DarthRunner build and bs thread

Just a couple day shots

 

Looks great! I was wondering, what are your thoughts on the Kendas? I love the look of them, I've been considering them for my 5th gen.

 

I’ve only had them on for a few months but I think they’re great so far! I was worried they would chip easily with the rocks here in so cal but they’re holding up good and performing good. I’d say get them

 

Took the 4Runner to the mountains to test the Kendas out in low traction terrain and I was really impressed with how they handled the mud/snow/mush that I came across.

 

Went up to lytle creek and found a little snow to drive on and had some fun with my boys

 

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted an update but I just wanted to show the darthrunner putting in work this weekend

 

New update for the Darthrunner, got some Halloween decorations on and mounted the XBull traction boards I got. Feel free to chime in and give me your thoughts…. Good and bad go ahead I can take it! Lol

 

New addition aka Christmas present

 

Nice. Question, what rooftop carrier is that?

 

Just a regular eBay roof top basket. I custom made the brackets for the high lift out of some nuts and bolts and a small metal plate from Home Depot, I spent like $15. And then I drilled holes in the carrier for the lights.

 

Finally finished with the spare tire carrier, let me know what u guys think


and I’m actually surprised that it doesn’t create a complete blind spot out of the rear view mirror.

 

Just put having some fun on my days off

this was sheep creek truck trail down 3N33 to lytle creek camp grounds

 

Looks great man! I just got my rig in November and went with my kids up to Lake Arrowhead last month. We lucked out and got hit with a bunch of snow, it was a lot of fun. I really like Big Bear and look forward to doing some offroading up there at some point.

 

Thanks!! I’ve done a few easy trails in big bear but mostly in the summer cuz I’m usually rolling alone. In the snow I usually stick to Holcomb valley/Gold fever trail just cuz I know it’s mellow enough that even in snow by myself I’ll be alright.

have fun out there and if you don’t already have the AllTrails app I recommend you get it as it’s given me a lot of new ideas to go explore

 

Yeah, I have AllTrails and Gaia. I am still working out how to determine which trails are for 4x4s and which are for hikers.

 

Idk about Gaia but on the AllTrails app you go to the 3 lines at the top then scroll down to activity and filter by off-road driving and it will only pull up 4x4 trails

 

I had no idea alltrails did 4x4 routes, score! I've used it a few times for hikes but never looked that closely. Glad I clicked on your thread today

 

Got rid of the 20” green light bar and put these @bajadesigns LP4 instead. They feel very solid and are very bright! What I like most though is how clear the light is, it’s very focused if that makes any sense. Can’t wait to try them out on the trail!

 

a night shot just for reference. This is with just the LP4’s on!

 

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, so here’s a few updated pics just for fun.

oh and apparently a semi truck got himself stuck up the trail too, hopefully all this trucks were able to get him out

 

Do you see big rigs on your trail often? Thats crazy

 

That’s the first time I’ve seen a big rig on a trail this secluded. I still don’t get how he made it that far in

 

So just a little update in case anyone actually follows these posts. I know a lot of us 4runner owners suffer from front end vibrations and honestly I did too. Like most I just thought this was something we just have to live with due to heavier tires, lift and the strain on the steering components.

But the other day I had my lower control arms replaced with new ball joints and bushings and all other associated components. This has eliminated the vibrations I had before.

It used to shake pretty bad too. Even though it tracked straight the steering wheel would shake all the time and the passenger seat would vibrate pretty bad too when it was empty. Now the seat barely shakes and the steering wheel doesn’t shake either.

hopefully this helps anyone else with similar issues and thanks for looking! Now it’s back out to the trails again.

 

Really liking the build! And those trials you’ve taken aren’t that far from me might have to give them a try!

 

thanks man! If you go let me know maybe we can roll together! I’m always looking for someone to roll with cuz it’s usually just me and my boys

 

Stay tuned guys and gals im about to add some MAX traction to the 4runner!

 

I feel like this year has been a busy one thus far and yet I don’t feel like I update this thread enough. I took coxey trail out of big bear and in to hesperia last week just to check it out since I’ve never done this trail. It was a nice scenic drive and even my boys enjoyed seeing the big rocks in the middle of nowhere basically.
But now the moment you guys have been waiting for: I finally had a rear locker installed in my 4runner! This is the first off road worthy vehicle I’ve had with a locker and I’m excited to figure how, where and when to use it. I had the guys at Premier West Gear in Riverside do the work and so far I’m very happy with my choice.

ARB rear locker with compressor to power it.

 

Took coxey truck trail from big bear/fawnskin into hesperia. I think I want to do pioneer town to big bear for my next adventure

 

I also went out to try the rear locker just to get familiar with it. I made sure to try this hill in 2wd, 4wd with open diffs and 4wd with the locker. Even with out being aired down the locker was a huge improvement on traction and control!!

 

Went to cleghorn this afternoon and tried a few hard lines to put the locker to work and man it’s so nice having a locker!

Caution I went picture crazy!