ExploringNH's 2002 4Runner build-up thread

[ExploringNH]

I need a place to consolidate all of the info and plans on the 4Runner, and this seems like the logical place.

Everyone knows what a stock 4Runner looks like, so Ill skip that step.

First up was the lift, rack, and 285/75/16 (33") Pro Comp AT tires.

Bumpers came next:

Recently I switched to 35" BFG KM2s. I wanted a bit more height, but more importantly, more width for airing down with in the snow. I am not all that pleased with the tires on-road manners, so they will most likely be traded out for a decent all-terrain of the same size. Front bumper has been painted black since this pic.

Current Mod List:
BudBuilt Skids
OEM Lift (Tundra/LC coils)
315/75/16 (35x12.5) BFG KM2 Mud Terrains
4.30 Gearing
Stubbs Sliders
Toyota Tundra front calipers/rotors
E-locker
MCW front bumper
TMax 12,500lb winch
PIAA 510 fogs
MCW rear bumper w/ tire carrier
45"x60" Surco rack on custom low-profile mounts
Rack mounted hi lift and 4 Hella 500s
DRL Disabled
Rear cargo system/sleeping platform
Relocated diff breather
Deckplate mod
Swaybars removed
Cobra 75WXST CB with Firestik antenna
4.88 Gearing
ARB front locker
Viair 450C on board air compressor and 2.5Gal tank.


Winter/Future plans:
*Aux fuel tank. Ideally, I am looking for 1000 mile range. This means increasing my fuel economy to 17mpg with a 40Gal additional gas. Two 5Gal jerry cans leaves me with a 30gal aux tank, a bit big. I am currently at 15mpg. Regearing should help, but Im not sure how much.
*Dual battery setup
*Add flooring to roof rack
*Re-work rear bumper - Ladder to roof, other functional changes.
*Fridge - Most likely something cheap. I dont need a nice Engel or ARB.

 

[AFSOC]

Great looking rig! :bowdown:

 

[taco chaser]

Nice!

 

[laxtoy]

nice runner, love the front bumper. who is mcw?

 

[ExploringNH]

nice runner, love the front bumper. who is mcw?

MCW is a local fabrication shop. Mazerolle Custom Werx.

 

[Willman]

Nice 4runner!

Love the look of the stock wheels!

 

[Jacket]

Looks good! Did you do anything special to fit the 35's? Are your CV angles crazy?

 

[ExploringNH]

Looks good! Did you do anything special to fit the 35's? Are your CV angles crazy?

It took lots of cutting, a bit of firewall cutting, some welding, more cutting, and a bit more cutting. Oh, it also took some more cutting.

I wanted to clear the 35s with no bodylift, so it was a project, but Im very happy with the end result.

CV angles are fine with the lift. I do run a 1" diff drop, but honestly, if I were to do it again, I probably wouldnt. The angle improvement is soo minor, I dont think its worth it. I have aftermarket skidplates, so it doesnt interfere with anything, but you cant run the drop with the stock skid.

Running 35s obviously doesnt change the angle, but it does put more stress on everything. Ive run the 33s wih this lift for about 2 years now and have put it through hard terrain. If the CVs were gonna go, they would have done it by now. In the past Ive stripped off all but 4 teeth on the front ring gear, blew up the transfer case, broke the add actuator, gone through ball joints and steering bushings. Acutally, the CVs/front axles and driveshafts are the only things I havent swapped out in my 4wd system.

 

[EXP-T100]

sweet rig and your front bumper is bad Ace. any more pic of the rear bumper?

 

[ExploringNH]

sweet rig and your front bumper is bad Ace. any more pic of the rear bumper?

I have a couple more, but they show it from the same angle. It still needs quite a bit of work before I will call it "complete", but its workable right now.

 

[preacherman]

That is the worst looking 4runner I have ever seen. Bring it over to my house and I will dispose of it for you...:jump:

 

[voodoochile]

Looking good!

 

[taco chaser]

That is the worst looking 4runner I have ever seen. Bring it over to my house and I will dispose of it for you...:jump:

Yeah, it's almost as cool as this one...

 

[ExploringNH]

Yeah, it's almost as cool as this one...

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg251/tacochaser/IMG_0723.jpg

I would have gone with that style, but there wasnt enough armor-all available locally to be able to keep the 53" Michelins shiny.


I painted the front bumper black, finally. No more updates right now. Gears coming within two weeks, and then its probably nothing for the rest of winter.

 

[lostworldexpedition]

Nice RIG.

Any pics of the interior sleeping/storage arrangement.