The Dark Knight 4Runner + Hilux 4x4

Hello all. Long time member on Tacoma World. I just sold my truck and am in the market for a Trail Premium 4Runner (going to look at one tomorrow!). I'm looking forward to having a new vehicle to build.

My build on Tacoma World
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-dark-knight-build.21474/

Now that I have turned this into a build thread I'll keep the most current picture here at post one. The name of the game with this 4Runner is to be very capable without looking aftermarket.






The new focus of my attention. Build at end of this thread.

 

Welcome to the other side man! I loved your truck, can't wait to see what you do with a 4runner

 

Welcome Jeff, you had a nice Tacoma build!
The TEP's are very nice, great choice. We've got one ourselves, its a nice DD and weekend exploration rig. Only 4k miles on ours and already sitting lifted 3" on 35's and being armored up right now. No time to waste!

 

Nice. I've looked at your website for 4Runner gear. maybe in the future I can get some stuff

 

That was one awesome truck. Good luck on the 4 runner and keep us posted.

 

The truck was built to beat the shit out of it. This time I'm going to do lighter protection. I think a lot of aluminum is going to be the prescription. Also I don't have access or time to access the good off roading that I used to. This build will certainly be more overland/daily driver friendly.

 

It happened. 2014 certified pre owned blank canvas with KDSS.

 

very nice man!

 

Looks to be in great shape. Nice job finding one in stock form.

 

Near spotless. The engine compartment is actually spotless. I'm so glad I went this route instead of getting a pro. I like the KDSS, sun roof, and rear cargo pull out.

 

I wonder if you can install PRO suspension so you get the best of both trims?...I'm gonna keep my eye out for a used set for me, I think. Maybe some PRO owners still feel the need to go to King/Fox

 

Haha I feel the need to go icon.

Maybe.

 

Congrats!
First mod?

 

Not first. But a definitely a strong possibility if I do put a winch on it.

The factory dunflops need replacing within 6 months. No better time to lift it too!
It seems like it's either go .85" with bilsteins or go full 3". Limiting factor being options for rear springs.

 

Big question is how bad does the 285's drag down the dual vvti.
I had the Tacoma all figured out, this 4Runner is a whole new beast.

 

Basically the same in the 4runner and Tacoma IMO. Seems like they softened the responsiveness of the gas pedal in the 4runner compared to the Tacoma, but give it some gas and it'll go. We've got 35s on stock gears in the 16 TEP and it does alright still. Was never 'fast' to begin with

 

It does seem like throttle response is softened. I'm thinking the new ridge grappler c range in a 285 may be my choice to save some weight.

 

Running the Ridge Grappler on my Tundra, so far I absolutely love the tire. I'm running the 35x12.50R18(F) that they released earlier this month, extremely quiet tires. Looks great on the rig, handle decent on the street. Really, winter performance is my only unknown with it at this point and so far will be my only deciding factor as to whether I'll replace this set with another in a couple years when this set wears down. I've picked up a slight MPG increase over the slightly smaller Trail Grapplers they replaced on my rig, and they're so quiet I now hear wind noise off my tow mirrors and dash creaks and rattles more than tires anymore.

 

Welcome dude!

 

Why is icon the only lift company to recommend the adjustable rear track bar for KDSS equipped vehicles?

 

thoughts on this lift set up?


still curious about the rear track bar. Really needed? (see question one post up)

 

Looks good, except I run Uniball UCA personally. Not sure the ball joint will be happy with extended travel CO

The rear track bar is not completely necessary. I've still got the stock one under our 4th gen with the Metal Tech rear long travel setup, alignment shop said our rear end was shifted about 3/16" over from straight in line with the front track(thats at 3" rear lift). Our '16 TEP with OME 895's on the rear sat us about 2.5" lifted for the time being and the alignment shop didnt even say a word. Probably about an 1/8" shifted, I cant see it though just looking at the rig
Basically take the bar from flat and lift the rear and it starts to pull to the side the higher the rear goes. I cant personally notice the 3/16" track difference on our rig and it doesnt seem to really effect driving/handling or rubbing when flexed. I'll likely swap it for an adjustable one eventually, but likely not til I tag the stock one on a rock and bend it.

Now swapping the upper/lower links in the rear with some poly bushing/heim links is a great upgrade on the rear end. Lets the suspension function much more smoothly than the loaded rubber bushing little twig stock links. Look at the upper link, they're like a 5/8" rod. Tiny lol

 

KDSS is the issue with needing a new track bar for the rear. I keep reading that without it, the track bar will come in contact with the rear kdss piston bracket. Icon's trac bar is bent to accommodate the KDSS.

The ball joint UCA's do everything I need without the maintenance of the uniball. here is what camburg says about them:

"We have updated our Camburg performance ball-joint upper arms to now include a MOOG ball-joint pre-installed along with our billet ball-joint cap kit. We’ve also changed the color to a matte black finish to distinguish the updated design. Since Toyota doesn’t sell replacement ball-joints and we’re pre-installing the MOOG ball-joints, the arms are ready to bolt up right out of the box and your labor costs and time are lower.

These arms gives many of the same benefits our uniball upper arms offer at a lower cost. The ball-joint arms also hold up better under wet harsh conditions compared to a uniball since it’s a sealed & greased joint. With Toyota’s newer chassis, the factory ball-joint is considerably stronger & larger than in previous years. By building an upper arm to re-angle the ball-joint, you’re able to gain more wheel travel with extended length coilovers from FOX, King and Icon and keep the joint in its normal operating range. These arms also correct the suspension geometry by increasing much needed caster which improves handling and allows for a wider range of alignment adjustment. The tubular construction also gives you more tire & shock clearance compared to the weaker stock stamped sheet metal arm."

Here is suspension option 2, which is more likely that I'll go with it.

 

After talking with toytec, another member here and lots of reading, I got my lift ordered. Went with the BOSS kit to get things going. For the little amount of off road this runner will see I felt the BOSS kit was a good compromise/starter kit. Also got The camburg UCAs.

285/70/17 C Ridge Grapplers will be the tires.

I've been through all this before. My toes will get wet, the water will be nice, then I'll probably dive in.

 

Anyone running the 2-in-1 led fog/Drl kit? Pn 00016-48011

https://youtu.be/inS6EIBdZNw

 

The cross bars from my acura wagon fit perfectly. They sit slightly above the shark fin so no worries like the factory bars.

 

After learning that the toytec boss coilovers were still 2 weeks+ from being available I "had" to upgrade to King 2.5's with reservoirs. They shipped today!

 

Haha this was a fucking joke. Reading that after a bunch of beers, im glad i upgraded the the kings.

Dont be a bitch, get good shit the first go round

 

This is the best advice I have ever read on this forum.

 

On the alignment rack now. Im very impressed with the ridge grapplers having never seen them in person until they just got put on.