SteveO
04-30-2007, 11:48 AM
Yup, you read correctly, Its my daily driver. I drive about 90 miles a day in this rig.
So, here is the skinny on the rig:
Interior:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/Int/console01_.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdInt.html)
Center console Kenwood MP3/CD/XM player with Auxiliary port for that electric guitar I like to bring on camping trips
Center console mounted Cobra CB w/ a Wilson 1000 antenna
Center console inline SWR Meter
Electric Line Lock for rear brakes
Dash mounted Inclinometer
Dash mounted GPS
Remote Winch rocker switch
Dual Battery switch with Dual Battery Digital Display
ARB pump and Front locker switch
Power Tank mounted in bracket near rear door
Leather seats, they help when the pucker factor goes up
Drive Train stuff:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/DT/Gears/61_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdDT.html)
Stock 3.4L V6
4spd Automatic Transmission
Multi-matic transfer case with Full time 4WD
Downey Cone Air Filter Charger
Automatic Transmission cooler
High-Angle Front Driveshaft with CV on top end
Tom Woods 1/8" wall Rear driveshaft
FrontRange Off Road Transfer case mount
Optima Blue Top Deep Cycle battery
Painless Circuit Boss for Dual battery setup
Optima Red Top mounted above rear axle in a custom bracket
Front Suspension and Axle:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/FrtSusp/CurrentSetup/04_.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdFrSusp.html)
'87 Grand Wagoneer Axle
Crane Diff cover
ARB Air Locker
Yukon 4.88 gears
Yukon 4340 Chromoly Inner axles
Warn 4340 Chromoly outer axles
Longfield super joints
Warn Premium hubs w/hub fuses (these work very well)
'76 Flat Top knuckles, milled drilled and tapped by Parts Mike
Spicer Ball joints
Custom Steering stabilizer mount on axle
Rancho Steering stabilizer
Custom Pan-Hard mount on Axle and Frame
Custom Pan-Hard bar with 5/8" Rod-Ends on each end
12" FOX shocks 2" diameter
Eibach 14" lower coils, 350lbs
Eibach 10" middle coils, 250lbs
6" Tender leafs
Custom strut brace for Coil suspension towers across engine bay
BTF Shock mounts
Sky Manufacturing plates for frame braces
Custom bump stop mounts
12" Limit Straps
Extended stainless steel-braided brake lines
Custom bottom links, 2" .250(~1/4" thick) wall, sleeved with 1.5" .250 wall (angle towards center of vehicle to help clear the tires when turning)
Custom single top link, 1.5" .250 wall
Custom rubber bushing link mounts on axle
Currie Johnny Joints on frame mounted links
Custom removable cross member for 3 links
Steering:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/FrtSusp/SAS/28_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdSAS.html)
Flaming River Steering shaft
'94 IFS Steering box
Bentup High-pressure steering hoses
In line Power Steering Fluid cooler
Parts Mike Drag link (Hi-steer)
Parts Mike Tie-Rod
Parts Mike Tie-Rod Ends
Parts Mike Drop Pitman arm with large GM taper
Parts Mike 1.5" thick Super Arms
Rear Suspension and Axle:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/RrSusp/leafs/67a_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdRrSusp.html)
All-Pro 5.5" leaf spring packs (ripped out the coils)
All-Pro Johnny joint rear shackles
Custom extended rear bump stops
Factory Locking diff
RORE rear locker actuator guard
All-Pro diff guard
Rancho 9k adjustable shocks, mounted on top of the axle
FrontRange Off Road Full Floating Axle kit with Moser 4340 Axles and Disc brakes
Custom track bar with Johnny joint
Exterior parts:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/Ext/Tires/03_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdExt.html)
1" Roger Brown Body Lift (best on the market)
Custom front tube bumper with winch tucked in tight
Warn 9k winch w/ synthetic rope and custom security lock to prevent free spool of winch line.
Winch has engine compartment mounted relays and cabin Remote controls with safety switch.
Off Road Solutions Rock Sliders
Custom rear Ghetto rear bumper, made in a quick afternoon
Centramatic wheel balancers
Goodyear MT/R 37x12.5x15
Unique Black Rock Crawler wheels, 15x10
Confer Roof Rack (needs a paint job)
Turn signals moved to Parking lights location
Custom Gas tank skid plate
So what is the result of this grocery list of items, you ask? Well....it does really well off-road, on-road, and on the highway.
Actually, it does incredibly well off-road. During my last visit to Moab, my wife and I had an excellent time in the sand stone. We ran Pritchett Canyon and did the famous Rocker Knocker. What was really amazing was that we made it look easy. Granted, the rig was leaning quite a bit...it still kept its balance and literally walked the obstacle. I was quite impressed with how it handled the lean.
See the video clip:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-UT-Pritchett%20Canyon/album/thumbs/P7050301.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-UT-Pritchett%20Canyon/album/SteveO_Moabs_Rocker_Knocker.wmv)
Tank trap is a favorite local trail that provides some obstacles that are pretty cool. Now that I have some decent height, I was able to get upon some obstacles, but backed down for fear of rolling it off into the drink of the Trap filled with really nasty smelling water. I suppose I could have made it, but my fear was telling me to try it another day. So, I passed it up and will take it on some other time. My point is, I am finding that this 4Runner is capable of more obstacles than I can currently handle. While the obstacles I do try, I find that they are rarely even obstacles any more.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-NM-Tank%20Trap/album/thumbs/IMG_0165.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-NM-Tank%20Trap/album/index.html)
There is such a world of difference between the IFS and the beef of a solid axle. When I was still IFS, I was not heavy on the throttle when climbing obstacles, it was just too hard for the half shafts to pull the weight of this rig, so they broke in two. The last time I was on the scales, I weighed in at 5000lbs. This was with a ? tank of gas, one person, and a few items in the back. It did not even include the regular trail gear I take with me when on the trail. Basically, it is a heavy PIG. However, despite this weight, I am still able to maintain 20MPG when driving conservatively. During my last trip to Moab, we kept the speed at about 60MPH and I was able to pull in 20MPG. This was with a loaded 4Runner: 3 dogs, 2 people, camping gear up on the roof-rack and in the back. I estimate we were weighing in around 5900lbs, quite a bit; I am really happy I have the Full Floater in the back.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2005/2005-UT-Moab%20Wilderness%20Parks/album/thumbs/Maze%20309.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2005/2005-UT-Moab%20Wilderness%20Parks/album/slides/Maze%20309.html)
Some folks have said they thought this was the most capable 3rd generation 4Runner yet. I am humbled by such comments and I am grateful to have such a cool rig. One thing I am trying to do is to take care of it. I do not particularly enjoy flogging it because I think you can have more fun getting more places with finesse. That is not to say I do not get on the skinny pedal if the circumstances are right, but its pretty rare. I suppose this 3rd Gen 4Runner could be one of the most capable, but I know so much has to do with the driver and their skills. I have been wheeling since before I was legal to drive, and I thoroughly enjoy this sport. I really see it as man and machine working together to overcome the elements by testing their ability to maneuver a machine across some very difficult obstacles without breaking the machine or the man.
Since I have been wheeling since I was a kid, for me, this is living the dream.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/img/misc/Steve0_YotatechTour_2006.jpg
So, here is the skinny on the rig:
Interior:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/Int/console01_.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdInt.html)
Center console Kenwood MP3/CD/XM player with Auxiliary port for that electric guitar I like to bring on camping trips
Center console mounted Cobra CB w/ a Wilson 1000 antenna
Center console inline SWR Meter
Electric Line Lock for rear brakes
Dash mounted Inclinometer
Dash mounted GPS
Remote Winch rocker switch
Dual Battery switch with Dual Battery Digital Display
ARB pump and Front locker switch
Power Tank mounted in bracket near rear door
Leather seats, they help when the pucker factor goes up
Drive Train stuff:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/DT/Gears/61_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdDT.html)
Stock 3.4L V6
4spd Automatic Transmission
Multi-matic transfer case with Full time 4WD
Downey Cone Air Filter Charger
Automatic Transmission cooler
High-Angle Front Driveshaft with CV on top end
Tom Woods 1/8" wall Rear driveshaft
FrontRange Off Road Transfer case mount
Optima Blue Top Deep Cycle battery
Painless Circuit Boss for Dual battery setup
Optima Red Top mounted above rear axle in a custom bracket
Front Suspension and Axle:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/FrtSusp/CurrentSetup/04_.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdFrSusp.html)
'87 Grand Wagoneer Axle
Crane Diff cover
ARB Air Locker
Yukon 4.88 gears
Yukon 4340 Chromoly Inner axles
Warn 4340 Chromoly outer axles
Longfield super joints
Warn Premium hubs w/hub fuses (these work very well)
'76 Flat Top knuckles, milled drilled and tapped by Parts Mike
Spicer Ball joints
Custom Steering stabilizer mount on axle
Rancho Steering stabilizer
Custom Pan-Hard mount on Axle and Frame
Custom Pan-Hard bar with 5/8" Rod-Ends on each end
12" FOX shocks 2" diameter
Eibach 14" lower coils, 350lbs
Eibach 10" middle coils, 250lbs
6" Tender leafs
Custom strut brace for Coil suspension towers across engine bay
BTF Shock mounts
Sky Manufacturing plates for frame braces
Custom bump stop mounts
12" Limit Straps
Extended stainless steel-braided brake lines
Custom bottom links, 2" .250(~1/4" thick) wall, sleeved with 1.5" .250 wall (angle towards center of vehicle to help clear the tires when turning)
Custom single top link, 1.5" .250 wall
Custom rubber bushing link mounts on axle
Currie Johnny Joints on frame mounted links
Custom removable cross member for 3 links
Steering:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/FrtSusp/SAS/28_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdSAS.html)
Flaming River Steering shaft
'94 IFS Steering box
Bentup High-pressure steering hoses
In line Power Steering Fluid cooler
Parts Mike Drag link (Hi-steer)
Parts Mike Tie-Rod
Parts Mike Tie-Rod Ends
Parts Mike Drop Pitman arm with large GM taper
Parts Mike 1.5" thick Super Arms
Rear Suspension and Axle:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/RrSusp/leafs/67a_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdRrSusp.html)
All-Pro 5.5" leaf spring packs (ripped out the coils)
All-Pro Johnny joint rear shackles
Custom extended rear bump stops
Factory Locking diff
RORE rear locker actuator guard
All-Pro diff guard
Rancho 9k adjustable shocks, mounted on top of the axle
FrontRange Off Road Full Floating Axle kit with Moser 4340 Axles and Disc brakes
Custom track bar with Johnny joint
Exterior parts:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/OR/99_4Runner_Ltd/Ext/Tires/03_.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/99RunLtdExt.html)
1" Roger Brown Body Lift (best on the market)
Custom front tube bumper with winch tucked in tight
Warn 9k winch w/ synthetic rope and custom security lock to prevent free spool of winch line.
Winch has engine compartment mounted relays and cabin Remote controls with safety switch.
Off Road Solutions Rock Sliders
Custom rear Ghetto rear bumper, made in a quick afternoon
Centramatic wheel balancers
Goodyear MT/R 37x12.5x15
Unique Black Rock Crawler wheels, 15x10
Confer Roof Rack (needs a paint job)
Turn signals moved to Parking lights location
Custom Gas tank skid plate
So what is the result of this grocery list of items, you ask? Well....it does really well off-road, on-road, and on the highway.
Actually, it does incredibly well off-road. During my last visit to Moab, my wife and I had an excellent time in the sand stone. We ran Pritchett Canyon and did the famous Rocker Knocker. What was really amazing was that we made it look easy. Granted, the rig was leaning quite a bit...it still kept its balance and literally walked the obstacle. I was quite impressed with how it handled the lean.
See the video clip:
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-UT-Pritchett%20Canyon/album/thumbs/P7050301.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-UT-Pritchett%20Canyon/album/SteveO_Moabs_Rocker_Knocker.wmv)
Tank trap is a favorite local trail that provides some obstacles that are pretty cool. Now that I have some decent height, I was able to get upon some obstacles, but backed down for fear of rolling it off into the drink of the Trap filled with really nasty smelling water. I suppose I could have made it, but my fear was telling me to try it another day. So, I passed it up and will take it on some other time. My point is, I am finding that this 4Runner is capable of more obstacles than I can currently handle. While the obstacles I do try, I find that they are rarely even obstacles any more.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-NM-Tank%20Trap/album/thumbs/IMG_0165.JPG (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2006/2006-NM-Tank%20Trap/album/index.html)
There is such a world of difference between the IFS and the beef of a solid axle. When I was still IFS, I was not heavy on the throttle when climbing obstacles, it was just too hard for the half shafts to pull the weight of this rig, so they broke in two. The last time I was on the scales, I weighed in at 5000lbs. This was with a ? tank of gas, one person, and a few items in the back. It did not even include the regular trail gear I take with me when on the trail. Basically, it is a heavy PIG. However, despite this weight, I am still able to maintain 20MPG when driving conservatively. During my last trip to Moab, we kept the speed at about 60MPH and I was able to pull in 20MPG. This was with a loaded 4Runner: 3 dogs, 2 people, camping gear up on the roof-rack and in the back. I estimate we were weighing in around 5900lbs, quite a bit; I am really happy I have the Full Floater in the back.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2005/2005-UT-Moab%20Wilderness%20Parks/album/thumbs/Maze%20309.jpg (http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2005/2005-UT-Moab%20Wilderness%20Parks/album/slides/Maze%20309.html)
Some folks have said they thought this was the most capable 3rd generation 4Runner yet. I am humbled by such comments and I am grateful to have such a cool rig. One thing I am trying to do is to take care of it. I do not particularly enjoy flogging it because I think you can have more fun getting more places with finesse. That is not to say I do not get on the skinny pedal if the circumstances are right, but its pretty rare. I suppose this 3rd Gen 4Runner could be one of the most capable, but I know so much has to do with the driver and their skills. I have been wheeling since before I was legal to drive, and I thoroughly enjoy this sport. I really see it as man and machine working together to overcome the elements by testing their ability to maneuver a machine across some very difficult obstacles without breaking the machine or the man.
Since I have been wheeling since I was a kid, for me, this is living the dream.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/img/misc/Steve0_YotatechTour_2006.jpg