02-08-2012, 07:46 PM
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#1
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TFJ-4runner: Build Thread
Thread Description:
This build thread is to share my personal experience with the Toyota 4runner Vehicle. I took notice to this vehicle like a lot of others do when they are younger. My dad bought a 2000 SR5 brand new from Jim Norton Toyota in in Tulsa Oklahoma. I was 10 at the time and already big into cars thanks to all the car shows he would take me to. I always loved these trucks and have made many comparisons to others but always came back to the verdict that these were built better.
Past 4runners:
I was handed the keys to the 2000 4runner for two years of high school while I flipped two 240's for profit to afford a 4runner to take to college. This 4runner went through two teenage boys and by no means has had an easy life. It's been raced, topped out, off road numerous time, and it's taken road trips to every end of the country. I'm a firm believer in how solid these vehicles are, especially the third gen model. IMO the 3rd is the best of both worlds...it's not softer like the 4th gens yet not harsh like the 1st and second.
You can sit on the trail with the heated seats on while watching the guy in the jeep figure out which gasket to sacrifice his last bit of RTV on ha. It's currently back in my dad's hands now at 280,000 miles. No misfires which I think is from keeping the internals cleaned from skinny pedal in its youthful days. No major repairs and it shifts like the first day he bought it. Did I mention I over heated the transmission towing car home and its never had a single bit of problems...just amazing!!
Senior year in high school I bought my first one. It was a 1995 with 130,000 Miles on it. I paid the guy $2,600 for it and drove home back to south Georgia. It had a few rust spots in the body but the interior was solid. There was a slight knock on cold starts for roughly two seconds before oil pressure built up. There was also a knock if the rpm's reached over 4,500 rpm's. I was more ignorant towards mechanics at the time so I missed the knock.
I drove this to Oklahoma where I went to school at OSU and wheeled almost every weekend not taking it lightly on the motor at all. One day in a mud hole I beat a little too hard and the knock got worse. It drove about 300 more miles before it gave out on the interstate on the way to a shop. It was towed the remaining 2 miles. $2,000 and 8 months later it was back on the road and I was Georgia bound. I flew back from Georgia, broke it in for a week and drove home. It was a brutal drive back and the new engine drank about a quart of oil every 300 miles. The 3.0 was a huge life and mechanic learning experience. The whole ordeal with the vehicle was a PITA but it made me a better person. It sold for 3,000 and my dad drove me home in his 4runner as we went south I got to see it one more time as it took the exit heading south. I'll never own a 3.slow again but it was a blast looking back at all the memories.
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Project LEXUS GX470 Build 6 /Radflo 2.5 Full Suspension Extended Travel ~ All Pro 3.5" Springs ~ SPC UCA ~ SCS SR8 Wheels ~ Metal Tech Rear Spring Isolators\ Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior
Last edited by TFJ-4runner; 02-09-2012 at 01:39 AM.
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02-08-2012, 07:46 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Sep 2010
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My Second 4runner I knew what exactly I wanted in a third gen model and set off looking online. I found it in Lynchberg, Virginia. A friend and I flew out there two days later and were greeted at the air port by the current owners. He let me test drive it and filled it up with a full tank of gas. About 7 hours later we were back in Georgia. I loved this 4runner because of the paint color and it was just so damn bulletproof. It was very tastefully modded and did everything I needed it to off road while being very Daily Drivable. I sold it because I wanted something better for my 120 mile commute and missed the car scene. A few short months in my Lexus and I knew it was a mistake. I quickly made plans to sell the Lexus and find the perfect unmolested 4runner to invest a good amount of money in to suite all my requirements.
Modifications:
3" ToyTec Spacers
8 Wrap LC coils
Cargar Soft 8's 15x8
33X12.50R15 GoodYear DuraTracs
AllPro 1.25" Spacers
Magnaflow Exhaust
Grey Wire Mod
Midland Ash Tray Setup
Custom Fire Stick Mount
4' Fire Stick antenna
Sony Head Unit
Upgraded Speakers
K&N Intake
Sub
10,000 LBS Recovery Hook
Platform Goals For Build:
A. Being my third 4runner I knew what I would need going in even better this time after my last two Rigs.
1. Completely Unmolested 4runner
2. It would have to have moderately low miles
3. Elertronic Locking Differential was a must and the center would be a bonus
4. It had to be a 199 plus year model 4runner
5. Flawless Interior
6. Everything was required to work like as if off showroom floor
7. Good tires to last until the build called for new ones
8. Clean Title
9. No wrecks
10. Limited Model Fully Loaded
Current Build:
I found my current 4runner in Detroit, Michigan. I found it on auto trader and after the guy crawling all over it taking pictures and looking for the locker button we agreed on a price. Two days later I was sitting in the Detroit air port waiting for him to pick me up. He drove me to the dealership where it was and I looked it over. It performed perfectly and I handed home $6,200 and drove the 12 plus hours home. I arrived home around 11 that night exhausted and to about 10 friends waiting outside to surprise me.
This time I did not want to solely depend on a spacer for lift. They can and will be hell on your cv's especially the bigger you go. The entire suspension will be overhauled and Improved as funds and time are made available. It will Completely armored and with a excursion/Baja type theme. I've made some pretty good steps towards it but there's still much to do. A project is never done so it will all come with time.
Modifications:
90004 Front OME Shocks
882 Front Coils
FJ80 LC 8 Wraps
FJ80 Rear Shocks
3/4" Top Out Spacers
2" Body Lift
15x8 w/3.75 BS D-Windows
35x12.50R15 Cooper STT Mud Terrain Tires
Midland CB
4' Fire Stick
Ebay CB Rear Mount
1.5' Spacers
JRD Stickers
10,000 LBS Recovery hook
Deckplate Mod
ISR Mod
Magnaflow Exhaust
Grey Wire Mod
6000K HID
Ford Taurus Oil Filter
Fog Light Mod
Painted Grill
DC/AC Power Converter Install
Other Random Stickers to go along with the theme color
Future Modifications:
5:29 Gears
Rear Differential Breather...I have the parts just lazy
Armor Armor Armor
Transmission Cooler Cooler
Scan Gauge
Front Locker
30" E-Series LED Light Bar
Complete Audio Overhaul
Forced Induction
Maintenance Done:
Spark Plugs
Repaired seized Bell Cranks
Saved Neglected Drive shat with Zerk Greasing
Brakes and Rotors
New Battery
Fuel Injection Cleaning
Blew Out 140,XXX of old lady syndrome ha
Fixed a Few Dead Interior Lights
Modified Characteristics:
Off Road Trips and Updates:
Last edited by TFJ-4runner; 02-13-2012 at 04:04 PM.
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02-08-2012, 07:47 PM
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#3
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It's been a pretty on going process for me but it's finally sitting right. The Calipers didn't require as much grinding this time which was refreshing. This setup also required less cutting. It is completely street able with no rubbing. Off road Ill focus a little more into the pinch well area so I will be completely positive it wont rub fully flexed. I always rains or is no warmer than 20 degrees when we grind. This was the third that's been grinded at my house and the weather has changed in seconds.
The ride is WAY more planted. The suspension has stiffened up some also making it feel more responsive when turning. As far as acceleration I honestly dont feel any loss at all. The biggest difference is that it will down shift sooner on a hill to keep up speed. No more different that my last with 33x12.50.
The alignment is being done Monday to make sure they wear as even as possible. The speed also jumped 10 mph so instead of being five under I'm now 5 over. All info on the build I'll be updating in the build thread. Thanks everyone for providing information on making this possible. Yes, the search bar DOES work.
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Project LEXUS GX470 Build 6 /Radflo 2.5 Full Suspension Extended Travel ~ All Pro 3.5" Springs ~ SPC UCA ~ SCS SR8 Wheels ~ Metal Tech Rear Spring Isolators\ Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior
Last edited by TFJ-4runner; 02-13-2012 at 04:06 PM.
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02-08-2012, 07:47 PM
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#4
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Project LEXUS GX470 Build 6 /Radflo 2.5 Full Suspension Extended Travel ~ All Pro 3.5" Springs ~ SPC UCA ~ SCS SR8 Wheels ~ Metal Tech Rear Spring Isolators\ Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior
Last edited by TFJ-4runner; 02-13-2012 at 04:09 PM.
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02-08-2012, 07:54 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Nov 2011
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1997 SR5, 217xxx, 5 Speed, 3" Eibach Springs w/ Tundra Bilstein 5100's, LC 8 Wraps, Bilstein 5125 in the rear, ISR, Elbow Removal mod, FJ Wheels, Tundra Brake Swap, 265/70R17 Goodyear Duratracs - SOLD
1999 SR5 220k, Automatic, e-Locker w/ blue wire mod, 3" Eibach Springs w/ Tundra Bilstein 5100's, LC 8 Wrap coils, Monroe Econo rear shox, 5th gen TRD Wheels, Tundra Brakes, Diff Breather, Satoshi Grill, Sport Hood
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02-08-2012, 08:00 PM
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#6
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Spot reserved... for when there is content to comment on.
Alright... Time for an Edit.
I like this thread. It was a good read from start to finish, and with all the 4Runners you've had in your family, you could almost call the 4Runner your step brother or something. I'm also a proponent of "knocking the dust off" when I get a used car.
It was worth the wait while you filled in the details, and the plans for the new rig sound good. That thing is already sky high so you should have no problems w/the 35's. I'll look forward to seeing those meats mounted up.
Last edited by BigFishAllDay; 02-10-2012 at 11:18 PM.
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02-08-2012, 08:17 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 197
Real Name: Tyler
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Man, what a cliff hanger! Your truck looks great from the picture that I see so I'm looking forward to this thread.
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1998 SR5 3.4, 5 Speed, 209XXX Miles, Airaid MIT, Magnaflow 18" Muffler, '99 Tall Coils (front), OME 906 Coils (rear), Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks/Struts, 16X8.5 Level 8 Strike 6 Wheels, C Load 265/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's, 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade, 4X Innovations Rock Sliders
Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
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02-08-2012, 08:38 PM
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#8
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Real Name: Macho Nacho
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LOL. This is the greatest empty thread I've seen in a long time. Looking forward to peeking in here one day to see substance and photos.
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02-08-2012, 09:45 PM
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#9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigFishAllDay
Spot reserved... for when there is content to comment on.
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Hope I don't disappoint then.
First round of build stuff is up. It's going to be pretty in depth. So sorry if it takes a minute to get up to speed everyone.
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Project LEXUS GX470 Build 6 /Radflo 2.5 Full Suspension Extended Travel ~ All Pro 3.5" Springs ~ SPC UCA ~ SCS SR8 Wheels ~ Metal Tech Rear Spring Isolators\ Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior
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02-09-2012, 06:00 AM
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#10
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damn what lift do you have on it? gonna look awesome with those tires on
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My Build Thread
1999 Highlander Edition w/ Factory E-Locker: Alarm/remote start, FN 5 star wheels, 285/75/16 Duratracs, King 2.4 Ext Travel C/Os, LC shocks/8 wraps, 1" Diff drop, Airaid Intake, Dual B&M 70264's, Satoshi grille, 01 Tails, shackles, Rear diff breather extension, Blue wire mod,Taco whip antenna, Window tint, Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini Stage III projectors, 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade, Interior LEDs.
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02-09-2012, 10:05 AM
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#11
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Great thread so far....now post up some pics of those tires on the rig!!!
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1998 4Runner SR5, ISR and Deckplate Mods, Painted Intake Manifold, TRD Tundra Struts, Diff Drop, LC 8 Wraps w/ Skyjacker shocks, Panhard Drop Bracket, Rear Tire Carrier, Maxxis Bighorns, Procomp Wheels, Custom Front Valance, Sport Edition Skidplate, Upgraded Exterior lighting
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02-09-2012, 10:38 AM
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#12
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I see you took a pic with your front bumper off...Did you get an aftermarket bumper?
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Cory J
Wheel converter,
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02-09-2012, 01:16 PM
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#13
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Looking good! Now all you need is some beefier tires to really top it all off.
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2001 4Runner 4WD Sport Package, Millennium silver, 110,000 miles, 2nd gen TRD Supercharger, Toytec BOSS coilovers, 890 OME rear springs, Bilstein 5125 rear shocks, custom Baldlands front bumper, PIAA 520 driving lights and fogs, 4x Innovation Sliders (welded on!), 18" Magnaflow muffler, JDM corners, 65" Thule bars, 20% tint, 16x8 FJ80 wheels on 265/75-16 Duratracs, Husky mats w/ cargo, rear diff breather mod, 3M clear bra, remote start, Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX
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02-09-2012, 04:50 PM
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#14
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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I used to drool over your second 4Runner so I'm glad to see that you decided to go back to one. That "Jeep Recovery Unit" sticker is hilarious. Can't way to see how this build progresses!
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1998 SR5 3.4, 5 Speed, 209XXX Miles, Airaid MIT, Magnaflow 18" Muffler, '99 Tall Coils (front), OME 906 Coils (rear), Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks/Struts, 16X8.5 Level 8 Strike 6 Wheels, C Load 265/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's, 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade, 4X Innovations Rock Sliders
Build Thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ld-thread.html
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02-09-2012, 05:23 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zachpins34
damn what lift do you have on it? gonna look awesome with those tires on
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I updated the modification thread with every single thing I've done to it so far. If you got any other questions just post up
Quote:
Originally Posted by fightman80
Great thread so far....now post up some pics of those tires on the rig!!!
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Thanks man, I'll have them mounted and on Saturday!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cj80cruiser
I see you took a pic with your front bumper off...Did you get an aftermarket bumper?
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No I wish, I hate the one on there now. It's from the putting the body lift on. The first weekend I had it I let my friend DD that night and he hit a deer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hepar
Looking good! Now all you need is some beefier tires to really top it all off.
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Tell me about it, its hard looking at the wheels and tires just sitting there waiting to be mounted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerbaird
I used to drool over your second 4Runner so I'm glad to see that you decided to go back to one. That "Jeep Recovery Unit" sticker is hilarious. Can't way to see how this build progresses!
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Thanks for the compliments man, I still miss it at times but better memories to be had in the new one.
Keep the comments coming guys...
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Project LEXUS GX470 Build 6 /Radflo 2.5 Full Suspension Extended Travel ~ All Pro 3.5" Springs ~ SPC UCA ~ SCS SR8 Wheels ~ Metal Tech Rear Spring Isolators\ Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior
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