Alice - 2021 4Runner Venture Edition

[Advtres]

This update comes from trying to sleep in my 4Runner.

One of the things I noticed was when you put the back sets down there is a 2 ½ inch lip between the rear seats and the cargo area.
This lip perfectly aligns with my ribs when I sleep in the back of the 4Runner.

So I search online looking for a solution that would not add a ton of extra weight to the rig, cost a fortune or be so complicated I would end up with a something I didn't like.
I landed on a middle ground of building my own rear cargo hatch platform.

A few things I considered :

• I wanted to keep it low so when I did not lose cargo space ( I use the front runner boxes for most of my gear )
  • I wanted head room when I do sleep in the back to get dressed and do whatever else suits my fancy.
• I did not want to add drawers under the platform.
• I did want space to add a pull out table

So I went an purchased a 4x8 sheet of ¾ baltic birch plywood ( I think it is 13 layers ) from our hardwood store (Aura in Santa Cruz) and a 1 inch by 2 foot oak plank for runners.

I mentioned this to my husband the I wanted to build and platform and since he is a wood working shop kinda guy he was willing to do the fiddly bits.

The length we cut everything to is 42 long and 43 wide.

Step 1
We started with the runners first
Measure and cut



Step 2
Cut the plyboard


Step 3
Dry fit everything


Step 4
Chamfer the edge that fits against the back seat rest
He used an electric hand held planer for the plyboard and the electric saw for the runners


Step 5
Glued the runners to the plyboard and then pre-drilled all the screw holes and then screwed the top to the runners.


Step 5
Installed!
I think it looks great and now I can start to use it and figure out what more I want to do with it. ( eg pull out table, a way to secure it to the rear cargo area... )


See ya down the trail!

 

[ZombieCat]

Great project! I made a similar platform for my 4Runner (photos are somewhere in the forums). I took the advice of some YouTubers and covered the top with very thin industrial carpeting. It makes a nice surface for sleeping and softens any potentially sharp edges. I applied 3M spray adhesive to the entire top area to set the carpet in place, then neatly folded it over about 2” and stapled it on the underside. Note that prior to attaching the carpet, I rattle-can painted the platform underside and support runners for a more finished look. It’s convenient that you can leave the platform in place and still use the rear seats in their normal position during the day.
I don’t use this platform when pulling the trailer or tent camping, as it reduces my storage space by several inches. I store it at home and just use the Husky cargo liner.

 

[Advtres]

Finally got around to adding a cover to the platform.
I first painted/sealed the wood and then added contact cement and covered with a faux cow hide rug I found on amazon.
Using a staple gun I secured the edges.

I had a vintage solid wood Ouija board and wanted to add a small table to make coffee in the morning, so I added this to the bottom of the platform.

Lastly, since I always seem to come into camp late, I added a couple Baja lights on the front bumper.

Glued down and positioned the faux rug and then stapled.
Secured the board under the platform using some angle brackets
- Note : On the metal runners for the table board I glued fabric to the runners so it would slide, apparently I did not let the glue dry completely and the board/table was glued to them... So yeah, um, let the glue dry before you attach the board...



Installed in Alice


Baja Lights on the front bumper.

 

[AggieOE]

I had to do a double to make sure you didn't live in Texas. haha The platform looks great! The details in the cut are nice. Did you run any fabric underneath between the wood and the back of the seats?
Also, I've heard cowhides can be a target of some bugs or beetles. Maybe you already know that. I think they're simple to keep away though.

 

[Advtres]

I had to do a double to make sure you didn't live in Texas. haha The platform looks great! The details in the cut are nice. Did you run any fabric underneath between the wood and the back of the seats?
Also, I've heard cowhides can be a target of some bugs or beetles. Maybe you already know that. I think they're simple to keep away though.

Yah - could have been Texas :) - Thanks for the words on the platform, I do really love it, and there is enough room underneath that I put a small slide out so I can store all my repair bits and bobs...
I did not put any fabric under the rails in the cargo area, there is the carpet between the seats and the platform.

The cow hide is not a real hide, it is a faux one, so no worries about creepy crawlers :)

So far have been on 2 trips with it and it is awesome.

 

[Advtres]

Recently have been noticing since I went to the bigger tires and added the rear bumper that my transmission temperatures has been going up.
Last trip to Death Valley I was pushing 240>250 getting out of the valley, and just regular driving I could get up around 190+. Something needed to change!

Did I mention I have specification OCD? seriously, I am that person...

Around the same time with all this extra weight, Alice was getting a little saggy in the rear....
I have the 200lb rear springs from Toytec but figured with all the extra lbs + camping stuff + humans it was pressing the limits of what those springs were designed to accommodate.

Talked to the folks down at Shaffer off-road and they suggested adding a transmission cooler and going with OME heavy duty rear springs.

Well we finally got the work done < Thank you Annie and Mike + Alex + new guy!> and what a difference!

Rolling over Sonora pass my transmission maybe got to 200 - blasting furnace of dispair through the Central Valley, running around a cool 185... Ah-May-Zing!

So note to you 4Runner owners out there who are not running a scan-gauge.... get one - especially if you have loaded your rig up with goodies.

The OME Springs are great, the rig feels way more... hmm what is the right word... Proud now... and no sag or sway... Yup, were darn happy!
The ride is fine, not rough at all.

See ya down the trail!

 

[Gr3asy]

Do you recall the brand of cooler? I have recently been exploring this option for my 4Runner as well. Thanks and sweet rig

 

[AggieOE]

Recently have been noticing since I went to the bigger tires and added the rear bumper that my transmission temperatures has been going up.
Last trip to Death Valley I was pushing 240>250 getting out of the valley, and just regular driving I could get up around 190+. Something needed to change!

Did I mention I have specification OCD? seriously, I am that person...

Around the same time with all this extra weight, Alice was getting a little saggy in the rear....
I have the 200lb rear springs from Toytec but figured with all the extra lbs + camping stuff + humans it was pressing the limits of what those springs were designed to accommodate.

Talked to the folks down at Shaffer off-road and they suggested adding a transmission cooler and going with OME heavy duty rear springs.

Well we finally got the work done < Thank you Annie and Mike + Alex + new guy!> and what a difference!

Rolling over Sonora pass my transmission maybe got to 200 - blasting furnace of dispair through the Central Valley, running around a cool 185... Ah-May-Zing!

So note to you 4Runner owners out there who are not running a scan-gauge.... get one - especially if you have loaded your rig up with goodies.

The OME Springs are great, the rig feels way more... hmm what is the right word... Proud now... and no sag or sway... Yup, were darn happy!
The ride is fine, not rough at all.

See ya down the trail!

Nice! Also am curious which trans cooler you went with!

 

[Advtres]

Yah, the one installed is a B&M SuperCooler #70255 link here

 

[Advtres]

One small addition I have done is add another TPS monitor to my spare. Turns out the spare does not automatically come with one.

You can tell the difference if the valve stem is rubber, it does not have TPS, if it Is metal it does.
I had to have Toyota do this, and the cost is around 200$ for the stem, and then they need to install and program the ECU to read the new monitor.

The reason I did this is I rotate my tires every 5000 miles, this way I always have a pressure monitor for the tires on the ground.

Downside - While the read-out in the car shows the location, this may not be the actual location unless they reprogram when they switch the tires around.

Side note : not all cars allow for 5 TPS sensors to be monitored by the ECU, so if you go this route make sure it can be used.

 

[Ocean_Ranger]

One small addition I have done is add another TPS monitor to my spare. Turns out the spare does not automatically come with one.

You can tell the difference if the valve stem is rubber, it does not have TPS, if it Is metal it does.
I had to have Toyota do this, and the cost is around 200$ for the stem, and then they need to install and program the ECU to read the new monitor.

The reason I did this is I rotate my tires every 5000 miles, this way I always have a pressure monitor for the tires on the ground.

Downside - While the read-out in the car shows the location, this may not be the actual location unless they reprogram when they switch the tires around.

Side note : not all cars allow for 5 TPS sensors to be monitored by the ECU, so if you go this route make sure it can be used.

View attachment 265837

I had no idea that this was possible. This post inspired me to embark on a diy version. I’ve purchased a bead-buster tool, an extra TPMS, and a bi-directional OBD tool to reprogram the ECU. The downside is that I’ve spent more on tools than you paid the dealer. The upside, assuming that the reprogramming works, is that I avoid the dealer and can program new locations when I rotate tires.

 

[Advtres]

Two small updates :
I had noticed over the last year a small squeak starting in the left front driver wheel well. I looked and looked, sprayed lubricant over everything, but the squeak would not go away.
During 1 deep water crossing I noticed for the smallest of moments the squeak stopped annoying me and then like a flash it came back.
On further inspection I found that on the ball joint of the UCA there was a small amount of what I am assuming is some sort of teflon housing that the ball joint is pressed fit into.

The squeak is now fixed as Shaffer off-road rebuilt the UCAs. (So I figure they will last about 30-35k) before needing a rebuild (Total Chaos).
Note from Shaffers is to clean them only ( the ball joints) and avoid putting any type of lubricant. As this may cause build up of crud. - Apparently I can do better on this front.

Second item is a Garmin Dashcam mini - Super easy install using Trail Grid Pro connection harness - Powers on when I turn on the rig, and it syncs with my phone.
Small price to pay for He Said, She Said issues, and when I forget to capture that awesome off trail ballet that someone might do in front of me!

 

[Advtres]

Update on Overland Custom Design sway bar links
I installed these 2 years ago (install vid is here) and other then making sure they were tight I didn't have any issues UNTIL we went to Moab.
The passenger side link lower bolt SHEARED - then slammed the whole broken link into my CV boot and would have completed the job it started if I had not stopped to check things after hearing a "popping" sound.

I had been informed to remove them ( eg the links) as others had experienced issues ( bolts coming lose ) but I thought it was just them and not me, that I knew better then someone with 30+ years in the field (ie racing/building/crafting) - you know basically living and breathing off roading... vs me (pretty rocks - LoL)

SO --- after having a group of helpful friends remove the sway bar, get it back to Moab and find I shop to replace the CV ( I was able to drive off the trail ) - I had a re-think on my suspension set up and am now going down a deep, rabbit hole!
I am sure my fluffy white tail will be a bit dirtier after September - Parts ordered and More to Come
ADVtres

 

[AggieOE]

Update on Overland Custom Design sway bar links
I installed these 2 years ago (install vid is here) and other then making sure they were tight I didn't have any issues UNTIL we went to Moab.
The passenger side link lower bolt SHEARED - then slammed the whole broken link into my CV boot and would have completed the job it started if I had not stopped to check things after hearing a "popping" sound.

I had been informed to remove them ( eg the links) as others had experienced issues ( bolts coming lose ) but I thought it was just them and not me, that I knew better then someone with 30+ years in the field (ie racing/building/crafting) - you know basically living and breathing off roading... vs me (pretty rocks - LoL)

SO --- after having a group of helpful friends remove the sway bar, get it back to Moab and find I shop to replace the CV ( I was able to drive off the trail ) - I had a re-think on my suspension set up and am now going down a deep, rabbit hole!
I am sure my fluffy white tail will be a bit dirtier after September - Parts ordered and More to Come
ADVtres
View attachment 281030View attachment 281031

Well that's super frustrating. Were you able to complete your trip as planned?

 

[Advtres]

Well that's super frustrating. Were you able to complete your trip as planned?

Yah, that is a good question!! - We contacted Alices shop "Shaffers Offroad", and they said it should be fine to drive, so the crew pulled the sway bar, and tapped up the boot ( luckily I caught it before the sway bar link destroyed the CV!) -
amazing repair job by the team on Top of the World trail -
My hubby called around from CA and found a shop in Moab - Mechanics Now! - Got there at 3:30PM they were able to swap out the CV by 7PM, so I was back on the road the next day!
A very smart person in the group called Trail Mater, but we only got VM ( they are only doing trail repair and towing now) - since the rig was not disabled ( ie not drivable) we just scampered back down, the sway bar on my top rack like a set of antlers !

Had 3 more days of Moab to see!! - We spent a total of 7 days out there - Amazing!!!

 

[Advtres]

So Alice got a few upgrades last year --- yah last year.. lol my life has been full of not so happy family tidings, so through dealing with that and trying to feel human again ( you know with dreams, goals and ambitions) I thought I should at least update where are today!

Upgrades …
I did get an alubox - and I have to say, I really like them - TONS of room inside.. Only downside is how to mount them to your roof rack, either pay a bunch of money for a kinda janky secure lock, or DIY..
- Alubox
Expedition Travel in the Front (+2 with Kings)

Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 +2 INCH EXPEDITION SERIES LONG TRAVEL KIT WITH COILOVERS - 3RD GEN TACOMA | TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION

+2" TOTAL CHAOS Expedition Series long travel kit with front KING 2.5" coilovers.

www.chaosfab.com

and a Dana 60 in the rear (re-geared 4.88)

Dana 60 FJ Rear Bolt In Axle Assembly

Dana 60 Rear Bolt In FJ Cruiser/4runner/GX Axle Assembly SEMI-FLOAT 6x5.5 Base Axle Includes: Brand New Dana 60 Housing with FJ/4runner/GX Heavy Duty Brackets New Pinion Yoke New Trackbar

eastcoastgearsupply.com

RCV Axles (front) long travel

Ultimate IFS CV Axle Set for Toyota FJ Cruiser ('07-'14), 4Runner ('03-'23) & Tacoma ('05-'23) -Total Chaos & All Pro Long Travel

RCV Ultimate IFS CV Axles for All Pro +2" Long Travel Independent Front Suspension are designed to overcome the limitations of Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4 Runner, and Tacoma IFS axle shafts. Ultimate IFS CV Axles provide increased strength that original equipment axle shafts just can't match. Even if...

www.rcvperformance.com

Dual ARB Air Compressor with the fast inflate thingamajig (Morrflate)..I LOVE IT! ( once I figured out how to use it.. LOL)
MORRFlate Mega Quad (4-6 Tires, Up To 200" Wheelbase) • MORRFlate (YOU WANT THIS!)
Mounted with 315 Nittos on Method Beadgrip Rims

707 | Bahia Blue®

The 707 brings the rally inspired design of the 407 UTV Bead Grip® to trucks, SUVs, and CUVs. Available in popular fitments in both Bahia Blue® and Matte Black incorporating the Method exclusive Bead Grip® technology for unrivaled tire security at lower pressures. The 707 boasts a solid A356...

www.methodracewheels.com

Suspension was installed by Shaffer Offroad Union City

Shaffers Off-Road - 4x4 Fabrication & Overland Shop Hayward, CA

Toyota and Jeep Off-Road Suspension Shop in Hayward, CA | Custom Fabrication, 4x4 Services, Overlanding, Bolt-On Installations & more

shaffersoffroad.com

What I like :
Love the ARB and Morrflate - made everything so easy! For the longest time I was using an external air pressure pump (VAIR) which works amazing. For now I am keeping it in the rig as backup.
The Morrflate makes air down and air up so much more easier!!! LOL no more bending over for oh 20 minutes or so doing micro adjustments. Just attach - set - stablize and pack away!
With the suspension upgrades I really do not notice rough or washboard roads... like night and day..

What I don't Like
RCV Boots - yes had not even got home and the boot had ripped - RCV replaced them with a prototype black boot, and so far all good. - was not so super happy about that..
First thing I did on a recent trip was not paying attention to the road, going a bit to fast and hitting a drop off of about 1-2 feet. Which resulted in a full bottom out on the front, which had the lovely side effect of pushing my passenger side fender out away from the door.. Not enough to get your fingers into, but enough to notice.. if your looking for it... which I always am...
Nothing I can really do other the be more careful...

The rig is a little heavier now ( larger tires, non stock rims and the Dana ) but have not noticed it to much in engine temp or otherwise. So we will see how the summer goes.
I usually travel light always ( it is me and the dog in the rig, and we go minimalist most of the time )

Ok so Pics for ya all!

 

[smritte]

Are you going to upgrade your tierods?
I'm running the Apex on my Tacoma.

 

[Advtres]

Are you going to upgrade your tierods?
I'm running the Apex on my Tacoma.

Good question - and the short answer is no
Long answer is this :
With the larger tires and ability of the suspension to travel more there is a lot of stress on the tie-rods and the steering rack. ( one point to note is changing out my power steering fluid is mandatory now at shorter intervals )
At some point the steering rack itself is going to go at which point I will upgrade to the Tundra rack at that point I may upgrade the tie rods.

As it sits right now, the tie rods will bend before I do damage to the steering box/column so I am considering it my fail safe ( that is a trip ender )
I do carry a replacement rod on the rig and hopefully never have to figure out how to install it!!

Happy Trails!

 

[smritte]

Good thought on upgrading the rack. My suggestion is based on hitting an unseen stump and bending my tie rod with 32's.Also the web is full of Tacomas and 4Runners breaking stock tie rods doing what I would consider moderate trails. I agree with the "Keep a spare" but Toyota overkills their rack assembly. If I damage the rack, that's the least of my worries.

one point to note is changing out my power steering fluid is mandatory now at shorter intervals )

I don't recall if Toyota puts a cooler on the power steering. That was always one of my upgrades on my rock rigs.

How much fab work is involved in swapping to the Tundra rack?

 

[smritte]

I do carry a replacement rod on the rig and hopefully never have to figure out how to install it!!

If you never did one, their not difficult but on real tight. I've done several at work. There's a lock plate on the rack end that will give you fits if your not aware of it. Setting the toe is easy. I can get almost exact just sighting down the side and lining up with the rear wheel. If I do any real suspension or steering work I always ball park the toe before I align it.