Evan Walsh’s Big, Bad Media Rig

You’ve seen the amazing photos Evan Walsh of Blackhat Studios has captured over the years. We’ve published his work on our pages many times before, but while you were drooling over his exciting still images, have you ever wondered how he reaches the vantage points he shoots from? Most of the time, Evan’s photo locations are not easily accessible in a regular passenger car. Chances are high that he followed his 4WD subjects to these remote destinations in his own killer ride—a 2006 Toyota 4Runner that he has built into an absolute long-travel beast over the course of 4 years. What else would you expect a hardcore off-road photographer to mob to the ‘office’ in?

When’s the last time you saw a 4Runner hauling ass through the desert? Not very often—that’s right. That’s exactly why Evan figured he would dump some time (and money) into turning his reliable, all-purpose 2WD SUV into an adventure rig capable of keeping up with high exposure trucks on their journey to reaching the print media limelight. While there wasn’t a whole lot of repair work needed for the factory equipped V8 since Evan kept up with a commendable maintenance routine, the simple addition of a K&N air intake would be enough to keep him satisfied for the moment. What he ultimately chose to focus on was significantly modifying the 4Runner’s factory suspension system to give it the ability to venture far beyond the dirt parking lots he once felt limited to.

Even though Evan is quite handy with a camera and has a deep knowledge of off-road suspension, he recognized his own limitations right from the start of his 4Runner project.

“I am no fabricator,” he admits with zero shame. “The easiest part of the build for me was dropping my truck off with Steve Fike, owner of Dirt Designs, to transform its entire suspension system. I put all my trust in his abilities, and that reassurance has proven invaluable to me.”

While in Steve’s care, Evan’s 4Runner received custom upper control arm gussets, fabricated spindles, rear mini canoe-style trailing arms, a one-off Panhard bar and upper link, as well as frame gussets for the trailing arms. A collective of King coilovers and shocks have been bolted into place to make for the smoothest ride possible, which is of utmost importance due to the type of driving Evan is into. Steve then fabricated a front skid plate to protect the front end during high-speed thrashing sessions. To help glide through the dirt and sand with ease, Evan selected a set of 17×9 Method 315 wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. While moving quickly was one of the top priorities of this project, being able to come to a controlled halt was equally as important. To slow the 4Runner’s roll, Powerstop pads and drilled/slotted rotors were added at each corner for smooth, composed braking power.

With a heavily modified suspension lift such as the one Evan’s 4Runner received comes the need to make certain necessary alterations to the body. The rear quarter panels needed some attention to clear the rear tires, and the factory front fenders were tossed for a much more appropriate pair of ADV Fiberglass units to meet clearance issues as well. To properly illuminate the pitch-black night, a network of 13 Baja Designs light housings were peppered across the front and rear ends, in the wheel wells, and strategically positioned throughout the roof rack. Luckily, all the 4Runner’s factory paint needed for its fateful close-up with Evan’s camera was a simple spit shine and wax job.

With the build chugging along at a steady pace, Evan found himself sorting through new seating options to replace the worn factory buckets. What he found was a pair of suspension seats from PRP that feature two-tone suede and vinyl upholstery and offer the most comfortable solution for blasting through uneven terrain. Audio components from Pioneer and Sony have been added to the mix, as well as an Icom Radio to stay in communication with friends while off the grid. A Switch Pros panel allows for easier control of auxiliary components, and a Pedal Commander unit has been added to give Evan more exciting throttle response while having a blast in the great wide open.

Even though Evan’s Blackhat Runner is an impressive machine as it currently sits, he still plans to make improvements in the way of a 2nd gen Tundra steering rack conversion and a full interior cage. As you all know, these trucks are rarely ever “complete,” as there is always something to upgrade…or fix. This 4Runner has been all over from the Baja to the Oregon Dunes, and every trail in between, as well as appearances at various show and shine events along the West Coast.

“I took my time in the hopes of doing everything right the first time around,” Evan says. “I didn’t splurge on everything all at once, but I still invested in the best components and fabrication work possible. ‘Buy once, cry once’ is the mantra I live by. There are never any shortcuts worth exploring while building an off-road performance vehicle—especially if you expect it to last for the long haul.”

2006 Toyota 4Runner

Owner: Evan Walsh
Madera, CA
Terra Crew / Bad Lines Good Times / 559 Yotas
Engine & Drivetrain: 2006 Toyota 4.7L V8 2UZ-FE, 2006 OEM transmission K&N air intake, 2005 Toyota Sequoia 8.4-inch rearend, Detroit Trutrac

Chassis & Suspension: Long travel suspension installation by Steve Fike @ Dirt Designs, King front and rear coilovers 2.5 x 8, King front triple bypass and rear double bypass 2.5 x 10 shocks, Upper control arm gussets, Fabricated spindles, Rear mini canoe-style trailing arms, Frame gussets for trailing arms, Custom Panhard and upper link, Custom skid plates, Toyota steering box, Factory fuel tank

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: 17×9 Method 315 wheels, 35×12.50Rx17 BFGoodrich KO2 tires, Powerstop brake pads and drilled/slotted rotors front and rear

Body & Paint: Factory Toyota Galactic Gray Mica paint, Toyota grille eBay headlights, Custom front bumper, ADV Fiberglass front fenders, Baja Designs lights, Slight modifications made to rear quarter panels to clear tires

Interior: PRP suspension seats, Black and gray suede/vinyl upholstery, Toyota gauges and steering wheel, Pioneer and Sony audio components, Rod End shift knob Switch Pros panel, Pedal Commander unit, Icom radio