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

Got my Dongar wiring kit and dashcam installed. Just far enough over to not cover up the light sensor and down far enough to remove the cam without whacking the mirror.

 

that’s what I was thinking so I’m using straps instead. Like the ones I use to tie down my fridge.

 

Received my Weathertech window cover kit. Yes I might be able to make them with Reflectix, but it would take many hours of patience. I’m a plug n play guy. They block out almost all the light. The front cover let’s in a decent amount of light, but if I place a piece of Velcro on the window I think I can reduce most of it. Even with the amount of light coming in it’s still going to be plenty of light blocking for camping. They also block a decent amount of noise. I will only be using the black side since I don’t camp in the warmer months.



From the back of the 4R. Once I adjusted it down and if I use Velcro behind the mirror it will be much better. I also bought the bag, but I think I will cancel that part of the order since there is a strap on the windshield cover. I paid just under $200, but that would have taken me more than $200 in man hours of my time.

 

Installed my Alpharex Luxx headlights yesterday and reused my SS3 Pros from the Tundra I traded in. The light output is so much better. I need to aim them tonight but I’m very happy overall. Also had an iDatastart remote start system from Best Buy’s BF sale installed today. It’s a 2-way 1 mile range system. Happy with that so far other than shutting off when you open the door.

Ignore the poor bumper fitment. I bought it used 2 weeks ago and the dealer has been dragging their feet on getting it in to be repaired/replaced.

 

Installed a pair of Dynamic Diode SS3 Sports today. The installation was straight forward, direct replacement of OEM. Gonna try to go out tonight give’em a try. Been pretty foggy the last few mornings and evenings.

Also, had 285/70/17 KO2s installed. There is slight rubbing, but hoping a little heat on the mud flap and pushing it in will take care of it. If not BMC coming soon. We had 275/70/17 KO2s, but the wife wanted to go up a size. I’ll put the 275s on our off-road trailer.

 

How was the install of the Dongar adapter? Any issues?

 

This would irritate the crap outta me!! Also when you see them shooting in your bolts with air tools!! URRGHHH.... That's why I've stopped going to my mechanic. He was good, it was his workers that he hired was when I noticed the quality of his work went down.

This is one of my concern. My other concern is damaging/cross threading the threads on the chassis when they re-install the skids. Most of the tech's don't care, they'll use power tools to shoot whatever they can in. I have a 22 ORP with approx 8-900 miles and I'm hesitant on this free toyota care service. I only have the stock cheapy skids (for now at least) on but still.

 

Finished mounting the plywood for the frig slide. I did not want to do anything that was permanent to the back so I could remove the board and still have it look clean. I was able to install the plywood with four metal strips using the factory tie down points. Extended length fasteners allowed the tie downs to reinstall over the mounting strips. I had to bend the back two strips to clear the plastic trim at the edges. Just need to install trim pieces and apply a nicer finish than spray paint to wrap it up.

 

Really nice idea on strapping that plywood down. Im going to have to look at my sleeping platform to see if I can do the same. How thick is the steel that you used for the straps?

 

I used 1/8" aluminum. I could upgrade to steel if they don't hold up. It is really just to keep the board from moving around, I'm too old to be catching air any more.

 

Aluminum, even better…. Easier to work. I would guess they are plenty strong for how they are being used. If you happened to break those, I suspect that it wouldn’t be the only broken thing on the vehicle.

 

The only issue I had was me being a dumbass and trying to plug it into the multi-terrain console plug, instead of actually plugging it into the mirror. Should honestly take less then 15 minutes if you are familiar with pulling trim off.

Removing the two covers for the mirror plug is a tight space but not bad. Multi-terrain console comes off easy. And there are 2 screws underneath to remove so you can pull the headliner down gently and tuck the wiring away. The kit comes with a trim tool and (2) 6" USB adapters also. I think it's worth the money.

Also, great customer service at Dongar. Before I figured out I was trying to connect to the wrong plug, I shot off an email and got a reply within minutes on a Saturday morning.

 

Got some Ironman UCA’s. These things are beefy. Solved my wheel wobble issue, steers nice and tight. Anyone here have these? I hear the Dobinson dust covers fit, any confirmation?

 

Those do look beefy. You think they 285s would rub on them?

 

I have them and I am running 285/75/17 and there is enough room. Mind you I am running a -12mm offset on the wheels.

 

not sure, like GrantA above, I also run a -12 offset wheel, but with wheel spacers also.

 

Installed Rago Fabrication's hidden winch with the Harbor Freight Badland Apex 12k winch as well. While NOT visible once completed thought the R would look nice in red. NOT wanting to lift the hood with every use of the winch figured out a swinging hatch in the grill to gain access to the winch. Other than limited light looking in from outside it works well.

Side note, the release handle on the winch touches the inside of the grill but does NOT impede use requiring barely effort when turning either way.

Edit: The install disrupted the Toyota Sensor System (TSS). But resolved after moving the winch back to the next set of bolt holes (1/2"). Additionally, set the winch's wireless remote to the 4Runner's HomeLink garage opener (button #1 garage, #2 winch IN, #3 winch OUT) following the instructions in the vehicle's manual (wireless mode on the winch MUST be on) and NOT having to worry about dead batteries on the winch's remote.

 

Heck yea! that's clean, love how it still maintains the stock appearance. Well done!

 

I installed a hidden winch on my 15 Tacoma. Love it. I hid the Flatlink behind a flip up license plate.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqa2ESS6ZF0


Rock Crawling with the Mark Twain Mafia Saturday. I'm pretty sure I blew my rear Eibach shocks on this portion of the trail, the 1st time I took it back in September. Finally got my replacement Eibach rear shocks installed plus taller Eibach bump stops. No issues this time around.

 

DRobs, The candy cane ladder is a festive and AWESOME idea! LOVE IT!

 

That's Kayla's rig. She led the the trail ride and then had a Christmas parade to drive in that evening.
I need a bow or wreath on the front of mine.

 

Another vid from that trail. Jump to 14 min 30 seconds for 4Runner action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlxjlVhVJEI

 

I gathered the first few parts for my suspension and steering rebuild. Still waiting on the UCAs and some heavy boxes from Moog. Last time I did a front end rebuild I swore it was the last time. I’m not messing with bushings again. I ordered new Moog lower control arms with the bushings already installed.

 

Yup, thats exactly what I said. Getting too old for this…

 

Yeah I already know it is gonna hurt for a week. I have more time than money though, so…on with it.

 

I am going home on military leave next week and I am really looking forward to working on my 4Runner.

Mod #1: install the Gobi Rack that is sitting in my garage
Mod #2: Work on upgrading the lighting - Get the halogen high beam to work with the Bi-Led projectors, and figure out a good led light bar/pod to work as an auxillary high beam...

 

Drove my granddaughter to school in the 2018

 

Installed aluminum sliders from Greenlane in Canada. A bit pricey, but fit and finish is perfecto!
Feels rock solid compared to OEM running boards. I don't ever plan on rock crawling and wanted something that won't rust.

 

Very nice. I’m considering those also. Are they wide enough to stand on comfortably to reach the roof?