I’ve spent the last several months gathering parts for my ’04 4Runner, and tomorrow the transformation will finally begin.
The front end will be transformed with a Total Chaos long-travel suspension kit. The TC suspension retains fully functional 4x4 and provides 13 inches of travel. The upper and lower control arms are 3.5 inches wider per side, and the custom 4x4 axle shafts are extended an equal amount. Workmanship is exemplary throughout, but the boxed lower control arms are especially nice to behold. The kit comes complete with limit straps, brake lines, shock reservoir mounting brackets, tie rod extensions, and all necessary hardware.
Sway-A-Way shocks will damp all four corners of the 4Runner. The front coilovers are specially made to complement the Total Chaos long-travel suspension, and provide gobs of room for the axle shafts. Out back, Sway-A-Way’s smooth-body 2-inch-diameter shocks fasten to the stock shock mounts, but provide damping quality that the stockers can’t come close to. Sway-A-Way’s 2-inch lift coils work in tandem with the new rear shocks. I used Sway-A-Way’s bolt-in front coilovers on the ’03 4Runner Unlimited, and they completely transformed the vehicle’s on-and-off-road capability. I have no doubt that the red shocks will do the same for this long-travel-equipped ’04 model.
Fiberwerx front fenders will give coverage to the widened front end, and generous wheel openings allow plenty of bump travel without rubbing. Fiberwerx offers a wide range of fiberglass products, and is willing to create new fenders, bedsides, hoods, etc. for new applications when a group of vehicle owners gets together and commits to purchasing the new product when it has been developed. Do you need flared fiberglass fenders for a vehicle that’s a little less common? Find some fellow enthusiasts and get in touch with Fiberwerx.
Durabak’s do-it-yourself bed liner will be applied to the back side of the fenders, and to any exposed sheet metal in the fenderwells that needs protection from impact and rust. Rocks flung from the tires into the fiberglass fenders can damage them, so the protective qualities of Durabak will ensure long life for the fenders. I have never used Durabak, but Off-Road Magazine’s Jerrod Jones has, and had nothing but good things to say about the stuff.
I’ve used Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ radials on the ’03 4Runner for about a year, and came away very impressed. For the ’04, I thought I’d give the Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ a try. The ATZ is a little less aggressive than the MTZ, but should exhibit good floatation in loose terrain, as well as sure-footed grip over rocks. Dick Cepek DC-1 wheels are a perfect match to the 33-inch ATZ’s, and feature a back-side wheel profile that easily clears the front brake calipers.
Before I sign off, I need to back up a little. Why start over with another 4Runner, when I’ve been building and driving one that’s so similar? That’s easy to answer: the ’03 is on loan from Toyota, and is scheduled to be returned. From driving the ’03, I knew I liked the vehicle enough to purchase one, so I found a clean used ’04.
I’ll be doing the installation myself in a driveway, the way I’ve done most of my personal vehicle work. I’ve rounded up almost all of the tools I need, except for a pair of jack stands. My next move will be ordering a set of jack stands online before I go to bed. I’ll pick up said jack stands tomorrow morning and get to work. It’s finally gonna happen!