another build thread, another SR5, another trip to the store...pix heavy

Hello,

this is my 2015 SR5 4runner. I bought this one in 0ct 22 with 108K miles. it had a few red flags post sale but all have been addressed. I have owned many cars over the years and the 4runner really checks off more boxes the more I drive it.

the first three pictures are what this 4runner replaced, my 2010 VW 3.0 tdi touareg. deleted and stage 2 tuned diesel monster with a high low transfer case, rear locker and 7k lbs tow rating. I owned it for barely 6 months, when it was totaled while parked at work. the touareg was a hard act to follow but the 4runner has won out now that all of the maintenance is up to date.

having recovered from losing a diesel I loved, I have started my slow adventure/work truck build. this is it so far...in no particular order.

3rd oil change
brand new 245/70/R17 toyo open country load-e tires repurposed from previous build
power steering flush and fill
headlamps and fog lamp bulbs swapped out for the same sylvania silverstar zXe lamps (bright, clear and very, very close to HID light output)
lower steering joint lubed because it is crusty and binds
transmission, transfer case and rear diff fluid swap
dual agm battery install
backseat removed and replaced with a pickup truck bedslider
OEM radio firmware updated
full brake job with high carbon/coated rotors and semi met -hybrid pads, ebrake spring kit
OEM roof rack and side steps removed
replacement roof rack material in hand but not built
new overbuilt super heavy rock sliders built, painted and awaiting install at the end of this week.
front winch bumper steel plasma cut and awaiting fabrication
winter prep, fully fluid-filmed, wheels pulled, spare dropped, frame caps-plugs, rocker plugs etc pulled, all cavities sprayed
winter prep, one coat of 3M cleaner wax, three coats of meguiars carnauba wax
new 12k lbs winch purchased, sitting in box awaiting install.

 

I love all the photos, nice rig you have.

 

front winch bumper tacked and fully welded in one weekend. it is ready for cleanup, prep and paint. rock sliders almost done and ready for install (one coat of etch primer, three coats of industrial oil based gray paint and three coats of black bed liner paint).

I wish I could take credit for the welding but it was a good buddy of mine. I can stick and mig weld but he is a top notch tig-fab guy who has been doing it as long as I have been an electrician...we tradesmen like to trade work!

I really wanted to add a 22" amber LED lightbar behind the winch cutout but 'dem LED lightbar prices are nutty, I doubt I will even bother. I might just use one of the three cut out slots to mount an anderson plug to be able to use a set of booster cables without having to pop the hood.