Never thought I would be back making another build thread in the 3rd gen section, but here I am. Had bought a 2000 Limited 6 years ago and built it up to pretty much my dream 3rd gen, then sold it...haha I had a blast building my last 4runner, but with my 2nd child on the way, buying a house and my job getting busier, I found myself less and less on the trails and needing something better for my family. So I found a very clean 2006 4wd double cab Tundra and never looked back. Sold my 2000 and have been loving the Tundra so much, but miss wheeling and having a build. Didn't hurt my 6 year old daughter was begging me and my wife for a "truck" to go 4wheeling in, love that kid.
2000 build
SCRunner's Build Thread
2006 Tundra build
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/....396843/page-2
Last month was my 30th and I knew it was time and an opportunity to finally get my wheeler. I have always wanted a 1st gen 4runner , but they are damn expensive around here and I had a very limited budget. So randomly a local member on TacomaWorld PM's me about a supercharger he wants off a another member's wrecked 3rd gen. I gave him some advice, but he eventually emails me and says the guy doesn't want to deal with insurance and body shop, so he is letting the 4runner go. My gears start turning and askt he seller for pictures of the 4runner and it turns out to be 99 IJM Highlander edition and the damage is very localized and "minor" in my opinion. Best part, the engine and drivetrain are perfect and untouched. Well 20 more texts later, I am committed to a 4runner, my friend gets a supercharger and now have the fun part of letting my wife know...
Luckily, I had my 30th birthday the week before and was able to "justify" the purchase without her seeing it.
Worst case scenario I would flip it or pull the engine and save for a future 1st gen build and part the rest. When I went to see it, the damage was very manageable and it ran great. Brought it home and immediately was told to get it off the street where neighbors can see it and in the garage where it has been since...
These are the pictures I got from the seller, not bad, missing the flares, but all there.
How I received it from the PO and body shop (all parts where in the back)...
So due to the fact I got it in pieces and have to source parts, I dubbed this build the "Humpty Dumpty" build, but I'm hoping I can put all the pieces back together again...
Specs:
1999 4wd IJM Highlander Edition
190k (timing belt and radiator replaced 2/2016)
Auto
Open Diffs
Parts Replaced:
Driver headlight
01 IJM Grille
SR5 Skinny Flares
Yakima 48" Roof Rack
Rear Hatch
Front Bumper
Sunroof Glass
Seat Belt
Driver Fender
Aftermarket Parts:
Eibach 620lb coils/Tundra 5100
LC 7 Wraps/5100
3/16" front skid plate
17" Tundra Split Spokes
34x10.5x17 BFG KO2's
Bora 1" Wheel Spacers
Not Yet Installed:
Tundra Brake Upgrade
New CV Boots
Energy Suspension Rear Sway Bar Links
Replacement Rear Axle Shafts (rear axle seal leaks)
OEM LBJ's