While the CX-9 gets all the power on the low end, the 4Runner is all top end. From a stop, the CX-9 feels faster.I didn't realize it was slower, but not by much. Only half a second slower to 60mph than the CX-9. The low-end torque from the CX-9 really helps to make it feel more nimble, but I'm sure that passing on the highway in the 4Runner is easier/smoother.
Looks like you've already done some mods to your wife's 4Runner
Added this phone mount before our last trip. It’s hard mounted to the trim right above the vent. Wasn’t my first choice but the other options were ruled out. Tinted windshield so no mount from there. I had 3D printed other brackets and didn’t like how they cluttered up the dash or how in the way they were for the screen. This is strong enough to hold an iPad on a bumpy road so I’m pretty happy with it.
View attachment 309849
Thanks! I did drill through the dash. Spent months working on different mounts that were no drill and gave up. https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) and it barely fit. Much wider/deeper and it won’t fit well. That dash piece pops off really easy and you can fit thin nuts in there but I just tapped the plastic and it was fine. The plastic piece is few hundred if I remember correctly which is why I wanted to avoid drilling. There’s just not a good spot for a mount at allI really like the RAM mount integration you did here. Did you drill through the trim piece to secure the track?
I haven't measured anything yet, but I was planning to look into using RAM's top-loading Tough Track or aluminum track (links below) at the base of the screen - lower left side of the dash trim. I assume the dash trim around the screen is (1) easily removable by popping it off (2) has the airspace to accommodate a nut/bolt on the underside, and (3) easily replaceable at a nominal cost (haven't checked) which would allow me to 'reverse' the install if we ever wanted to go back to stock. I only want a single ball for a wireless magsafe mount/charger positioned between the instrument cluster and screen (similar to where your phone is).
RAM® Tough-Track™ - Top-Loading Composite 2.43" Track
With the RAM Tough-Track, flat surface mounting possibilities are nearly endless for ATVs, cars, combines, motorboats, tractors, trucks, and more. This track mount solution can be drilled to any flat surface and is designed for use with #10 screws for easy installation – hardware not included...rammount.com
3" Modular Aluminum Black RAM® Tough-Track™
With the RAM® Tough-Track™, flat surface mounting possibilities are nearly endless for ATVs, cars, combines, motorboats, tractors, trucks, and more. The black anodized aluminum version of the RAM® Tough-Track™ can be drilled to any flat surface and is designed for use with #8 screws for easy...rammount.com
Yeah, I had noticed the same thing as well. Strange bug that makes me think it is done on purpose for some reason.The only bug, and this was also on my 2018 CX-9, is that if you have auto high beams and auto wipers on, if the wipers come on first, the auto high beam does not work.
Looks great. I want to do this to my Stormtrooper CX-5. Did you wrap this with the switches in place on the wheel, or did you remove the cruise/audio controls and wrap them off the wheel?Oh. I also added some vinyl wrap to the steering wheel. View attachment 300887
Thanks! Removed everything and wrapped completely disassembled. Once you know how to take the steering wheel apart, it’s really quick and I think makes the wrap look betterLooks great. I want to do this to my Stormtrooper CX-5. Did you wrap this with the switches in place on the wheel, or did you remove the cruise/audio controls and wrap them off the wheel?
Did you remove the grille inserts without removing the bumper? Do they just clip in? How did you do it? I haven't looked at it yet but I'd like to remove mine and have them painted.Work trip interrupted the de-chroming but here’s what they look like after sitting in 60 gallons of bleach for a week! Got them all washed up and it was just plastic left. Of course I didn’t remember to take a picture of that
View attachment 304098
And here is the final result:
View attachment 304099
I am not sure if I’ll keep the red or change it to bronze when I finally decide on new wheels. Opinions?
Next up is the window chrome. I can remove the chrome around the front and middle windows, but not the rear window. I think I will end up using vinyl wrap for that just to keep it consistent from window to window. I also want to paint the roof rails but I didn’t see anything in the service manual about removing them. Has anyone done that before?
First time I removed them, I had to remove the bumper. After that, there was enough play in them that I could remove without removing bumper as wellDid you remove the grille inserts without removing the bumper? Do they just clip in? How did you do it? I haven't looked at it yet but I'd like to remove mine and have them painted.
Pic from Russian auction site.
View attachment 314746