CYi5's '99 4Runner Buildup

[CYi5]

Updates

Finally got around to taking pictures of projects I've put together lately.

First up, a pretty basic cargo storage platform. I made it wrap around my sub box to keep it low as well as secure it where it sits. I anchored the box down using the stock tie-down locations using the body nuts. It's nice having a wide short cubby as well as a long skinny one.

I initially started building drawers but ditched the idea for lack of sliders as well as tools to make them stout enough. It allows me to carry gear I would normally have in my old truck's toolbox; tow strap, first aid, jumper cables, straps/netting, tool roll, breaker bar, bolt cutters, extra water.

One of the sides was perfect for storing maglights, an otherwise wasted piece of space.

I relocated the tiedowns to the front of the platform, this holds my military box full of camping stuff, when I go on the next outing i'll update a pic of how it is secured using straps.

It's just tall enough not to block the side cubby from opening.

I'm really happy how it increases the organized space in the runner and it really helped on hauling snow camping gear for 4 up to Mammoth for a week.

 

[CYi5]

I also upgraded the headunit awhile back, simply because I had a hookup and it cost me $40 for the upgrade.

For those of you who have switched out your headunits, an unfortunate side effect is that your power antenna goes up as soon as your radio powers on, regardless of whether you're in CD/iPod or radio. It really makes me nervous taking a power antenna through low hanging trees, so I wired up an interrupt switch for the antenna. I also don't like having unnecessary drag while driving (slim i know..) and it reduces wear on the antenna motor.

It's a blue/white wire for those looking to do the same on a metra wiring harness. I placed the switch down by my feet in a factory metal plate.

 

[CYi5]

With the OME 890's and DR's cranked to around 2.25" of lift, the truck sat almost dead level. While this looks and performs great when empty, as soon as I added weight for a trip the rear would sag. To remedy the increase in weight, I would often fill up the airbags a bit and that equals a bouncy ride when wheeling.

To alleviate the stress on the airbags I added a set of 10mm OME trim packers to the rear. This would allow the suspension to compress as normal without hard bottom outs or rubbing. The trim packers optimally should have a stock bumpstop to keep them centered in the spring, something the previous owner ditched when they installed airbags. Thanks to wmflyfisher who donated his stock cones for the project! I had to cut off half of the bump to fit it inside the spring in combination with the airbag.

The stock bump lip plus the 10mm OME ring resulted in 3/4" lift, not bad for $50 in parts & shipping.

The running boards went back on due to a move as well as rock protection when I ran the Mojave road. I'm itching to pick up some Stubbs sliders, but just graduating college + wanting to move somewhere internationally is holding it up.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Looking good.

 

[bac0701]

looks great mang, thanks for all the info, my single cab is probly going to be bought back in the summer so i figured id get a runner. hows the gas mileage with that tire setup?

 

[CYi5]

Thanks bac, on long flats I can get 19, consistent hills around 16. I'm dropping down to 265/75/16's today to get ready for an upcoming roadtrip to CO. It will be nice to have power back again in the hills.

 

[xcmountain80]

You could remedy this by using FZJ80 springs like most of us, they are good for loading gear on and or towing. They will sag about 2 years down the road with multiple heavy load trips. with camping gear, tools, engel 45, and RTT, the sag is minimal and going offroad isn't a problem. Next time mine are ready for a swap I'll let you know.

Aaron

 

[CYi5]

You could remedy this by using FZJ80 springs like most of us, they are good for loading gear on and or towing. They will sag about 2 years down the road with multiple heavy load trips. with camping gear, tools, engel 45, and RTT, the sag is minimal and going offroad isn't a problem. Next time mine are ready for a swap I'll let you know.

Aaron

That's always an option. I think the reason I decided not to run them in the first place was that everyone was getting different amounts of lift from certain years and the patterns have still not been totally documented. I don't think I can handle 4" of rear lift now, mainly because the 265/75's are tiny as is ...but it sure is perky again!:wings:

 

[xcmountain80]

I understand and the 99 was the off year if I remeber correctly. I think 3-3 3/4' is more accurate but I can measure if you like. Up front I have the bili 1500's and 1 ..3/8"spacer to keep it level. Ride is great slighty harsh in the back with no load but load her up and tada. Now 265's would look silly on my truck as it's ready for 315's.


Aaron

 

[joetaco]

great build kevo!

 

[CYi5]

Roof Setup

The time finally came to deck out the yakima crossbars with offroad goodies that don't belong inside. The heavy items are mounted on 48" crossbars.

Components: Shovel, 60" Hi-Lift, 39½" x 36" x 2¾" Roof Basket

Utilizing Yakima snaparounds, I mounted the 60" Hi-lift using 5/16" carriage bolts, the square seat fits much better in the snaparounds than the bolts supplied with them. 5/16" fender washers also fit perfectly in the hi-lift grooves preventing any shifting.

For the shovel, I used snaparounds again for the mounts, fabricated a metal sleeve for the blade to fit in up front, and ended up with a quickfist to hold the handle.

The roof basket took a little more consideration. I knew i wanted it low to avoid excess drag and tree branch contact. To fit where I needed it it also had to be less than 40"x36". After a little searching online I found a strong candidate. The Rooftop Cargo Rack from www.discountramps.com was perfect! 39½" x 36" x 2¾" and only 14 lbs! With a price of $100 shipped I couldn't pass it up.

After a little juggling of the crossbars and reversing the front factory bars I was able to get it on. I mounted the basket to the factory bars instead of the yakimas for a few reasons. 1) It would mount lower. 2) It would mount behind the yakima wind fairing. 3) The rack mounts fit the factory curves better. 4) It barely fits between the yakima bars mounted up, i'm talking centimeters!!

Notes about the rack quality. It's capacity is 150lbs, and that is obviously evenly distributed. The crossbars are a little flimsy besides the metal rods that brace the brackets. I almost wish the entire floor was made out of those rods, however that would also increase the weight. I foolishly thought the sides would be laser cut solid pieces, however, they appear to be stamped sheet metal. But really, for $79 and the fact that it fits my needs and dimensions perfectly, this thing is a steal.

DiscountRamps also has stretch nets for baskets for around $15 shipped, I will end up buying one of those eventually to keep my light cargo secure.

 

[CYi5]

The most enjoyable part may have been reading the instructions.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

WOW! That is really a great set-up!

 

[CYi5]

Update

Little update on wheels/tires. I decided to switch to a 235/85 tire just for kicks. I've run 255/85's in the past and liked them, so decided to give the 32" version a chance. I was originally going to go with BFG KM2's, but none involved free shipping online so I cruised a bit more.

I ended up with a set of 235/85 Hankook Dynapro MT's. Good reviews everywhere I looked...but these ********** are heavy (45-49lbs.).

So far i'm happy with the purchase, they do have a hum to them, but not as loud as many other MT's.

 

[CYi5]

Also taking a roadtrip to Colorado shortly, and decided to build an awning. Buying one would be awesome, but spending $250+ for something you'll use a few times a month, if that, doesn't really justify the investment. Soo, I built this system for $30 with most of the materials coming from your local Harbor Freight.