Trigger the 4 Banger Now with T4R action!

So I want to put some sort of undercoating on the T4R while it is still shinny and new. Anyone have any experience with this? A favorite product? Fluidfilm??

Also probably want to go ahead and swap out the LCA bolts with a greasable bolt before they seize. I'm assuming this is an issue as it was on the Taco

 

Two of my bolts are seized and now I have to cut them out. I have heard mixed reviews about the greasable bolts, so do your TW HW before you decide for sure. My plan is to replace with OEM and anti-seize the snot out of them.

 

Is there any shop that is doing rust proofing treatment? Best thing to do once a year IMO.

 

I'm sure there is around here in Colorado. Ordered this today, probably will crawl under the truck and do some work as well depending how it goes...

Fluid Film 11.75 oz. Spray 6-pak

$57 Fluid Film Rust & Corrosion Protection, Metal Surface Penetrant & Lubricant, Marine, Automotive, Industrial, Home, 11.75 Oz Aerosol Spray (Pack of 6)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLTXPX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7eSEzbR90S1K4

 

Really digging the manual shift T case on the new T4R. Wish it was the same on the Taco.

My plan of leaving the T4R stock for a while is waning by the day. Would really like the lift this bad boy! Already want to upgrade the tires too. Nothing to crazy, thinking maybe some Cooper AT3's in a slightly bigger size. Maybe just a leveling kit for now. So much want!!!!

 

Upgraded the headunit today to a touchscreen unit. Nothing to fancy, picked up this unit on Amazon that can be had for under $200 including backup camera

BOSS Audio BVNV9384RC Double Din, Touchscreen, Bluetooth, Navigation/GPS, DVD/CD/MP3/USB/SD AM/FM Car Stereo, 6.2 Inch Digital LCD Monitor, Wireless R

BOSS Audio Systems BVNV9384RC Car GPS Navigation and DVD Player - Double Din, Bluetooth Audio and Calling, 6.2" LCD Touchscreen Monitor, MP3 CD DVD USB SD, Aux-in, AM FM Radio Receiver

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01686P1XK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_RaKZoo16bTGyA



Bluetooth connects to my phone when I get in the truck for handsfree calling and streaming



Plays DVD's, very easy to bypass the parking brake sensor so Molly can get her Strawberry Shortcake fix while we are cruising town



Has integrated GPS. I mounted the antenna on the cowl for maximum signal



Backup camera install was super easy. I threw the camera in the plate to tinker with it, but will mount in the bumper since the downward angle of the All-pro seems to pretty much match the angle that the camera likes



All in all a nice little unit that will have some handy conveniences. The mounting kit and wiring harness adapter along with some research and work ahead of time made for a pretty painless install.


Edit: car audio sure has gotten a lot more complicated since my high school days!

 

There we go, much better.

Pretty impressed that the included hole saw made it through the plate bumper! Don't think it has any life left, but it served its purpose.

 

Alright I am at a crossroads so let's leave it up to TW to decide.

I don't think we are going to lift the Runner for a while, but I have been considering replacing the highway terrains that come on the TRD off-road

So should I throw some stock sizes Hankook Dynapro ATMs on for the time being? This was the first "upgraded tire" that I ran on the Taco and I was happy with them especially in the snow. The are P rated so not super heavy and the ride would be comfy for wifey. There aren't a lot of 275/70 17 options out there and what there is are way overpriced to gain 1/2 of height. It looks like 285's wouldn't fit without major trimming (cap mount chop) which isn't something I'm interested in right now.

Or should I just wait till we decide to lift/ level it and stay with the HT's?

Or plan C and SAS it on 40's

 

Plan C seems to be the way to go!


But seriously, you can also stay in the stock size but get a more agressive looking tire, which will make a lot of difference in look! Look for some used one, and when you are ready to lift it, get the tires that will go with the lift!

 

What happened to crimping a few wires lol? The world I grew up in is gone...

 

Well, not exactly my cup of tea but these running boards were what the wifey wanted for the T4R. They cleaned up very nicely after some fresh paint to black them out and I do admit that they look pretty darn good. Thanks @Coexplorer for hooking me up with an awesome deal!



Also soaked the undercarriage of the runner and the truck with fluidfilm while I was crawling around on the ground. It was a messy job, but glad I did it before winter.

I also made a tire decision for the runner. Who would've thought you could buy tires on Amazon!



We are going to remain a Cooper tires family. Stock size for now. I think these will be a great tire in the winter and a comfy daily driver.

 

What wifey wants, wifey gets. Looks good1

 

Time to go camping!

 

What bed rack is that? Looks great...need me one

 

@Gramps had it custom made years ago and it has been well traveled since. I think mine is the 4th or 5th truck it has been on. Works great to get the spare out from under the truck or in the bed when camping or off-roading. I leave it off the majority of the time so I can have full use of the bed. Uses the bedrail cleats to mount which makes for an easy on and off. I need to add some Rotopax gas and water containers on the sides at some point.

 

I am getting a welder this fall, looks like a good first project

 

Well, I would call Molly's first camping trip a success. We headed up to Chinns lake with some friends this weekend. The trail to get to the lake was very rocky and bumpy, but nothing technical. A stock Taco would be able to make it up no problem.

We got up to the lake a little later than planned and had difficulty finding a spot at first. Luckily we were able to find a few spots to squeeze in the trucks and setup camp.



We ended up having a nice secluded spot amongst the late summer crowd. Sadly, the campsite we used and much of the surrounding area has been trashed with beer cans, caps, broken bottles, trash and shell casings. I love to party and shoot as much as the next guy, but come on people pick up after yourselves! We left the site better than we found it at least.



Molly as always made herself right at home.



I was very happy with this Coleman air bed cot combo. You get the support and off ground sleeping of a cot, with the extra cushion of an air mattress without being to thick to make it feel like you are sleeping on a trampoline.

$150 Coleman Camping Cots for Adults with Camping Air Mattress, Folding Air Mattresses Set, Battery-Operated Pump & Side Table for Outdoor Comfort

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AU6AVLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_oFEMzb9FBFXB9


Saw a lot of trout realed up while we were there, but had to take off earlier than expected so I didn't get a chance to throw a line in the water. We'll get a chance next time.

 

Perfect first project! Let me know if you want any more detailed pics or measurements.

 

The scene seems perfect! I glad you and Molly had a good time! Hope she will wants to do it again!

 

She has already been asking "dadda, when we going to the camping again?" I think she is hooked