Heritage Blue Hybrid Build (Almost Complete)

[Joe Dirt]

This being my third 4Runner, I seem to be puttering along with my build items and reflecting back to lessons learned from my last two being a 3rd and 5th generations.

I'm holding back right now waiting for Bilstein to release their shocks and struts. This should give me options on the height increase going from 0 to 2.5.

With that being said most likely I'll go with a 1.5 height and a 275 70 18 tire, which is pretty much a 33".
Combined I should have close to a 2-in lift gain. For me, I need a happy medium between form and function.

Probably do a transmission skid plate for the back roads.

I'm looking at a side awning probably around a 6.5 ft to accommodate the campsites keeping back the moisture and other debris.

I am considering a simple basket add that can bolt onto my Thule crossbars, this could carry a few extra items like a Jerry can and some recovery boards, can be removed after my trip in its entirety fairly easy.
I enjoyed your build.
good luck and happy trails!

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[Nodak]

I purchased this hybrid TRD ORP in late July. Since then, I've been working diligently to get it trail-ready for next year. I've been visiting Colorado the past few years and have had to limit my travels and where I was able to go, due to not having enough clearance in my prior vehicle. Like most of you, I've really tried to pick the parts that are right for me and suitable for my needs. Most of the time, that means spending a little bit more money up front for something that does what I need to do and is going to last.

Almost all of the parts that are listed below are currently installed. I'm still waiting to install a few of the skid plates, and I'm waiting on a new awning bracket from Westcott Designs. For those of you who are considering running Molle panels with their awning brackets, be aware that they may not fit due to the thickness of the added bracket that holds the Molle panel onto the roof rack. (As a side note, I talked to Jeff yesterday, and he's working on fixing that.) My OVS awning and Roam cargo boxes are not installed, mainly because I won't be using them until next spring. I have the roof rack set up right now to carry two 95 L Roam cargo boxes as well as a Starlink Mini and traction boards.

I plan to purchase Rock sliders and a Cargo storage system next spring. I'll probably wait a while to add a front bumper winch, extra lights, and a rear hitch tire carrier.

Click here for a list of everything listed below, including links to products, prices, and part #'s where available.

• Westcott Designs Low Profile Roof Rack
• Westcott Designs Ladder
• Westcott Designs Molle Panel
• Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit
• Westcott Designs Billet Top Hat-½”
• Westcott Designs Awning Brackets
• Westcott Designs Universal Light Bar Brackets
• Dobinsons C59-885V Rear Coil Springs (110 pound)
• Timbren Bump Stops
• CBI Ditch Light Brackets
• Cali Raised 42” LED Lightbar
• Redline Tuning 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Hood QuickLIFT
• LASFit 7443 LED Turn Signal Light | T3 Series
• LASFit Floor Mats/Seatback Mat/Cargo Mat
• ScreenTech 14" Infotainment (Anti-Glare Info Film)
• Window Ventvisors
• Center Console Organizer Armrest Trays Storage Box
• One-Touch Armrest Hidden Storage Box
• Toyota Door Panel Scuff Protectors
• Toyota Door Edge Guards (Front and Rear)
• Toyota Wheel Locks
• Toyota Aux Switch Pig Tail-Lo
• Toyota Aux Switch Pig Tail-High
• Toyo Open Country AT III LT275/70R18 10E 125/122S
• REDTIGER F9 Dash Cam
• Front Grille Grill Lights (“Raptor Lights”)
• 4Runner Lifestyle Switch Panel
• AuxBeam BA80 8 Gang LED Switch Panel
• AuxBeam LED Rock Lights (10 piece)
• Auxbeam LED Rock Lights (2-piece)
• Nacho Supreme Quatro 80 Lights (Ditch Lights)
• Nacho Nano Lights (Chase lights)
• Nacho Window Shades (x2 sets)
• Interior Cabin LED Lights
• 12V 24V DC to 5V 3A USB Female DC Converter
• Cable Hider
• Magnet Mounts M5 (12 Pack)
• Midland – MXTA24 Low Profile Cable
• Ham Antenna Ditch Bracket Extension
• Nilight Hitch Step - 2" Hitch Rear Bumper Guard
• RCI Engine Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Hybrid Transmission Steel Skid Plate
• RCI A Arm Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Rear Diff Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Fuel Tank Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Front Lower Link Steel Skids
• RCI Rear Lower Link Steel Skids
• RCI Rear Shock Mount Steel Skids
• RCI Hybrid Catalytic Guards Steel
• Sherpa Universal Traction Board Mounts
• Rave Paint Matched OEM Mirror Caps
• KSP Wheel Spacers 1.5 inch 6 x 5.5"
• Racksbrax HD Awning Adaptor Plate
• Racksbrax HD Hitch Standard (Double)
• Roof PPF
• Headlights/Foglights PPF
• Windows and Sunroof tinted
• Toyota grill badge (front and rear)

so since no one asked the important question ...

did you weigh the vehicle before and afterwards? how far are you over the load capacity adding all those toys before you add yourself ?

i imagine you are close to using up the 895 lbs of capacity not including yourself.


edit : oh wait you didnt add new front/rear bumpers. my bad. just be careful when you add those

overall killer looking build

 

[T_Pomp]

so since no one asked the important question ...

did you weigh the vehicle before and afterwards? how far are you over the load capacity adding all those toys before you add yourself ?

i imagine you are close to using up the 895 lbs of capacity not including yourself.


edit : oh wait you didnt add new front/rear bumpers. my bad. just be careful when you add those

overall killer looking build

I didn’t weigh it. I think the steel was only about 150 lbs total. Everything else is lightweight aluminum besides the new coils. The tires added a little bit of weight but not much. Shouldn’t be a problem, have you seen some of the stuff these guys are installing and driving around with on a daily basis and driving up and down the mountains?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yes I totally agree, some of these builds like a drawer systems! Can get very heavy and that's not loaded up with gear.
And the list goes on of added weight.

I tend to build from the suspension up, meaning the type of driving I'm going to do and what type of off- roads I'm driving on.

I did a coil change on my 5th generation and upped the weight slightly with a Progressive coil spring.
I do like the dobinsons. like you used.

Have you added way to see how they feel down the highway?

 

[Joe Dirt]

I purchased this hybrid TRD ORP in late July. Since then, I've been working diligently to get it trail-ready for next year. I've been visiting Colorado the past few years and have had to limit my travels and where I was able to go, due to not having enough clearance in my prior vehicle. Like most of you, I've really tried to pick the parts that are right for me and suitable for my needs. Most of the time, that means spending a little bit more money up front for something that does what I need to do and is going to last.

Almost all of the parts that are listed below are currently installed. I'm still waiting to install a few of the skid plates, and I'm waiting on a new awning bracket from Westcott Designs. For those of you who are considering running Molle panels with their awning brackets, be aware that they may not fit due to the thickness of the added bracket that holds the Molle panel onto the roof rack. (As a side note, I talked to Jeff yesterday, and he's working on fixing that.) My OVS awning and Roam cargo boxes are not installed, mainly because I won't be using them until next spring. I have the roof rack set up right now to carry two 95 L Roam cargo boxes as well as a Starlink Mini and traction boards.

I plan to purchase Rock sliders and a Cargo storage system next spring. I'll probably wait a while to add a front bumper winch, extra lights, and a rear hitch tire carrier.

Click here for a list of everything listed below, including links to products, prices, and part #'s where available.

• Westcott Designs Low Profile Roof Rack
• Westcott Designs Ladder
• Westcott Designs Molle Panel
• Westcott Designs Preload Collar Lift Kit
• Westcott Designs Billet Top Hat-½”
• Westcott Designs Awning Brackets
• Westcott Designs Universal Light Bar Brackets
• Dobinsons C59-885V Rear Coil Springs (110 pound)
• Timbren Bump Stops
• CBI Ditch Light Brackets
• Cali Raised 42” LED Lightbar
• Redline Tuning 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Hood QuickLIFT
• LASFit 7443 LED Turn Signal Light | T3 Series
• LASFit Floor Mats/Seatback Mat/Cargo Mat
• ScreenTech 14" Infotainment (Anti-Glare Info Film)
• Window Ventvisors
• Center Console Organizer Armrest Trays Storage Box
• One-Touch Armrest Hidden Storage Box
• Toyota Door Panel Scuff Protectors
• Toyota Door Edge Guards (Front and Rear)
• Toyota Wheel Locks
• Toyota Aux Switch Pig Tail-Lo
• Toyota Aux Switch Pig Tail-High
• Toyo Open Country AT III LT275/70R18 10E 125/122S
• REDTIGER F9 Dash Cam
• Front Grille Grill Lights (“Raptor Lights”)
• 4Runner Lifestyle Switch Panel
• AuxBeam BA80 8 Gang LED Switch Panel
• AuxBeam LED Rock Lights (10 piece)
• Auxbeam LED Rock Lights (2-piece)
• Nacho Supreme Quatro 80 Lights (Ditch Lights)
• Nacho Nano Lights (Chase lights)
• Nacho Window Shades (x2 sets)
• Interior Cabin LED Lights
• 12V 24V DC to 5V 3A USB Female DC Converter
• Cable Hider
• Magnet Mounts M5 (12 Pack)
• Midland – MXTA24 Low Profile Cable
• Ham Antenna Ditch Bracket Extension
• Nilight Hitch Step - 2" Hitch Rear Bumper Guard
• RCI Engine Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Hybrid Transmission Steel Skid Plate
• RCI A Arm Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Rear Diff Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Fuel Tank Steel Skid Plate
• RCI Front Lower Link Steel Skids
• RCI Rear Lower Link Steel Skids
• RCI Rear Shock Mount Steel Skids
• RCI Hybrid Catalytic Guards Steel
• Sherpa Universal Traction Board Mounts
• Rave Paint Matched OEM Mirror Caps
• KSP Wheel Spacers 1.5 inch 6 x 5.5"
• Racksbrax HD Awning Adaptor Plate
• Racksbrax HD Hitch Standard (Double)
• Roof PPF
• Headlights/Foglights PPF
• Windows and Sunroof tinted
• Toyota grill badge (front and rear)

Hello, sorry to bug you with more questions.

When you did your Westcott lift, I see you used a 1 in top hat and you didn't mention if you used a 2 in lift below that.?

Also on your tires I see you use the 275 70 18 in, I'm thinking strongly to going with that size but I also see that you put on your backspacer for the offset.

Is that because you didn't have enough room near the upper control arms with the stock Factory wheels? I'm looking at staying with stock factory wheels but upgrading to 275 70 18 tire.

I am looking at this area closely as I am building slowly and probably suspension will be the first thing and wheels will be second.

If i can get away using my factory wheels with 275s I will do that; that is why I'm asking why you put the backspace on?

Thanks again in advance

 

[T_Pomp]

Hello, sorry to bug you with more questions.

When you did your Westcott lift, I see you used a 1 in top hat and you didn't mention if you used a 2 in lift below that.?

Also on your tires I see you use the 275 70 18 in, I'm thinking strongly to going with that size but I also see that you put on your backspacer for the offset.

Is that because you didn't have enough room near the upper control arms with the stock Factory wheels? I'm looking at staying with stock factory wheels but upgrading to 275 70 18 tire.

I am looking at this area closely as I am building slowly and probably suspension will be the first thing and wheels will be second.

If i can get away using my factory wheels with 275s I will do that; that is why I'm asking why you put the backspace on?

Thanks again in advance

Lift
Regarding the Westcott lift kit-I did not use the 1" top hat. This is a long story, but initially, I was told by someone at Westcott I needed the OEM top hat with their (front and rear) lift. Based on my conversations with Jeff after having installation complications, it sounds like I needed the 1/2" top hat, which takes the place of the top spacer that comes with their lift (front portion).

I decided to go with heavier-duty coils in the rear. I was told by Exit Offroad (Dobinson) that I had to use their 0.6" spacer with the coil. However, my installer was able to use the Westcott rear spacer with the coil. Therefore, I'm fairly certain I probably ended up with about 1.1" of lift in the rear. Westcott advertises .75" of lift in the rear.

So to summarize-I am still waiting on Westcott to send me the 1/2" top hat, which means my installer will have to remove what he already installed, removing the Westcott spacer, and install the new top hat. I hope that makes sense. I have been waiting for almost a month to get the new top hats I was promised.

Tires
I added a wheel spacer to give my tires some "poke." I DID NOT need them for the tires to fit the wheel wells. I have had no problems and no rub since installing.

UCAs
I am planning on replacing the UCAs, but not because I need them to accommodate any other components I have installed. I just want to install heavier-duty UCAs so I don't have to replace them down the line.

I planned to have the installer do all this work while he had the wheels off, but I am going to have to bring it back to him when I get the new top hat. I also had a problem with the UCAs that I am trying to work through at the moment. (They did not come with ball joints, which I was aware of, but the installer was hesitant to remove the old ones and install them into the new arms).

 

[T_Pomp]

For anyone who’s interested in replacing their black mirror caps with matching colored caps, do not buy these mirror caps from Rave. I just ordered a set from them and realized I could’ve ordered them for $100 less on a Toyota dealer parts website. There’s nothing special about. Rave they literally drop shipped them from a Toyota dealer.

 

[Joe Dirt]

What are all the spots on the covers? They kind of look like abrasion spots.

 

[VB4Runner]

What are all the spots on the covers? They kind of look like abrasion spots.

They look like overhead light reflections.

 

[T_Pomp]

What are all the spots on the covers? They kind of look like abrasion spots.

Reflections from overhead lights.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

For anyone who’s interested in replacing their black mirror caps with matching colored caps, do not buy these mirror caps from Rave. I just ordered a set from them and realized I could’ve ordered them for $100 less on a Toyota dealer parts website. There’s nothing special about. Rave they literally drop shipped them from a Toyota dealer.

I've had 2 differing sets of covers ordered from Rave for a period of time with absolutely no correspondence regarding my order. I rang him twice being told they would ship soon but still nothing. I've read several things recently on several forums which don't seem to be reassuring. I'm reaching out to PayPal this coming week. I appreciate your honesty. Thanks

 

[T_Pomp]

I've had 2 differing sets of covers ordered from Rave for a period of time with absolutely no correspondence regarding my order. I rang him twice being told they would ship soon but still nothing. I've read several things recently on several forums which don't seem to be reassuring. I'm reaching out to PayPal this coming week. I appreciate your honesty. Thanks

Sorry to hear that. Mine took forever to ship, maybe 2-3 weeks? Yeah, definitely contact your bank or whoever you used to pay and try to get a refund. I had to do that with @wheelsfeels

 

[Scrappopatamus]

Sorry to hear that. Mine took forever to ship, maybe 2-3 weeks? Yeah, definitely contact your bank or whoever you used to pay and try to get a refund. I had to do that with @wheelsfeels

My first order is from back in October. Heritage Blue LC250 Caps

 

[T_Pomp]

My first order is from back in October. Heritage Blue LC250 Caps

That’s absolutely ridiculous.

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