Hey what's up everyone, my name's Joe and I figured I'd move all the pictures I've posted from my intro thread to a new build thread. I guess I'll say a little bit about myself, I'm 23, born in Hawaii and I live in Virginia now. My current DD is a 2006 350z but I've slowly been switching over to the runner. I've always wanted a runner and was very close to trading my Z in for a runner but decided to keep the Z and got a runner anyways. Enough with the talking and on to the beginning of the runner build/pictures.

Specs:
1998 Toyota 4runner limited
miles-262,xxx
Engine: V6
Trans: Auto
options:
-Rear diff locker
-Yakima ski/snowboard rack

Upgrades/Mods so far:
-Plasti-dipped rear and side emblems
-Rain guards
-Added rear spoiler/deflector
-Partial L.E.D. gauge and dash upgrade
-Changed the color of the clock
-Tinted turn signals and corner lights
-99 center console/cup holder mod
-99 Seats

Upgrades/Mods to come:
-Tundra brake upgrade 13we (already purchased)
-KYE/Koyo radiator
-B&M trans cooler
-Toytec lift
-Pro comp/Volk wheels
-Exhaust
-Fresh paint
-Rear tow hitch
-L.E.D. tails
-99-02 headlights and turn signals
-Retro fitted headlights
-Ultra gauge
-Gauge pod with trans temp/ oil pressure
-Roof Rack
-Some sort of steel bumpers for the front and rear
-Winch
-ARB awning
-Sleeping platform
-Snokel
-99-02 sport hood (already purchased, just needs paint)

I'm sure there's more I just can't think of them.



Day I got her in early November










Steering wheel was tore up so I got this DU steering wheel cover, I love duck hunting!


My runner was missing the cargo cover so I scooped this one up from the local salvage yard.


Got these rain guards from amazon

Installed


Got the rear spoiler/air deflector from the same salvage yard


Painted and installed



Trd decals

Before:

After:

I tinted the front corner lights and turn signals with VHT night shades
Before:

After:


My center console lid was broken so I ghetto rigged it with some latches from home depot:


Ordered some L.E.D.s from superbright:

Key ring light done in blue:


You probably already know what the green lights look like, here's what they look like after the 360 L.E.D. gauge light swap



Got these Apollo gel swatches to change the color of my clock from green to white. Thanks for the idea GottabeTRD

Before:

After:


Went back to the same salvage yard I got the seats, rear deflector and cargo cover and got a few more things.

2002 Tundra brake calipers 13we(199mm)



I probably won't do that swap until the brakes on my runner go bad, become warped or when I step it up to 33's, which ever comes first.

1999 Center console/cup holder(got this for $30 bucks!) I've been searching that yard high and low for a 99 console with the rear heater; finally got one.



99 vs 98 consoles

I used a pizza box to make an outline/cutout diagram


98 Center console removed


Goodies I found under my old console haha, looks like someone liked to party.


Test fitting the 99 console


Relocated the ECT PWR switch and rear window switch


Finally done and bolted down


Seat back in



Ordering the Ultra Gauge this weekend and might go back to that salvage yard just to look around and see if I see anything I want. They have like 20 3rd gen t4r!

Nice build man! Moving fast. Keep it up and get that thing out on the trails!

You said there were a lot of 30 gens by you? Anyway you could grab me a 96-98 grille for me to satoshi?? I would be super grateful and would definitely throw you a couple bucks for helping me out. Send me a PM if ya think we could work something out.

Nice so far! That's one amazing collection of "stuff" that you found under your center console.

Thanks man, haha but yeah it was quite a find, I got a good laugh out of it. I might go back to that yard this weekend and pull some tundra trd coils, same truck I got the brakes from.

PM replied

Nice thread man! And also thanks for the led. Plan on putting it in today. Man I really want one of those consoles!

Nice thread! I like the center console swap! How hard was/is it? How much of a pain to relocate the switches to the dash? I was wondering what you were going to do with them........
.
And thanks for the light also!!
Oh yeah, did you get 5 pieces of rain guards? 1 for the sunroof.

what salvage yard are you going too? im from the chesterfield area

No problem and thanks man, I might be able to snag you one next time I go although I don't have a paypal, might have to use my dads.

Thanks! It wasn't that hard, I was more worried about cutting too much because I didn't feel like going to get a new one, only took me about 2 hours with the wrong tools(right tools probably an hour). As for relocating the switches, all I had to do was unravel the looms and separate the switches from the e brake sensor. The rain guards came with only 4 pieces, my runner already had the sunroof guard, it says toyota on it so I imagine you might be able to get it from the dealership. Hope the L.E.D. works out for you!

I believe it's called "pick a part" the one I go to is in Fredricksburg but they have two locations with another one in Sandston I think.

Well just a few updates, I recently went back to that infamous yard I always speak of and took my buddy who just got a 4runner(got him to register on t4r!).
The previous time I went, I saw a trd tundra that looked to have decent shocks and coils, so when I went this week I had my mind set on buying those and trying to locate some rear LC coils. Well needless to say I found something else I wanted, so I had to narrow it down, it was either the trd struts or a OEM perfect condition evergreen sport hood with all hardware. I literally debated with myself and my buddy on what to get, I talked myself into getting the struts but being hesitant like I am I went and double checked them. After closer inspection the little rubber "things" on the bottom shock looked to be cracking and they only offered a 14 day warranty and I knew I wasn't going to install them until I got my rear springs too. So I changed my mind and got the sport hood because they only had one and it just came in so I scooped it up!


I also went ahead and removed my running boards, didn't really get any good before and after shots.
Tools used:
1)PB Blaster (very helpful but not needed)
2)Closed end 13mm wrench
3)13mm deep socket with rachet
4) Gloves
5) Safety glasses (recommended) I started off with no glasses but after something got in my eye I went ahead and put them on.
6) Tarp

Before:


After:



I think it looks a million times better and it only took about 30 mins, gives the illusion of a lift now.

Since I was under my runner I went and checked out some things.
Looks like I'll be needing a new muffler soon.

I also checked out the LBJs and they looked decent, a little bit of cracking in the rubber so I'll probably replace those when I do the brakes.

Does this look normal? This is right under the oil pan area, I'll put a piece of cardboard under the engine tonight to see if anything is leaking.

Dude...I had no clue they had that many T4R's nearby in the junkyards. If you're going to be in/out of one of 'em between now and when I pop down there, can you see if any of them have the 'sport' gray interior? I've got the Highlander version with the cloth seats/coverings, and broke the plastic clip thingy off of the driver's side door panel. *facepalm*

Yeah definitely, if I can remember correctly the one I got the hood from might have been a 1999 highlander, so I'll def check it out for you. When are you moving up this way? It seems recently that I go at least once a week, 45 min drive each way is a bit of a pain but for how many t4r's they have it's totally worth it. The guy who works there says they get on average 50 cars a day! When you move out this way I'd have no problem taking you there, I don't know if you'd mind hanging out with a 23yr old for a couple hours haha.

Dude - we're not moving that way LOL! Way too expensive for me. My in-laws live there; we'll be there for Christmas break.

That being said, 45 minutes one way for some CHEAP (hopefully?) 4Runner parts would TOTALLY be worth it, and I think I can put up with you. LOL