[absalom]

A little about me and cars. Owned a 89 CRX Si when I was 15, did the B16A swap, the industry became embarrassing, sold it and got an Aprilia scooter. Owned far too many motorcycles for the next 5 years. Did club racing in Norcal for a season.

Became interested in cars again, got a 1997 528i 5spd in silver. Amazing car, let friend drive it and he totaled it after 5 mins. Got a 2002 MR2 Spyder, best handling car I've owned, just terribly impractical. Moved to Arizona, and bought a 1994 Toyota Camry XLE to save funds for the move. Ended up LOVING the car. Very fast, smooth, reliable, great off-road (funny story).

Decided I was ready to get the car/truck I had been drooling over for far too long. Picked up a 2000 4runner SR5 4x4 with 125,000 for 6,900 in Phoenix. After waiting 3 years, it was everything I had hoped for. Here she is when I got her, or at least that's the photo the car-lot had on their website!



and as she sits now!



List of mods so far and future plans:

Engine
-Magnaflow 18" muffler
-B&M 70268 Transmission Cooler

Exterior
-Powdercoated bumpers
-Removed running boards
-Black pearl grill
-25% tint all the way around
-Black pearl emblems
-TRD emblems
-Jaos Spoiler
-TRS 50w HID Projector conversion
-1.5" Wheel Spacers
-4xInnovations Sliders w/ Kickout

Interior
-Pioneer stereo
-Soundstream components
-LED dome light
-Black rubber floor mats
-JVC 4 channel amp
-Dog barricade
-Grey marine carpet
-10" sub and amp
-CB radio w/ PA speaker
-Firestik II 4ft

Suspension
-Toytec front springs 602#
-Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts
-LX450 coils (8.5 wraps)
-Monroe Sensatrac shocks
-17x9 Level 8 Strike 6 wheels
-285/70/17 TreadWright Guard Dog MT's
-4crawler 1.5" body lift

Future Mods!!

-30" TQS LED lightbar
-Shrockworks Bumper, TAG rear bumper
-Dynomat
-Leather conversion
-Sport hood swap
-Diesel/V8 conversion??
-much, much more!

Drove her for a week to get a feel. The steering wheel wasn't centered, and there was/is a vibration at precisely 69-74 mph (still haven't fixed that last one). I had it aligned and wheels balanced. It then tracked straight as an arrow. However, the vibration remained, admittedly less pronounced.

First mod was to get a decent stereo. I don't much like changing the factory interior of cars, but the stock stereo is terrible and lacking an AUX input for mah Droid! So I got a Craigslist special on a Pioneer deck (brand new for $60), with some Soundstream 6.5" (new on special for $45) components up front. I left the stock 4" in the rear until I am sure if I want to do the conversion to 5.25". I am not a big fan of subwoofers, at least until I have boosted power to my door speakers. So I got a JVC 4 channel amp (used for $55), and ran it to all four corners. The results were night and day. It is crystal clear at deafening levels. However, it did expose a whole new boatload of rattles in the door.

I'll back up and say I've always admired 3 particular built 4runner's. LINY, Blcktpgsrs', and 4runits'. The vision I have for mine is a tasteful modernizing of the 4runner's image, and I may pull various elements from these and several other builds. However, I've always prided myself on doing things for the absolute bottom dollar without cutting corners (most of the time, more on this later!). Call it cheap, but I enjoy a good bargain hunt. Hopefully my build will show that the 4runner can look very good for very little money. Time will tell.

Back to the first modspree. As I've never owned a lifted vehicle, I wanted to make sure it was even a right fit for me. So I scooped up a 3" Revtek lift from Craigslist for $100. I was in the process of moving from Northern Phoenix to Scottsdale for work, so the lift had to wait a few weeks. However, I decided to retrofit the interior during this time to better suit my dog.

I grabbed some short pile, graphite colored marine carpet for $18 and lined the entire hatch floor in it. Then I scooped up a used dog barricade for $25 to keep my pup off the rear seats and in the trunk. Also scooped up some perfect black rubber floor mats for $25 shipped, front and rear. I just can't see spending nearly 8 times that on Weathertechs. Gave the interior and engine bay a thorough vacuuming/shampoo and steaming.

The truck was really looking clean at this point. Looked much newer, drove like a Toyota should (perfect and just 'right' in every department). Next up, more mods!

[absalom]

I gathered a few pictures of the above-mentioned changes.

Here is my doggy zone, with the carpet and barricade. I wish 3rd gens came with rear A/C to keep pup cool during the brutal Arizona summers, but the tint will help. Additionally, with the car alarm I had installed I will be able to leave the car running (with the A/C on full blast) while I go into stores, get food, etc when pup is with me.




Here is the system, had all of this installed and the car alarm for $90, love craigslist at 2am sometimes! This thing is incredibly loud, just some sound deadening in the door panels for the dubstep :P




Here is a few of the rig on the 3" Revtek sag lift. It's sitting level (which I dislike.) I learned after the install about loosening the LCA's to create more room for the longer coilover assembly. Install was a PITA as a result! LOL


I did the "Poor Mans Black pearl emblem" mod and was VERY pleased with the results, one less piece of chrome! 4Runners.org - Poor Man's Black Pearl Emblems




I had the windows tinted 25% all around, and plan on getting 50% on the entire windshield once summer greets us. Got the entire rig done for $125, cool story; ex-Danny's carwash employee got busted for possession, now does tint jobs out of his garage for 1/3 the price or so I was told. Best 125 I have spent thus far, completely changes the look of the rig, and I don't generally prefer tint either.

Scored a flawless set of Sequoia rims for $100. Dude even met me at work before I was scheduled. Posted them that evening on CL for $400, had a buyer the following afternoon. Found a second set in less then perfect condition with some rollers already mounted for $200 and decided to keep these for the time being. Just wish they were 17x8 or wider They look spectacular tho, and I really like being able to keep it somewhat Toyota related. The tires are in horrid shape tho, and I'm keeping my eyes open for a decent used set of 295's MT's.



I immediately decided I didn't like the Revtek spacer lift and decided to spring in a different direction. I ended up going with the Toytec 5100 adjustable Bilsteins paired with the Toytec/Eibach springs in the front. In the rear, I scored an awesome set of LX450 front coils for $80 shipped. Threw some new Monroes with them and called it a day. I now have about 5" in the rear and 3" in the front and am LOVING the raked stance. The ride quality is much improved, even over the 125k stock ride, albeit with more noticeable body roll.



As mentioned earlier, my bumpers are currently at the powdercoaters. They are on a 12 day wait, so I should be getting them back in 2-3 days. But they were a pain to get off, and half the bolts crumbled off in the socket wrench, so if I am unable to get them mounted, I will be forced to get some front and rear plate bumpers

[absalom]

After much deliberation, I decided on the Treadwright Guard Dog's. Ever since I heard about retreads a few years back I've been jonesin' for the opportunity to run them. Finally got my chance.





Had originally planned on going with the Raptors, but couldn't find them with a negative offset, so I went with the Level 8's in 17x9 with a -12 offset.




Finally ... more to come in the very near future.

[BigFishAllDay]

Big update here dude, I see you added:

-17x9 Level 8 Strike 6 wheels
-285/70/17 TreadWright Guard Dog MT's
-Powdercoated bumpers
-Jaos Spoiler

That all came together really well. I love what those JAOS spoilers do for the back end... too bad they're $300.

[1985taylor1925]

every time i see your avatar picture I laugh. its just so ridiculous haha

[fightman80]

NIce man!

[absalom]

Had the itch to take the new wheels/tires for some wheelin'. Grabbed a few buds, piled in, and took off to Table Mesa. It had just rained the weekend before so the ground was still rather tacky. On the freeway, the truck did amazing. The Treadwrights felt so planted, with a slight hum. Off road, I left the tires filled to 45 psi as I didn't feel like dealing with finding a compressor in the dark when we were done.




I was blown away at how capable my truck has become. I used to run ATV tours at Table Mesa and there are a few sections I remember as being rather difficult and our guests had some issues. The Runner made quick work of everything.




I did succumb to peer pressure when my friends urged me to charge a giant puddle. I must've have knocked a wire loose or something as my stereo is no longer functioning correctly. Instead a loud humming noise is made. Also, I realized just how woefully inadequate our stock headlights are! The next mod I make will shine some light on this issue :wink:

So basically ... I AM IN LOVE WITH MY TRUCK ... and I don't care who knows it!!!

[absalom]

Originally Posted by fightman80

NIce man!

Thanks a lot!

Originally Posted by 1985taylor1925

every time i see your avatar picture I laugh. its just so ridiculous haha

I am super self-conscious about my body image, thanks for understanding. On an unrelated note ... wuts ur paypal, I can haz wheel spacers??

Originally Posted by BigFishAllDay

Big update here dude, I see you added:

-17x9 Level 8 Strike 6 wheels
-285/70/17 TreadWright Guard Dog MT's
-Powdercoated bumpers
-Jaos Spoiler

That all came together really well. I love what those JAOS spoilers do for the back end... too bad they're $300.

I was torn on whether the Jaos was a waste or not. I'm glad I pulled the trigger, it really updates the whole look of the rig. Thanks again!

[blcktpgsr]

Nice wheels...so haw far do they stick out the fender?

[BrianSD_42]

Nice truck. Subscribed

Became interested in cars again, got a 1997 528i 5spd in silver. Amazing car, let friend drive it and he totaled it after 5 mins.

I just bought a 2006 330i manual - Note to self: do not let anyone else drive it.

[ryhi]

nice looking runner! i'm liking the black and silver theme you got going on.

[Hepar]

I like, I like! Never get tired of seeing the transition from street rubber to beef rubber. So killer.

[absalom]

Originally Posted by blcktpgsr

Nice wheels...so haw far do they stick out the fender?

The rears about 1/2 inch, and the fronts are recessed about 1/2 inch. Spacers arrive tomorrow!

Originally Posted by brianemc2_42

Nice truck. Subscribed



I just bought a 2006 330i manual - Note to self: do not let anyone else drive it.

Yea, good call. I miss my bimmer daily

Originally Posted by ryhi

nice looking runner! i'm liking the black and silver theme you got going on.

It's a weird color, it's silver in some light, and then cream in another.

Originally Posted by Hepar

I like, I like! Never get tired of seeing the transition from street rubber to beef rubber. So killer.

Thanks bud!

[absalom]

$hit just got interesting, my Craigslist post finally paid off!

[Scat Adams]

Nice looking truck, good luck on installing that tire carrier.