cowboy-denny
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MTS (Multi-Train Select)
Best used for active driving (less than 7mph)
Works in 4LO and 4HI
Allows Wheel Spin (but regulates it with Brake Pressure and Throttle Performance)
- Mud/Sand (allows the most wheel spin) — works 4Lo and 4Hi
- Loose Rock — Works only in 4Lo
- Mogul — works only in 4Lo
- Rock (allows the smallest amount of wheel spin) — works only in 4Lo
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A-TRAC Requirements:
- 4-LO must be engaged (will not work in 4-Hi)
- Will disengage with speeds over 5mph
- Accelerate from a Dead Stop
- Needs Acceleration to work properly
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Day2 Part 2
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Checked with Ken (Expedition Vehicle Outfitters) and they have everything but the black Dobinson springs (backordered). As soon as they arrive he said the would contact me to schedule dropping off the 4Runner.
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Very very happy with the Dobinson Suspension Upgrade and it looks great. Completed on June 18th 2025 and in time for my trip from Michigan down to Clovis NM to see my son stationed down there. It drove great and yea I lost a little on fuel economy but when it looks this good I’m fine with it.
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Called on 11/14/2025 for a status on parts coming in and Kathy let me know that they are still waiting for CaliRaised Stuff and the C4 Fab front bumper. C4 says they build when order is placed. When I called C4 they stated the process takes about 5-6weeks so that puts us middle of December for C4 Fab products. Not sure how CaliRaised is running yet.
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2025-11-03
Talked to Ken Jr (Expedition Vehicle Outfitters) and he’s on his way out to the SEMA show in Vegas but asked if I could text him the request (as shown in previous post) and they worked up the following quote.
QUOTE TOTAL: $7649
Front Bumper Quote :$4800
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$1159 – C4 4Runner Lo-Pro Winch Bumper (Full Height Bull-Bar powder coated)
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$ 875 – 30″ LED Light Bar: Baja Designs S8 30″ Driving / Combo Amber [PN# 70-3013]
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$ 83 – Baja Wire Harness: Baja Designs S8/IR Wire Harness [PN# 64-0122]
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$ 950 – Winch: Warn VR EVO 12-S [PN# WAR103255]
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$ 88 – Fairlead: Factor 55 1″ Thick Gunmetal Gray [PN# 00016]
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$ 146 – Winch Shackle: Factor 55 Flatlink Gray [PN# 00050-06]
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$1220 – Labor (assuming $150/hr * 8.1hrs)
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$ 55 – Freight
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$. 92 – Shop Supplies
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$ 199 – Tax
Roof Rack Quote: $2900
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$850 – Cali Raised Premium Roof Rack [PN# CR2836]
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$370 – 43″ Dual Focus [PN# CR4292]
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$306 – 360 Lighting [PN# CR3818]
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$250 – 360 Wiring [PN# AAA9290]
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$976 – Labor (assuming $150/hr * 6.5hrs)
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$107 – Tax
PAID DEPOSIT 11/5/2025) which covers parts: $5353.87
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So what’s Next?
Need a winch and roof rack so carefully approaching how I want to do this with what products. A huge fan of companies that give any kind of military discount and both C4 Fabrication and Cali Raised both offer a discount for military.
PARTS LIST
ELECTRICAL
- AUXBeam AR-800 (8 Gang) and Power Tray $358.85 – purchased 2025.10.29
- Left Mount from 4Runner Lifestyle on left $110.76 – purchased 2025.10.29
Really like the Middle Mount to utilize those cubbys that don’t really get used
FRONT BUMPER
C4 Fabrication LO PRO w/Full Height Bullbar Powercoated (SKU: 1100-1114-30-FH-01NA) & 30” combo beam lightbar (PN# 70-3013) ($885) Front Bumper with Warn VR EVO 12-S winch (PN# WAR103255) ($1070) Factor 55 Fairlead (PN# 00016) ($110) Winch Shackle Factor 55 flatlink black (PN# 00050-04) ($160) —total from c4fabrication TOTAL without install $3500. (C4 offers military discount)
ROOF RACK & LIGHTBAR
CALI RAISED LED PREMIUM ROOF RACK (part# CR2836) with 43”Lightbar (part# CR4292) with 360 Lighting kit (part# CR3818) plus wiring harness (part# aaa9290) TOTAL without install $1998. (Cali Raised offers military discount)
KC Universal Wire Hider $25 – https://www.kchilites.com/universal-wire-hider-kc-6300.html
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLER
So I could possibly install all of this myself but the difference is I need this to be a solid install so when I’m in the middle of a tough adventure I don’t get stranded due to a loose wire or something not working like it should especially the winch. I decided to go with Yota Xpedition since they have a pretty great following and they are the closest to Michigan that I like for the install that specializes in Toyotas
Yota Xpedition — 8007 Quarry Rd, Alburtis, PA 18011 (9hr drive)
They only install what they carry and they are not fans of Warn Winches and I don’t see any winch as reliable. Never had any issues with my warn 12k winch on my K5 blazer
DECISION: no. Willing to drive to a toyota focused facility. I do not want to drill holes to do this install and want high quality.
Unlimited Offroad
sent email asking for a quote evening of 2025.10.31 (anders)
Kens Kar Kare
called on 10.31 and the lady who answers the phone is super rude. I like the work done but that lady needs a vacation
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After the suspension upgrade I would like to get…..
- Low Profile Bumper with hidden winch and lightbar – C4 $2250 parts
- [attachment file=”68137″]
- Rear Bumper (hold updated Spare Tire, tray to cook on, hold spare fuel)
- Roof Rack with lights
- Roof Top Tent
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I like this rear bumper option.. at least today I do. It can carry two jerry cans, spare tire, hi-lift jack and ham antenna as well as it has a fold down table and rear lights.
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- Low Profile Bumper with hidden winch and lightbar – C4 $2250 parts
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Overlanding in Death Valley National Park is a unique experience that combines off-roading, camping, and exploring the park’s natural wonders. Here are some things to consider when planning an overland trip to Death Valley:
When to visit
The best time to visit is typically mid-October to early May. Temperatures in the park can exceed 115°F in the summer, and higher elevations can experience snow during winter storms.What to bring
Make sure your rental vehicle has a good spare tire, tools to change the tire, and that the tire is accessible.Where to stay
You can stay at dispersed camping spots. You can also make reservations at Furnace Creek Campground by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting Recreation.gov.What to see
Some of the park’s top features include:- Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America
- Titus Canyon
- Rhyolite Ghost Town
- Ubehebe Crater
- Steele Pass
- Eureka Dunes
- Saleen Valley
- Cerro Gordo
- Hot springs
- Desert playa with “racing” rocks
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Wow, Kert at DIY4x responds pretty quick to online questions. Seriously like less than 5minutes he also suggested moving the axle forward. But how?
A. Drilling the Spring Perches
[attachment file=”67308″]
[attachment file=”67309″]
[attachment file=”67310″]
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Pretty sure if I could move it just one inch forward I would be good but whats the best route?
for my lack of confidence I lean towards the easy inch kit which is a plate under your springs that will offset your axle forward roughly an Inch
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So fender issue is now much worse
[attachment file=”67305″]
[attachment file=”67306″]
not sure what the solution is. I see a lot of articles talking about either
A. Trimming fender (cutting the fender which takes away from the look but adds functionality)
B. Moving axle forward by 1 inch (this could also help with vibration in 4wheel drive due to the angle but could cause issues with high steer)
Base
cowboy-denny