Moon Landing's Mods

Dealer did the install so no first hand experience but based on all the videos I've viewed it's fairly simple and very straight forward. The majority of my roughly 7 to 800 pound load will be constant. Because it's to damn much work to load and unload. Once the bags are deflated to the minimum required 5psi you won't know they are there. But you'll absolutely love what they do when the truck is loaded. I recommend going with single inflation, in place of Firestones kit which calls for inflating each bag independently. Personal choice for varied reasons.

 

Haha! I leave most of my stuff in the 4Runner 24/7 as well. When you skip town every other weekend, it just makes sense.

I could see a use for independent inflation if you're loaded much heavier on one side. But, I try my best to balance my load.

I might go this route eventually. I do have heavy load springs, so sag isn't really an issue. My main benefit would be to soften it up a bit on the rare occasion that I travel light.

Although, part of me thinks that beefier rear shocks might be what I really need. I should probably talk to an expert before I change anything. But, it's not in the budget for a year or 2 anyway. So, I'm just interested in learning about my options in the meantime.

I look forward to hearing your comments as you get more miles on them!

 

Good points, all. Long term review? That'll be the proof in the pudding. In an effort to not have to replace the OEM FOX system I've spent $500.00 for parts. Just under $400.00 for Westcott's body lift, and $100.00 on the bags versus 3 to 5K to replace the FOX system with OME or Dobinsons. Was it the right thing to do? Who knows, but it's done

 

$100 for the airbags, installed? What am I missing?

 

$100.00 cost of bags(parts). DIY install....your time 0 $'s. Installed by other, $200 to $400.00 depending upon who one chooses to do it?

 

Next addition - diff skid. Ordered but it's a few weeks out.

https://c4fabrication.com/products/4runner-differential-skid-5th-gen-2010

Edit: Installed

 

Looking good. Can’t wait to get my LR ORP delivered. Give us an update when you get off-road on how the airbags handle. I’m curious if they will react similar to my Tacoma install with being 1 lined together and that’s my plan for the 4Runner.

 

Will do

 

Air bag fill, update. 10psi for the 'all the time cargo' was too squishy. Moved it up to 15psi. Much better. Will update if future changes in psi(with same amount of load) are needed.

 

@Moon Landing nice build. I like the selves they give the back a clean look.

 

Thank you sir

 

208.8 mile parts run on the new 285 E's. Combo highway/city (max highway speed 60 mph) - heavily enforced

Not bad..............eh

My take on the 4R's 5 speed transmission. Again, this is my take. With stock OEM equipped(265/70/R17's)the trans is narrowly what I'd call a 5 speed. Unless you live where Mother Earth is as flat as a pancake. Now, install 285/70/R17's(or taller)and a few hundred pounds, and the trans becomes a 4 speed w/overdrive. Why say? Any semblance of a pull(grade)in 5th will cause the trans to kick down automatically. Which means for the sake of the trans, and to stop it from searching, it should be manually shifted into 4th, until the pull is over. None of this means anything is wrong with the equipment, it simply means I need to adapt to the equipment, and not expect it to adapt to my expectations. That's my take.

 

Installed an S&B this morning. Put about an hours drive time on post install. Will update this post once I've had enough time with it to have an honest opinion.

Anyone considering installing one, give a holler if you're interested in some minute, but helpful, install tips not covered by S&B's pdf, or any online videos I found. It's a simple install but shouldn't be rushed.

 

Looks nice! You need to get it dirty to match the rest of the engine compartment!

 

So noted Just keeping it real Around here dust like that can happen in a few hours, parked

 

Lol!

Looking forward to hearing about the results! I hope it performs as good as it looks!

 

Mate, glad you're enjoying the E rated Toyo's. I have the exact same, and have the exact same thoughts. I feel like the 4Runner is more stable on the road.

You mentioned 4 speed with overdrive, and I couldn't agree with you more. Part of the problem is that these tyres are quite heavy. I'll take it though. We noticed the difference immediately after putting them on.

Nice job on the build. Keep the pics coming.

Cheers,

Sean

 

How’s the intake working out for you?

 

Are you hoping to get any performance gains with the new intake?

 

It's installed but no performance observations to offer - other than - it takes far less pedal to accelerate from a dead stop. That's worth something. I think.

Only performance I'm looking for is an engine that breaths easier with a filter that filters exceptionally well. Look closely and you'll see it's also wearing a sock. Money well spent over the long hall. imo

 

You've done a really nice build. Hope it all works perfectly as you enjoy some great travels. Thanks for sharing your info. I hadn't really been thinking about any lift , but now the Wescott is seeming like a good value that will actually improve on-road drive and reduce dive and "floatiness." I'm thinking of driving out there and having them do the installs. I tried to get a TRD CAI but apparently it's no longer available; your solution looks like a reasonable one so I'll be following to see what you think after putting some miles on it. Also it's really good to see some use of the stock Pro roof rack, albeit those fasteners are a little spendy. Did you consider the ARB awnings, especially the aluminum box versions (which might be too long)?

Safe travels.

 

How in the heck did you manage 21MPG? haha never seen anything close to it on mine

 

Thank you. Appreciate it

Considered several awnings. With Toyota's 110 pound total 'Pro rack' weight limit, poundage added - adds up quickly. At 22 pounds plus clamps, I figured it would give me ample shade for my needs. And yes, the boxes are pricy but two of them weigh less than one of most others offered.

 

I'm lucky?

Seriously. Hundreds of thousands of driving miles and the best driving teacher a guy could have ever had(Dad)likely play a huge role in it. Or, I got the one in a million Runner?

 

Arrived late today.......prep and paint tomorrow and the next day, if need be. Then install.

 

Very good thread, Moon...

Do you have a list of what you have done to this point? Pro and Cons (if any) of each and would you do anything different up to now...

Im slowly starting my build. Been a real challenge convincing the wife to let me do it. But it is happening

 

Thanks "List?" No sir....perhaps one day?

"Pros and cons" I'm a little surprised how soft the '21 TRD Pro FOX suspension is once put to work(loading kit weight), but, it is what it is.

I'm happy with the choices made as it relates to vendor mods with the exception of one. Having not contacted them about my concern, I'll not burn them here because it's a minor quality control issue which doesn't impact the mods function, but how poorly(crooked) the parts were jigged before welding.

Personal mistakes. Hindsight says there was a better way for me to have secured the front of my leveling platform, and I 'will' address that should the need to remove it ever become necessary. While it works as planned, there was a better way and it didn't dawn on me until after the fact.

With that said and considering the last 4x4 build I did was a 440 Power Wagon back in the 70's, things have gone pretty well, overall.

Good luck with your build and don't hesitate to ask lots of questions along the way There are a ton of knowledgeable people on this forum. Of which, I'm not one........I just do 'a lot' of research.

 

Hello, Jer,

Which size window screen fits best, and did you check out any others? Thanks in advance. When are you heading out and do you have a general "route" or list of destinations yet? And how is the CAI working out?

 

Just catching up on this thread. Awesome build.!

 

Hey Moon, have you done any lighting upgrades? If so, which one was most beneficial?