The Batoll Builds

If it turns out well I might...

 

Couldn’t resist, plan was to go For DIY bumpers but picked up an arb bumper for a good deal. Its in need of some decent weld repairs, especially the winch mount location. Should be a fun project.

 

So noticed a few things after the lift install, squeaking started a few days after install and it was driving me nuts (I hate noises that shouldn’t be). After some investigation found the Upper PCK bracket had a slight interference, the kit comes with a washer/spacer to center the pan hard rod. A second look confirmed I needed to swap the spacer to the rear side of the rod and after some flexing squeak was gone!

I did delete the front sway bar and holy body roll, need to add more weight and compress the front springs luckily I have a bumper to help weigh it down.

Started preping the 4runner, I know the ARB bumper has turn signal markers but I like to keep the factory wiring if I can. Maybe I’ll throw some aftermarket lights in there later on.



I have taken the bumper apart and inspected it. It clearly has been in a collision but this wouldn’t be my first time fixing up a bumper. Based on initial measurements, it will fit but on the damage indicates likely be pitch forward (sagging look). Just have to wait to find out. Still need to prep the frame horns, and source some hardware.

 

Can't wait to see that bumper go on!

But it's interesting that you've noticed some significant body roll.

I removed my front sway bar just before taking it on a 17 hour long drive, and noticed no real difference. Wheeled it for 3 days only to drive it back 17 hours again.

This included driving up through the mountains at over 80mph as @eon_blue likes to really step on it

I'd suggest maybe checking to see that your ball joints are good to go, control arm bushings, and anything else steering/suspension related.

 

A rtt doesn’t help my center of gravity ahha. But yeah ball joints and steering components recently inspected during alignment. Still will be swapping in new ball joints. Thinking bumper require some fitting and repair iterations but hopefully will get it on this weekend.

 

Makes sense.

My rigs a fatty too but weight is all over the place

 

Sub. Really liked how you did the ammo cans in the bed rack.

 

Thanks, for sure helped with small item storage.

 

It’s been a while and got a few things in the works.

Car seat bases have been added to the gx and runner and the baby mod is complete! Lil dude like rides in the gx so far.

I did get a chance to fit the bumper to the runner and it’s absolute shit, doesn’t hold body lines or even mount correctly to the mount brackets. Plan is to cut the middle section out and rebuild. No bumper work has taken place as of yet, I’ll need a solid few days to get anything decent and right now free time comes in short small spurts

So choose to give the 4runner a look over and found a things which need replacing

Upper Cv boots are both torn completely and grease is everywhere.

LBJ is torn, and spewing out some grease.





Replacement parts have been ordered. While I wait for the order to arrive, decided to swap the wheels and tires to the extra set to maintain mobility in the drive way, while painting the daily wheels bronze.




What to do with the extra set(shown above)... huh well 1 is to replace the steelie spare and will be used on a swing out, the other 3 will be for the trailer... picked up some good reading material





Just thinking long lead on the project, I’d like get in to more detail, to help purchase materials and think through the design and components.


A fun mod to kill some time: refinishing wood grain steering wheel for the 4runner. 99-00 Lexus ES 300’s with the Bird's Eye Maple Wood Trim. Direct fit to 3rd gen 4runners Id assume the same for the 1st gen taco. The only down side is you’ll need to sport the Lexus airbag as the air bags have a slightly different design





It’s always nice when removal is easy.



looks likes crap with cracked polyurethane and worn leather but it can be fixed with a little work.

 

Man, that first picture just gave me a flashback to when both my cv axle boots tore around the same time.

Freaking grease was everywhere.

 

yeah dealing with the same thing

 

Wheels are now bronze

 

Need any parts?

I have extra stuff I'll want to sell.

 

I think I’m good, waiting on some LBJs to come in(oem) I have a diff drop kit, don’t want to install but it may help till I get some weight on the front end.

just need some cvs and I’m gouda.

What parts you trying to get rid off?

 

I skipped the diff drop kit myself.

I've got a new Denso radiator; bought one only to realize mine has not even 40k miles on it. Coolant I drained was brand new looking still.

King 2.5 rears.

I'll look to see what else, still moving stuff to storage.

 

Kings are tempting but I’m guna have hold off.

New purchases are all on hold. Rosie tore both ACLs and will go going into surgery in September. Both legs will cost around 10k up front but thankfully we have insurance and they should cover up to 7500

 

Here's to Rosie having a speedy recovery after surgery.

Bronx has already gone through 2 back surgeries, and even at 9 years old, he keeps on trucking.

 

New LBJs, CVs to fix all the boot tears and replaced the battery.

Maintenance is always fun, especially when you find little Easter eggs.

I had a hard time bending back a cotter pin on the bottom of the passenger LBJ. Using a hammer I was able to get it straight, turns out A hammer was the exact tool I needed.




Cuz it was a damn nail! Like the resourcefulness but I think I’ll stick with cotter pins.





With everything buttoned back up, the brand new Stealth Kustom Ceries wheels are on. Liking the bronze.





Still haven’t added the diff drop, I’ll keep that in the back pocket for now. Just need to get going on adding some weight to the front end.

 

really liking how the wheels came out




Credit goes to @turbodb and his write up. I didn’t sandblast but went the 3m purple pad route(took forever) other than that process was similar

https://adventuretaco.com/wheel-makeover-extreme-labor-for-a-totally-non-functional-mod/

 

Looks great!

Just fyi - when you get new tires, you'll get new weights and have to touch up the spot with the weights now. I did the same thing (despite the entire internet telling me I did it wrong), and it's turning out just fine. I have way more rock rash on the wheels than space where the weights were!