New guy

Hello everyone. I'm 04Run&Gun. Been a member for years over at t4r.org. My 04 was rear ended and totaled a few years ago. Had a Bilstein 5100 with OME 885s up front, Bilstein 5100 with toytec super flex in back, 32s. I bent the rear axle housing at one point and replaced the whole unit with one from an fj with a locker. I loved that thing but after losing it I was pretty bummed and didn't want to start over so I bought a already "fixed" up 06 Tacoma. It wasn't fixed lol. Inchworm lefty t-case that popped out of gear, stage 1 URD S/C that wasn't installed properly. Well IT was but the exhaust cam gears that came with the ucon weren't, one of them was off a tooth. Fixed that, I made it stage two and burned up the factory clutch. Replaced it with URD stage 2 clutch with heavy flywheel. Hurst speed shifter, it was fun but after all that I wanted something that I felt would be completely reliable hands down without worry. Lol so I bought an 03 4Runner sport with the 4.7 for $4500 and 245k miles. The 4lo actuator is seized but it has taken me everywhere I've needed to take it, then home and back to work without a problem. It's my daily driver and weekend worrier rig. I've had it for a little over five years, it now has about 320k miles on it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to put much into it since it's got such high mileage but recently with prices of vehicles I've decided to keep it, use it and restore it over time. Things are a little different between the v6 and v8 and new suspension products have become available since I was modifying the 04. So far I've come across oem spec lower control arms (super pro?) that have different bushings to the frame and are designed to provide better alignment adjustments. I've also seen CV axles that (I guess) extend a little to help with travel. Other suspension products that weren't as available are dobinsons and other"extended" travel shocks.
I think my goal is going to be a budget yet efficient build. I noticed with my 04 and even the Tacoma which had icon coilovers. In order to achieve lift much down travel/droop was lost. This go round I think I'm going to do a 2"-1" instead of a 3"-2". Maybe/probably a 1/2" body lift in order to clear tires. Armor is ridiculous $$$ as much as I want bumpers and sliders I think I'll just get a roof rack. I'm thinking about 255/75/17s. I haven't really seen this tire size in use, anyone? Lol anyways, little more than introducing myself, glad to be a member thanks for having me.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Travis, have some pictures? Do a "before & after" thing.. thanx.

 

welcome

 

Thank you for the welcomes. I'll get some pictures going before too long. Recently I replaced my fan clutch and fan because I was experiencing an annoying loudness that could only be compared to a Ford E-fan lol. I'm also currently 300 miles and 3 gallons in to a transmission fluid drain and fill. Gotta say one huge perk to having an 03 is a drain plug and dipstick on the trans. I would like to know the cheapest/easiest and most accurate way to read tranny temp. I'm sure it works but with its age and milage the thought of a new cooler crossed my mind. Bigger looked like a good idea but mountain looked to be an issue. Probably just stick with oem if it's even needed.
On another subject, what's the general consensus of the trakmotive CV axles and the superpro LCAs? Once I decide on springs and shocks I want to go with JBA UCAs and superpro LCAs but it seems the boots on the trakmotives don't hold up due to their extending design. How do they fair vs 5th Gen OEM CVAs?

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Hello and a warm welcome.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome back! That is an uncommon tire size...I have the 255/80/17 for a skinny 33 and they're great...I'm on a 2.5" lift on Icons, myself...

 

Do you have any pictures? I'm very curious

 

Ya brother let's see those pics pls shareeee

 

Here are a few...







Shoed in Cooper ST MAXX on FJ anniversary wheels...

 

What offset? I had some BFG 33/10.5s on the Tacoma and they looked way skinnier. According to the tire comparison chart your 255/80s are 33/10s. My BFGs were on I think pro comp steel rims with spider tracks 1.5"s
Good looking rig BTW. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the armor thread. Thank you for additional photos.

 

I'm not certain on the offset...the wheels are near identical to the 2013 4runner Trail Edition 6-shooter wheels (I use those for winter wheels) I'll look tomorrow what the offset is. I do have 1.25" spidertrax spacers on the front...took them off the back and like it better. Zero issues. I did use a heat gun and massaged the inner fenders so now no rubbing...

 

Heat gun, that's a great idea. Did you have the spider tax on in these photos? The back looks like they stick out a little. If that's the case you don't need to worry about finding the offset. I'm trying to figure out what offset will net some skinnies flush with the fenders.

 

Spidertrax on the front in the photos, not all photos with on back...they barely slip past fenders...1" or .75" would be ideal for true flush. For the rear, without spacers, they're flush, now. I'll get more photos tomorrow for ya...best tire size IMHO!

 

Cool thank you. I'm thinking like -18mm but I need to search more.