What have you done to your 5th Gen 4Runner today?

I know some people asked for additional information on my storage build so this is what I have. More storage area pictures and measurements.

So I already had the rear bumper removed for another project, but it doesn’t need to be removed to build and fit in the custom storage. I removed the molding that holds down the carpet next to the rear hatch (the middle clips are easy, the side clips are a PITA) along with the plastic piece with the D-rings by the seats. Then I pulled out the original carpet and hard foam under padding. I removed the foam from the underside edges of the original carpet, but left the felt padding in the middle. I then placed the carpet back into the rear compartment to use at the base for the storage.

Then we just measured and cut the frame out of 3/8” Poplar boards. The side boards (run front to back) were cut to 36 1/4” (length) x 2 3/8” (height) they sit on the plastic rails that run along the wheel well (in the picture my dad has the level resting on one).

The center support rail is 36 1/4” (length) x 3” (height) with a 1 1/2” board nailed to the top to make it a T for extra support for the lids (We had to cut the bottom of the board to fit over the metal hump on the floor, in 1st picture).

The boards (that run from the driver to passenger side) were cut to 41 3/8” (length) x 3 1/2” (height) and as you can see in the pictures relief cuts were made to make it fit around the seat brackets.

For all the joints/connections we used wood glue and screws.

I then just used black spray paint on the frame and the under side of the lids.

The top piece and lids are 1/2” MDF boards covered in black automotive carpet (held on with spray adhesive and staples), the fixed top piece is 41 ½” (length) x 11” (width), the lids are both 20” (width) x 28” (length) with a 1/2” aluminum U-channel attached (glued and screwed) to the edge of the lid that opens for extra protection. There is about a 3/8” gap between fixed top piece and lids to allow for the piano hinge to be mounted underneath and out of the way. The lids hang over about 1/2”-3/4” by the rear hatch to lift them open.

Still working on a lid support to keep it open on its own, most likely going to just cut a piece of wood that it can rest on.

 

Have you noticed any additional noise with the foam removed? I’d imagine not much with the box there but was curious if you noticed a different

 

I wrapped both the front and rear valances and roof rails.

 

So far no difference noise wise.

 

Also got and install new Ellis Precision shifters today.

 

Took off the silver valences and put some bed liner on them. Figured if it looks bad I'll just pay up and buy the PRO black valences, I like the look so far. Bought the cheap ebay Pro valence for $120 and bed lined the front piece to match. Haven't seen anyone with this combo yet. Installed the Morimoto xb led foglights, stoked to see the custom headlights in there but one of the mounting tabs was broke so I had to send back for a new one.

 

Who did your custom retrofit headlights? I'm waiting for the retrofit source to sell their morimoto sets

 

This And or this
https://trail4runner.com/2019/01/03/5th-gen-4runner-fog-light-bypass/

 

RSG rock sliders and icon stage 2 lift

 

about the shifter knobs; what was cost? … every time I’ve went to website there sold out. Can’t wait to see pics of new headlights installed. Looks nice!

 

How'd you do that ??

 

Are you still able to fold up the back seats? Do you have a photo?

 

Washed it...

 

Yep, seats still work without any issue.

 

That's really neat. I've been thinking of somehow doing this same thing.

 

And what would be the price for you to build this for others? Let's not disscuss freight costs right now, LOL.

 

So they work with the 18’s

 

If you didn't do this already, may I suggest you post this in a separate thread because it will get lost in here and be hard to find. An thanks for posting this info!

 

Agreed. This project is too good to be lost in this thread.

 

^^ what he said.

 

Why was it necessary to remove the carpet for install? @SgtKeebler

Awesome write up. Thanks!

 

Did you wrap it or have it wrapped?

 

Had it done

 

Sorry I thought you said you had a 2018 also.

 

Kustom 54 lighting is where I ordered them.

 

Put in some 1st and 2nd row weathertechs

 

Thanks for the post. I never knew that Detours of Maine existed. Looks as good or better than a Wilco and a little cheaper, no?

 

They are definitely tempting my wallet, the knuckle bone at 20lbs has me seriously considering it. The only other viable option I've seen is what Sam @LTDSC did to his 4th gen, welding one to his frame under the bumper cover. Nice and tight against the hatch, very clean look, and it has to be more of a solid install, Very Slick.
Post # 1089

 

Do you have pics on how this is mounted? Did you have to drill a hole?