I figured it was time to introduce my build. There are so many great 4Runner's out there that have inspired me to open my wallet. My focus is budget conscious without having my wife leave me, beat me or make me sleep in the other room.

I started out with a 2003 4Runner that was a mess. It was purchased and owned in New York. They should seriously outlaw using salt on the roads. I sold it and moved on with the dealer giving me some extra money for my trouble.

In August of 2012 I purchased an original owner 2008 4Runner SR5 4WD V6 that was very well equipped. It had just topped 100K. The owner had all the service records and documentation. No rust and in superb condition. I managed to get it for about 5k under book.

I researched and started with the FJ coils, DS 2.5 lift and 5100's all the way around. After that I installed Cooper ATP 265/70-17's. Great tires, great ride and comfort. For those on a budget, I highly recommend it. I was in for under $500.00 on the lift and $830.00 for the tires.

Here is how it currently sits. I did have to by some wheel spacers due to lack of back spacing of the wheels. I also recently removed the running boards. They seem to get in the way more than help.

This also starts the second part of additional mods. Budget conscious and balanced. Those seeking to not spend a lot of cash to enhance their 4Runner, hopefully I can help.

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So here comes a couple more phases to my build. Earlier this year I tore my shoulder. So I had to sell my bike. I won't be riding until next year or late winter. Some of the money is going to buy parts and upgrade my 4Runner. I plan on going out on some mild off road trails with the wife to enjoy the outdoors since I can't ride.

I've had many deliveries over the last couple weeks. I'm trying to get everything done before going under the knife.

I ran SeaFoam earlier this week in the tank, oil and intake. Today I changed the oil. Tomorrow begins installing parts. I'm upgrading the brakes, exhaust, air filter, sway bar bushings, installing iridium plugs and a 1/2" BL from emelianenkov. The URD Y-Pipe and MAF Sensor calibrator won't be here until this Wednesday. I'm also waiting on 4xInnovations rock sliders that shipped today.

The Flowmaster 50 Super SUV series is going on with a side tip out behind the rear tire. I found a screaming deal on Amazon for $101.00 for the muffler. I went with the EBC 6000 Green Stuff pads. Due to mixed reviews I opted to keep factory rotors in lieu of tossing money where no benefit would be guaranteed.

Full LED interior lighting will happen later this summer, along with a roof rack!

Hopefully I should see some performance, a little better fuel mileage and get some maintenance items taken care of. Thanks to all those that shared input on brakes, exhaust, and URD parts experience. It really helped guide my decisions.

I'll post up pictures and get some lift measurements as this procedes. Nobody can argue the joy of parts coming to the house!

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Post video of exhaust, I'd like to hear it... Looking good so far!

I will do that when I get it finished up. Hopefully that 50 series won't be too loud. From what I've heard on youtube, didn't seem too bad for a 4.0 liter.

I've been busy getting a few more things off my mods list. Sunday I installed the 1/2" body lift kit. It took a little longer than I expected and took a bath in washer fluid as most people have. Now I have a little more tire clearance for the future without having to move radiators or steering.

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Between Sunday and Monday I installed the front Energy sway bar bushings, cleaned the nasty throttle body, MAF sensor and put in my aFe Pro Dry filter.

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Today I finished up installing the rear Energy bar bushings and end link bushings. I ordered them from Wheeler's Off Road. They are great to deal with.

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The best part of the day was the two deliveries from FedEx. My URD y-pipe, MAF sensor calibrator and 4x rock sliders arrived. I'll be busy this weekend trying to get at least the exhaust completed. URD and 4x Innovations have been top notch so far.

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I started installing my latest round of mod installations Friday night. The stock y-pipe came out. It was a royal pain. The new URD Y-Pipe took all of about 2 minutes to install. Saturday I had the Flowmaster installed and the tailpipe tipped out behind the tire.

The muffler has a louder tone to it, but not bad. It rumbles along nicely. There is a very stark difference between the Flowmaster and the stock muffler with resonator.

Today I completed the URD MAF Calibrator install. I did a lot of searching for other user installs on other forum boards. It took about an hour or so to finish it up. I would have preferred the solder option, but it wasn't working for me. I crimped the wires into connectors.

It'll probably take about a week of driving to get the ECU to learn it. Next up are brakes and getting my rock sliders installed.

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I have the DS 2.5F and 1.5R and was thinking about adding the 5100's and FJ Coils. When you installed the 5100's and FJ coils did you notice a difference in ride? Did you have to remove or delete the DS 1.5R spacers or do you keep them in?

Nice write up, I have the exact same truck, year, color, and model. Keep up the good work

Good lookin' rig. I have an '08 SR5 V6 in Shadow Mica Gray as well. Currently, trying to find the time to install my OME suspension and then to decide on tires. I found your build by searching for 265/70 size tires and it appears you are happy with your Cooper ATPs. Keep up the good work!

I noticed a little firmer ride with the coil. I installed the coils, spacers and 5100's at the same time. I ran the rear spacers to keep from a squatting type look. I am very happy with the ride. This is still a truck and I like something closer to that feel, rather than a car.

Thanks! We also have a 2003 Acura CL-P. Are you also on the Acurazine Forum? It's getting time for me to give some attention to the car.

Thanks... I'm really happy with the Coopers. They did great on our trip to Moab and Colorado. Road noise is minimal.