[Mr. Banks]

And so it begins. I'm kicking off my build thread with all of the ideas for mods floating around in my head. Hopefully I'll get feedback and comments to help filter the good with the bad and everyone will enjoy assisting in another built thread. Here's the link to the 4runner gallery thread : Mr. Bank's 4runner

In no particular order, the future mods:

Wheels: I don't want anything to do with TRD on my 4runner. I like them but if they want to neglect the V8 4runner then fine. We don't need you. With that being said, my stock rims can hold out for now, and I'll just upgrade the tire size to help with the new look of the suspension until I can decide on rims. I am super picky. Tires will probably be bought on base because I'm cheap like that. It seems like the Dealership would only be more expensive and less selection.

Suspension: It started with a Daystar Lift kit from Wheeler's Off Road but in the last 2 months I have decided to go big or go home. Leaning on an Icon stage 2 lift to start. I do want to go bigger but If I do that I'll have to buy the parts individually and over time. If I went with an OW 2.5 I would be spending a little more but I would be done with it. If I went ICON there's the potential to want to build/spend all the way up to a stage 6, = $$$$. Not sure yet if I want a bumper and winch combo, but I'd rather have the suspension for it anyways. Yes ARK I have been paying close attention to your posts. I really like Metal Tech's prices, Metal Tech 4x4 - 4th Gen. (2003-2009)

Headlights 03-05 Toyota 4Runner Halo Projector Headlights - Black I really like how the 06 OEM LED tail swap worked out. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/908366-post67.html For the front, I'm torn between the Halo's and a projector retrofit. Either way I'll need headlights while I mod the stock set with a retrofit...

Other mods I have seen here with some wonderful write ups are:

- BluTooth for phone, and R/H steering wheel controls (have L/H audio controls already) My question is, where's the mic? I can't recall where or what it looks like.

- Overhead domelight console (with Homelink buttons) swap

- VSC/ATRAC (V8, 2UZ-FE) 4x4 mod with stock looking/OEM push-button. I want this to be done in a clean manner that doesn't cause any problems with dash lights.

- Eclipse AVN62D lockout/bypass switch for NAV/DVD use. Ordered this before I left for my deployment. Need to actually install this bad boy when I return in June.

- FJ "Bling" skid plate part number: PT212-35071. Yes I finally found it. Until I can decide on a CBI forward high center mounted hidden winch/recovery point, or an armored bumper, this is what I want under the front of my 4runner. I am not a fan of the Taco/4runner plate. I used to have this under my 4runner until one horrible experience with a dealership and my 60k mile inspection. They didn't reinstall it, and I was out a plate with no help from them to get a replacement. Now the search is over, and this is what I want until I make up my mind on bigger projects.

[gaterose]

Originally Posted by Mr. Banks

- BluTooth for phone, and R/H steering wheel controls (have L/H audio controls already) My question is, where's the mic? I can't recall where or what it looks like.

- Overhead domelight console (with Homelink buttons) swap

I believe the mic is in the overhead console (on the bottom of the sunglasses holder?) so you'll want to look for that in the console you choose.

Also, I believe some members installed the RH controls and didn't get much functionality out of it. You may want to search for that and read those threads before you spend the money on the controls.

[Mr. Banks]

Thank you Gaterose, I will look into that. I think it has something to do with the ribbon wire that links the two together. There's the L/H controls, R/H controls, and the ribbon linkage. I think that's the key.

Anyways this is exactly why I wanted to get a head start on this while I'm deployed. I can gather the feedback and opinions and collect all the part numbers I need to look up to put on order for the fun to begin when I get home.

[Mytoy4]

Looking forward to seeing the mods!

[Mr. Banks]

If anyone knows me they know I have been searching for the right replacement skid plate I used to have on my 4runner. I bought my runner used and there was an aftermarket skid plate that came with the runner I assumed was part of the sports package. Little did I know it was from an FJ Cruiser. Now I have two accessory skid plates. Both were purchased the first day I registered for membership at FJCruiserForums.com. I paid the price for one and also acquired one for cost of shipping so now I have two plates and hardware for both. I am really excited because I could not stomach the Taco skid plate. This one just seems to fit the brushed aluminum look the sports were going for back in 2005. More pictures to follow once I return from my deployment.

[Mr. Banks]

After a lot of thread searching, I found the part numbers for the overhead consoles. The console shall be placed on order shortly...

63670-0W030-B0 - Gray without sunroof
63670-0W040-B0 - Gray with sunroof
63670-0W030-E0 - Tan without sunroof
63670-0W040-E0 - Tan with sunroof

These are without the Mic. As of right now I can't find an assy with Homelink, with Sunroof, WITH MIC. Most of them are without the mic or the one with the mic doesn't have sunroof controls. Gah.

[mikey's2010SR5]

Please don't get those cheap Ebay headlights. They are so ugly.

Just do a projector retro fit. You will get a proper projector with great output.

[Mr. Banks]

Originally Posted by mikey's2010SR5

Please don't get those cheap Ebay headlights. They are so ugly.

Just do a projector retro fit. You will get a proper projector with great output.

Thank you for your brutally honest opinion? My question is, do I have to turn in a set of headlights in order to get them retro'd? If so I will need to find a set to swap out for the down time. I see what the final product looks like thanks to your build thread. Thank you for talking me out of the KB Car Stuff's Angel Eye HIDS

Break

Just ordered my Map Light overhead console with HomeLink and Sunroof controls. Also the VSC/ATRAC push button from Toyota Parts Zone. Come to think of it I am pretty sure I ordered the FJ button because that's the PN I had. To be honest I totally forgot what the 4runner button looks like, or if there's even a difference. The console from the dealers price was $120, and TPZ sold it for $80-something. The VSC/ATRAC was $50. While expensive, it doesn't trigger my OCD. I know I'm going to have to mod the button to keep it from being a momentary switch to a full on open/close type switch.

Now I'm going to have to decide on who's VSC/ATRAC mod I want to follow for my all time 4x4 V8 power slides in the mud/snow

[seanmh]

Originally Posted by Mr. Banks

Just ordered my Map Light overhead console with HomeLink and Sunroof controls.

What part number did you order? Does it have sunroof controls and the mic?

[Mr. Banks]

Originally Posted by seanmh

What part number did you order? Does it have sunroof controls and the mic?

I used the P/N: 63670-0W040-B0 - Gray with sunroof, homelink.

I found the overhead console page, and all of them were without mic. Well there was one that didn't have the rest but it did have the mic. So it was like, best 2 out of 3. Believe me I tried to look for the one that had all 3 features. I just could not find it.

I don't have a bluetooth system installed yet anyways. I guess I'm ordering the Eclipse bluetooth once I get back home from my deployment and I can use Ebay once again.

[seanmh]

I was mainly looking for the homelink and ended up getting an auto dimming mirror with home link. Maybe you should go that route for the home link and get the sunroof controls with mic without homelink?

[Mr. Banks]

You know the auto dimming mirror doesn't really appeal to me. And I don't have blue tooth yet so it isn't a loss. How in the hell did the 2005 Limited offer blue tooth with a sun roof? Is there another P/N that wasn't listed?

Nah, still agree, don't need the dimming mirror.

[calikev]

so did that FJ gray aluminum skid plate just bolt right on? I'm looking for one for my Runner in the LA area if so

[Mr. Banks]

When I bought my 4runner that was the skid plate the dealership offered. I have never seen the 2006 aux skid plate until I joined this site. My skid plate was stolen off my 4runner a while ago and I have not seen my 4runner in 9 months so I can't remember if the brackets were still under there or not. Anyways I have yet to put it back on since I bought it through paypal and I'm on a deployment. We are headed back to the states now, and I'll be home at the end of the month.

I actually acquired two plates from our friends over at FJ Cruiser forums. One of them is beat to all hell and back, and the other is brand new. It was a two for one special, and I couldn't see any reason NOT to get both.

[Mr. Banks]

I failed to mention the last time I drove up to Portland, OR from San Diego, CA I picked up Spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers and the 2.5" Daystar Complete Lift kit (XREAS compatible) From Wheeler's Offroad Quality Off Road Parts & Accessories Since 1999 I was able to order online and pickup at the shop on my way to Portland.

I had to keep it budget friendly since I needed to buy a car once I arrived in Okinawa. Someday, it will be nice to ditch the XREAS and have a real 4runner suspension.