2015 4runner IPO build

This overpriced, blue block of aluminum showed up on my doorstep, so I decided to do something with it. Luckily, I have a 4runner to install it in! So I did.



I started by clearing out a space just in front of the passenger in the engine bay. This is where I wanted it. The driver's side was too cluttered in my opinion, and I didn't like this 20lb battering ram mounted right next to my brake master cylinder and brake lines.
It will be mounted to five points:



Next, I used what little tools and workspace I have to build a janky bracket. I looked around for a prebuilt bracket online, but they were either all overpriced, or they installed the compressor where I didn't want it.






...And installed:


(The connector I have screwed into the top is being switched out for a male fitting with female quick connect. Just didn't have one at the time)


The wiring to the battery was straight forward. This is the 12V compressor, but the wiring loom still has two red power wires. You only need to use one red wire. Doesn't matter which one. That kind of threw me through a loop at first. The instructions regarding the red wire are not clear. Just use one, unless you have the 24v, then you use both apparently.

Wiring the switch was a bit more difficult than I'm used to. The 5th gen has some crazy closed wiring where shit is mostly 12v all the time, lots of 6v shit, or the wiring is integrated into the CPU and is apparently very dangerous to tap into. So a lot of research later, and a lot of digging around with a multimeter, I found a blue wire that ran under the driver's seat that only had 12v power when the key was turned on to ACC or Start. Since that sucker was far away from the CPU and illumination shit, I used it. It worked, and with no ill effects.


The wiring harness for the switch connection was run through a peanut M&M sized hole in the firewall just in front of the driver. I removed the rubber grommet, sliced the nipple off of it, bore a hole through it, then ran the wire through the grommet, and inserted it back into the hole. (Yeah, there's lots of euphemism available in that paragraph)
For the illumination of the switch I tapped into what I think most people tap into, the RSCA switch harness behind the switch panel that is located bottom left side of the steering wheel. RSCA switch is on the right side of that panel. If you don't have RSCA there, don't worry, the harness is there behind the panel. It's the green wire. Test everything with a multimeter. Don't take my word for it.



And there you have it. An almost complete waste of money and time. Almost. I'll enjoy being able to re-inflate my tires after offroading where there are no air stations around. Also, if I get a puncture, I can fix my own shit if I need to if I'm in the middle of nowhere. And, if or when I decide to do lockers, I'm already wired up and set to go for them, except for the manifold.

 

I was thinking that too but I am not the best with these things.

 

Yup, I had one before remember? If it comes down to that, I'll figure it out. I've got the center diff lock of course, but ATRAC as well, which is pretty damn good. It will hold for a while.

Yeah I did. I noted that actually in the post. I didn't have the other one laying around to test. I have it now tho, male fitting with the female connector.

 

See!!



Did you get your 15th Anniversary MetalTech beer glass?

 

K&N 77-9034KP


I've lost count of the times I've installed CAIs. This time was no different. Very easy. Fitment was good. No problems. However, if you want to keep the plastic engine cover on, and want it to sit flat, you'll have to trim the corner where it lays over the intake pipe.
One thing I was not prepared for was the huge increase in noise this thing serves up when you get into the higher RPM range and have it floored. It's like I have headers installed. I give the engineers at Toyota props for being able to muffle the engine with the OEM intake.
Anyways, it's very loud now, but quiet at cruising speeds. Luckily the wife likes it. I did offer to cover it up with the included water shield and to insulate the pipe to cut down the noise.

There is a very slight increase in TQ and HP as documented by K&N's dyno sheets. About 11HP increase, and about 13TQ increase. The TQ and HP is also moved lower into the RPM range. The reasons why I like to install CAIs is for the increased throttle response, increase in MPG, and for the look of it in the engine bay. With trucks, I like it for the added protection against hydro-locking during water crossings. You can slip a filter bag over it, and since the filter is set back, the hole in the fender doesn't act like a water spout directed into the engine.

 

Finally got out and popped the Runner's cherry this weekend.

The entrance to Citrus park in Florida is off any highway or road that the trails lead to. Just pull off the highway and do your thing:

One of the many entrances:


Navigating the rutted-out trails:













Found a little sand pit to play in:




Found the 4runner's limit in this mud pit I accidentally slid into:









Got to turn on all the goodies:


The trails were actually on the GPS, which helped with getting around and not getting lost:



It was nice to have inflation, worked out great!








It was nice to get out and offroad again. It's been a long time. Florida is definitely not as entertaining as California. No rocky steep inclines/declines with hairy drop offs. It's all flat clay dirt and sand roads. I'll take whatever I can get though!

 

images aren't working for me

 

Worked for me.

It's not all completely flat, although granted it's nothing like Cali or Moab. Also granted, the FWC seems to get off on closing off the really fun areas...the ones with actual rapid elevation changes and interesting climbs. Still there are a few (too few, really) areas of interest that don't involve mud.

 

now they're showing up

 

For real lol let's take him to Hard Rock

 

If he's used to wheeling in Cali, I doubt Hardrock would impress him much, especially at $25 to get in. Sure, it's got some steep, slippery hill climbs (with no rocks to speak of...at least the last time I was there) and a few rock gardens for folks with armor and a lot of ground clearance, but compared to places like the Rubicon, Fordyce, and Slick Rock...

 

that's true but there are some rocky steep inclines that I know of that I wouldn't attempt

 

You'll have to show them to me sometime.

I know there was one (Slick Rock, IIRC) I wanted to attempt the last time I was there, but I broke the OGT before I got to it. Honestly, I probably didn't have any business attempting it anyway since I think it's a little too much for the OGT.

Anyway, I'm not really saying there aren't some challenging climbs at Hardrock. There are, in fact, some that shouldn't be attempted in anything less than a rock bouncer, but it all feels kind of engineered and there's not very much of it. I just think that would pale greatly in comparison with those beautiful trails they have out west.

 

Are the inclines anything like this?

 

Nope but they aren't flat

 

Cool. I'll have to hit it up. Ocala looked decent actually. Haven't been yet.

 

Actually, there are a few that are maybe that steep, but not nearly that long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5QaVxhBEv4&list=PLMZVa3vsCvMRU7qfgiIgiq9_cy0EV-eMa&index=14

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3xwQJaNfaQ&list=PLMZVa3vsCvMRU7qfgiIgiq9_cy0EV-eMa&index=40

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There's a few more as well.