Putting a cage on a 3rd gen runner for a friend in our club. I'm looking for some input specifically on x-bracing and cowl bars. This particular truck has the power sunroof, which we would like to keep functional, so x-bracing directly behind the front seats (which would be best) is not really a good option, so I'm considering bracing behind the rear seats.
Also looking for some pics of peoples rigs with decent cowl bars, as the hood shape is totally different from mine (1st gen runner).

Here's a few pics of what's going on

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/966dc458.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/dcb96427.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/0b457b5f.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/70fb6847.jpg

My cowl bar for comparison:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/70defc89.jpg

I've searched and spent too much time going through threads on tacomas, never finding what I'm looking for. Yes, I've seen Mossyrocks thread.

Looking for some more first hand knowledge in dealing with these specific areas...

Two days and only 11 threads ahead of this thread with no replies? This sub-forum sucks! :flipoff2:

The FAQ is lame too, nothing like the early toyota forum...

At least I know not to come here for 3rd gen 4runner info... :shaking:

damn, that looks like shit, tube/fenders arent even close, cut it off and start over!!:flipoff2:

Maybe because I have only seen one other 3rd gen besides mossy with a exo, its more wing it and post pics than ask how to do it with the newer stuff. Looks :grinpimp: tho!

I'm sure you're right, there aren't a lot of these out there. I figured if it had been done before I'd find it on Pirate.

The cage has been put back on the truck, minus the cowl bar. We're going to try again on the cowlbar with a different approach to try and get it tighter, and some type of x-bracing will be added in the future. It will either go behind the back seats, or behind the sunroof which will no longer be operational. It's up to him...
In any case as this thread gets updated, maybe it will help the next guy down the road...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/d538b326.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z138/89trailrunner/c57fb644.jpg

I think something like this would look best but you would need to have a roller or have somebody roll it for you.

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/tacoma-windshield-p-285.html

As for the X brace I think behind the rear seat would be fine plus you wouldnt lose any leg room for back seat occupants.

Two days and only 11 threads ahead of this thread with no replies? This sub-forum sucks! :flipoff2:

The FAQ is lame too, nothing like the early toyota forum...

At least I know not to come here for 3rd gen 4runner info... :shaking:

honestly, it looks awful. its way to far off the body and the fender bars dont even try to mimic the fenders

I think something like this would look best but you would need to have a roller or have somebody roll it for you.

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/tacoma-windshield-p-285.html

As for the X brace I think behind the rear seat would be fine plus you wouldnt lose any leg room for back seat occupants.

thanks for the link. I don't know anyone with a roller, but that is definitely cool, I sent him the link

honestly, it looks awful. its way to far off the body and the fender bars dont even try to mimic the fenders

thanks for the unsolicited criticism. I wasn't asking if you liked it, but that's ok. The owner loves it, that's what counts. Flop your truck and see what happens :flipoff2:

And FYI, they match the fenders, just not the rhino-lining! :smokin:

And FYI, they match the fenders, just not the rhino-lining! :smokin:

Now I see what you mean. That Rhino-lining makes your work look like crap. to bad that shit doesnt come off.

And FYI, they match the fenders, just not the rhino-lining! :smokin:

okay, nevermind i see now...i take back my rude comment:D i know what you mean about exos, trust me, i understand your 'flop your truck and see what happens' comment...

I know mine is a Taco but the cowl should be the same. We kind of rolled mine forward and did the bends further out than you did. It works pretty well and I have had my windshield replaced once since it has been on the truck and the glass shop said it was no problem working around the cage. I want to redo a bunch of mine and put an X behind the front seats. My cage flex's enough that I occasionally knock out the extra cab glass.

Best looking 4Runner I've seen:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=767801&highlight=96+4runner

In any case as this thread gets updated, maybe it will help the next guy down the road...



funny how i stumbled on this randomly :D still no input from anyone though. i have plenty of solid ideas just wanted to see what was out there. and yes ive seen the mossy runner :flipoff2:

I went behind my front seats with the "X" and didnt hurt the sunroof.

how come know one likes my exo:( mossy how did you do it without interfering with the sunroof?

how come know one likes my exo:( mossy how did you do it without interfering with the sunroof?

cause its ugly, like most exos.

just go through as close to the doors as possible. And get lucky...