Hello everyone! I’ve been reading around the site for a month or so now waiting on posting right so I’ve learned a TON of info. The buyers guide is really really nice. Wanted to start a small build thread and post my smaller upgrades along the way with any additional knowledge I MIGHT can add along the way. My first 4Runner so far and man am I pumped, my son just turned 6 and is really getting into outdoors so I bought my a T4R to help with our journey of camping/trail riding/exc.

The runner:
2001 SR5
210k trans replaced 2k miles ago (never got confirmation of it was milkshake or it had just went out)
Small wheel and tire upgrade just to improve looks
Clean car fax with hardly no rust as it’s been in TN it’s while life

I promise to post pics of the rig and upgrades when I get some daylight

Upgrades in the future:
-Tacoma front brake upgrade (mine seems to be sticking/sliding when I pulled in the driveway earlier this week) also great video on here of it
-timing belt/water pump replace (as not sure when it was done last)
-small lift nothing huge (either going with the airbags in the rear to correct the sag OR argue OME 880s front and 906s for the rear to give me the level lifted look I desire.)
-LED bulb upgrade (nice write up as well)
-roof rack
-different wheel and tire set up
-replaced front seats with the vinyl as mine has some wear (saw a thread of vinyl replqcemtns from a guy on eBay and on the forum thought about trying that)

Questions:
-Not sure if it is my front or rear diff making a grinding noise which only occurs when I left off the gas and only while coasting. I had a jeep years ago and I replaced the gears and it fixed the issue, not sure if it ran dry of fluid at one point or not. 4wd works perfect and has the push button Locker in the rear. Anyway to diagnose this to pin point where it’s coming from?

-Done lots of reading about the rear window, mine works with the key up and down but not from the switch. Pulled the dash off and the switch is pulled in. When I attempted to roll it up (of course it’s already up’) I hear it push it up it seems but of course it’s already up. Nothing trying to roll down no sounds or clicking. Thoughts? I read first gens has the wiper issue, mine is seated and working condition along wiTh rear defrost.
-the lift mentioned above do I need to replace shocks as well?
-the tundra brake upgrade it can fit with 16” wheels correct? At least the 199m I believe it was? Think the 231mm requires 17” wheels if I remember

I completely apologize but thank you all for the overwhelming amount of knowledge on here as well as help! The sites really save some cash! Also anyone in the TN area know some trails and would like to meet up??

What part of TN?

Some of the stock wheels will fit the tundra brakes.

The 16" split spoke will not.


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They will on the 199mm upgrade.

Not sure which I’m going to go with I guess depends on price between the two. I don’t plan to run huge tires just looking for the upgrade since I believe mine are shot already from the sticking on hard stops

Middle TN, franklin to be exact

If is more like a chirping noise, check to make sure you drive shaft is properly greased (front and rear ones). Might take multiple tries to grease it fully

Thanks Trojan! Just to confirm I’ve geard of over pumping grease in my old jeep shafts, is this a thing with T4R as well? 2 or 3 full pumps or pump till I see old grease coming out and clean it up and call it a day?

I wouldn't call it over pumping but yeah. I've had this issue and read some threads on it, greasing the driveshafts seemed to do the trick. Mine took close to 5-6 pumps per zerk. Pump the grease until you hear/see it squeezing out from the joints OR grease is squeezing out from the zerk. I've had to do mine twice (second time 2 days after, I guess some of the grease worked its way in) and haven't touched it since.
Good luck!

Awesome thank you!!

Any ideas on the rear window or small lift?

Nice start! Lets see some pictures already!

This is a yes and no.

On the u-joints, just pump away. The more you grease them the more you push the old grease out. No harm there.

It's the slip yokes you may want to be aware of over greasing. According to the service manuals these are supposed to allow excess grease to flow out, but in practice most find that they no longer work that way. When you pump grease in the slip yoke eventually fills and begins to extend out.

Some say to just use a few pumps of grease periodically, others say to fill it up then remove the zerk to allow excess pressure to escape. Others disassemble the joint and clean and grease by hand. Read and choose your preference. I have used all 3 meathods.

Nice. Used to live in Nashville.

Since your in Franklin have you been able to snag a 5 Daughters Bakery Donut???