2015 4runner IPO build

Current


The obligatory "before shot"



Intro:
Purchased for $38k on 6/11/16 with 17k miles. This is my 3rd 4runner. The last two were 4th gen V8 Limited 4wd, and I absolutely loved them. However, my family has expanded so the need for a 3rd row is now a must. I looked around for another 4th gen, but with a 3rd row. They were impossible to find with reasonable amount of miles. So, I did some research and decided to drop some real coin on another Limited 4Runner, but 5th gen this time, and with a 3rd row. My wife and I enjoyed the creature comforts of the Limiteds, so that's what we went with. So far we are very happy with it.


You might be surprised with exactly what we are so pleased with:

• Actual knobs for the radio and climate control! Woo hoo!
• The fuel door opens without having to hunt for a stupid lever. Yeah!
• Digital speedo! Yup!
• Interior design is pleasing to the eye and works. Because that's what we stare at the most.

All the other stuff is expected: Awesome offload capability, truck on frame build, fit and finish, solid construction, styling, aftermarket parts support, Toyota reliability, smooth tranny and engine.

The goal for the build is to have a usable, comfortable street machine for the wife and kids, but also something for the occasional off-roading trip.

Anyhoo. This will be my build page. Enjoy!



Current Mods:

Wheels/Tires/Suspension

• Black Rhino Selkirk wheels 18x9 -12 offset
• Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/65/18
• Metaltech Stage2 Icon mid-travel suspension
• SPC UCAs
• Custom sway bar links

Armor

• Demello 3 hoop front bumper
• AP sliders
• RCI aluminum skids front-transfercase
• Icon rear lower shin guards

Recovery

• Smittybilt x20 10k winch
• Warn recovery gear
  
• Factor 55 Splicer - install info

Lighting

• Baja Designs Squadron Sport driving combos (amber)
• 40" RC Cree light bar - black series

Bric a brac shit

• $608 ARB CKMTA12 '12V' On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor, Ideal for Air Lockers Locking Differentials, Tire Inflator, Air Horn, Air Tools and Pneumatic Tools.
  ARB CKMTA12 dual air compressor - install writeup
• diff breather mod
• Gobi Stealth rack w/ladder
• K&N cold air intake
• Tint all around
• Rexing V1 dash cam (aka Floritard accountability monitor)
• Weathertech Floor Liners, Front/Back
• $100 Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio
  Midland 75-822 CB Radio
  
• Firestik with fire-ring and spring mount
• iunio Military Portable Folding Shovel - multitool
  
• Boulder Tools Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit

Upcoming Mods:

• Icon rear airbumps - have, just need to find time to install

Adventures:

Solo run at Citrus Florida 9/24/16



Ocala Hardrock Park 4/30/17

 

The day she was wrangled from the dealer's icy cold grip:

 

First thing I did was add some Nfab steps. My preggy wifey needed them ASAP. It was killing me to see her struggling to get in and out.
After the baby pops, I'll replace the Nfabs with sliders.

There are several ways you can go with the Nfab steps on a 5th gen Limited. You can either buy the Limited version Nfabs and they'll mount up and clear the fat Limited rocker panels. The steps however, will hang pretty damn low. The other option is to get the TE version Nfabs, and either remove the Limited's rockers or cut the rockers down. I wanted the Nfabs tucked up and more clearance, so I got the TE Nfabs and cut the rockers. Some guys leave the rockers uninstalled, but that looks like sh!t to me.

Thank you to on T4R for the 5th gen Limited Nfab write up and measurements! Saved me a bunch of time.

It was a nail biter cutting through these rockers on my new truck, but I think it came out pretty good and straight:





With Limited Nfabs and no cut:


With TE Nfabs and rockers cut:

Looks lifted, and there is no lift yet.


and..





NEXT!

Sitting in my garage waiting for the Icon Stage2 suspension to arrive:


Meat!


I love the dish on these and the angles. I think the angular design of the wheels matches the angular design of the 4runner:

 

After the first few mods:

 

Got something in the mail today...



The rest should arrive next week.

 

Looks good man. Congrats on the purchase. 5th gens are awesome.

 

Sub'd for later. (Can't see photos at work).

 

Thanks! I'm enjoying it so far!

Yes, it is lurking in the swamps as all Cayman do in Floriduh.

Cool. Nothing really to see yet anyway. I'd check back on Sunday.

 

Something is happening..

 

Install complete. It went very smooth. Everything is solid. The biggest pain was getting the passenger side UCA long bolt out. That damn thing was hitting the body and then once I got it past that, was hitting AC fittings and shit. I re-installed it backwards.

I found a small "feature" near my house to roll up onto. I can tell that with something bigger to flex on, and with the planned longer rear sway bar links installed, it will flex some more.

 

Got some new Icon stickers today...

 

When the shit did you move to Florida? Sweet build, I love the 5th gens. I'm still rocking that wetsuit you gave me. Guess you don't need them anymore anyways...haha

 

lol yeah, no wetsuit required for at least 8 months out of the year here. Glad you're still getting use out of that wetsuit. I'm sure all my urine has flushed out of it by now. I'm just kidding, I never peed in it... much.

I moved out to Florida Dec 2015. I miss Santa Cruz! I miss the cooky people there, and the waves, and the mountains! Santa Cruz was definitely the funnest and chillest place I've ever lived. Maybe some day I'll return!

 

Hells yeah they do! They arrived a bit late for me to install them when I had everything out, so I have to go back in and get dirty again. Sill not installed. Easy as shit though, they have mounting plates!

 

Oh don't worry, I've added to the pee saturation...

Yeah i haven't lived too many places, but Santa Cruz is a unique place. Although I was tempted to pack up and move with all the traffic this summer and housing prices haha.

Those things are sweet! Never seen them before, but make total sense granted you don't flex too much and get them caught in the springs (not sure it can happen, but some 3rd gen springs were mighty flexy).

 

Housing is a killer there. Agreed. What you can get out here for 300k is equal to what you can get out there for 1mil minimum. Plus, no state income tax!
No traffic cops either. I didn't expect that.