2001 4Runner build/fix log

[tx_shooter]

I spent most of the day working on a different small project and managed to work out a few issues with it with @balakay . The Smittybilt documentation says the winch is not clockable. I did some more digging and then checked out a few things on the winch itself. The winch is only not clockable if you want to keep the plastic "armor plates" on. If you remove the plastic heat retaining crap shields then you can clock the ends. That solved part of the problem.

I am going to put the controller box on top of the bumper plate top to make it easy to get to and keep it that much more away from water. The winch has a handful of small features I want to be able to retain and this will make it possible. So maybe just a little modification instead of a lot.

 

[tx_shooter]

Everything turned out pretty good. I do have a bracket on order to better mount the controller box. But at this location it is stupid easy to get to, up out of the water (vast majority of the time), and able to use the accessory power port for powering anything that uses clips to get battery power. No more lifting the hood to air up at the end of the day. Next up is replacing the old undersized battery connectors with good brass connectors. Then wiring in a quick disconnect for the winch that will also allow me to use jumper cables with the same disconnect plug.

Also found a nice 2nd use for the drywall lift. Normally I use it for putting the RTT on/off the 4Runner. Today it became a nice way to lift and stabilize the bumper.

 

[tx_shooter]

Yes - the basic hook is going to get replaced. I am going to go to a flat link to keep a completely closed connection recovery system.

 

[tx_shooter]

Replaced really lightweight aluminum battery terminals with some decent brass terminals. Also wired in 1/0 cables for the winch/jumper cable connection point.

Next is working up a small mount plate for the disconnect to mount to. I am debating moving the winch controller box about an inch outward. But that will take a bit more work to get it remounted and moved.

 

[tx_shooter]

And Amazon just delivered the new recovery options - two 25k LB snatch blocks with greasable bearings and two 3" x 8' tree straps. One will probably see use on the end of the winch line since @RichardB23 likes to get stuck in mud. Replacing the short strap is cheaper/easier than the winch line.

 

[Silverback]

Gear America makes pretty nice stuff. I have some of their large D shackles in the SD. Very happy with the quality.

For snatch blocks I switched to the soft shackle style ones. I still have 2 steel ones (ARB) but I like the size and weight of the newer style.

Amazon.com

 

[tx_shooter]

I have been looking at those soft shackle snatch block things and may pick one up in the future. But for starting out I wanted to go with guaranteed hardware for anything I may never throw at it.

 

[tx_shooter]

I am surprised it took this long; but I finally got some "body" damage on my 4Runner today.

And Blake got to to do the first recovery with my winch...

 

[Silverback]

Tis merely a flesh wound!

Lock it up front.

 

[tx_shooter]

That is about the only big upgrade left and is on the list.

 

[tx_shooter]

Tis merely a flesh wound!

Lock it up front

This spot on the exit was as much about traction as it was fine controls. I know a front locker would have helped overall but it would not have made a difference in the on the slope and overall situation. @balakay 's 4Runner did a really impressive job once the ATRAC was turned on. I am not sure if @italynstylion had his front locker turned on or not but the longer wheelbase worked in his favor on this one.

 

[balakay]

This spot on the exit was as much about traction as it was fine controls. I know a front locker would have helped overall but it would not have made a difference in the on the slope and overall situation. @balakay 's 4Runner did a really impressive job once the ATRAC was turned on. I am not sure if @italynstylion had his front locker turned on or not but the longer wheelbase worked in his favor on this one.

My ATRAC was turned on that whole trail. It was Crawl Control that I turned on once I got hung up.

 

[tx_shooter]

Fancy buttons that my 3rd gen does not.

 

[tx_shooter]

Logging maintenance plans prior to upcoming March 2022 trip to BBRSP.

Need to do -
1) rear axle seal - driver side - parts in garage; have to find
2) replace LBJs - ordered 11 Jan
3) oil change/ filter cleanup
4) full size spare tire setup - looking for 17" steel rim
5) replace fuel filter

Want to do -
1) shift kit install in transmission - need 6 qts of trans fluid
2)


Updated list to included fuel filter.

 

[tx_shooter]

Wrench time is coming this Wed thru Fri. Thinking one thing a every other night should have it close to done pretty quick.

 

[tx_shooter]

Picked up a matching spare rim for $170 today; will get the matching full size spare mounted this week. Then to figure out mounting it under the 3rd gen.

 

[tx_shooter]

Update -

Logging maintenance plans prior to upcoming March 2022 trip to BBRSP.

Need to do -
1) rear axle seal - driver side - parts in garage; have to find
2) replace LBJs - ordered 11 Jan - Done
3) oil change/ filter cleanup
4) full size spare tire setup - looking for 17" steel rim
5) replace fuel filter

Want to do -
1) shift kit install in transmission - need 6 qts of trans fluid
2)


Garage is cleaned up and ready to be used each night after work this week. Tomorrow is fab day on the trailer for the RTT.

 

[tx_shooter]

Ordered some Yeep aftermarket swaybar disconnects last night to see if I can setup the front swaybar again.

 

[tex]

Whats a sway bar?

 

[tx_shooter]

Yeah, I really have been debating it but my driving "tendencies" tend to make me slow down a lot on curvy roads and towing the trailer out to BBRSP will not make it any better that last couple hundred miles from Ft Stockton to Presidio.