The Batoll Builds

Update:
pulled the roof rack off the 4runner, to reconfigure the set up to have the rack hold:
Shovel
Max trax
Awning
Storage Case
Hi lift

Up and coming stuff:
- Start working front bumper
- Rear bumper w/swing out
- kid #2

Lexus got some maintenance, cold start up had the wife annoyed as the serpentine belt/pulleys like to squeal. After quick look confirmed pulley bearings we’re getting tired. Replaced the idle and belt tensioner pulley/bearings along with a new belt.

 

Rear bumper ordered set to arrived tomorrow. What do you mean ordered….



https://trail-gear.com/armor/bumpers/rear-bumpers/rock-defense-1996-2002-4runner-rear-bumper-1.html

Coming to a point where my free time is minimal due to work/family etc (mainly work) so full custom bumpers are preferred but take too much time. I also needed to consider the fact I plan on pulling a light trailer. So after some consideration I really like the mounting points/construction to the frame with 1996-2002 4runner TG bumpers. So I pulled the trigger.

Not a fan of the side protection hoop aesthetics, so chopping those off and adding a swing out. Just picked up a hinge from a local 4runner owner who went a different route for his diy swing out.




https://truenorthfabrications.com/p...-swingout-diy-kit?_pos=1&_sid=a8677cdd1&_ss=r


Hinge is from a true north kit linked above.
Quick review of the set up, used oil impregnated bronze bushings meaning I’ll need and monitor and add grease as needed. It’s a step in the right direction. Looking back the poly bushings, I used for the tacoma tire gate functioned but did have a small amount of sag when opened and require lifting into place. So it is a slight improvement.

 

I feel you on the time thing! But that will be a sweet looking swing out. I made a bike rack swing out recently using impregnated bushings and it works ok, they have a little play in them. I used some UHMW Polyethylene to help as a guide when closing that works great.

 

Fit checked the bumper, even after some dead blow knocks I can line up one side but can’t line up the other side, thru holes about .5 dia off. Pulled some tape and not seeing anything off on the bumper. Guna try ratchet straps next round.

 

After assessing mods and garage space, decided it’s best to detail out the rack storage first so I could get it out of the garage then transition to the bumper and swing out.

So far welded on some tabs to mount the rifle box and some max trax mounts. Also welded some .500-13 fasteners and angle iron to mount the hi lift.

just need some holes for mounting quick fists for the shovel.

 

Finally got the roof rack back on everything mounts up well.



Added another car seat and back seat driver.

 

CONGRATULATIONS

We just got one of those miniature peoples too last month

 

Ratchet strap did the trick, played with the swing out location.

Bumper be in paint and will be back on the 4runner.

 

Bumper is painted and on. Man I hate that spare location…


Brakes are at the sensor , rather than replacing the pads thought I’d up my game with the tundra brake upgrade next weekend.

 

Few updates:

- Tundra brakes have been installed
- Picked up a front bumper, stinger is going to be chopped off

 

Chopped off the stinger and installed the winch.

 

Got around to installation the trans cooler, I chose to put it inline with the radiator.

Trimmed the grill and re-sprayed the silver matches pretty decent.

 

Looks very clean, nice work.

 

Got real tired of the gx headlights discoloration so been monitoring CL / market place and Picked up a set of oem headlights to give them a refresh. Turn signal lens may need to be swapped. The current installed lights / housing look to have a clean turn signal lens so just might end up swapping those over.

 

Headlights are done

 

Oh no you got a GX

 

Ha that’s what selling the Tacoma got me back in 2020.

from what I’ve heard you got a gx?

 

I do! But it's for baby carrying duty

I ain't gonna mod it at all

 

Made a small pad for the trailer earlier in the year, and finally got around to laying the center.


I’ll feel a lot better on jack stands and no more rolling around in the dirt.



Finally getting around the the trailer! Plan is to tear it down the frame, widen reinforce and upgrade to 3500 lb axle.




On a side note: took the 4runner in for an inspection to add more shit to my todo list.

Few items to note:
- LCA bushings need replacement
- steering rack is leaking
- UCA bushings have slop (SPCs disappointed in how long these have lasted)
- minor wheel bearing noise passenger side
Smaller details

but all in all not bad, got a few things in the works. Picking up some tubing for the swing out this week.

 

Progress will be going slow the next couple of weeks, thanks to a broken fibula.

Swing out fab work is on pause. But hasn’t stopped me from buying parts


LCAs from a 1st gen tacoma plan is to prep and install new bushing and have this ready for the front end tear down….