? Maybe I should re-think taking the beemer out there tomorrow to see if the FS installed the signs that they were supposed to......

The Stubbs sliders are pretty nice, with one exception. One of the middle legs appears to have been cut a little to long. This left us with a 1/8" gap between the frame and the scab plate on one end. We ended up adding a 1/8" spacer between the scab plate and the frame to close this gap. This was the only problem with them. They fit the vehicle very well, both physically and asthetically.

The TJM bumper is pretty light, not what you would want if you were doing alot of really difficult (rock crawling) trails, but a major improvement from the OEM stuff. For anything other than rock crawling, I think it is a nice bumper ... so it should fit Jeffs needs very well. It really opened up the front end, particularly directly in front of the tires where you need it the most. All the brackets were spot on, with not one hole or slot needing to be opened up to make everything line up properly. Install was very simple, to the point, and quick. The only thing I would change is the turn signal wiring. TJM includes those stupid blue wire taps (scotch-locks), which we did not use. We opted for water tight spade terminals because I like scotch-locks about as well as I like chrome. The only other issue is the placement of the access hole for the winch clutch lever....it is partially blocked by the OEM grill. This is a known issue with several options to fix it. We'll have to wait and see which one Jeff decides he wants to do.

 

[Ric]

either 2-inch springs or spacers (whatever I can find cheap),

check on yotatech.com Im sure someone was selling a used set of spacers, or you can a set of new spacers for about $120

 

[BogusBlake]

That is a lot of snow for Reddington!

I'm diggin' that bumper.

 

[datrupr]

Jeff, love the bumper and sliders. The 4runner is looking very good!

 

[kcowyo]

:iagree: :beer:

 

[Mlachica]

Looking Good!

 

[erin]

Looks great Jeff. I can't believe how much snow was out there also.

 

[p1michaud]

TJM T-17 bumper

The TJM17 should be a nice compromise between cost, weight and function. At 399 plus 95 shipping it is priced right, and without the hoops the weight will be slightly less and it will provide much better approach angles than the factory setup.

It will be nice to have a clean appearance versus the, how should I say, "redneck" looks of the Zuk.

I've owned a TJM T-17 bumper for about 2 years now. As you mentionned it's and excellent compromize between cost, weight and function. Here is a pic of it on my truck.

I'm also runing a Warn M8000 with synthetic line and fairlead based on the work that Scott had done here: An M8000 Warn weighing less than 50lbs.

It's a very good bumper and winch combo and works well for my application. You will be satisfied with your decision.
Cheer :beer:,
P

 

[BogusBlake]

Hey, are those TJM bumpers airbag compatible like the ARB's?

 

[jeffryscott]

It says it hasn't been tested for compliance, but looking at the mounting and everything it will certainly give (crush zone) before tweaking the frame and the airbags would deploy as normal (my totally uneducated guesstimate).

 

[jeffryscott]

I've owned a TJM T-17 bumper for about 2 years now. As you mentionned it's and excellent compromize between cost, weight and function. Here is a pic of it on my truck.

I'm also runing a Warn M8000 with synthetic line and fairlead based on the work that Scott had done here: An M8000 Warn weighing less than 50lbs.

It's a very good bumper and winch combo and works well for my application. You will be satisfied with your decision.
Cheer :beer:,
P

Looks good, I'll also be running the sub-50pound M8000 once I get the winch plate. Did your bumper come with it or did you buy it seperately?

 

[p1michaud]

Winch Plate

Looks good, I'll also be running the sub-50pound M8000 once I get the winch plate. Did your bumper come with it or did you buy it seperately?

I don't have a winch plate. The winch is bolted directly to the bumper. I'll have to dig up my old e-mails, but I had asked TJM about air bag compatability for the TJM T-17 for the 98-00 Tacoma and they had not tested it at that time. I was also under the understanding that this bumper did not require a winch plate at the time of purchase. You have me thinking now, I'll have to go see. Do you have pics of said winch plate?

Cheers :beer:,
P

Edit: Looking at the TJM USA site, they don't list a winch frame for my application but they do for yours. I guess that solves that mystery!

Edit part deux: For others considering this option, you can cut out the TJM supplied turn signal markers to fit the Toyota factory bulb and holder. I did this to allow for easier return to stock and avoid cutting the factory wires. I can find additional info if anyone is interested.

 

[jeffryscott]

Drawers are functional!

I have made a relatively simple storage system for the back end - 39-inch square plywood, think 1/2-inch, and two drawers. I made drawer slides using wood - not nearly as nice as roller-bearings, but 1x2 is cheaper. My passenger side drawer is much better than the drivers side (learning curve) and I will probably remake the driver's side.

I will also finish the platform and drawers - probably a somewhat matching carpet for the top and I may herculine the drawers, not sure yet.

Currently, one drawer is for off-road/recovery items, and the other drawer will be for gear: cameras, inclement weather clothing, etc ...

Anyway, on to a few pics:

 

[erin]

Wow, you are really coming along, looks great! One thing I would add to the inside of the drawers and box corners are small corner reenforcements with screws. I had a wood type chuck box in my old rig, and the humidity in the summer played hell on it. I was constantly fighting with swelling, and these helped alot.

 

[jeffryscott]

Wow, you are really coming along, looks great! One thing I would add to the inside of the drawers and box corners are small corner reenforcements with screws. I had a wood type chuck box in my old rig, and the humidity in the summer played hell on it. I was constantly fighting with swelling, and these helped alot.

Thanks Erin, great advice. I was concerned about swelling, etc ... Eventually, I'll probably go ahead and spring for drawer rails, which I think would also help with the stability.