Sierra Expeditions 5th Gen 4Runner Build

[flyingwil]

In June we got a good deal on a 4runner we just could not pass up, so out with the Honda Pilot, and in with something with 4wd. It had just shy of 54k on the odometer, and had everything we wanted, except that is black in color. Here is our starting point:

Vehicle info: 2013 4Runner Trail Edition.

List of modifications (links to posts):

• De-Chromed
• Methood MR307 Hole Magnesium w/ Monster Valves & 255/80R17 Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX tires
• 3" OME Kit with Camburg UCA's
• ARB Bumper & Warn Zeon 10-s
• Metal Tech Sliders
• More to come...

Just around the corner:

• Skid plates
• Rear Bumper
• Lighting
• RTT and Awning

I will try and keep a current picture of the 4Runner here:

 

[flyingwil]

de-chroming the badges

First thing I did was get rid of the chrome. With it being a black truck, I wanted to keep a bit of the contrast with the badges and opted to use Duplicolor Matte Graphite Metallic Custom Wrap Removable Coating in lieu of the typical Plasti-dip coating. Iopted for this color because it also ties into the Methood wheels as well. The process is the same in applying, just opened a larger selection of color options.

For the rear I did no want to pick off the badges to coat so I opted to mask off and peel.

I did a total of 8 coat to ensure a smooth peel off... Here is what it looks like 8 coats later:

While removing the masking, the wrap starts to come off with it as well.

For the small area's inside the Toyota logo I used a toothpick to remove the unwanted wrap...

Over all it came out pretty good, and it was well worth the $9 for the can of wrap.

Like everything else it always looks better dirty:

 

[flyingwil]

Wheels & Tires

In order to avoid running wheel spacers, new wheels were in order. We chose the new(er) Methood MR307 Hole Magnesiums.

Since this was a great time, and with the wheels off we added Monster Valves from PowerTank. This will allow for rapid inflation and deflation right at the valve stem. Since the 4Runner is also a daily driver, we opted to keep the TPMS and mounted the Monster Valves directly across from the OE stem.

I just need to source a cap so that it doesn't protrude from the wheel as much.

We wrapped the wheels in 255/80R17 Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX tires.

 

[flyingwil]

Lift Kit

We're anxiously awaiting the new OME BP-51's, so for now we're running the Nitrocharger Sport kit untill they release the BP-51's for the 4Runner.

Front:

• Camburg UCA's
• 2887 Coil Springs
• 90010 Nitrocharger Sport front struts
• OME95PF5 trim packer (corrects trim with KDSS)

Rear:

• 2898 Heavy Load Coils
• 60081 Nitrocharger Shocks
• OME661 stone guards

Quick Picture from our test run:

 

[flyingwil]

ARB Bumper & Warn Zeon

Next it was time to install the ARB front Bull Bar fitted with a Zeon winch. I will not bore you with the 70+ steps to install the bumper and winch, just hit on some key points...

When mounting the bumper, we use two 5-gallon buckets to be able to mount the winch to as seen here. We were worried about the Zeon's control pack not fitting and have it removed in this picture for test fitting.

Also note that we clocked the winch to allow for the clutch lever to be reached easily through the ARB bar.

We're using the Warn Zeon 10-s and with the ARB we opted to go for a roller fairlead with Daystar rollers.

With the Warn Zeon control pack mounted near the core support we added an extension, and mounted it to the driver's side wing.

 

[flyingwil]

ARB UVP Skids

Place holder for skid plate info

 

[flyingwil]

Roof Rack

Place holder for roof rack info

 

[flyingwil]

CBI Rear Bumper

Place holder for rear bumper

 

[flyingwil]

Lighting

Place holder for lighting

 

[flyingwil]

Warn Zeon 10-s Rope Installation

We've gotten some calls about how to get the synthetic rope on the drum in the new Zeon winches. What we found was that using a zip tie works about 60% of the time. One of the common mistakes we hear about over the phone is attaching the zip tie tightly DO NOT DO THIS:

DO NOT over tighten Zip tie

Warn has a nice video here:

If only it were as easy as they show in the video. We found that by using a bit of water to lubricate the rope line, (by dipping the attaching loop in a cup of water) it helps the winchline slide through the drum a bit easier. We then use bailing wire (so we do not have to worry about the zip-tie breaking) and attach the bailing wire to a wrench or similar to pull the cable through enough to insert the anchor puck and seat the whinchline.

 

[Adventurous]

Quite the rapid fire build thread! The truck looks awesome. Can't wait to see the rest.

 

[flyingwil]

Quite the rapid fire build thread! The truck looks awesome. Can't wait to see the rest.

Agreed; it kind of has to be that way, especially with suspension components dependent upon the weight of the vehicle. We're trying to build it up in between customer builds.

 

[MTaco]

So far so good! Must be nice having an endless parts supply :sombrero: Can't wait to see the rest!

 

[Willman]

Nice Wil. Love that platform.

 

[cnutco]

Very nice so far!


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