Thatbassguy's financially irresponsible build and record of where all of my money went

I'm thinking about rigging up my own version of something like this.

 

The only issue is see with this is holding the weight of a 33+ tire and wheel. You’d definitely have to change out the bolts and possibly weld some of the straights to the metal.

 

I had a 1996 GMC Jimmy for 10 years (from new) and replaced the shocks and the ride wasn't any better. I wouldn't touch the suspension on my 2005 4runner (150,000 miles). Rides great still. OEM is best way to go, but be "sorry" if you go AM.

My 4runner doesn't see the highway as it is in Nassau Bahamas - and there are no freeways here.

4runner is rust-free after 15 years, whereas Jimmy rusted into a pile of rust everywhere - on the body and on the frame.

Building rust-free vehicles is how Toyota took over the auto industry. Completely dominates everything.

No engine issues in 15 years of short trips. OEM everything - except "starters" I've replaced 3 of them. OEM lasted 4 years - same as AM starters.

I have one oil drip (a week) after 15 years and I don't worry about it.

 

Bought the same cooler based on reviews on OverlandBound. For the money, It can't be beat.

 

Yes! I'm very happy with it. Lifetime are made in USA as well.

 

Who makes the cooler?

 

Lifetime. It's a Walmart brand, but says it's made in the U.S.

 

It wouldn't need to hold much weight as the tire could still sit on the floor of the cargo area. It would prevent it from coming loose off road.

 

I'm pretty sure I'm going to build something similar to the product @Chris In Milwaukee linked. I did think about trying to extend something down to the floor and just bolt it to that as well. Maybe I'll pull up the carpet this weekend and poke around and see what make the most sense.

 

But then it wouldn't be financially irresponsible.

 

I poked around under there awhile back. Not much to mount to w/o drilling holes.
Pull the rear trim piece up by hand, undo those carpet clips:


To reveal a nice foam Toyota labeled pad and this:

 

It's a little barren under there, isn't it?

 

You have a good point there.

 

By the way, you guys have some kickazz looking roof top tents. Was admiring them the other day. Very "tactical" looking.

 

I just looked at this.

@Desert Armor that fact you guys have a dog ramp option is pretty kick-ass in my book!

 

Thanks! We’re trying. Trying to keep them priced good too. It doesn’t seem like it’s a struggle, but sometimes it can be.

The dog ramp is pretty neat. The owners thought of that one.

(btw this is Rich, uploadadventure on TW)

 

Rich! What's up, man? That's awesome that you're working with a vendor!

If you guys are looking for a guinea pig for any 4Runner stuff, let me know.

 

I did the differentials and transfer case last night at a buddy's house. We came up with a nifty way to drain the transfer case without removing the skid or getting oil on it. I cut up a 5 quart oil bottle. I was able to break the drain plug loose, then remove it by hand through the opening. Didn't spill a drop!



We had to remove both of the front skids to get at the front differential. I'm definitely getting my money's worth out of these things!



I'll probably be taking them back off in a few weeks and clean off the rust and re-paint them for another season of abuse.

 

$$$ well spent now or later......

 

Yes! I look at them as insurance. I don't play in the rocks that much, but it's good to have the protection for when I do.

 

What transfer case fluid did you use?

 

I read that most people just run 75W-90 in everything, so that's what I bought. The transfer case fluid that came out was clearly thinner than the differential oil, so now I'm thinking I should order the Toyota liquid gold and change it again.

 

I was hanging out with Ben my parts guy today talking about this very subject. He might be able to get me some liquid gold for a good price. That shit is expensive!!

Did you use Amsoil?
How does it shift to 4wd?

 

I read a bunch of stuff about gear oil and decided to use generic Supertech. Considering I'll be changing mine more often than the standard interval, I figured it would be fine. It shifted like normal.

 

I got to assist in a recovery last week. It ended up being a good test of the Yokohamas. A 4Runner was stuck near Green Bay.



A very cool and helpful family showed up in a nice Jeep to help out.



I ended up getting pretty dirty. The tires did awesome!



We were met by a nice LEO as we were coming out of the woods. He explained that we were on a snowmobile trail. There was a gate that should have been closed, and no signs posted, so no citations.

 

cool thread - what size are the Ko2's?

 

They were stock size, 265/70/17.

 

I finally got the new shoes on some trails today. I ran them at 20 PSI and it was glorious! I believe I will continue to run these MT's during the summer and into fall and use the Toyo AT3's for Winter and Spring.

They look even better with some dirt on them!



Not really an exciting shot, but I thought it was cool to get a picture of the rear tire stuffed.



I had to take a picture on Instragam Hill, AKA "Bro Rock." Anyone who's been to the Pipeline probably knows the spot.



All in all, I'm very happy with these tires. I've had 2 other sets of Yokohamas before, and they were also excellent for what they were.

And, I'm still pleased with everything else about the 4Runner. I have a few more things to do, but it's plenty capable for what I do. I hope to be adding a few small updates here soon.

 

Flying solo on that run? Glad you had fun!

 

Enjoy the 15mpg - I know I do... the tires are beasts off road though.