Not much of a story to tell here. Have a 100 series, I use it for towing my quad, hauling gear and other everyday stuff...going to turn it into an expo rig!

First off, I am going to make a custom roof rack! I'm not down to pay $1000+ for a roof rack setup so I asked a friend to teach me how to weld. I am going to make the roof rack myself. Nothing too special, just a simple roof rack which is low profile, I will however add multiple tie down points so I can travel with my gear safely secured:D

Any help on roof rack ideas would be nice! I bought some ARB 100 series mounting feet for $85 so that should save a lot of fab work!

So far only a snorkel, mesh grille with TOYOTA badge, Nitto TG 305's. This weekend it will get some black LX470 wheels mounted up:D

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/DSC07053.jpg

hard to believe that body style is a dozen years old now.... Time will tell how well they hold up in the long term as people pick them up for expo and rock rigs with all the fancy gadgets inside..

looking forward to progress pics..

hard to believe that body style is a dozen years old now.... Time will tell how well they hold up in the long term as people pick them up for expo and rock rigs with all the fancy gadgets inside..

looking forward to progress pics..

I know, maybe toyota should have just made minor changes and kept the 100 series for a couple more years instead of making the 200 series

Sneak peek at this weekends addition:D

Wheel with primer...stay tuned

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_13211.jpg

...so I asked a friend to teach me how to weld.
The expo section is obviously attracting new members. Welcome.

Just an update on the wheels=) Rainy weather has slowed me down

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=503126&stc=1&d=1300586060

I feel like I have multiple ongoing projects with this truck...currently have a modular roof rack build and a drawer build. Roof rack is getting pc'd! But the drawers I got a start on today
I have been sketching diagrams and calculated the proper dimensions for each wood piece...went to home depot, got them cut from 1.125" thick tongue and groove board. When making sketches and diagrams, measure and remeasure constantly! The more planning you have, the less you have to throw materials on the ground later on haha

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1379.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1380.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1381.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1382.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1383.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1384.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1385.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1386.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1387.jpg

Almost done! Just need to cover up the sides, got templates traced out from cardboard and drew them onto the wood. Also made templates for the main drawer face so it follows the countours of the 100 series' bottom tailgate panels.The blade on my jigsaw is dull so I can't finish them tonight. Drawer is covered up in the subwoofer carpet, what do you guys think so far? I did not feel the need to cover the entire drawer setup with carpet...only the parts that are going to be exposed

What stores sell polythylene? I'd rather not order online and play the waiting game!

More suggestions welcome and needed;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1408.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1406.jpg

Future location for two 8" JL audio W3's. I could have had a triple box made, but I want to see how good two 8's are first.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1405.jpg

I thought this was a good spot for the amplifier
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1403.jpg

Tight tolerances and proper planning led to a snug fit. The plastic trim helps keep the subwoofer box surround in place.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1401.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i308/LJ_Yay_Area/4runner%20and%20Land%20Cruiser/IMG_1400.jpg

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=506988&stc=1&d=1301535092

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=506989&stc=1&d=1301535409

Looks good so far.

Looks OEM now:D

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=508022&stc=1&d=1301806115
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=508025&stc=1&d=1301806594
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=508027&stc=1&d=1301806666

Added some things:)

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=512312&stc=1&d=1302919402

nice

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/80%20Series%20LC%20LED/IMG_1650.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/80%20Series%20LC%20LED/IMG_1652.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/80%20Series%20LC%20LED/IMG_1649.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/80%20Series%20LC%20LED/IMG_1648.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/80%20Series%20LC%20LED/IMG_1636.jpg

Eager to see more. :smokin:

So I finally got around to doing the HID conversion to my hella fog lights. I decided that I do not want those funky switches that clutter the interior. I have a plan for the four fog lights to be powered by the two original wires that connect to the oem fog lights. Not sure about ARB, but I know that this upgrade would be good for those who run the slee and BIOR bumper because they scrap the oem fog lights and you can use the oem wiring to power new fog lights. I did not ground the wire that allows the fogs to be run along with the hi beams but I will address that issue later. I finished two fog lights today and I ordered another harness so I can add the other two next week when I do my projector retrofit


Parts:
1. 4x Hella 700 ff
2. 35w 6000k HID kit
3. The retrofit source wiring harness...this type of harness will be convenient...more details soon

So on to the tech portion of this thread

Starting with a CLEAN work station. I am using HELLA 700ff's so taking apart the light may be different based on your headlight...


Take apart the housing by unscrewing the screw that is located at the bottom of the housing
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2026.jpg

Pry the housing in between the plastic and glass
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2027.jpg


Take out the H3 bulb and unplug all the wiring and mounting positions, including the locking mechanism
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2028.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2029.jpg

HID vs halogen
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2030.jpg

Check if your HID bulb is too long for the fog light
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2031.jpg


Now place the H3 HID bulb and bend the tabs together so that it can be held in place. Make sure it is flush and seated straight.
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2033.jpg

Seal the bulbs surrounding using clear silicone. People are against this but it is easy to peel silicone if the bulb burns out
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2036.jpg

Using the gasket that came with the H3 HID kit, push it down into the silicone. The silicone will spread but level it on top of the gasket. The gasket pushes the silicone into the seams if the gasket is seated flush. This will not be seen anyways. Make sure gasket is submerged into the silicone after it is pushed down
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2037.jpg

Now on to the rear portion of the housing/outer casing. Drill a hole that is big enough to let the wiring through the back, since the HID bulb's wiring is longer than the halogen. The hole also needs to be big enough to accommodate the rubber boot that came with the HID bulbs.
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2044.jpg


Now the real fun begins. I had an HID kit installed with a relay so I will do a how to when I add the second relay. Remember that I will use the two oem wiring outputs to power the four hella lights. The harness that I am using is the key..more on that later


Plug in the HID kit's ballasts to the original fog light wiring, and plug in the HID bulbs into the ballasts. Now turn on your headlights and oem fog light switch.


Only did two today but...

Here are the night time shots:D

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2055.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2054.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2053.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG_2052.jpg

I need to test them in a darker place...

pictures are in reverse order lol my bad

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2318.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2317.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2316.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2315.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2311.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2309.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2306.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2304.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2300.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2299.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2298.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/quad%20xenon%20retrofit/IMG_2297.jpg

The finished product:D
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=535076&stc=1&d=1309638639
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=535077&stc=1&d=1309638639

What brand are your "factory" lights? The ones installed in place of the true factory head/turn signals.

What brand are your "factory" lights? The ones installed in place of the true factory head/turn signals.

They are depo headlights! I need to open them up again and rotate the projector a little which is going to be a PITA:mad3:

They are depo headlights! I need to open them up again and rotate the projector a little which is going to be a PITA:mad3:

Thanks...they look sweet and mine are cracked so I was looking for some replacements.

Thanks...they look sweet and mine are cracked so I was looking for some replacements.


Do the retrofit no matter what housing you get! Its the newest craze in the hundy forum!


http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/491657-how-hid-projector-retrofit-100-series.html

Angel eyes wired up..sliders getting picked up monday
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=537150&stc=1&d=1310275807

Thanks I'll check it out.

Sliders got picked up today! Excited:D

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=537930&stc=1&d=1310449487

The sliders have been installed:D

P.S., do not buy a dremel, you will quickly get addicted to trimming off any part of your truck that annoys you...lol

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=538326&stc=1&d=1310567778
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=538327&stc=1&d=1310567778
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=538271&stc=1&d=1310531833
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=538277&stc=1&d=1310534073

That thing is starting to look like it means business:D

That thing is starting to look like it means business:D

Lol Sliders change it up, now I do not have to stare at that faded chassis! :grinpimp:

Next up is the rear tire carrier and rear bumper so I have somewhere to put my 90's 4runner license plate holder:D

So I am making skidplates...what thickness should the steel that I use be?

So I am making skidplates...what thickness should the steel that I use be?

The ones I make are made of 7ga (for a different platform, but about the same size), which is a little less than 3/16"... Seems to work really well...

Mike

The ones I make are made of 7ga (for a different platform, but about the same size), which is a little less than 3/16"... Seems to work really well...

Mike

Awesome! Do you get them laser cut or do you just cut them with a plasma cutter?

The newest addition, a new bumper! ARB 03+ combination bar. Got it home, barely fit in the back of the truck

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/IMG-20110916-00459.jpg

so damn slick. whole thing looks good.

i think the bumper you have on there currently looks far better than that ARB will. Just my opinion though.

so damn slick. whole thing looks good.

Thank you, more to come:D

i think the bumper you have on there currently looks far better than that ARB will. Just my opinion though.

It has its positives and negatives! I guess I like this better cos I always wanted some bar work:grinpimp:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG-20110924-00547.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG-20110924-00546.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG-20110924-00545.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG-20110924-00544.jpg
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/yay_area_lj/100%20series%20LC/IMG-20110924-00543.jpg

I liked the old bumper better but it's your rig. Drawer system is nice.

I liked the old bumper better but it's your rig. Drawer system is nice.

To each their own I guess?:D

I wish I could redo the drawers but it is too late for that. I still need to finish the drawer system.

Up next:
1. More suspension upgrades(Ironman shocks?) I know they are not highly advertised but I will give them a shot
2. LED light bar to mount on the ARB bumper:grinpimp:

I know this build is REALLY slow but stay tuned fellas:flipoff2:

Decided to go with Bilstein HD shocks

Also need advice on compressors, I have researched but I honestly do not have any experience with compressors. What is a good small compressor that I can mount in my truck?

My next upgrade is the bumpitoffroad.com rear bumper with swingout

stay tuned

we don't do group buys here, sorry. It may be best to edit that post.

we don't do group buys here, sorry. It may be best to edit that post.

will do! Sorry, just wanted to pass of the deal...

editing now

Are you looking to setup an air tank or just the pump?

I have no personal experience with ViAir, but I've heard it's a solid system for mounting under the hood and just bought one myself...I went with the 450.

IIRC, they have 3 models within the 450...Portable, Hooked up to air tank & Continuos based on your application.

Are you looking to setup an air tank or just the pump?

I have no personal experience with ViAir, but I've heard it's a solid system for mounting under the hood and just bought one myself...I went with the 450.

IIRC, they have 3 models within the 450...Portable, Hooked up to air tank & Continuos based on your application.

Not sure yet, but I may go with an mv-50 unless I mount the larger model inside my truck, would that be too much?

Also, I added some things! Camping, hatch and work lights...should help with things like hooking up the trailer, etc

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585348&stc=1&d=1325318056
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585349&stc=1&d=1325318056
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585350&stc=1&d=1325318364
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585351&stc=1&d=1325318364
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585490&stc=1&d=1325371189
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585481&stc=1&d=1325369813
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585483&stc=1&d=1325369813
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585485&stc=1&d=1325370246
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585594&stc=1&d=1325388218
http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=585595&stc=1&d=1325388218

Truck looks good!

Please take this as constructive, but please plan on using shrink wrap and wire loom on your wiring. If you plan on keeping the truck and using it for any length of time, that electrical tape gets gross and will cause headaches. Plus the install will look more factory.

Cheers,

Truck looks good!

Please take this as constructive, but please plan on using shrink wrap and wire loom on your wiring. If you plan on keeping the truck and using it for any length of time, that electrical tape gets gross and will cause headaches. Plus the install will look more factory.

Cheers,

I put the shrink wrap on top of the tape:D is it safe to just do wrap without tape? Or is having electric tape a good thing to have under the wrap?

Now I need to add up all the other costs
Other additional costs:

Latch assemblies(2000lb capacity)=$50.10/pair
Heavy duty spindles and sleeves(2000 lb capacity)=$150/pair
Locking pins to act as safety to keep bumper closed and fully open(4000lb capacity)=$24.64 for 4 pieces

Scrap metal, hardware and other tubing for swingarm assembly, tire carrier, gas can basket, , antenna mount, hi lift jack mount and recievers in each swingout to allow accessory interchange is approximately $270

I will learn how to weld just for this project...and utilize my CAD skills to get the parts cut via laser/waterjet at my friend's shop

So figure another $500 or so to add the components that I want. Hope this project turns out "fun"

http://forum.ih8mud.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=593192&d=1327341879

Where did you get the LED lights you used inside your vehicle. I'd like to do something similar in my Range Rover. My rear hatch could use some brighter lights.