Backcountry 4runner build (3rd gen)
- Thread starter verticaltrx
- Start date
verticaltrx
Observer
I think I'm going to look into one of those Curt hitches, sounds about like what I'm looking for.
My 4runner doesn't have a factory hitch, hence my need for one. My Tacoma didn't have a receiver hitch either, but did have a 3500lb rated step bumper that I used for towing. With out any lift and 29" tires I was dragging the rear bumper all the time off road. I'm already better off than I was with the taller stance of my 4runner, but don't want to lose any more departure angle than I have to.
Currently I'm running with the sway bars disconnected but need to figure a way to have semi-quick disconnects. I hauled a good load on it today (about 840lbs )and there's more body roll than I like. I'm thinking maybe just some wing nuts on the sway bar links would be a cheap and easy setup to disconnect them off road. I have yet to see any 4runner sway bar disconnects that really impress me. Rears are no problem, just 8mm coarse thread, but the fronts are 10mm fine thread. I might have to check Fastenal, Lowes only had coarse thread wing nuts.
My 4runner doesn't have a factory hitch, hence my need for one. My Tacoma didn't have a receiver hitch either, but did have a 3500lb rated step bumper that I used for towing. With out any lift and 29" tires I was dragging the rear bumper all the time off road. I'm already better off than I was with the taller stance of my 4runner, but don't want to lose any more departure angle than I have to.
Currently I'm running with the sway bars disconnected but need to figure a way to have semi-quick disconnects. I hauled a good load on it today (about 840lbs )and there's more body roll than I like. I'm thinking maybe just some wing nuts on the sway bar links would be a cheap and easy setup to disconnect them off road. I have yet to see any 4runner sway bar disconnects that really impress me. Rears are no problem, just 8mm coarse thread, but the fronts are 10mm fine thread. I might have to check Fastenal, Lowes only had coarse thread wing nuts.
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Gerdo
Observer
The earlier year hitch unbolted and you can do this but the latter years were welded together and can't flip it.
The type like the Curt just bolts on and you don't need to do any bumper cutting.
Either way the departure angle would be almost the same.
I dragged my stock hitch, the type that hung underneath. I built a custom bumper with hitch and I still drag it. No matter how high you get things, there will always be something to drag.
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Didn't know that. I thought all hitches were the same. I bought one from my local Toyota dealer for my 01 Tacoma and it came in 3 pieces.
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
A 5VZ AND A MANUAL... You bastard (j/k) that is one SWEET truck you got there mate... Plus some ARB goodies and you're good to go eh. Personaly with the coils, I'd run OME's all around, but yeah, load has alot to do with suspension cycyle so...
Great truck mate. those 3rd Gen's are great trucks what with them still having the fully boxed frames and all...
Cheers
Dave
Great truck mate. those 3rd Gen's are great trucks what with them still having the fully boxed frames and all...
Cheers
Dave
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
verticaltrx
Observer
You can build a bumper for the price of a new rear hitch.
I agree, however I'm going for a pseudo-stock look so I'm planing to keep the factory bumpers front and rear. They are sturdy enough to lift it with a hi-lift, so that's really all I need in a bumper.
Thanks, lol. Like I said it was quite a search to find one with the manual transmission. In fact, when I first started looking I really wanted a 3RZ and manual, but they are very very rare. In the end I'm glad I went with the 5VZ, power is a lot better and fuel mileage has been better than expected. (20-22mpg)
I've been talking with ARB and might try a different valved rear shock. I just can't see how the springs themselves could cause this rough of a ride.
Really? I can see the rear...but the front? Have you tried this yourself...even witht the plastic lower valance? Inquring minds want to know!!
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Yeah.... Even my old 1st gen bumpers aren't up to the task, I was under the impression that the 3rd gen's had full plastic bumpers so I'm a bit perplexed... I'd look into some bumpers, I understand the desire for a Psuedo-stock look, BUT Bumpers can be the difference between having you truck for a long enjoyable time and some idiot putting her in the scrap yard. I know my Marlin Rear bumper has saved my skin ALOT in the few years I've had it... just something to think about...
Cheers
Dave
Cackalak Han
Explorer
The stock plastic bumpers will accommodate a high lift....until you need to jack it more than an inch.
ARB and other bumpers can be paint matched to help retain a stockish look.
ARB and other bumpers can be paint matched to help retain a stockish look.
verticaltrx
Observer
Mine has factory steel bumpers front and rear. (see pics at beginning of thread.) On the front bumper you put the hi-lift through the cut out between the plastic valence and the steel bumper. I did it on my Tacoma many times and this bumper is identical. Rear is also not a problem, I've lifted this truck by the rear bumper when checking for rear axle droop, very little deflection. Also, the pinch seam under the doors is plenty stout to jack from for lifting from the side, BTDT too, lol.
A follow up on the rough riding suspension:
As a test I put a cheap set of $35 Autozone shocks on the rear and the ride is great now, 100% fixed. My conclusion is that the 60027 OME shocks are just way way too stiff for anything but fully loaded off-road use. I bought the suspension from Toytec so I'm going to see if they will swap my shocks for the lighter valved 60028 shocks. If not I guess I'll just stick with these cheapo's. Interestingly enough the compressed/extended lengths of these cheap Gabriel shocks are within a 1/4" of the OME's.
A follow up on the rough riding suspension:
As a test I put a cheap set of $35 Autozone shocks on the rear and the ride is great now, 100% fixed. My conclusion is that the 60027 OME shocks are just way way too stiff for anything but fully loaded off-road use. I bought the suspension from Toytec so I'm going to see if they will swap my shocks for the lighter valved 60028 shocks. If not I guess I'll just stick with these cheapo's. Interestingly enough the compressed/extended lengths of these cheap Gabriel shocks are within a 1/4" of the OME's.
Veeeeery interesting...very. :sombrero: