I am now the 3rd owner of a 2000 T4R Limited edition, with e-locker. CA-owned, light rust, at least for the areas I was able to check. It has 191K miles. The condition of the interior, one of the better ones I’ve seen; especially the seats. Everything works, even the dang antenna!
As some here know, I was partial to the first sub-gen, the ’98 in particular. Just prefer the simplicity, basically, less electronics. The multi-mode and factory locker were the main attraction, actual cup holders nice too of course. I’d otherwise prefer to have more basic features, and maybe that is something I can address later. First, a bit of background might be in order.
After 5+ months of searching, replying to many Craigslist postings over text, phone and email, even carrying cash with me on a biz trip to San Diego, fully prepared to cancel my return flight home should the right 3rd gen surface down there, I eventually made a purchase this past Saturday (28 Oct 2017). Huge sigh of relief. Having taken the wife and two little ones with me on many of these fruitless excursions, sometimes 2+ hour drives from home, the whole family is relieved too. Was starting to get some grief for sure from the wife and kids, especially after one trip where we dove 1 hour and 45 minutes (each way), and were literally driving back home 3 minutes later. The guys said it had zero rust on the frame / underside. Hell no. I always go under it first, with a good flashlight, for that reason, and to check that the locker is actually there, as opposed to the button only. Also, to check for wetness, or signs of leaks. I learned to ask for photos of the underside first, at least for those 4Runners somewhat far from home…
So as happy as I am to finally have a 3rd gen T4R, I’m seemingly almost as happy with the hunt being over. It had become draining and frustrating. So, what next?
I am reluctant to call this a build thread at this time, thus the title. I’m currently immersed in remodeling our “new” home, which is quite a bit of work that will carry well into next year, I think into the spring. So, no major tinkering or wrenching until after the house is done. Accordingly, I promised, but some very basic, “easy” stuff will be permitted in the interim.
Oh, expected use is important. Just shared such with the insurance company moments ago actually. In the winter, a couple or so Tahoe trips is to be expected, and in the summer months, when the little ones are out of school, camping will happen. Our family also has some property up on Summit Road (Santa Cruz Mtns), and the private road is quite rough. Can’t wait to get this up there! I’ll want to get a winch at some point as there were always downed trees up there, often across the “road”. I have not explored all of the bumper options as of yet, but I must say that the Coastal Offroad one has my attention!
I have not had a 4x4 in nearly 3 decades. Hard to believe. Had a couple FJ40s when I was a young buck, modded them up a lot; and I’m quite sure I’ll be doing a fair amount here too, eventually.
For a baseline though, I’d like to provide some photos for a reference point. I’ll do so at the bottom, assuming I know how to do so…
I am starting to tackle somethings though, albeit quite minor. Before I got home, I purchased some Seafoam. The tank was nearly empty, so I added a full can, then fill the tank. I’ll use the same in the oil, just before an oil change, and hopefully find a good vacuum line, somewhere.
Today I received a new FOB case as the one that came with the truck is in poor condition. Coming tomorrow, are several cigarette lighter / USB chargers, including this cool one that displays voltage, which is pretty neat. The image shows amps though...
Oh, thanks to Mike, as he turned me onto WeatherTech. I have those mats or liners arriving later in the week, for front and rear seats. Earlier today I ordered a ScanGauge II cable. I already have the SG2 unit installed in another car, which I rarely drive, so I’ll just remove it, keep that cable in place. Easy enough to move the SG2 unit from vehicle to vehicle with the cables already in-place.
So, it’s this kind of piddly stuff that I’ll be relegated to, until the house project is done… Not an exciting build thread, that’s for sure.
Is there a good checklist of maintenance items to perform after taking ownership? LBJs seem to be one, but again, maybe a bit too much of a project at this time, unfortunately. Maybe tranny and rear diff fluids might be a good one to tackle. If you have any input, please share.
As stated earlier, some photos…
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I'll update this first post below with the work performed, additions (even minor stuff) and hopefully not too far down-the-road, actual mods:
Service / Maintenance / Repairs
Seafoam, fuel tank (1 3/4 bottles)
Seafoam, vacuum line (3/4 bottle)
Seafoam, oil/crankcase (1/2 bottle)
Fuel filter (Fram G6680)
Engine oil change (5W-30, full synthetic, Mobil 1 High Mileage, filter WIX, 51348XP, new gasket)
ATF, drain & fill (Valvoline Max Life, new gasket)
Front & rear diffs, and transfer case (Mobile 1 Synthetic 75w-90, new gaskets)
Liftgate struts (Strong Arm)
Wiper blades, front (PIAA Super Silicone, 95043)
Wiper arm cover (driver side, Toyota)
Wiper blade insert (rear, Toyota)
Radiator, radiator cap, upper and lower radiator hoses (Toyota)
T-stat w/ gasket, jiggle valve at bottom (Toyota, coolant temps dropped 12-15 degrees)
Lower fan shroud and clips (Toyota, was missing)
Degrease undercarriage and wheels
Lubricated (petroleum jelly) rubber gaskets around doors and glass
Cleaned antenna and lubricated it with silicone spray
Replaced various interior "push-button" clips that were missing
Intake air filter (Pentius PAB7626)
Spark plugs (NGK 4302 BKR5EKPB-11)
Spark plug wires (NGK 4412, TE66 wire set, blue)
Cleaned throttle body and new gasket (Toyota, enlarged to O-shape from D)
Cleaned IAC and new gasket (Toyota)
Cleaned MAF
Cleaned the intake path from airbox to TB, treated the plastic and rubber parts
PCV and grommet (Toyota)
Rear lower control arm polyurethane bushings (Whiteline, removed light rust on arms & brackets, painted, cleaned-up fasteners)
Rear upper control arm polyurethane bushings (Whiteline, removed light rust on arms & brackets, painted, cleaned-up fasteners)
Adjusted/tightened TB cables (3)
Rear sway bar polyurethane bushings (Energy Suspension, cleaned-up fasteners)
Front sway bar polyurethane bushings (Energy Suspension, cleaned-up fasteners)
Steering rack polyurethane bushings (Energy Suspension)
Replaced lower ball joints & 8 bolts (new OEM)
Inner and outer tie rods, with boots (new OEM)
Front lower control arms polyurethane bushings (Whiteline)
Rear polyurethane body mounts (Sonoran Steel)
Tundra Brake Upgrade (Brembo 25534 rotors, 13WL calipers, Power Stop Z36 pads)
Brake speed bleeders (Russell, 639570 front & 639560 rear)
Braided stainless 3.5" longer rear brake line (Sonoran Steel)
Braided stainless front brake lines to the wheels (Wheeler's Off Road, for a Tacoma)
Brake fluid flush & bleed (Valvoline Synthetic DOT 3/4)
Sliders (Stubbs HD-SKO) Note: net gain of 35 pounds (65 lbs compared to 30 lbs for the running boards)
Panhard Correction Kit (PCK)
Panhard bar polyurethane bushings (Energy Suspension 8.7106G)
Parking Brake Cable Rear Axle Bracket (Sonoran Steel)
Automatic transmission fluid cooler (B&M 70266 @ 20,500 BTU, bypass)
Front bumper (Savage) Note: weight 83 lbs (Front bumper cover, with lights weighs about 36 lbs)
Rear bumper with swing out (Savage) Note: 39 pound gain (130 lbs total or 85 lbs + 45 lbs, stock bumper with trailer hitch weighs a bit over 91 lbs (46 + 45 pounds, respectively)
Rear shocks, springs and air bags (adjustable King 25001-334, with OME 2891 and Firestone Coil-Rite 4017)
Extended rear sway bar links (Energy Suspension 9.8149G + Oversized shank Heim 60645K85)
Extended front sway bar links (Overland Custom Designs)
Front coil-overs (King 25001-151, 650 lb springs)
Adjustable control arms (SPC, 25460)
Front differential drop (Sonoran Steel)
17x8.5" wheels & 285/70-17 AT tires (SCS F5 & BFG KO2, 36 psi) Note: stock 16 wheel/tire combo weighed 58 lbs, these 75 lbs
Wheel locks (Gorilla 21631BCB5)
Updated steering rack guide
Denso 234-4153 Oxygen Sensor (rear)
Poly body mount bushing set - Energy Suspension Energy 8.4110G
Denso 234-9002 AFR Sensor (front)
Extended front diff breather to top of firewall, and replaced hose
Extended rear diff and e-locker breather to fuel fill compartment
Removed rust on tailpipe, painted flat black (Rustoleum High Heat)
Power steering flush (ATF), with o-ring replacement
Center console armrest (Toyota: 58905-35070-E0)
Drive/Propeller Shafts Greased (8 Zerks, NLGI Grade 2)
RCV Ultimate IFS CV Axle Set
Front diff PTFE bushing - (ECGS, replaced front diff needle bearing)
Electrical & Lighting
Battery (Exide Global Extreme, 24FX, 960 CA, 800 CCA, 69.6 Ah, 120 RC, 40 months) -> free warranty replacement Feb 2021 (Exide Sprinter)
Exterior LED light conversion (used flasher relay EP35 and 6 Ohm resistor on 3rd brake light)
Interior LED light conversion (all, minus instrument panel - domes, maps, glove box, sun visor, trans shifter, ashtray, auto climate control, hazard, rear defrost/ECT, rear window control, 74 socket base and green LED replaces cigarette lighter bulb)
Headlight bulbs (BOSWEE H4 LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit)
Head unit (Pioneer AVH-4100NEX), both antennas retained and now switched
Amp (Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel Power Pack, under dash in factory amp location, power through a 15A Add-A-Circuit )
Front speakers (Infinity Reference 6500CX, component, 6 lbs sound-deadening butyl, connected with 14 AWG)
Rear speakers (Polk Audio DB651, coaxial, 6 lbs sound-deadening butyl, connected with 14 AWG)
DRL disco
Dash cam (Apexcam Mini Dash Cam)
Fog lights (20 watt LED, Amazon)
Running lights (Two sets, halo/angel eyes on fogs and orange markers, Add-A-Circuit in engine bay)
Winch (Smittybilt 98510 X2O Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10000 lb), with cover and winch flip license plate holder
300 watt inverter (Giandel, pure sine wave, stowed under rear seat)
Engine bay lighting (two rock light pods, Ampper, clear, 9w each)
Portable jump starter (DBPOWER)
Rear center console dual USB 3.0 ports and 25A socket (Ashtray removed, member "marcus clarkus" cover plate, 30A Add-A-Circuit)
Off road fog lights (Baja Designs - Squadron-R Sport, Wide Cornering, Amber)
Off road driving lights (Baja Designs - Squadron-R Sport, Driving/Combo, White)
Off road driving lights (Baja Designs - Squadron-R Sport, Spot, White) on CBI ditch light brackets
Switch box mounted under driver's seat (six rocker switches)
Dual band Ham radio (Kenwood TM-V71A + Diamond NR770HB antenna + Diamond K9000LRM motorized mount)
Tranny cooler fan (Upgr8 7", 80 watt, 1,350 CFM)
Rear auxiliary lights (Nilight 2PCS 18W 1260 lumen, on rear bumper)
Hella dual disco horns (011225871, 335 & 435 Hz, 113 dB)
12 volt socket outlet under driver seat (charge HT ham radio)
Via trailer connector, 16" combo running, brake, sequential turn signal and flasher light on rear bumper (Online LED Store)
Upcoming:
Rock lights
Miscellaneous
Key FOB shell
FOB battery (2016)
Cigarette lighter -> dual USB charger (two, center console and rear)
Cigarette lighter -> dual USB charger w/ voltage display (center console)
WeatherTech liner/mats (black, front and rear)
Apple charge cables (two, 3', black)
resqme keychain car escape tool (yellow)
Tire valve stem caps (basic plastic ones, three were missing)
Fixed - Engine hood latch wasn't staying closed (lubrication of the catch fixed)
Steering wheel lock - The Club Original (1010T)
"Grey" (blue/red actually) wire mod - Permits the factory rear diff locker to work in all modes, not just 4 low
Painted Toyota grille emblem (flat black)
Borla ProXS Muffler 40665, with all (5) new exhaust hanger insulators - (stainless steel, deeper sound, improved clearance, 12 pounds lighter)
Removed cargo privacy screen (8 lbs)
Front seats (Corbeau Moab, Spice, about 39 lbs per seat, compared to 50 lbs for stock)
Rear seat covers (Wet Okole)
Decals - USA flags (stars leading on rear windows and thin blue, green & red lines on back window) and Cal on back window
Inclinometers (two, Lev-O-Gage)
Removed stock skids - 19 lbs (including transfer case)
Removed stock running boards - 30 lbs
Roof rack (Rocky Mountain Antero Extension "half rack") net weight gain of 15 pounds (25 lbs - 10 lbs OEM)
Wobbly rear view mirror fix
Rear cargo mod
Removal of spare support and crank - 20 lbs
Spot rust removal or "conversion", prime and paint on frame/underside
Lil' Skip's gas tank skid (32 lb net - 46 lbs vs 14 lbs for the factory skid)
Oil Drain Valve (Fumoto F103)
Front diff bushings (DuroBumps)
RCI Off Road skids (front, transmission and transfer case) - 89 lb net gain (108 - 19 pounds for factory skids)
Front bump stops (DuroBumps)
Rear bump stops (DuroBumps)
Sunroof disco'd and sealed (silicone)
Rear storage in place of factory spare tire area (72 pounds, which includes the empty gas storage tank)
4+ gallon gas storage tank (BAM Mfg, 36" x 6")
Onboard tools in rear storage area (18" tool bag)
Rear attic rack (3'x2'), storage above, items suspended below
Onboard data, diagnostics and fault code scanner (UltraGauge Blue)
A-pillar phone mount (RAM mount RAM-HOL-UN7BU)
18" gooseneck phone mount (Arkon)
Rear bumper bottle opener with magnetic catch
Replaced all four door checks (modified Corolla/Matrix/Vibe/Prius door check)
Air compressor (VIAIR 88P, stowed in rear storage between frame rails)
Internal frame coating (Eastwood)
Honda Odyssey windshield wiper nozzles
48" jack (Hi-Lift XT485, secured to tie-downs behind to rear seats)
Tire deflator (Grit Performance)
Roadside/Recovery bag gear in rear storage area
Backup camera (Pioneer ND-BC8), also viewable when not in reverse
Convex blind spot mirrors (Lebogner)
Additional rear storage between the frame rails (6" deck plate, 20 bottles drinking water + filter)
Reflective tape in front, rear and sides (Oralite's M82 SOLAS)
Upcoming:
Replace - one tattered rear seat belt receptacle
Thought I'd keep track of factory parts sold:
$400 - Leather Front Seats
$50 - Factory Stereo & Amp
$75 - Cargo Privacy Cover
$50 - Skid Plates (2)
$150 - Rear Bumper
$25 - Spare Tire Crank
$200 - Front Bumper
$50 - Roof rack cross members
$50 - Front bumper carrier
$75 - Trailer hitch
$100 - Front shocks
$350 - Wheels/tires
$25 – Front brakes
$20 - Intake silencer tube
$30 – Mats (three, no driver)
$10 - Front & rear bump stops
$50 - IFS CV front axles (torn boots)
Another 290 dollars to reach $2k!
Approaching $2,000 in OEM items sold...
I tried selling the running boards for about two months, to no avail. With a dump run deadline fast approaching, I discarded them...