My name is Matt. This is the story of myyyy
2000 4runner
4 wheel drive
113k


This is a long story so I wont feel bad if you dont read it. I included plenty of pictures for the scrolling people like myself and you should be able to piece it together.

I am a VW guy and I always have been. However I usually try and venture out from time to time and own something else. The 4runner has been a long time coming. Way before I was VW person I wanted a 3rd Gen 4runner with the fancy hood scoop in silver unfortunately I was in high school in 2000 and couldn't afford a brand new truck.

First picture of my current VW garge queen.




So last time I went the non VW route I got a Ram 1500 AND LOVED IT... within a month is was lifted on 35's




Soooo then I sold it and got another VW to tote around in. In December 2013 I volunteered for a deployment to Afghanistan and I was up in Kunar (if anyone is familiar) working with the Afghan Special Groups and we had a Hilux that I loved to drive. But that poor thing started falling apart we had to get rid of it. Which it was replaced by a 3rd Gen 4runner with that sweet elocker everyone keeps raving about.








So I decided that it was about time to fulfill my 4runner needs and wants when I get home. So I googled "how to buy 4runner" assuming there was a site similar to our VWVortex and sure enough I found you guys. I was blown away by all the helpful information and that one guys post with the buying guide and all of that. So the day I registered is the day I sent my wife to PA to buy this 4runner while I still had a couple of months left in Afghanistan.

Bad idea... plenty of time to buy parts and get upset I wasnt home to install them.. So I bought whatever I saw lots of recommendations for.. I dont really know what I bought to tell you the truth. But some OME rear springs and Bilstien adjustable front shocks and some new OE rear shocks 265/75/16 Terra Grapplers and those TRD stickers and some plasti dip of course all the maintenance stuff.

I got home from Afghanistan 3 days ago and I spent most of Friday afternoon putting it all on. Finally got to go for a spin this morning and I am pleased..

Dont mind the rusty spots on the frame its not that bad and most of it is dirt actually. But I have plenty of experience with a wire wheel and paint to get rid of it all some day soon. So on to pictures.

















Bonus picture of the runner and my wifes car





That is all for now.. I will be ordering a radiator and some savage sliders here soon.

Thanks for viewing

Looks awesome man. Pretty much my exact plans for my 4runner. I just picked up mine about 2 weeks ago. I also came from the "lowered" car world. I use the word lowered loosely since Sentra low is nothing like VW low.

Looking good! Great way to start, and welcome home!

Thanks!