Just a walk down memory lane looking at how the rig evolved over the years, and just wanted to centralize where I post anymore updates. Such a great vehicle, this. Really hoping Toyota states true to the 4Runner history with the next model, but I'd be hard pressed to let this one go especially due to the buyers remorse i got after trading my first one in on an f150...
Gotta thank everyone on this forum though. Whether its information or inspiration, or even ridicule you're looking for you can always find it here. ;)
Gone but not forgotten... Purchased new, Nov 2010, Non KDSS. Back when a Trail was a Trail, not this silly TRD off-road nonsense.
Brand new, 6 miles on the clock. June 2015, bought with the intent of making it a tribute to the previous one. Handles so much better with KDSS. If only it had more travel.
First mod. ;)
Fun with headlights.
**lost pics of painful (because KDSS) bilstien 5100 install, black roof rails from a 2012, and sliding rear tray install**
Had the damndest time finding wheels i liked. I preferred the black fender flares to be honest. Sold this first set because I didnt like the gloss finish and the grooved lip that held water. The mavericks were good, but had a ridge in the center of the wheel so balancing them was a pain in the ass. went thru 4 sets of tires in three months because of it. Discount Tire did an awesome job standing behind their products though.
Next up was talking Southern Style Offroad into fitting a 30” LED Rough Country bar into their Slimline bumper, and also picked up a "Trail" badge for the C Pillar. First time chopping into bumpers, turns out to be fairly easy if you just take your time.
Left it alone for a while, but then the bug for a new stereo and a supercharger bit me last year. Went to Sparks Toyota for the install, gotta say there were some issues which resulted in the mechanic getting fired and me getting it done for free. First, they didnt download the software which is literally step one, and magnuson doesn't work on weekends. Next, the radiator hose was rubbing the serpentine belt and was cut, took two days for that to get fixed, then the knucklehead installed the FJ Hood latch brace causing my hood to bounce at interstate speeds. Fortunately all was resolved, there've been no mechanical issues, and it completely transformed the engine. Love it.
Then the holidays hit, and admittedly i get bored because I do like performance vehicles and was searching something to cover all the bases. Simply doesn't exist, at least, so the 4R got a Stablemate. The cost of it, and potential repairs from modding keep me from doing anything significant to it.
Last December, this is where I got fed up with the old wheels I had. It was also at this point when I decided to go all in on the build to make it how I'd always imagined.
Icon Stg 2 3" lift. Morimoto lights & fogs, hated both of them, returned after a legit 2 week tryout. All I can say is they look awesome until you have to use them at night....
Next, high clearance additions to the Slimline bumper. In hindsight i should've kept the portions I cut out because i had an idea to make removable versions for interstate driving because there's definitely price to pay in the form of wind noise (not bad though.) Victory sliders, ARB Skids and also, after much consideration and even returning a set, I dove back in and added spidertrax spacers. Love the stance now, essentially running a ~-41 offset when factoring in the -12 offset from the Newest set of wheels. Also did one of those DIY “ceramic” coats. Noticeable difference, but nothing can overcome GA pollen...
And finally, yesterday. Prinsu Rack and wiring in the rock lights.
Have a few more things to do still. From here forward i'll have more detailed install information. Feel free to reach out if you have questions on any of the parts.
